Celebrity Encounters

[HighTower]

Since I came away disgraced for my post on meeting LR at the Red Fox, let me try to start fresh with a very positive encounter. I saw Loretta Lynn in 1972 at an outdoor, bench seating only, show in the middle of the woods in Culpeper VA. Her opening act was Hank Jr.[ who I had never heard before] and figured this would be a laughing stock, having recently discovered Hank Sr. musical legacy.
I was flat out floored by his baritone voice and instrumental fluency, and became an immediate fan. I saw him many times after that, but the one time I’ll never forget was at a nightclub in Waldorf, MD.
I saw his bus out front and decided to say hello. He was very polite and cool, and I told him how much I was looking forward to his show. So I went in early to have a drink and was stopped at the door by the bouncer and I swear it was right out of Johnny Paycheck’s “Outlaws Prayer”. He said I’m sorry sir but we can’t let you in without proper attire. I had on jeans and a home made t-shirt that said “Luke the Drifter”. I said what do I need? I live in Vienna, VA and can’t go home to change! He said you need a tie, a nice shirt and dress slacks to be allowed in. I was stunned! I only had $20 on me [for drinks] so I had to figure something quick. I went back to Hanks bus and told him my predicament. He laughed and said "I wear jeans and T’s all the time, but I don’t make the rules for places I perform". So now what? I drove to the closest Zayre’s and bought the cheapest shirt, tie and slacks and it took all $20 bucks. I went back to the bus again and showed Hank my new outfit. He laughed again and said “We’ll make it up to you during the show”. He did, halfway through the set he saw me and said “bartender, this man looks thirsty, all his drinks are on me”. He told the audience my story of improper attire and asked if I had any requests;
I told him to play “The Biggest Fool of the Year” one of his best IMHO). Then Merle Kilgore came over and sat at my table and said “it’s good to see young Hippies like you appreciate country music”.
Any other stories welcome, and those of you who are celebrities, how about fan encounters?

[mudbean]

Ben Stein hung out & watched our last set at The River this past Friday. He said he liked us. He's smart, and has good taste.

mud

[rextasy]

Stop me if you get tired of hearing this one.

Around 1980 or so, my family was having dinner at a popular seafood restaurant in Hendersonville, home of many people who made money in the entertainment business in the '60s and '70s. There was no one else in the dining room. My mom, who was facing the back of the room, said "There's Johnny Cash." I craned my neck nonchalantly, trying to look behind myself. The waitress explained that JC was having a birthday party in the back room. Apparently he didn't miss our gawking, because he came up to our table and introduced himself. A polite, respectful man with a powerful presence.

[HighTower]

Originally Posted by rextasy

Stop me if you get tired of hearing this one.

Around 1980 or so, my family was having dinner at a popular seafood restaurant in Hendersonville, home of many people who made money in the entertainment business in the '60s and '70s. There was no one else in the dining room. My mom, who was facing the back of the room, said "There's Johnny Cash." I craned my neck nonchalantly, trying to look behind myself. The waitress explained that JC was having a birthday party in the back room. Apparently he didn't miss our gawking, because he came up to our table and introduced himself. A polite, respectful man with a powerful presence.

Cool, I always loved JC, particularly his early Sun stuff. I'm not tired of hearing stories like this, in fact never heard it before. Players,fans, celebrities, we all have some stories to share.......

[Larry F]

In my home town, there was a high school sports and academic hero named Ray Stein. Me and my grade school friends just idolized him and followed closely his basketball action at state tournaments. One morning at 5:00, my dad awakened me and said, "Do you want to have breakfast with Ray Stein?" I went and sat at the table in my PJs eating Fruit Loops, sitting across from Ray Stein, staring at him through blurry eyes. He was going hunting that morning with his dad and mine, who were friends from work.

At school, I told my friends, but they didn't believe it. It sounded so far out to them, that I gave up trying to convince them. My reputation was sullied.

A few weeks (or months) later, my friends and I were at the local high school gym to shoot baskets on a Saturday morning. We went into the locker room and saw Ray Stein. He looked up, saw me, and said, "Aren't you Larry F? I had breakfast at your house a few weeks ago." I didn't even have to say, "I told you so."

Ray may not be an international star, but he was a like one of the Beatles in our town. His sister used to sell original sheets of his old homework with his name on it.

[Unseen]

I had breakfast in a hotel I was staying at and noticed Harvey Keitel was sitting across the way from me. Not exactly an "encounter" I suppose, but it was memorable.

[mudbean]

Originally Posted by Larry F

Ray may not be an international star, but he was a like one of the Beatles in our town. His sister used to sell original sheets of his old homework with his name on it.

Priceless!!

mud

[Guitar_Ninja]

Imagine what she got for his underwear.

[getbent]

Originally Posted by Guitar_Ninja

Imagine what she got for his underwear.

c'mon man, guys like Ray Stein go commando.

I once stood less than 3' feet from a very naked star of the show Dallas... well, the star did have a turban on.... but that was it.

[sean79]

I met Chuck Berry at a friend's house when I was seventeen. He wasn't naked though.

[getbent]

'well she was just seventeen, if you know what I mean'

I'd imagine (based on video evidence) that next to Huey Lewis, Chuck may be the king of rock n roll... if you know what (whoops sorry buckocaster)

[RodeoTex]

In '89 my sister bought me tickets to see the Stones in Dallas (always a huge fan but had never seen them). Trick was I had to fly up there to see them. Once on the Southwest 737 the flight attendent announced that if we could get stuff stowed away and seated in 5 minutes we could land in Dallas, otherwise we were going to be delayed for over an hour due to President Bush's AF1 coming in. Needless to say that was the most cooperative bunch of strangers ever.

Once in the air word passed from seat to seat that Oral Roberts was sitting up near the front. Looked like him from the back, but who knows.

We beat Air Force One in and deplaned. I hung around the air port to see AF1, and later saw (from a great distance) what I am sure was Corizon Aquino's entourage. The prez and her were having some sort of summit in Dallas that weekend.

In the Hertz (or whatever) courtesy bus I was sitting next to State Rep. Jeff Wentworth - very nice guy.

THEN I finally got to see the Rolling Stones in person, even Bill Wyman.

So in total, no real encounters but more near misses in the shortest period of time I'd ever experienced.

[ScatMan]

Originally Posted by getbent

c'mon man, guys like Ray Stein go commando.

I once stood less than 3' feet from a very naked star of the show Dallas... well, the star did have a turban on.... but that was it.

I can't imagine Larry Hagman wearing a turban..perhaps he stole it from Barbara Eden?

[Telewilly]

Originally Posted by ScatMan

I can't imagine Larry Hagman wearing a turban..perhaps he stole it from Barbara Eden?

LOL....I was thinking Miss Ellie.

[chromaken]

I used to work at a talent agency called Rollover Hollywood in S.F. Ca. I would go on auditions sometimes as well. Met a few people.. Robin Williams and Matt Daimon on the set of Good Will Hunting. Cage on the set of The Rock. That Miami Vice guy, but it was on the set of Nash Bridges.. Cant remember his. When I moved to Southern California me and my friends would go almost every friday night to watch a show get taped. Usually That 70's Show was norm for us...we were young and stoned so..it made sense. Once got to go down and sit on the Formans couch and met Laura Prepon, Mila Kunis, Ashton Kutcher, Danny Masterson, Debra Jo Rupp, Wilmer Valderama, and Kurtwood Smith. Topher Grace was teh only one that would disappear at the end of the night. Laura Preopn and Danny Masterson especially were really cool... Oh and some kids that are probably has beens now that were in a movie called Loyd... I was in a food fight scene... Awesome, But I have no idea who the kids are, and last but not least, the most famouse of them all...... wait for it..... The cast of Saved By The Bell The New Class.. Hah! Not even the orginal show... but the 3rd version of the show.... I actually was paid from my agency 220 bucks to sit in the audience to provide laughter.

[mickeydean]

i have had many but the three that were most interesting/fun to talk to were albert lee, bon jovi, and richard nixon.

[jitensha]

i met MCA from the beastie boys last year in Shibuya, Tokyo,
I also met the Modfather about 6 months earlier in Harajuku

[HighTower]

Originally Posted by ScatMan

I can't imagine Larry Hagman wearing a turban..perhaps he stole it from Barbara Eden?

I was trying to think of a funny comeback for Getbents wide open invitation. but after I saw this, I knew the prize had already been won.

[Stevie 202]

Dan Ackroyd used to date my sister. He'd come over the our house all the time, but that was when he was a teenager and not near famous yet.

[tboy]

My band was playing at Park West in Chicago, when Todd Rundgren wandered backstage. I was talking to Barbie, a backup singer, and TR walked over and was introduced to Barbie. He turns to me and says, "I suppose this is Ken." BINGO!

[Eric Karonen]

I shared a leak with Bowser, and then we rode the elevator together some many, many moons ago!

[Skully]

I once stood less than 3' feet from a very naked star of the show Dallas... well, the star did have a turban on.... but that was it.

Was it Victoria Principal, back when she was, uh... a "professional"?

EDIT: I missed the turban part and forgot about your drunken history. It's Larry Hagman.

[HighTower]

Originally Posted by Eric Karonen

I shared a leak with Bowser, and then we rode the elevator together some many, many moons ago!

That's like the guy who met Roy Buchanan at a urinal in NY
Strange place to meet stars, though I guess they have to piss too
Just hope it wasn't what I call a Texas trough (they had 'em at Fenway Park too) the urinal is about 15 feet long and looks like an animal feed ceramic sink with no privacy whatsoever.

[castpolymer]

I met William F. Buckley in an airport in Denver in '89. I was only 18 at the time, but I had already read a few of his books ( my grandfather gave me the books when I started college ). I worked up the courage to sit by him and start up a conversation. He was totally gracious and even more intelligent than I thought he would be. We talked about creeping socialism for about 10 minutes ( he talked and I sat and listened ). His posture in the chair was the same as Firing Line. I got him to sign my backpack ( all I had with me ). He also wrote a pretty darn good spy novel.

[Eric Karonen]

Originally Posted by HighTower

That's like the guy who met Roy Buchanan at a urinal in NY
Strange place to meet stars, though I guess they have to piss too
Just hope it wasn't what I call a Texas trough (they had 'em at Fenway Park too) the urinal is about 15 feet long and looks like an animal feed ceramic sink with no privacy whatsoever.

Maple Leaf Gardens, here in Toronto, had the troughs too. It was best to be standing near the top of the trough, if you know what I mean ... lol

[rextasy]

Originally Posted by HighTower

That's like the guy who met Roy Buchanan at a urinal in NY
Strange place to meet stars, though I guess they have to piss too
Just hope it wasn't what I call a Texas trough (they had 'em at Fenway Park too) the urinal is about 15 feet long and looks like an animal feed ceramic sink with no privacy whatsoever.

I was at the urinal and he was fortunately in a stall, but when he came out I met Allen Ginsberg in the bathroom of the Smithsonian.

[Eric Karonen]

Originally Posted by rextasy

Stop me if you get tired of hearing this one.

Around 1980 or so, my family was having dinner at a popular seafood restaurant in Hendersonville, home of many people who made money in the entertainment business in the '60s and '70s. There was no one else in the dining room. My mom, who was facing the back of the room, said "There's Johnny Cash." I craned my neck nonchalantly, trying to look behind myself. The waitress explained that JC was having a birthday party in the back room. Apparently he didn't miss our gawking, because he came up to our table and introduced himself. A polite, respectful man with a powerful presence.

Now that's a celebrity encounter!

[fltpkr]

Originally Posted by HighTower

That's like the guy who met Roy Buchanan at a urinal in NY
Strange place to meet stars, though I guess they have to piss too
Just hope it wasn't what I call a Texas trough (they had 'em at Fenway Park too) the urinal is about 15 feet long and looks like an animal feed ceramic sink with no privacy whatsoever.

Same situation, Ken Kesey, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.

I also had Thanksgiving dinner with Jesse Winchester, St Saveur, Quebec, 1970. He sang several songs after dinner, including 'Yankee Lady', and 'Me & Bobby McGee' for a local constable who stopped by.

[Eric Karonen]

Originally Posted by fltpkr

Same situation, Ken Kesey, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene.

I also had Thanksgiving dinner with Jesse Winchester, St Saveur, Quebec, 1970. He sang several songs after dinner, including 'Yankee Lady', and 'Me & Bobby McGee' for a local constable who stopped by.

Man, Oh man! the best concert in my books is back in 1970, when Jesse opened up for The Band in 1970 at Massey Hall!

[Paul in Colorado]

Ken Kesey was in the Co-op in Arcata one time. Maybe he was doing something for Nancy's Yogurt. Or maybe he was just passing through town and needed some groceries. I was too shy to talk to him.

[fltpkr]

Originally Posted by Eric Karonen

Man, Oh man! the best concert in my books is back in 1970, when Jesse opened up for The Band in 1970 at Massey Hall!

Although it has never come across as well on his recordings, the man has a golden voice. And he is one heck of a great songwriter.

[jc93230]

When I was A kid I lived in San Francisco. The TV SHow "Streets of San Francisco" was filming in front of the courthouse. After the scene Michael Douglas was making his way through the crowd and knocked me on my ass and didnt even stop to help me up. (Waiting on payback. I am 6'3" 270 lbs now. I think it would play out different.)

Went to school with Rob Schneider. He was 2 grades ahead of me. He still does some fundraiser for our school district.

Later in Life as an Emergency Medical Tech, I did a medical standby at Fresno, California's wilson theater for a Pantera show. The location we parked the ambulance was below the second story window where the band was, and they were dropping cups of beer down to us. We got to go up there and hang for a little while and watch them play video games before the show. Sadly I was not a Dime fan at the time, but my partner was and was speechless.

[Nighthawk]

I've encountered both John Kerry and Ted Kennedy once at different times and places. I passed Kerry on Washington street in downtown Boston. Frankly he looked afraid I might say something to him. I did. I said "Hi Senator". I saw Kennedy on mount Mansfield in Vermont. He was on his honeymoon with his second wife, Funny, he had the same look Kerry had. I said the same thing to him that I said to Kerry. Give Ted credit, at least he said Hi back.

[Mike Armstrong]

...but hasn't everybody???

1982...NYC's Lone Star Cafe...our band "Whitewater" doing a two-night stand as headliners...first set, we kick into "Whiskey River"...I'm playing with my eyes closed, due to bright lights in my face...second verse, our lead singer's voice suddenly sounds JUST LIKE Willie (which it didn't, usually!!!)...I open my eyes, look to my right, and Willie is 6 inches away from me, with a ****-eatin' grin on his face...I almost dropped my guitar & fainted on the spot.

He hung around all night, did a couple of sets of music, played the **** outta our other guitar-players' Strat, had a catered dinner sent up to the dressing room, which he & us proceeded to devour, and finally (big surprise) we all got smoked up out on the third-floor balcony alongside the 25-ft-tall iguana.

Lotsa fun, I'll tell ya!!!

Mike

[RiverDog]

I stood next to Molly Ringwald in the lobby of a swanky Philly hotel about 5 or 6 years ago. I wanted to say hi but she seemed really pissed off and was asking for the concierge.

I met Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden drummer) in Key West and Michael Romeo (Symphony X guitarist) in a club in New Jersey.

When I was about 10 I met Tug McGraw on the beach in Ocean City, NJ. It was right after the Phils had won the World Series the first time.

I met all the guys in Tesla which was one of my favorite bands back in the day.

[HighTower]

Originally Posted by Mike Armstrong

...but hasn't everybody???

1982...NYC's Lone Star Cafe...our band "Whitewater" doing a two-night stand as headliners...
Mike

Did you have a keyboard player in your band named Ric P (Italian) ? He is one of my dearest friends, and I think that was the name of the band he was in at the time. I know he told me he opened in NYC for Willie one time.

[TELEkinetic]

Too lazy to type this one again - but still a pretty good encounter.

[mudbean]

Originally Posted by Mike Armstrong

...but hasn't everybody???

1982...NYC's Lone Star Cafe...our band "Whitewater" doing a two-night stand as headliners...first set, we kick into "Whiskey River"...I'm playing with my eyes closed, due to bright lights in my face...second verse, our lead singer's voice suddenly sounds JUST LIKE Willie (which it didn't, usually!!!)...I open my eyes, look to my right, and Willie is 6 inches away from me, with a ****-eatin' grin on his face...I almost dropped my guitar & fainted on the spot.

He hung around all night, did a couple of sets of music, played the **** outta our other guitar-players' Strat, had a catered dinner sent up to the dressing room, which he & us proceeded to devour, and finally (big surprise) we all got smoked up out on the third-floor balcony alongside the 25-ft-tall iguana.

Lotsa fun, I'll tell ya!!!

Mike

I think we got a winnah!!

mud

[Mike H.]

Originally Posted by TELEkinetic

Too lazy to type this one again - but still a pretty good encounter.

TELEkinetic - who is your wife? I may have known her. I grew up in the same neighborhood, and was around Elvis quite a bit when I was a kid. Our house backed up to the back fence of Graceland. Vernon Presley lived three doors down from us, and I was at their home frequently. I went to school with all of Elvis' stepbrothers from the third grade through high school.
Elvis was always out and about whenever he was at Graceland. He would always stop and talk to the neighborhood kids. I got to ride motorcycles with Elvis and his stepbrothers behind Graceland, and got to hang out at the gate when he would let fans in and sign autographs. We were on the grounds of Graceland all the time, but were never allowed inside the house.
It was all pretty surreal now that I think back about that time.

[taterhead]

My buddy and I were having a few glasses at a pub in Asheville, NC when Andie MacDowell came in with two other ladies and sat down at the table right behind us.

Man, she's even prettier in person!


When I was about 14 and a Boy Scout, we were at a National Jamboree somewhere outside D.C. George Bush came to speak to all the campers and our troop was one of a few selected to stand on the stage behind him. We stood along side a little walkway in the center of the stage that he used to approach the podium. We were 5 or 6 feet away as he passed. I remember being a little nervous of all the serious looking dudes in black suits and the visible snipers pointed at the stage from various positions in the distance.