58 replies to this topic

[HalfwayToGone]

The Analog Grownup, on 14 September 2013 - 09:19 AM, said:

HalfwayToGone, on 14 September 2013 - 09:10 AM, said:

Having met Alex and Geddy already, I would be happy to meet them again, especially Geddy, because the interaction with him might have been memorable to him.  That said, it was a much more relaxed situation back then than the meet and greets they have now, so I probably would rather run into them somewhere unexpectedly than be herded through with a line of people.

Now you can't just type that kind of thing, and then not elaborate!

I've posted about it before at least twice, but here we go again.  Counterparts tour, MSG first night of two, Atlantic records after show party—3/4 of my band went (singer's girlfriend was a former Atlantic employee, and worked with RUSH during Presto).  The bass player and I were talking to Geddy together.  I started out by saying I didn't want an autograph or picture, I just wanted to shake his hand, and I thanked him and told him that RUSH were the band that led to me becoming a musician, and that because of that, my life took a major turn, I had many amazing experiences that I would never have had otherwise, and (at least at the time) I might even have a career as a musician.  My friend/bandmate said something very similar, and Geddy's reply was, "wow, you guys are laying some pretty heavy shit on me!"  We all laughed, and continued chatting a bit, and at one point as my buddy was excitedly talking he gestured with the hand holding his cocktail.  The tiny little straw fell out of the glass and bounced off Geddy's perfectly polished black leather shoe, causing my buddy to choke on his words in mid sentence, and stop speaking.  Geddy reached out and put his hand on my friend's shoulder and said, "hey, it's OK.  It's OK."  More laughing, we said thanks again, and off we went.

It's very possible Geddy would never remember any of this, and I'm just making more of it than it really was, but I think the whole drink straw/shoe thing is probably not something that happens often, if ever.  So I suspect that if I had a chance to say hello, and reminded him, he might be able to recall at least that part of it.  Really, I'd love to update him about everything that went down with my music career since then—it's way too long to go into here, and way too long to go into at one of those meet and greets, but it would be nice to let him know how ironic the whole thing turned out (short version—I gave up the music career, went to med school and became a psychiatrist, and then started playing on the side with my brother' s band, and achieved more success in music as a doctor than I ever did when I was trying to be a full time drummer.  Ironically millions of people have probably heard my band's music without even realizing it, from being in most of the episodes of viva la bam on MTV, on some very popular video game soundtracks, in the soundtrack to the movie "Waitress" which was critically acclaimed, and other places).

[The Analog Grownup]

That's it?
















Just kidding, great story

[HalfwayToGone]

Yeah, that's why I don't re-tell it every time it comes up.  Imagine if I gave the long version of the evolution of my music career...the one thing I'll add is that not once, but twice I was almost label mates with RUSH (once just before I met them, and once a few months later).  When the second opportunity fell apart, that was when I changed my original plan, which was to defer for a year if I got accepted to med school, and give the music thing every chance to happen.  So, when I was accepted, I went with the sure thing.  Now if I had it to do over, I might have not even applied to med school.  But I really didn't know anything about making a band pay off back then, and it was all about finding a way to jump in at the major label level, with no experience touring or merchandising or building a following or any of that.  In hindsight, it was idiotic, and the fact that I even came close once, let alone twice is just impossibly lucky.  On top of that, because we were so dumb, if that first band hadn't fell apart, and got signed, and sold any records for Atlantic, we would have been robbed blind of any potential money, because we made a really stupid deal with someone who was helping us to shop the band to labels.  It was just dumb, dumber and dumberer.  Thank god it was much later that I ever got my music anywhere.  I actually get royalty checks to this day, and almost all of it for music recorded between 2000 and 2003.

[rushgoober]

HalfwayToGone, on 15 September 2013 - 09:33 AM, said:

The Analog Grownup, on 14 September 2013 - 09:19 AM, said:

HalfwayToGone, on 14 September 2013 - 09:10 AM, said:

Having met Alex and Geddy already, I would be happy to meet them again, especially Geddy, because the interaction with him might have been memorable to him.  That said, it was a much more relaxed situation back then than the meet and greets they have now, so I probably would rather run into them somewhere unexpectedly than be herded through with a line of people.

Now you can't just type that kind of thing, and then not elaborate!

So I suspect that if I had a chance to say hello, and reminded him, he might be able to recall at least that part of it.  Really, I'd love to update him about everything that went down with my music career since then

I'm sure he can't wait to hear it.  What a treat that would be for him.

Edited by rushgoober, 15 September 2013 - 12:04 PM.

[Supersyl]

I HAVE met all 3 once, and Alex a few times after that. All 3 were very friendly, but Alex was the friendliest and most SINCERE one of the bunch every time I met him (3 or 4) for a short, but friendly chat each time. We have a family cottage in the Laurentians, about 10 minutes from Neil's lake, in a neighbouring town. I pass by his lake maybe once a year... We drove by on Saturday, I didn't feel the urge to go ring his doorbell As a musician (Drummer), I've never been starstruck, because the "OMG You Play DRUMS!!!" kind of reaction could never happen to me... I also have TV and music personalities in my family and as friends. Believe me, they are just regular people... If I ever ran into Neil (Especially in Winter), I'd just say Hi, and happy skiing... The "OMG It's Neil from Rush!!!" moment was over with in 1986 when they let us inside the Montreal Forum after a show to sign autograph for the bunch of us who were freezing outside after the Power Windows show.

[HalfwayToGone]

rushgoober, on 15 September 2013 - 12:04 PM, said:

HalfwayToGone, on 15 September 2013 - 09:33 AM, said:

The Analog Grownup, on 14 September 2013 - 09:19 AM, said:

HalfwayToGone, on 14 September 2013 - 09:10 AM, said:

Having met Alex and Geddy already, I would be happy to meet them again, especially Geddy, because the interaction with him might have been memorable to him.  That said, it was a much more relaxed situation back then than the meet and greets they have now, so I probably would rather run into them somewhere unexpectedly than be herded through with a line of people.

Now you can't just type that kind of thing, and then not elaborate!

So I suspect that if I had a chance to say hello, and reminded him, he might be able to recall at least that part of it.  Really, I'd love to update him about everything that went down with my music career since then

I'm sure he can't wait to hear it.  What a treat that would be for him.

Selective blindness much?  I did say that it's possible he wouldn't remember any of this.  And I never assumed that he'd love to hear about it, just said that I'd love the chance to give him the follow up, especially since the complete story is really twisted.  He has said in interviews that hearing about how he has inspired other musicians is one of the things he likes about meeting fans, so I hope that he'd be happy to know that I was able to achieve some little success from the whole ordeal, even if I'm not rich or famous as a result.

[rushgoober]

HalfwayToGone, on 16 September 2013 - 06:29 AM, said:

rushgoober, on 15 September 2013 - 12:04 PM, said:

HalfwayToGone, on 15 September 2013 - 09:33 AM, said:

The Analog Grownup, on 14 September 2013 - 09:19 AM, said:

HalfwayToGone, on 14 September 2013 - 09:10 AM, said:

Having met Alex and Geddy already, I would be happy to meet them again, especially Geddy, because the interaction with him might have been memorable to him.  That said, it was a much more relaxed situation back then than the meet and greets they have now, so I probably would rather run into them somewhere unexpectedly than be herded through with a line of people.

Now you can't just type that kind of thing, and then not elaborate!

So I suspect that if I had a chance to say hello, and reminded him, he might be able to recall at least that part of it.  Really, I'd love to update him about everything that went down with my music career since then

I'm sure he can't wait to hear it.  What a treat that would be for him.

Selective blindness much?  I did say that it's possible he wouldn't remember any of this.  And I never assumed that he'd love to hear about it, just said that I'd love the chance to give him the follow up, especially since the complete story is really twisted.  He has said in interviews that hearing about how he has inspired other musicians is one of the things he likes about meeting fans, so I hope that he'd be happy to know that I was able to achieve some little success from the whole ordeal, even if I'm not rich or famous as a result.

I'm sure he can't wait to hear it.  What a treat that would be for him.

[Aikenrooster]

The only place I would feel comfortable meeting Neil is on a hiking.trail and then I would probably only talk to him about travelling.  I don't know anything about making music so I would have to avoid the subject.  I don't care about autographs and acting stupid around people.  Chasing famous people is silly.  I don't even know if I would want to talk politics with Neil.  What if he's not a Libertarian like he seems to be?  If he was for the Dems or Reps we would disagree.  

A few weeks ago I took my brother to the Iron Maiden show in Raleigh.  He kept hollering about meeting the guys at Lizard Lick Towing, his favorite show.  I told him that they would say they.were out and he wouldn't meet them.  When we got there, sure enough, they gave him the stock answer.  He acted disappointed the whole way home.  I kept telling him to try to think about it from their angle, and how they'd never get anything accomplished if they met fans all day.  He couldn't understand.  I certainly do.  It's insane to go around chasing strangers.  And then, what if they're having a bad day, and say something rude.  you would take it personally.

I know a guy who hates Phil Mickleson's guts because he tried to get an autograph during the round of golf when the sign clearly said that the golfers would gather at a particular place at a particular time to sign autographs.  To this day, this guy will look for stories in the news where someone complained that Phil didn't sign his autograph.  Give me a break!

I think it's better to enjoy the fruits of their labor than to meet them and be disappointed.  I bet you love driving your car, but you probably wouldn't get along with half the people at the assembly factory.

Edited by Aikenrooster, 16 September 2013 - 08:48 AM.

[Bhawk2112]

I met Alex at The Orbit Room one evening, he was playing with The Dexters. Couldn't have been a nicer guy. Even bought my friend and I a drink. A truly, truly surreal experience.

[coventry]

Bhawk2112, on 16 September 2013 - 01:51 PM, said:

I met Alex at The Orbit Room one evening, he was playing with The Dexters. Couldn't have been a nicer guy. Even bought my friend and I a drink. A truly, truly surreal experience.

Alex seems one of those lucky souls for whom WYSIWYG irrevocably applies. he strikes me as a genuinely happy soul - notwithstanding the Florida police debacle.

[LedRush]

SUBDIVISIONS, on 13 September 2013 - 06:06 PM, said:

I had the chance at one click away, a couple of meet and greet tickets (about 2 thou a piece) and then I thought: cheese! I do love them, I do die to shake their hand, but F*ck, I am not crazy, not stupid enough to throw away 4 grand just for that!

I had the same feeling at 1k a pass.  I waste money like water with Rush, but that's too much water.

[HalfwayToGone]

I almost blew that much, and in the process almost got ripped off.  Lesson learned, and in hindsight, although I probably would have enjoyed it, I also would have likely regretted paying that much.

[HalfwayToGone]

rushgoober, on 16 September 2013 - 06:40 AM, said:

HalfwayToGone, on 16 September 2013 - 06:29 AM, said:

rushgoober, on 15 September 2013 - 12:04 PM, said:

HalfwayToGone, on 15 September 2013 - 09:33 AM, said:

The Analog Grownup, on 14 September 2013 - 09:19 AM, said:

HalfwayToGone, on 14 September 2013 - 09:10 AM, said:

Having met Alex and Geddy already, I would be happy to meet them again, especially Geddy, because the interaction with him might have been memorable to him.  That said, it was a much more relaxed situation back then than the meet and greets they have now, so I probably would rather run into them somewhere unexpectedly than be herded through with a line of people.

Now you can't just type that kind of thing, and then not elaborate!

So I suspect that if I had a chance to say hello, and reminded him, he might be able to recall at least that part of it.  Really, I'd love to update him about everything that went down with my music career since then

I'm sure he can't wait to hear it.  What a treat that would be for him.

Selective blindness much?  I did say that it's possible he wouldn't remember any of this.  And I never assumed that he'd love to hear about it, just said that I'd love the chance to give him the follow up, especially since the complete story is really twisted.  He has said in interviews that hearing about how he has inspired other musicians is one of the things he likes about meeting fans, so I hope that he'd be happy to know that I was able to achieve some little success from the whole ordeal, even if I'm not rich or famous as a result.

I'm sure he can't wait to hear it.  What a treat that would be for him.

Yeah, I'm so sure.  I hear he also loves D&D.  Especially the trolls.  

[rushgoober]

HalfwayToGone, on 17 September 2013 - 07:48 AM, said:

rushgoober, on 16 September 2013 - 06:40 AM, said:

HalfwayToGone, on 16 September 2013 - 06:29 AM, said:

rushgoober, on 15 September 2013 - 12:04 PM, said:

HalfwayToGone, on 15 September 2013 - 09:33 AM, said:

The Analog Grownup, on 14 September 2013 - 09:19 AM, said:

HalfwayToGone, on 14 September 2013 - 09:10 AM, said:

Having met Alex and Geddy already, I would be happy to meet them again, especially Geddy, because the interaction with him might have been memorable to him.  That said, it was a much more relaxed situation back then than the meet and greets they have now, so I probably would rather run into them somewhere unexpectedly than be herded through with a line of people.

Now you can't just type that kind of thing, and then not elaborate!

So I suspect that if I had a chance to say hello, and reminded him, he might be able to recall at least that part of it.  Really, I'd love to update him about everything that went down with my music career since then

I'm sure he can't wait to hear it.  What a treat that would be for him.

Selective blindness much?  I did say that it's possible he wouldn't remember any of this.  And I never assumed that he'd love to hear about it, just said that I'd love the chance to give him the follow up, especially since the complete story is really twisted.  He has said in interviews that hearing about how he has inspired other musicians is one of the things he likes about meeting fans, so I hope that he'd be happy to know that I was able to achieve some little success from the whole ordeal, even if I'm not rich or famous as a result.

I'm sure he can't wait to hear it.  What a treat that would be for him.

Yeah, I'm so sure.  I hear he also loves D&D.  Especially the trolls.  

"See, that's the difference between us. You think we're fighting, and I think we're finally talking." - Rod Tidwell from Jerry Maguire

[HalfwayToGone]

No worries.  I realized the second time you were just f-ing with me, which is why I didn't go into another long-winded defensive explanation.  

Allow me my fantasies—anything is possible there.  Why, just a minute ago I found cures for all diseases (even the ones we haven't discovered yet), brokered permanent world peace, became the greatest songwriter and greatest virtuoso on every instrument ever invented (including the kazoo and the broomstick with a rubber band stretched along it), I discovered the secret to eternal youth, the key to perpetual motion, found an inexhaustible source of clean energy more powerful than nuclear energy....all without moving a single muscle.  And then Rush called begging me to let them come over and "just bask in your supreme greatness!!!"  I had to turn them down.  They're too embarrassing.  I rule.

[Khan]

rushgoober, on 13 September 2013 - 12:47 PM, said:

Lost In Xanadu, on 13 September 2013 - 12:41 PM, said:

Rush just called.... "Right back atcha"

Well at least they know who I am.  That's awesome.  It's so cool that you know them!

[jruiz2112]

i partly agree with you on some points as well.   I know geddy and alex are the 'outgoing' of the bunch, but i've seen some footage of them eating at a restaurant and the waitress has'em sign some papers for her sons - and they looked annoyed.  so if i ever see them in person, i would just try to make eye contact and give them my devil-horns with my hand....however neil....i'm not f***ing with him!  =P

RushOn!

[Slack jaw gaze]

jruiz2112, on 21 September 2013 - 01:19 AM, said:

so if i ever see them in person, i would just try to make eye contact and give them my devil-horns with my hand.

Yeah, that's not weird and uncomfortable at all.

[rushgoober]

Slack jaw gaze, on 21 September 2013 - 08:41 AM, said:

jruiz2112, on 21 September 2013 - 01:19 AM, said:

so if i ever see them in person, i would just try to make eye contact and give them my devil-horns with my hand.

Yeah, that's not weird and uncomfortable at all.

it would indeed be a little odd.  their music isn't heavy metal.