tommie
Master Craftsman
Posts: 392
|
Post by tommie on Jul 26, 2009 4:56:27 GMT
OK. Here goes.(Now don't any of y'all get mad at me, because I was the same way with Ian as I am often on this board. That is to say, I've adored Tull's (Ian's, natch) music more than anything. So when I criticize him, as I've often done here....it's done with L-U-V).
In September (?), 1987, Ian, Martin (and Dave?) were on WNEW-FM here in NYC, being interviewed as they were promoting "Crest...). Then the DJ, can't remember if it was Scott Muni or maybe someone else opened up the phones for peeps to talk to them. I got thru and was on hold. After a few calls, by the time dj kept talking to Ian and they played some cuts....they were saying goodbye to the band and went to commercial. The screener came on and said "sorry we couldnt get to your call, and blah, blah...". So, in my typical Bronx obnoxiousness (and it was 22 yrs ago!), I said "(Expletive ) I been waiting on hold all this time and some other choice words (but with wit and humor, I assure youse) and the dude said hold on. Thene next thing I hear is.."Hello, this is Ian Anderson.....etc" It was off the air and ... S**t! Gotta go. Wifey's calling. Will def finish,,,,,,,,,,
|
|
|
Post by nonrabbit on Jul 26, 2009 9:48:24 GMT
TEASE !!! ;D ;D
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Jul 26, 2009 10:28:46 GMT
I've been able to talk to IA two or three times and had my photo taken with him and Peggy at Cropredy in 1989 which has pride of place on my "office" wall at home.
The best one was when we were finalizing the 2nd UK Convention and I was relaxing at home when the phone went and my daughter answered it and then called to me saying "Dad, there's an Ian Anderson on the phone for you". To say I was gobsmacked was an understatement.
I've found him an extremely honest and forthright person and genuinely interested in the fan base.
After interviewing Dave Pegg at his then home in Barford St Michael for a radio programme, he sat me down in his front room and regailed me with stories of Jethro Tull and life on the road which, to my regret, I didn't record onto tape. Still got the tape of the radio interview which is locked away in my archive
Maartin Allcock is also a great reconteur as is Mick Abrahams who I have a lot of time for as he actively supported the UK Conventions from day one and was only too happy to meet the audience and he is a very quick witted and very funny person. He did a question and answer session at the 2nd Convention and about half way through after answering the usual musical questions, a lone voice called out from the back with a question which went along the lines of "what financial advice would you give regarding a personal pension plan" to which he went into a two minute lecture about finance and savings. I seem to remember at that time (1990) he had just "retired" from being a financial and insurance advisor to go back to playing the blues.
Any stories about meeting various Tull members would be gratefully received on this forum - the more the merrier
|
|
|
Post by TM on Jul 26, 2009 15:14:17 GMT
My only meeting with Ian was in 2004 at the XM Radio Aqualung recording.
We each got to chat with him for a few moments while he autographed our laminated Aqualung "badge." We then moved on to have our picture taken with the entire band. Andy was good for a comical pose with each of the fans.
|
|
tommie
Master Craftsman
Posts: 392
|
Post by tommie on Jul 27, 2009 5:10:41 GMT
Ok...I have more time now. [You have to understand that I was in my late teens-early 20's in the 1980's and was a big fan of synth-rock ,keyboards,synths,etc. That's why I adored "Under Wraps", "Walk Into Light" and, esp, the "A" album. I also felt that, when Ian shared the music writing with Eddie Jobson and PJ Vetesse....it was more energizing, different, and breath of fresh air, imho] That being said............
Ian gers n the phone and I start off by telling how much I enjoyed the aforementioned albums and that now I was kinda mad at him. He asked why and (I was being honest) told him that, b/c he was my fave songwrier/musician and that music is so important as a sort of honest, "go-with-your- sincere -muse" type of thing...that I felt he did that w/ the prev 3 albums and was doing such brave and innovative stuff. And I said I was disappointed that, just because "UW" had bombed commercially he was now doing an album that was contrived to SELL w/ his asking fans which of the songs they want on Crest, instaed of follwing his own muse. I literally remember saying : " Were you so freaked out that UW did so poorly that you thought 'Oh No!' I gotta get a hit album again?!" He responded that "No. Chrysalis has a new leadership and I wanted them to....whatever" And I told him that my idea of a true artist is not one who conducts market research.. Then told him that I read a quote of his recently that Tull had to click with their core audience again so I said (eg)"then you're a great businessman first and artist second, huh?" He just laughed.
He commenteed that he respected and appreciated my feedback and (sarcatically, I think) asked if I had anything else. I said: "Why have you always made fun of Martin on stage and in print re: his small genitalia and baldness"? I think he just said "Goodbye" at that point.
Fast-forward 15 years to 2002. I'm at a Tull show in Verona, NY in someplace called the Turning Point Casino. And it really was a very small room, mostly peeps who were staying at the hotel and gambling, I guess. It was so weird seeing Tull at 'Vegasy-" place.....all tables, waitresses bring drinks and snacks. So, I'm in one of the front tables at stage's edge. Tull is playing, and at the table next to mine is a group of like 4 or 5 guys, drunk and they keep screaming out song requests , quite loudly and obnoxiously. Other tables are telling them to shut up, they curse back at the patrons, etc. I felt like I was in a rowdy bar.
So, Ian suddenly stops the music and walks across the stage right in f/o of the rowdy table and tells them something like :f**k you. Why dont u leave" They start screaming back at him and do, indeed, leave. At that point Ian's like six inches right in front of and all is quiet for a moment (save for the audience clapping that the assholes were leaving) So I say : "Ian, what the f**k do you expect when you've relegated Tull to playing at these kinds of places?! How low are you gonna go, man?!" He just stared at me for a second or two, but it felt good to say my peace.
Folks..you know how you get the most angry with those you love when they upset you or disappoint you? because you DO care so much....like with wifey, siblings, the kids? That's how it is with me and Ian. (Not that he gives a $h1t!---ha ha).
|
|
|
Post by nonrabbit on Jul 27, 2009 9:13:58 GMT
Ok...I have more time now. [You have to understand that I was in my late teens-early 20's in the 1980's and was a big fan of synth-rock ,keyboards,synths,etc. That's why I adored "Under Wraps", "Walk Into Light" and, esp, the "A" album. I also felt that, when Ian shared the music writing with Eddie Jobson and PJ Vetesse....it was more energizing, different, and breath of fresh air, imho] That being said............ Ian gers n the phone and I start off by telling how much I enjoyed the aforementioned albums and that now I was kinda mad at him. He asked why and (I was being honest) told him that, b/c he was my fave songwrier/musician and that music is so important as a sort of honest, "go-with-your- sincere -muse" type of thing...that I felt he did that w/ the prev 3 albums and was doing such brave and innovative stuff. And I said I was disappointed that, just because "UW" had bombed commercially he was now doing an album that was contrived to SELL w/ his asking fans which of the songs they want on Crest, instaed of follwing his own muse. I literally remember saying : " Were you so freaked out that UW did so poorly that you thought 'Oh No!' I gotta get a hit album again?!" He responded that "No. Chrysalis has a new leadership and I wanted them to....whatever" And I told him that my idea of a true artist is not one who conducts market research.. Then told him that I read a quote of his recently that Tull had to click with their core audience again so I said (eg)"then you're a great businessman first and artist second, huh?" He just laughed. He commenteed that he respected and appreciated my feedback and (sarcatically, I think) asked if I had anything else. I said: "Why have you always made fun of Martin on stage and in print re: his small genitalia and baldness"? I think he just said "Goodbye" at that point. Fast-forward 15 years to 2002. I'm at a Tull show in Verona, NY in someplace called the Turning Point Casino. And it really was a very small room, mostly peeps who were staying at the hotel and gambling, I guess. It was so weird seeing Tull at 'Vegasy-" place.....all tables, waitresses bring drinks and snacks. So, I'm in one of the front tables at stage's edge. Tull is playing, and at the table next to mine is a group of like 4 or 5 guys, drunk and they keep screaming out song requests , quite loudly and obnoxiously. Other tables are telling them to shut up, they curse back at the patrons, etc. I felt like I was in a rowdy bar. So, Ian suddenly stops the music and walks across the stage right in f/o of the rowdy table and tells them something like :f**k you. Why dont u leave" They start screaming back at him and do, indeed, leave. At that point Ian's like six inches right in front of and all is quiet for a moment (save for the audience clapping that the assholes were leaving) So I say : "Ian, what the f**k do you expect when you've relegated Tull to playing at these kinds of places?! How low are you gonna go, man?!" He just stared at me for a second or two, but it felt good to say my peace. Folks..you know how you get the most angry with those you love when they upset you or disappoint you? because you DO care so much....like with wifey, siblings, the kids? That's how it is with me and Ian. (Not that he gives a $h1t!---ha ha). Tommie Tommie Thats a great story I wish I wish .. i30.images obliterated by tinypic/160xyso.gif[/IMG] I had been either sitting in the casino at the next table or the Dj on the radio show. I'd also hazard a guess that if you had asked him on the recent Q and A if he remembered you he would have said "YES" "Good on ye!.. my son "!! as they say in my country!!
|
|
|
Post by fatman on Jul 27, 2009 17:04:44 GMT
Ok...I have more time now. [You have to understand that I was in my late teens-early 20's in the 1980's and was a big fan of synth-rock ,keyboards,synths,etc. That's why I adored "Under Wraps", "Walk Into Light" and, esp, the "A" album. I also felt that, when Ian shared the music writing with Eddie Jobson and PJ Vetesse....it was more energizing, different, and breath of fresh air, imho] That being said............ Ian gers n the phone and I start off by telling how much I enjoyed the aforementioned albums and that now I was kinda mad at him. He asked why and (I was being honest) told him that, b/c he was my fave songwrier/musician and that music is so important as a sort of honest, "go-with-your- sincere -muse" type of thing...that I felt he did that w/ the prev 3 albums and was doing such brave and innovative stuff. And I said I was disappointed that, just because "UW" had bombed commercially he was now doing an album that was contrived to SELL w/ his asking fans which of the songs they want on Crest, instaed of follwing his own muse. I literally remember saying : " Were you so freaked out that UW did so poorly that you thought 'Oh No!' I gotta get a hit album again?!" He responded that "No. Chrysalis has a new leadership and I wanted them to....whatever" And I told him that my idea of a true artist is not one who conducts market research.. Then told him that I read a quote of his recently that Tull had to click with their core audience again so I said (eg)"then you're a great businessman first and artist second, huh?" He just laughed. He commenteed that he respected and appreciated my feedback and (sarcatically, I think) asked if I had anything else. I said: "Why have you always made fun of Martin on stage and in print re: his small genitalia and baldness"? I think he just said "Goodbye" at that point. Fast-forward 15 years to 2002. I'm at a Tull show in Verona, NY in someplace called the Turning Point Casino. And it really was a very small room, mostly peeps who were staying at the hotel and gambling, I guess. It was so weird seeing Tull at 'Vegasy-" place.....all tables, waitresses bring drinks and snacks. So, I'm in one of the front tables at stage's edge. Tull is playing, and at the table next to mine is a group of like 4 or 5 guys, drunk and they keep screaming out song requests , quite loudly and obnoxiously. Other tables are telling them to shut up, they curse back at the patrons, etc. I felt like I was in a rowdy bar. So, Ian suddenly stops the music and walks across the stage right in f/o of the rowdy table and tells them something like :f**k you. Why dont u leave" They start screaming back at him and do, indeed, leave. At that point Ian's like six inches right in front of and all is quiet for a moment (save for the audience clapping that the assholes were leaving) So I say : "Ian, what the f**k do you expect when you've relegated Tull to playing at these kinds of places?! How low are you gonna go, man?!" He just stared at me for a second or two, but it felt good to say my peace. Folks..you know how you get the most angry with those you love when they upset you or disappoint you? because you DO care so much....like with wifey, siblings, the kids? That's how it is with me and Ian. (Not that he gives a $h1t!---ha ha). I hate when Tull plays the casinos. The only time I saw one of those was in Atlantic City in 1997, I believe. The opening act was a magician....truly embarassing....and the show wasn't in one of those huge casino arenas that they have now. It was not even a small theater. If my memory is accurate, it was just a large hotel ballroom, like where they hold conventions, and they apparently had to keep the sound level down because I've never heard Tull play at such a low volume. Jeff
|
|
|
Post by fatman on Jul 27, 2009 17:07:49 GMT
I've been able to talk to IA two or three times and had my photo taken with him and Peggy at Cropredy in 1989 which has pride of place on my "office" wall at home. The best one was when we were finalizing the 2nd UK Convention and I was relaxing at home when the phone went and my daughter answered it and then called to me saying "Dad, there's an Ian Anderson on the phone for you". To say I was gobsmacked was an understatement. I've found him an extremely honest and forthright person and genuinely interested in the fan base. After interviewing Dave Pegg at his then home in Barford St Michael for a radio programme, he sat me down in his front room and regailed me with stories of Jethro Tull and life on the road which, to my regret, I didn't record onto tape. Still got the tape of the radio interview which is locked away in my archive Maartin Allcock is also a great reconteur as is Mick Abrahams who I have a lot of time for as he actively supported the UK Conventions from day one and was only too happy to meet the audience and he is a very quick witted and very funny person. He did a question and answer session at the 2nd Convention and about half way through after answering the usual musical questions, a lone voice called out from the back with a question which went along the lines of "what financial advice would you give regarding a personal pension plan" to which he went into a two minute lecture about finance and savings. I seem to remember at that time (1990) he had just "retired" from being a financial and insurance advisor to go back to playing the blues. Any stories about meeting various Tull members would be gratefully received on this forum - the more the merrier Well, I've got a terrifically funny story which I told, in a series of installments, on the old board, but nobody here seems to want to hear it. Jeff
|
|
|
Post by nonrabbit on Jul 27, 2009 17:41:54 GMT
. Well, I've got a terrifically funny story which I told, in a series of installments, on the old board, but nobody here seems to want to hear it. Jeff Jeff, my son, if you have a story to tell then tell yer tale
|
|
|
Post by nonrabbit on Jul 27, 2009 17:45:21 GMT
I hate when Tull plays the casinos. The only time I saw one of those was in Atlantic City in 1997, I believe. The opening act was a magician....truly embarassing....and the show wasn't in one of those huge casino arenas that they have now. It was not even a small theater. If my memory is accurate, it was just a large hotel ballroom, like where they hold conventions, and they apparently had to keep the sound level down because I've never heard Tull play at such a low volume. Jeff Haha" The Amazing Nonrabbit out of a Hat" routine ...tadah!!!!
|
|
|
Post by nonrabbit on Jul 27, 2009 18:05:47 GMT
I've been able to talk to IA two or three times and had my photo taken with him and Peggy at Cropredy in 1989 which has pride of place on my "office" wall at home. The best one was when we were finalizing the 2nd UK Convention and I was relaxing at home when the phone went and my daughter answered it and then called to me saying "Dad, there's an Ian Anderson on the phone for you". To say I was gobsmacked was an understatement. I've found him an extremely honest and forthright person and genuinely interested in the fan base. After interviewing Dave Pegg at his then home in Barford St Michael for a radio programme, he sat me down in his front room and regailed me with stories of Jethro Tull and life on the road which, to my regret, I didn't record onto tape. Still got the tape of the radio interview which is locked away in my archive Maartin Allcock is also a great reconteur as is Mick Abrahams who I have a lot of time for as he actively supported the UK Conventions from day one and was only too happy to meet the audience and he is a very quick witted and very funny person. He did a question and answer session at the 2nd Convention and about half way through after answering the usual musical questions, a lone voice called out from the back with a question which went along the lines of "what financial advice would you give regarding a personal pension plan" to which he went into a two minute lecture about finance and savings. I seem to remember at that time (1990) he had just "retired" from being a financial and insurance advisor to go back to playing the blues. Any stories about meeting various Tull members would be gratefully received on this forum - the more the merrier love the phone call !! He comes across as being a thoughtful soul. What impressed me about almost all of the people I have ever met who are in the music business is the camaraderie that seems to be amongst them. I know when my ex was playing in a band and we were all in our twenties there was the usual fights about what to play etc etc and the artistic temperment certainly reached fever pitch. I remember one gig where our drummer hit my ex over the head with a pint glass due to length of time for a drum solo However as the hair turns silver and the rock becomes a bit more folk a peace descends and all is calm and laid back in the land of music. I haven't met any of them - yet
|
|
|
Post by TM on Jul 27, 2009 18:32:09 GMT
Ok...I have more time now. [You have to understand that I was in my late teens-early 20's in the 1980's and was a big fan of synth-rock ,keyboards,synths,etc. That's why I adored "Under Wraps", "Walk Into Light" and, esp, the "A" album. I also felt that, when Ian shared the music writing with Eddie Jobson and PJ Vetesse....it was more energizing, different, and breath of fresh air, imho] That being said............ Ian gers n the phone and I start off by telling how much I enjoyed the aforementioned albums and that now I was kinda mad at him. He asked why and (I was being honest) told him that, b/c he was my fave songwrier/musician and that music is so important as a sort of honest, "go-with-your- sincere -muse" type of thing...that I felt he did that w/ the prev 3 albums and was doing such brave and innovative stuff. And I said I was disappointed that, just because "UW" had bombed commercially he was now doing an album that was contrived to SELL w/ his asking fans which of the songs they want on Crest, instaed of follwing his own muse. I literally remember saying : " Were you so freaked out that UW did so poorly that you thought 'Oh No!' I gotta get a hit album again?!" He responded that "No. Chrysalis has a new leadership and I wanted them to....whatever" And I told him that my idea of a true artist is not one who conducts market research.. Then told him that I read a quote of his recently that Tull had to click with their core audience again so I said (eg)"then you're a great businessman first and artist second, huh?" He just laughed. He commenteed that he respected and appreciated my feedback and (sarcatically, I think) asked if I had anything else. I said: "Why have you always made fun of Martin on stage and in print re: his small genitalia and baldness"? I think he just said "Goodbye" at that point. Fast-forward 15 years to 2002. I'm at a Tull show in Verona, NY in someplace called the Turning Point Casino. And it really was a very small room, mostly peeps who were staying at the hotel and gambling, I guess. It was so weird seeing Tull at 'Vegasy-" place.....all tables, waitresses bring drinks and snacks. So, I'm in one of the front tables at stage's edge. Tull is playing, and at the table next to mine is a group of like 4 or 5 guys, drunk and they keep screaming out song requests , quite loudly and obnoxiously. Other tables are telling them to shut up, they curse back at the patrons, etc. I felt like I was in a rowdy bar. So, Ian suddenly stops the music and walks across the stage right in f/o of the rowdy table and tells them something like :f**k you. Why dont u leave" They start screaming back at him and do, indeed, leave. At that point Ian's like six inches right in front of and all is quiet for a moment (save for the audience clapping that the assholes were leaving) So I say : "Ian, what the f**k do you expect when you've relegated Tull to playing at these kinds of places?! How low are you gonna go, man?!" He just stared at me for a second or two, but it felt good to say my peace. Folks..you know how you get the most angry with those you love when they upset you or disappoint you? because you DO care so much....like with wifey, siblings, the kids? That's how it is with me and Ian. (Not that he gives a $h1t!---ha ha). I hate when Tull plays the casinos. The only time I saw one of those was in Atlantic City in 1997, I believe. The opening act was a magician....truly embarassing....and the show wasn't in one of those huge casino arenas that they have now. It was not even a small theater. If my memory is accurate, it was just a large hotel ballroom, like where they hold conventions, and they apparently had to keep the sound level down because I've never heard Tull play at such a low volume. Jeff I hate the casino shows too. I thought you and I both attended the flaming comedian show? That was pretty pathetic. I also saw Tull at Foxwoods. I thought that sucked too.
|
|
|
Post by TM on Jul 27, 2009 18:33:34 GMT
I've been able to talk to IA two or three times and had my photo taken with him and Peggy at Cropredy in 1989 which has pride of place on my "office" wall at home. The best one was when we were finalizing the 2nd UK Convention and I was relaxing at home when the phone went and my daughter answered it and then called to me saying "Dad, there's an Ian Anderson on the phone for you". To say I was gobsmacked was an understatement. I've found him an extremely honest and forthright person and genuinely interested in the fan base. After interviewing Dave Pegg at his then home in Barford St Michael for a radio programme, he sat me down in his front room and regailed me with stories of Jethro Tull and life on the road which, to my regret, I didn't record onto tape. Still got the tape of the radio interview which is locked away in my archive Maartin Allcock is also a great reconteur as is Mick Abrahams who I have a lot of time for as he actively supported the UK Conventions from day one and was only too happy to meet the audience and he is a very quick witted and very funny person. He did a question and answer session at the 2nd Convention and about half way through after answering the usual musical questions, a lone voice called out from the back with a question which went along the lines of "what financial advice would you give regarding a personal pension plan" to which he went into a two minute lecture about finance and savings. I seem to remember at that time (1990) he had just "retired" from being a financial and insurance advisor to go back to playing the blues. Any stories about meeting various Tull members would be gratefully received on this forum - the more the merrier Well, I've got a terrifically funny story which I told, in a series of installments, on the old board, but nobody here seems to want to hear it. Jeff I would love to hear it because I missed it on the old board!
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Jul 27, 2009 18:49:58 GMT
One of the worst venues Tull have played in England in the last 20 or so years must be a sports hall in Swindon. No seats, base ball markings on the floor, a stage about 2 foot off the ground, no alcohol, primitive toilet facilities - you know the type of place. Next door to the sports hall was a swimming pool and outside the main entrance was a handwritten notice explaining that there may be a bit more noise that evening as the rock group Jethro Tull were performing and the management hoped it did not inconvenience the whist drive/bingo in another part of the complex.
Spoke to one of the Tull entourage at the end of the show who said that in reality no-one had realised what a toilet the place was. Good forward planning I call that.
Just to say, IA and the rest of the band left the venue after the show at top speed, and I don't blame them.
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Jul 27, 2009 18:57:30 GMT
Well, I've got a terrifically funny story which I told, in a series of installments, on the old board, but nobody here seems to want to hear it. Jeff Well I for one want to hear about it ;D
|
|
|
Post by fatman on Jul 27, 2009 19:20:01 GMT
Well, I've got a terrifically funny story which I told, in a series of installments, on the old board, but nobody here seems to want to hear it. Jeff Well I for one want to hear about it ;D Okay, then, stay tuned folks.................. Jeff
|
|
|
Post by fatman on Jul 27, 2009 19:22:02 GMT
Well, I've got a terrifically funny story which I told, in a series of installments, on the old board, but nobody here seems to want to hear it. Jeff I would love to hear it because I missed it on the old board! I shall be happy to oblige......shortly. Jeff
|
|
|
Post by fatman on Jul 27, 2009 19:32:53 GMT
. Well, I've got a terrifically funny story which I told, in a series of installments, on the old board, but nobody here seems to want to hear it. Jeff Jeff, my son, if you have a story to tell then tell yer tale I most definitely will.....very soon. However, one caveat. I will have to tell it in serial fashion, like last time, because it's too long to tell all at once. We're talking about ten or twelve chapters, with like several days between each one, so it could take about a month, all told. Also, I'm counting on a lot of commentary, because that's what made it so funny last time. (Although the story itself is quite funny on its own.) Jeff
|
|
|
Post by TM on Jul 27, 2009 19:35:54 GMT
Jeff, my son, if you have a story to tell then tell yer tale I most definitely will.....very soon. However, one caveat. I will have to tell it in serial fashion, like last time, because it's too long to tell all at once. We're talking about ten or twelve chapters, with like several days between each one, so it could take about a month, all told. Also, I'm counting on a lot of commentary, because that's what made it so funny last time. (Although the story itself is quite funny on its own.) Jeff I'll do my best but I do have a vacation coming up!
|
|
|
Post by steelmonkey on Jul 28, 2009 0:44:37 GMT
This is shaping up, after 'memorabilia' as our best thread ever.
Tommie, I completely respect and admire you challenging Ian they way you have. Your questions are 100% legit and your angle as a disappointed family member puts everything you have ever written in a new light. Asking Ian what surprises him about finding casino-asshole quality people in a casino.....brilliant...I hope and wish he thought about it...but frequent gigs at native american casinos in southern california in the past few years prove he didn't.
Jeff, count me amongst the 'yes' votes on your tale...i never saw it on any other board.
My , uniformly embarrassing Ian encounters will soon be added...like most of us, they can be balanced with much more pleasant, convivial , easy to tell tales of time well spent with Peggy, Maart and, more uniquely, in my case..Gerd ( an retired tour manager). I've gotten on civily with Kenny Wylie as well...as well as can be expected considering how similar he is in temperament and character to Ian. More to follow on the work dime time!
|
|
tommie
Master Craftsman
Posts: 392
|
Post by tommie on Jul 28, 2009 3:06:51 GMT
Thanks for your comment, Steel. It is greatly appreciated! I always felt funny about being critical of Ian on this board.......almost felt like peeps were delusional when they would say, like, "Ian's voice isn't so bad" or "His vocals have improved". Iwould think......WHAT?! How old are these f**kers?! b/c I have loved Tull passionately and KNOW how great Ian is as a songwriter, stage performer and musician. Added to that his incredible intellect...well, y'all know what I mean.
I have everything he's ever done (sans the compilation....and incuding the dreadful "Ian play orchestral..." but I ADORE "Living With The Past" which wasnt that long ago (well.....2001). But, even on that, I KNOW Ian doctored his vocals ......in the studio, which is o.k. by me b/c the live music kicked ass. I've seen Tull?Ian?Rubbing Assholes? orchestrals....etc. a total of 48-50 times . I dig the music and know his stuff so well, that I literally cannot sit during Tull shows! I HAVE to move/dance/boogie b/c he and Martin's musical (flute/guitar) beauty just fills my soul. And that has made have to leave a choice seat location many times so I can STAND in an area and boogie where I 'm not in anyone's way! There have been many times when, out of thousands of seated fans I'm literally the only one standing.
Plus, in many of the more "recent" tours ( if you wanna call 1995 and 1999 recent) I seemed to be practically the only one who knew the songs he would play from their current album. Everyone else was their for the well-known songs. I was more excied to hear the already familiar (to me).and gorgeous things like....."Rare and Precious Chain" "AWOL" or "The Valley".
Also....I forget who it was on this Board (TM? Fatman?) who, like me, walked out of Tull's NJ PAC show in Nov, 2007. The only time I did that. That's how embarrassinl it was. I was insulted. So........to end this.......(and, dont get me wrong.......I LOVE Ian)......and,of course dont know him personally in the least.............but imho....Ian is a genius as a musician/songwriter, etc. but, as a musical PERSON he is an (forgive my Bronx French).....ASSHOLE. (still cant forget him, tho) lol
|
|
|
Post by bluehare on Jul 28, 2009 5:17:50 GMT
Maybe that's just a quality of genius, Tommie. And I've heard it said so often about other people who are considered geniuses. They have two very distinct sides to them....the side people love, and the side that's well, not loved. A genius is not a middle of the road person to begin with, so it makes sense that people would have strong feelings about them one way or another. Or in your case, sort of at the same time. It's just the way it is. But they can't help the way they are. I think that's why I like Lost In Crowds so much. When Ian sings, "I see their eyes glaze, and they look, and they look for the drinks tray, something in the drift of my conversation bothers them" I believe he's experienced that. He probably would say it's just a song and not autobiographical, but I wouldn't believe him. I think he knows he sticks his foot in things, but he doesn't have the mechanism to stop himself. It's clear that you care about him and the music he's written. Ian has all sorts of fans. We all appreciate him in our own ways. Sometimes we even hate him (not me, though... ), which obviously is still showing that we care. Actually, a fan's indifference is the worst thing that could happen to Ian.....or any artist...
|
|
|
Post by maddogfagin on Jul 28, 2009 7:47:24 GMT
I've gotten on civily with Kenny Wylie as well...as well as can be expected considering how similar he is in temperament and character to Ian. I always thought Kenny Wylie to be one of the good guys in the Tull camp and found him to be the opposite to IA's apparent "reluctance" to mix informally with fans before or after a show. A few times when we would get to a show early he would be around the foyer of the venue where Tull would be playing and would ask how we all were and in a couple of cases arrange a backstage pass, if requested, which usually it was. Never met Gerd - he always appeared to be "shielding" IA from the fans - so I can't really comment about the guy.
|
|
|
Post by nonrabbit on Jul 28, 2009 10:30:47 GMT
... . I dig the music and know his stuff so well, that I literally cannot sit during Tull shows! I HAVE to move/dance/boogie b/c he and Martin's musical (flute/guitar) beauty just fills my soul. And that has made have to leave a choice seat location many times so I can STAND in an area and boogie where I 'm not in anyone's way! There have been many times when, out of thousands of seated fans I'm literally the only one standing. Well I wish to God you had been at the 40th concert in Glasgow that I went too. I looked around and could take in quite a bit of the venue and apart from me and this bloke 4 seats away we were the only people getting into the music!! We would glance over at each other like kindred spirits and get this he was at least 10 years younger than the Tull veterans there - point being what has happened to the ones who have been there since the start ? ( he also looked the spittin image of Laurence llewelyn - Bowen and coincidently he had bought my spare ticket outside I was so pleased that I had sold it to someone who obviously loved the band!! My daughter and son and friends that I took along (AND paid for) were old enough to have passed the barrier of being embarrassed by a parent - but only just. They were between me and "Laurence" but even they were dancing - a bit. What amazed me was the reaction of the rest of the audience - I defy any fan who reaches a certain age not to move at least one muscle in their body to music. It was almost as if they had been bussed in and had never heard of Tull or even that they were going to be defiant in not showing any reaction whatsoever. Okay there was a bit of reaction at the end but then they all stood up as if they were late for the Bingo!! w...t...f... As you can read I was disappointed and vowed that the next concert I would go to would only be with die-hard fans not even with family. Tommie - you an me at the next one !!!! Re the point about Ian and his reluctence with meeting his fans. I remember a local TV programme showing in Scotland about Ian setting up the fish farm and becoming the laird of the land. The programme and Ian made a big point about fans being encouraged to visit and wander over the land. As far as I know I had never heard of any other land owner actively encouraging this. The conclusion I came to and other people (and non-fans) was that he was putting some of his money back into Scotland and showed concern when it was sorely needed especially up in the Highlands. Okay he made money out of it but that shows good business sense all round. As far as not interacting with his fans after a show has this not just been explained by himself in an interview posted here recently. He said he had a thing about someone even touching his shoulder if he came off stage. I suppose it's a bit like getting interrupted if you are listening to a song on the headphones or getting annoyed by someone at your side when you are typing at the KEYBOARD ;D Maybe he is still on a high from performing and it's still a break in concentration when he comes off stage?
|
|
|
Post by bluehare on Jul 28, 2009 13:13:12 GMT
The venues have a role to play in audience participation, too, though. A casino doesn't sound like a very good setting. But if that's the only place I could go watch Tull, I guess I would go. I have seen Ian by himself or Tull at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion, the Kodak Theatre, the UCLA Theatre, and twice at the outdoor Greek Theatre. I think those are all the places... Anyway....at the Greek, people are talking, laughing, singing, even dancing standing up in their seats. If someone can't see, the dancer does move to the aisle. In the theaters the atmosphere is a little more subdued but not that bad. Usually. However, there was the time at the Dorothy Chandler where both my sister and my daughter had dry throats and would cough from time to time, or I would lean over to one of them and explain something about the song that was being played....I have manners, I know how to whisper! And this man in front of us would turn around and keep making shooshing noises, or he would shake his head violently to make it clear we were bothering him. It got to the point where if our chairs creaked we would tense up thinking he was going to shoosh us again. That just made things worse because we then got the giggle fits. Other people around him told him to lighten up. Even his boyfriend was pulling at his arm trying to get him to ease up on us. Needless to say, there was a big part of the show he and we missed just because he was so insulted by whatever we were doing, and wouldn't let it rest. Live experiences....you can't beat them. There are just going to be some bad ones mixed in there....
|
|
rebecca
Master Craftsman
Posts: 458
|
Post by rebecca on Jul 28, 2009 13:54:14 GMT
Yeah, I get as annoyed as anybody when people keep yacking but, you know, people are alive and some noise is unavoidable. Reminds me of when my niece was about 1 1/2 years old - she was at a fast food restaurant with my sister. They were standing in line and Isabel was, well, a bit loud as a toddler. This is fast food, not some sit down place, and she just talked loud. Some lady got all over my sister for it, and Beth ended up saying "you know, you have to live in the world with other people."
And that's true, isn't it? We have to live in the world with other people! I often think of that. But it doesn't mean I don't shoot looks at people who don't seem to know the difference between watching or listening to something in public and being in their living rooms!
|
|
|
Post by TM on Jul 28, 2009 14:04:30 GMT
Thanks for your story Tommie.
And BTW that was Jeff (Fatman) that went to the NJPAC show not me. I think that was the first year I took a pass on seeing Ian/Tull.
But it's interesting that you were so critical of him back in 1987. I thought 87 was a great time to be a Tull fan.
Tull went back to rocking again, and I never had a problem with the Crest sound. It seemed to be maturation of sorts - vocally and musically.
|
|
|
Post by fatman on Jul 28, 2009 16:21:26 GMT
Thanks for your story Tommie. And BTW that was Jeff (Fatman) that went to the NJPAC show not me. I think that was the first year I took a pass on seeing Ian/Tull. But it's interesting that you were so critical of him back in 1987. I thought 87 was a great time to be a Tull fan. Tull went back to rocking again, and I never had a problem with the Crest sound. It seemed to be maturation of sorts - vocally and musically. That was me at the NJPAC show in November 2007. I didn't walk out but I was appalled at how bad the show was. It was, literally, 80% instrumental, with Tull doing cover versions of other artists' songs, which I really hate. Ian had a string quartet do an instrumental cover version of SFTW/HH, with Ian nowhere in sight until he puckishly popped out at the end to play a few flute lines. What little singing there was can only be described as croaking...the worst vocal performance by him that I ever saw. The whole thing was embarassing, so much so that I had no desire to see the show in Manhattan a few days later, and very nearly wrote them off. Glad I didn't though, because the 40th anniversary show at Jones Beach in August 2008 was a complete turnaround and return to form. Jeff
|
|
|
Post by fatman on Jul 28, 2009 16:22:07 GMT
Well I for one want to hear about it ;D Okay, then, stay tuned folks.................. Jeff Going to have to start another thread for this one. Jeff
|
|
tommie
Master Craftsman
Posts: 392
|
Post by tommie on Jul 29, 2009 1:28:08 GMT
Hey, Fatman. How you be? My experience was EXACTLY yours. How cool.......a comrade. I also a) Hated the NJ show b) Skipped the Hammerstein show (and I luv that venue...that's how much NJPAC pissed me off. c) Did go to the Jones Beach thing last Aug and agree w/ you on allcounts. Very surprisinly, Jones was an EXCELLENT show! I often wonder if the fact that it was pracically full (almost 20,000 seats!), and when's the last time Tull played to that size?!that it brought out, at least for a night, the good Ian.
BTW, re: my prior post.......I was STANDING the whole show (so's I could boogie-woogie) on the extreme stage right side...do u know this area! ? it's right on the water. It was marvelous...and it was a huge crowd.
|
|