Meeting with the big names in the biz...

[Blisterfinger]

I'm gonna start this thread for those odd, chance encounters with the guys we, as bassists, idolize.
So at 13 years of age, my at-the-time heavy metal band were playing a gig at the (first and only) Download festival at the RDS arena in Dublin, Ireland. The line-up included headliners GnR, Korn and Steve Harris' daughter, Lauren Harris(Who is in fact a fox..). About 2 hours prior to our set, who shows up backstage but the man himself, Steve. The four of us of course were stunned, he was our idol, in particular my own! So, as we sat cooly in the deck chairs in the beautiful summer weather, we asked one of our Dads to go up and ask him if he would mind talking to us and sign a few autographs(us being about as shy as a mouse). He did so graciously and shook each of our hands etc. It was one of those 'what the F*** do you say to your hero' moments. I was stuck to the spot and couldn't utter any other word but 'hi' in a cracked, not quite fully broken voice. He hung around until we were about to go on and just as we were walking out, told us to "give 'im 'ell". And we did! Looking back at it now, I regret not getting over my pussy-like shyness and getting some tips etc. off him...

[Nev375]

At least you didn't say something silly like "...slappa da bass, mon..."

http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/8d8...rudd-meet-rush

[Jake Morris]

yesterday i was at bass specialties in Pennsylvania and i came 10 minutes before anthony wellington was doing a clinic or lesson, and i was trying an amp with him like 5 feet away. I didnt say anthing because i didnt want to bother him. im 15 and had no idea whether i should talk to him, ask for an autograph, or just walk away. i will say the owner of bass specialties is a jerk. just saying from my experiences.

[Lublin]

They're human, too. Approach and treat them them like one.

[Passinwind]

Originally Posted by Blisterfinger

I'm gonna start this thread for those odd, chance encounters with the guys we, as bassists, idolize.

A friend of mine was tech director for the Allman Bros Band for many years. He let me work a little on a few shows so we could trade scary techie knowledge. This guy had worked with many other huge acts, I was like 25 or so and was just starting to fix audio gear professionally at the time. It wasn't a very even trade, in other words.

So one time I decided to go see him at a show a few hours away from where I lived. I was on my way to visit family after the show and I hitch hiked to the gig with my bass. When I got there it was early and no security was around, so I walked in and went through the building and up to the stage area, where only one guy was hanging out. He was friendly and asked "hey mate, what ya got in the case?" I didn't really look at him, just cracked the case to show him my Travis Bean fretless. Then it hit me: it was Jack Bruce!

Turned out he was the opener, playing with Billy Cobham, Clem Clempson, and David Sancious. I had no idea there even was an opening band that night. Jack and I talked for a few minutes about whatever, just casual chit chat, then my friend showed up and grabbed me and put me to work. I got to hang onstage at the monitor board for Jack's set, which was a pretty nice treat.

The ABB's bassist at the time, Rook Goldflies, was something of an idol to me at the time as well. We spent a few hours together in the course of a few shows, and he and another later chance encounter with Skip Battin (New Riders, Byrds, etc.) are probably the main reason I kept after playing bass. Both those guys spent some serious energy encouraging me, just really inspiring stuff.

I've had many other ones over the years, but by then I was somewhat jaded by celebrity and the impact just wasn't the same.

[Blisterfinger]

Originally Posted by Lublin

They're human, too. Approach and treat them them like one.

At 13 years of age, it's more than intimidating to try have a casual conversation with the person you grew up listening to. Of course if I met him now I'd be far more confident in my approach!
And wow, nice chance encounter with Jack Bruce there Passinwind! hah!

[Stingray89]

I met the guys in Stryper before. They came through town and I was out back having a smoke and their they are, simply walking in and they came over and talked to me. I was amazed at how down to earth they were. I grew up listening to them and have a great respect for them. They have a new album coming out Tuesday called "The Covering", if your a fan I'd definatley check it out.

[Jake Morris]

Plus what would I say to them other than " hey how you doin'?"

[Souperman08]

Went to a BK across the street from a venue where I was going to see one of my favorite bands, Less Than Jake, and the lead singer/bass player was sitting there eating. I didn't want to bug him while he was eating, but as he left I talked to him for a bit and got a picture with him. Awesome guy.

[Dave in LB]

I've had a couple of fun run ins with famous musicians . I met the guys in a somewhat famous Metal band called Laz Rockit, The two guitar payers from Tesla (Frank was way cool to us)A couple of guys from 38 Special at a show I played, and probably a couple more I'll remember later.

The best however came one night at Planet Hollywood in Irvine CA. Boyd Coddigton was there helping to kick off Van Halen's current tour at the time and present Michael anthony with a custome Hot Rod All Aluminum billet bass. It was sick and you've probably seen it in Bass Player mag. He was sitting a little down and behind me at the next table over. I asked and got his autograph and thought that's pretty cool.

Well the guys I was with knew John Pattitucci and had been saying they wanted me to meet him. So we're having dinner and in walks another roomate of my friends and a friend of his. I make not connection at that momment. We're all introduced he tells me his name is John and asks me what was going on at the next table. I tell him kind of excitedly that it was a Van Halen tour send up and Michale Anthony is right there etc. John delivers the most classic line ever in response, " Oh so that's what a rockstar looks like." Totally kills me.

About now it dons on me that John could be JOHN, so I sak my buddy on the sly hand he nods yes. Well he and I shared the same Jazz prof at CSULB and we talked bass and playing a bit. He killed me with another comment about that professor " Yeah he Knows a little bit about Jazz." Sometime later I saw John in concert in Hollywood at a club and then at UCLA's Wiltern thearter. Both times he remembers who I was by name after having not seen me in months. then not to long after tha he started coming to the church I was attending with our mutual friends. I'm playing in the worship band, struggling with some of the material, and not happy with how I played that day. John sees me carrying my gear to the car and compliments me on my playing...are you kidding me. The man is a great bass player and a class guy.

[busmandan]

I have had this "condition" my entire adult life that I cannot find a cure for - I am constantly mistaken for other people, and most often in musician circles. At NAMM this year, I wore sunglasses the entire time - not to look cool, but to ward off the "Hey, I know you from somewhere.." stuff. I took them off to take a phone call, and I hadn't walked twenty feet before someone says "Man, I know you from somewhere..." My son, who was with me, thought it was hilarious as usual. I was taking a snowboard lesson in Colorado once, and the smoking-hot female instructor took one look and said, "You look famous".

Naturally, this condition has led to some interesting encounters with those who are famous. I was at a show once where Tesla had opened, and while the headliner was on the Tesla guys came over and sat down, telling me how great it was to see me, etc. - when I had never met or even seen any of them before. At a guitar show - "You're in the Kentucky Headhunters, right?" The all-timer was when I was at an outdoor festival we were supposed to play (and didn't due to a massive thunderstorm that killed the PA). In less than 100 yards, I was stopped by three different people and called by three different names. As always, my son thought it was hilarious.

[TJ55]

I had a very short conversation w/ Allen Woody and he signed my ticket stub after a show at Mississipi nights in St. Loius one night. Very cool and very gracious guy, especially considering his intimidating exterior. Still have the stub framed in a great picture that was taken that night of Allen playing his double neck bass/mando.

[RayG]

Met Will Lee at Rudy's in NYC as I entered a few weeks ago. Very much a class act as usual. Very cool to meet.

[MattyH]

Hm lets see

I met Tim Robbins after he opened for Pearl Jam in 2004. Nicest guy I've ever met.

Met Frankie Valli at a Bat Mitzvah I played at the Friars Club NYC.

Met John Dolmayan (System Of A Down drummer) at a Comic Con. (Also, incredibly gracious)

Met Brandon Boyd twice.

I've also met a lot of other comedians and actors at events, but I'll stick to the ones in the music biz! (My job rules. Always meeting people)

[Muzoid]

Hahaha...opportunity totally missed.

Just remember the old saying...

"even a King look like a fool, when he's sittin' on the crapper"

[Gard]

Originally Posted by bassmasta1209

i will say the owner of bass specialties is a jerk. just saying from my experiences.

Interesting.

I know Glenn well, and have for a decade. He is one of the most kind, polite, direct, honest, and helpful individuals I have ever had the honor to meet and get to know.

The last thing any businessman will do is alienate a potential customer (I am not trying to alienate you, by the way - I am merely putting a contrary opinion of Glenn and his shop forward), so what would his reasoning for being "a jerk" to you be, unless you had done something to deserve it.

Here's a thought: How much time have you spent in his shop, "trying out" amps and basses, versus actually buying something? Have you ever made a purchase from his shop for anything more than a set of strings? Keep in mind that if your logic for calling him "a jerk" is because he doesn't want you in his shop pawing brand-new basses and amps that you have no intent of ever actually buying, he's not a jerk.

Why would I say that? Simple, as a business, they invest a large amount of money in products that they need to sell "as new" but when people come in and constantly play the "new" basses and amps, they get worn, scratched, dinged, etc, etc, no matter how much you try to protect them (both the customer trying to be gentle and the shop owner trying to make sure of it). Would YOU want to pay "new" money for what has essentially been turned into a "used" item because of the shop wear it has been subjected to?

Again, if you've spent money there, REAL (not $30 for a set of strings once in a while) money, and you're being "mistreated" then you have a right to your statement. If you haven't however, and are the person that spends hours and hours playing instruments and amps that you never purchase, maybe you need to rethink your opinion of both the shop owner and yourself.

[PhiDeck]

I met Chris Squire whilst manning a small trade show booth in Nashville circa 1976. Yes were playing at Municipal Auditorium that evening. Unfortunately, not much time to talk.
A real neck strainer, as Chris - who is quite tall - was wearing boots with 2 inch heels.

[NKUSigEp]

2007 right? What was your band's name? What stage did you play?

Originally Posted by Blisterfinger

I'm gonna start this thread for those odd, chance encounters with the guys we, as bassists, idolize.
So at 13 years of age, my at-the-time heavy metal band were playing a gig at the (first and only) Download festival at the RDS arena in Dublin, Ireland. The line-up included headliners GnR, Korn and Steve Harris' daughter, Lauren Harris(Who is in fact a fox..). About 2 hours prior to our set, who shows up backstage but the man himself, Steve. The four of us of course were stunned, he was our idol, in particular my own! So, as we sat cooly in the deck chairs in the beautiful summer weather, we asked one of our Dads to go up and ask him if he would mind talking to us and sign a few autographs(us being about as shy as a mouse). He did so graciously and shook each of our hands etc. It was one of those 'what the F*** do you say to your hero' moments. I was stuck to the spot and couldn't utter any other word but 'hi' in a cracked, not quite fully broken voice. He hung around until we were about to go on and just as we were walking out, told us to "give 'im 'ell". And we did! Looking back at it now, I regret not getting over my pussy-like shyness and getting some tips etc. off him...

[dj150888]

Had a pint with Lemmy last year! We had a casual conversation first, he asked me where he could get a decent drink, I told him, went for one and left him to his business. I was fairly starstruck, but the guy just wanted a drink, not a drooling fanboy.

[aztomr]

Back in the 80s, I'm in a guitar store in Santa Barbara. This little kid is running around the store, his dad yells at him" be careful Seymor". I chuckled and jokingly asked if he named him after Seymor Duncan. The guy responds, yeah, I named him Seymor Duncan,jr.. ......