Are you sure you want to meet your heros?

[Apollo]

I would say go for it if you have the opportunity. I have met a few celebs whose music/projects I like (Joel Hodgson of MST3K, Bobby Blitz of Overkill, Sascha and Lucia of KMFDM) and all of these experiences were very positive, I got to talk to each of them for several minutes and they all seemed like great people who really care about their fans. The key is that all of these artists were willing to stay after their concerts/shows and meet fans and genuinely (at least as far as I could tell) enjoyed the whole experience. I think they must since staying after shows and meeting people isn't something they are required to do, many groups don't.

 

This is why I wouldn't want to meet Neil, but I think a meet and greet with Alex and Geddy would be OK but probably too short to get any real impression of what they are like, either good or bad. I would do it if I could though.

Edited September 19, 2012 by Apollo

[metaldad]

I have met many, many of my musical heros , except anyone in Rush. Something tells me i should keep it that way

[Mika]

I like to think of it as: we're all just people. When meeting new people in normal circumstances, neither person knows each other, and are on equal footing; there is a bit of conversation to 'break the ice' and get to know each other a little bit, and if there is chemistry, the people can become friends; otherwise, with no chemistry, they drift away and don't become friends. There needs to be some kind of common ground for friendship to happen.

 

With celebrities, this isn't a normal circumstance; the fan and the celebrity are not on equal footing, as the fan knows (or thinks he knows) much about the celebrity, and the celebrity knows absolutely nothing about the fan, except for an assumption of normal fan behaviour. With this situation, it'd be hard to get some kind of normal interaction between the people, especially with each person's pre-conceived notion of each other (the fan knowing all that he knows about the celebrity, through media and third-hand information, and the celebrity knowing that this is a fan and will likely be enthusiastic and star-struck). As other people have mentioned, the best interactions have seemed to happen outside of these 'artificial' environments of meet-and-greets; a random encounter at a bar, or crossing paths outside a hotel, with something in common (a conversation launched by a John Deere hat).

 

Meet-and-greets seem too contrived a situation to get a satisfactory experience meeting one's 'heroes'. I don't think I would be interested in it. I'd be interested in meeting the Rush guys as themselves, since they seem to be interesting and nice guys, but not in a situation where the balance between people is so uneven. Just because I enjoy their music and think that they're cool guys doesn't mean I have to elevate them. I do have pre-conceived notions of them, through what I've learned of them and my opinion, and I don't want that put to the test, either; if my meet with them didn't live up to my conceived expectations, I would be disappointed, through no fault of theirs, and I would be bummed.

 

I remember some years ago, Jennifer Lopez was filming a movie in my area, and would hit the gym that I went to early in the morning. A friend suggested going to the gym earlier in order to meet her, but I balked - why would I want to present myself to someone I don't know and who doesn't know me in the midst of a sweat-fest? If I'm in the middle of doing some squats, the last thing I would want is for some stranger to come up and ask for an autograph or something.

 

My eyes are bright with the light of the stars in the sky, not with the stars on the ground.

[Atomic]

I've met a bunch of celebrities, in music and film and I'd say they've all been positive experiences.

 

I think if you meet Alex or Ged, if you're not a psycho fan, and act normal, you'll have a good experience.

 

With Neil, hmmm... if I saw him in the wild I'd maybe-maybe make eye contact and give him a nod or a thumbs up. Maybe.

 

 

[Barry]

Through jobs that I have had, I have been fortunate to have met many of my musical heroes over the years. I got to meet Geddy back in 1987 and he was a really nice guy who seemed very interested to talk to me and also seemed sincerely appreciative of how big a fan I was. It was in a studio setting, not a formal meet ad greet so it was more laid back and he was not on guard.

 

Just about everyone I have met in a professional setting / via my work has been the same way...with one major exception....Dont even get me started on the night I met David Gilmour back in 1988...I'm still stinging from that disappointment...talk about a hero letting you down...sheesh :-)

[Thunder Bay Rush]

QUOTE (Mika @ Sep 19 2012, 02:19 PM)

I like to think of it as: we're all just people. When meeting new people in normal circumstances, neither person knows each other, and are on equal footing; there is a bit of conversation to 'break the ice' and get to know each other a little bit, and if there is chemistry, the people can become friends; otherwise, with no chemistry, they drift away and don't become friends. There needs to be some kind of common ground for friendship to happen. With celebrities, this isn't a normal circumstance; the fan and the celebrity are not on equal footing, as the fan knows (or thinks he knows) much about the celebrity, and the celebrity knows absolutely nothing about the fan, except for an assumption of normal fan behaviour. With this situation, it'd be hard to get some kind of normal interaction between the people, especially with each person's pre-conceived notion of each other (the fan knowing all that he knows about the celebrity, through media and third-hand information, and the celebrity knowing that this is a fan and will likely be enthusiastic and star-struck). As other people have mentioned, the best interactions have seemed to happen outside of these 'artificial' environments of meet-and-greets; a random encounter at a bar, or crossing paths outside a hotel, with something in common (a conversation launched by a John Deere hat). Meet-and-greets seem too contrived a situation to get a satisfactory experience meeting one's 'heroes'. I don't think I would be interested in it. I'd be interested in meeting the Rush guys as themselves, since they seem to be interesting and nice guys, but not in a situation where the balance between people is so uneven. Just because I enjoy their music and think that they're cool guys doesn't mean I have to elevate them. I do have pre-conceived notions of them, through what I've learned of them and my opinion, and I don't want that put to the test, either; if my meet with them didn't live up to my conceived expectations, I would be disappointed, through no fault of theirs, and I would be bummed. I remember some years ago, Jennifer Lopez was filming a movie in my area, and would hit the gym that I went to early in the morning. A friend suggested going to the gym earlier in order to meet her, but I balked - why would I want to present myself to someone I don't know and who doesn't know me in the midst of a sweat-fest? If I'm in the middle of doing some squats, the last thing I would want is for some stranger to come up and ask for an autograph or something. My eyes are bright with the light of the stars in the sky, not with the stars on the ground.

Best post ever... and I didn't even write it!

 

[gangsterfurious]

The disappointment also depends on the fan's expectations. Like if you think Alex and Geddy are going to want to have a drink with you and take you out golfing after you profess your undying love to you all time heroes, then you're going to be disappointed.

 

I said I was on the fence but that was lame. Of course I would enjoy a meet and greet. To have a picture of my man and I with our all-time favorite band, that would be cool, yeah.

 

 

 

[softfilter]

I wouldn't qualify it as wanting to meet , or a brush with greatness.

But as a kid leaving Fawcett stadium after the HOF game in Canton, Howard Cosell shoved me as he was making pushing his way through the crowd with police escort to his limo. Big ass stogie jammed in the corner of his mouth bitchin up a storm complaining for people to get out of his way.

On the subject at hand, I would just be happy with a meet & greet smile and perhaps a hand shake. Afraid I'd bumble nervously trying to piece together meaningful conversation and regret it later. Like Chris Farley would say... stupid! stupid! stupid!!

[The Cat 3]

I've met Alex and Geddy four times and each time they were very kind, very gracious...great sense of humour.

 

I've also met David Lee Roth, right before "A Different Kind of Truth" came out.

 

He was so down to earth and we spoke for a few minutes.

 

Time must have mellowed him.

 

When finished speaking, he shook my hand and said "thank you for coming, I hope you like the new record, it was so nice meeting you".

 

He even used my name in conversation, which I though was a nice touch to remember.

 

But the coolest, nicest (famous) person that I've met was Alice Cooper.

 

Just a great guy, very humble and personable.

 

 

[TheAccountant]

QUOTE (CygnusGal @ Sep 18 2012, 05:38 PM)

I like Neil's take on it.  Neil said he loved Keith Moon, but would never have dreamed of meeting him. I don't really have a desire to meet any celebrities.  Sadder still to watch it die than never to have known it, imo.

Great post!!!

 

Totally sums up my feelings. No interest at all in meeting any celebrities. Might ruin whatever image I have of them in my minds eye. Just let me listen to their music (or watch them on TV / movies or whatever the case may be) and enjoy what they have done in life from afar.

 

Meeting them in person just seems like its not likely to add much to my life and if was in their shoes would I really want all the attention or would I want privacy like Neil? I would like the privacy. Consequently I would give it to them.

 

 

 

[goose]

QUOTE (ReGorLaTroy @ Sep 20 2012, 12:46 PM)

But the coolest, nicest (famous) person that I've met was Alice Cooper. Just a great guy, very humble and personable.[/b]

And a solid stick on the golf course. That's maybe the only way I'd like to meet these guys...golfing, tasting wine, something where the focus is off them and there's a third point to discuss.

[goose]

QUOTE (HowItIs @ Sep 19 2012, 06:09 AM)

Having grown up in Las Vegas and then my husband working in the TV biz, I've met many celebrities. From Jan Murray (gold star if you know who he is) to Mickey Dolenz (wonderfully nice) to Graham Kerr (darling!) to Robert Fulghum (rather snobby) to Joel McHale (silly and sweet). None of these was a "hero", though. I don't tend to get a twitterpated when meeting a celeb, though. Must be something I'm inured to. That being said, I think meeting Alex and Geddy might make me a bit nervous. Maybe. If I expect to work with Alex in the future, though, I better get that under control right the F now. I would love to meet Neil, too, but since I "work" for him (on his website) I doubt that our conversation would be about Rush. I'd likely ask him what he's reading and go from there.

TV and film folks are easier, I think. I've met a few, and, oddly, the only one that kind of freaked me out was Martin Short. I ran into him in the Men's Room at a casino in Vegas. Not the best place...I did a hard double take leaving the restroom...turned, looked, tilted my head in thought and said, "Martin Short?". He smiled and said, "Yes!". No chance for chat, and a horrible place to go on about my admiration for his work, so I smiled back and left. As I went out the door I heard, "Who's Martin Short...?", which made me laugh.

[HowItIs]

QUOTE (goose @ Sep 20 2012, 04:54 PM)

QUOTE (HowItIs @ Sep 19 2012, 06:09 AM) Having grown up in Las Vegas and then my husband working in the TV biz, I've met many celebrities. From Jan Murray (gold star if you know who he is) to Mickey Dolenz (wonderfully nice) to Graham Kerr (darling!) to Robert Fulghum (rather snobby) to Joel McHale (silly and sweet). None of these was a "hero", though. I don't tend to get a twitterpated when meeting a celeb, though. Must be something I'm inured to. That being said, I think meeting Alex and Geddy might make me a bit nervous. Maybe. If I expect to work with Alex in the future, though, I better get that under control right the F now. I would love to meet Neil, too, but since I "work" for him (on his website) I doubt that our conversation would be about Rush. I'd likely ask him what he's reading and go from there. TV and film folks are easier, I think. I've met a few, and, oddly, the only one that kind of freaked me out was Martin Short. I ran into him in the Men's Room at a casino in Vegas. Not the best place...I did a hard double take leaving the restroom...turned, looked, tilted my head in thought and said, "Martin Short?". He smiled and said, "Yes!". No chance for chat, and a horrible place to go on about my admiration for his work, so I smiled back and left. As I went out the door I heard, "Who's Martin Short...?", which made me laugh.   That happened to me once (sorta) with the Seahawks football team. When I first moved to Seattle (1984) I worked at the office of the team doctor where they had their pre-season physicals. On a day when several of them were sitting in the lab, I had occasion to wander in with some paperwork. I had no idea who these guys were so someone filled me in saying, "Dave Krieg is in the waiting room!" Me, I didn't know any of them at the time so I blurted out, "Who's Dave Krieg?" promptly cracking up the players in the lab.     I work for Neil in only a far-removed capacity. I work as a Moderator on his website forum. Kinda like 73 & Co. here on TRF. I do know Brutus, as he is my direct supervisor... wonderful guy. The whole staff is wonderful folks.

Edited September 21, 2012 by HowItIs

[JohnnyBlaze]

QUOTE (Mika @ Sep 20 2012, 04:19 AM)

I like to think of it as: we're all just people. When meeting new people in normal circumstances, neither person knows each other, and are on equal footing; there is a bit of conversation to 'break the ice' and get to know each other a little bit, and if there is chemistry, the people can become friends; otherwise, with no chemistry, they drift away and don't become friends. There needs to be some kind of common ground for friendship to happen. With celebrities, this isn't a normal circumstance; the fan and the celebrity are not on equal footing, as the fan knows (or thinks he knows) much about the celebrity, and the celebrity knows absolutely nothing about the fan, except for an assumption of normal fan behaviour. With this situation, it'd be hard to get some kind of normal interaction between the people, especially with each person's pre-conceived notion of each other (the fan knowing all that he knows about the celebrity, through media and third-hand information, and the celebrity knowing that this is a fan and will likely be enthusiastic and star-struck). As other people have mentioned, the best interactions have seemed to happen outside of these 'artificial' environments of meet-and-greets; a random encounter at a bar, or crossing paths outside a hotel, with something in common (a conversation launched by a John Deere hat). Meet-and-greets seem too contrived a situation to get a satisfactory experience meeting one's 'heroes'. I don't think I would be interested in it. I'd be interested in meeting the Rush guys as themselves, since they seem to be interesting and nice guys, but not in a situation where the balance between people is so uneven. Just because I enjoy their music and think that they're cool guys doesn't mean I have to elevate them. I do have pre-conceived notions of them, through what I've learned of them and my opinion, and I don't want that put to the test, either; if my meet with them didn't live up to my conceived expectations, I would be disappointed, through no fault of theirs, and I would be bummed. I remember some years ago, Jennifer Lopez was filming a movie in my area, and would hit the gym that I went to early in the morning. A friend suggested going to the gym earlier in order to meet her, but I balked - why would I want to present myself to someone I don't know and who doesn't know me in the midst of a sweat-fest? If I'm in the middle of doing some squats, the last thing I would want is for some stranger to come up and ask for an autograph or something. My eyes are bright with the light of the stars in the sky, not with the stars on the ground.

Here's my little celebrity meeting: About 20 years ago I went to see River Phoenix play in a small club (yeah, he was in a band). I was near the stage and apparently was blocking his way. I didn't know that though. He came up from behind me and gave me a condescending, "Excuuuuuuuse you." I turned around, saw that it was River Phoenix then said, "f**k off." He f*cked off. If he was somebody's hero, oh well. He was rude at that time so I was rude back.

[Bangster of Goats]

From reading Neil's books, it seems like Neil is a great guy to chat with as long as you don't know who he is. If you're just some random, unknowing, guy at a gas station admiring his BMW bike, or some guy in a diner talking about the nasty weather heading this way, he seems fine lol.

 

A lot of celebs in general seem to really appreciate not being recognized, and having "normal" conversations with someone. Many years ago, my mom had shoulder surgery and was going to a clinic for physical therapy afterwards. As the days went by, she began talking with a polite, gentlemanly, and TALL guy from Nigeria who was also doing some therapy at the same clinic. She had no idea he was Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets until I guess a couple weeks in, she finally asked him what he did for a living. They had a good chuckle over that.

[JohnnyBlaze]

QUOTE (Bangster of Goats @ Sep 21 2012, 10:13 PM)

Many years ago, my mom had shoulder surgery and was going to a clinic for physical therapy afterwards. As the days went by, she began talking with a polite, gentlemanly, and TALL guy from Nigeria who was also doing some therapy at the same clinic. She had no idea he was Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets until I guess a couple weeks in, she finally asked him what he did for a living. They had a good chuckle over that.

Olajuwon always did seem like a decent guy in interviews.

[Animate]

QUOTE (Bangster of Goats @ Sep 21 2012, 08:13 AM)

From reading Neil's books, it seems like Neil is a great guy to chat with as long as you don't know who he is. If you're just some random, unknowing, guy at a gas station admiring his BMW bike, or some guy in a diner talking about the nasty weather heading this way, he seems fine lol. A lot of celebs in general seem to really appreciate not being recognized, and having "normal" conversations with someone. Many years ago, my mom had shoulder surgery and was going to a clinic for physical therapy afterwards. As the days went by, she began talking with a polite, gentlemanly, and TALL guy from Nigeria who was also doing some therapy at the same clinic. She had no idea he was Hakeem Olajuwon of the Houston Rockets until I guess a couple weeks in, she finally asked him what he did for a living. They had a good chuckle over that.

Yeah, it seems like with a random encounter with Neil, the best approach would be to act like you have no idea who he is.

 

Of course, all the hyperventilating might make that difficult!

[goose]

Cool story from my friend today. Friday I roll into the club to play a few joles with my son and I ask the clubhouse manager what he's up to. "Trying to get out of here," he says.

 

Turns out he had been asked by a friend of his to set up a golf outing for the afternoon for twelve guys, one of them Steven Stills, who was in town with CSN. My buddy, John, has it all set up, so I say, "I'll cover for you." John doesn't need to leave for another 90 minutes, so I go out with my son and play four quick holes, then work the proshop & bar so my bud can play golf.

 

Before the round John was warned that Steve might be a bit surly, even silent during the round. Turns out, he was way cool and chatty. He had a bit of tough time getting around the course, but was way appreciative. The next day, John goes to the concert and during the pre-function his manager pal and the roadies were all thanking him. Apparently, Steven had been in a great mood all day, a noticeable change (touring at his age must be a bit of a drag).

 

So, you never know. Celebs can come across as grumpy or unappreciative, but that's likely due to the fact that fans are always taking. When the role of giver is taken away, they can be their real selves.

 

Oh...a side note. I'd never had a hole-in-one before Friday. After agreeing to cover for John, I finally got one...on a par 4!

[Snyder80]

Neil said in an interview once that he doesn't do meet n greets because of the way over zealous fans can act. In the same breath, he mentioned an encounter with a random fan at a gas pump. The guy simply reached out his hand, shook Neil's and said "Thank you." No sweaty palms, no please sign my notebook, no "oh my god, you're so f***ing awesome."

 

I'm an introvert myself, always have been, so maybe I can relate. I don't need to meet him. In fact, I really wouldn't want to meet any of them. What in the hell would I say to three guys I don't know?

[My_Shrimp_Cot]

I don't understand why people want to meet them.

 

They are not my heroes like that - like a childs hero. I just love the music.

[Your_Lion]

You should freak Neil out by pretending you think he's Tom Hanks

[Jomboni]

I have a couple people pulling strings trying to get me meet & greets for the Philly show. Probably won't happen but it's worth a shot. I know it's just "in and out, smile and get your picture taken, maybe a handshake" and I'm cool with that. You don't really get a chance to find out if they're assholes or not

 

I don't think they are, I think they're really busy on show day and just don't have the time to sit around and party with a bunch of strangers before the show starts.

[professornutbudder]

I had the pleasure of getting to meet Alex and Geddy once through some strange circumstance. Some friends and I were parked in a boat on the Ohio river behind Riverbend music center before the RTB show there to try to hear sound check. Not long after we arrived, we noticed two guys playing basketball I. A fenced in area behind the arena who we eventually realized were Alex and Geddy. At one point their ball took a bad bounce off of the backboard and went over the fence. Seeing my chance to meet them, I dove off the boat, swam the few yards to shore and retrieved their ball and returned it to them. They were appreciative and thanked me. Being young and star struck, i did nothing more than say you're welcome and something along the lines of have a good show. Only once I got back on the boat did I realize that all I ever wanted was to thank them for all the great music I love, but instead,they thanked me!

Thankfully, Alex stinks at hoops, or I may never have met them!

Edited September 24, 2012 by professornutbudder

[goose]

QUOTE (Snyder80 @ Sep 24 2012, 01:27 AM)

Neil said in an interview once that he doesn't do meet n greets because of the way over zealous fans can act. In the same breath, he mentioned an encounter with a random fan at a gas pump. The guy simply reached out his hand, shook Neil's and said "Thank you." No sweaty palms, no please sign my notebook, no "oh my god, you're so f***ing awesome." I'm an introvert myself, always have been, so maybe I can relate. I don't need to meet him. In fact, I really wouldn't want to meet any of them. What in the hell would I say to three guys I don't know?

[Tommy Sawyer]

QUOTE (goose @ Sep 24 2012, 12:18 AM)

Cool story from my friend today. Friday I roll into the club to play a few joles with my son and I ask the clubhouse manager what he's up to. "Trying to get out of here," he says. Turns out he had been asked by a friend of his to set up a golf outing for the afternoon for twelve guys, one of them Steven Stills, who was in town with CSN. My buddy, John, has it all set up, so I say, "I'll cover for you." John doesn't need to leave for another 90 minutes, so I go out with my son and play four quick holes, then work the proshop & bar so my bud can play golf. Before the round John was warned that Steve might be a bit surly, even silent during the round. Turns out, he was way cool and chatty. He had a bit of tough time getting around the course, but was way appreciative. The next day, John goes to the concert and during the pre-function his manager pal and the roadies were all thanking him. Apparently, Steven had been in a great mood all day, a noticeable change (touring at his age must be a bit of a drag). So, you never know. Celebs can come across as grumpy or unappreciative, but that's likely due to the fact that fans are always taking. When the role of giver is taken away, they can be their real selves. Oh...a side note. I'd never had a hole-in-one before Friday. After agreeing to cover for John, I finally got one...on a par 4!

Good story

 

And nice job on the hole in one