Camden Show Aug 6

["Frank Gatti" <fgatti@caplanc.org>]

I have subscribed to this list for about a year now, but this is my 
first post.  I like to read all of your comments.  However, my 
experience at the Camden show last night compels me to post to this 
list.  I have followed the band for over 30 years, and what happened 
last night has made me whole.

I have a friend who has a friend who runs the sound mixing board for 
this show.  Through some purely lucky timing, this friend of a friend 
left tix and laminates for my wife and I.  The seats were lawn seats, 
and we were just glad to be there.  The show started sort of slow 
(not quite as good an opening as the November '96 performance in 
Philly), and Punk and the Godfather (Godfather part) was not 
completely audible from where we were.  But after John's virtuoso 
bass solo at the end of 5:15, the show rocked, and we did not sit the 
rest of the night.  They did play TKAA during the encore, with a 
"Pinball Wizard" tease in the middle of WGFA - including the opening 
bass riff.

As I mentioned before, we were issued laminates, and 
were allowed to meander around after the show (we did not know where 
we could or could not go!!).  We noticed some people with the same 
passes going up the ramp to the stage area, so away we went with the 
blessing of the security man at the bottom of the ramp.  The next 
thing I knew, I was in the way of the roadies tearing down the set ON 
THE STAGE!!  We were directed by security to a patio outside the 
dressing rooms where maybe a dozen to 20 people were milling about.  
After about a half-hour, I noticed John in the corridor walking back 
towards the stage and to an outside ramp that led to the parking lot. 

We were confined to the patio area by security, so my wife and I 
called him over - and lo and behold, he comes over and starts 
chatting with the group and signing autographs!!  (He did wince a bit 
at first, but once he saw the small size of the group, and probably 
figured it would not be too much of an inconvenience).  Someone 
posted to this group "What would you say to each member of the Who 
the first time you meet them?", or something to that effect.  Well, 
my first words to John were "Great show, John.  Can I have your 
autograph?", and shook his hand.   Duh!!!  I didn't even ask him if I 
could touch the ever-present  Boris!!!

What a rush of excitement that came over that small group of people.  
Soon, Roger came out the same way, and almost got away until I 
noticed him, and offered a handshake  and said "Was it your idea to 
put The Kids Are Alright into the encore?".  He just smiled like 
the cat that just swallowed the canary and said he was glad we 
enjoyed it.  (First encounter Number 2!! - better than the first, 
anyway!   :-)


Finally, Pete came down the ramp, and began signing autographs and 
chatting with fans automatically, without being asked.  Again,  brain 
cramp set in and all I could blurt out was "Great show, Pete." and 
shook his hand.  (He has HUGE hands).  Looking me in the eye, he said 
slowly in a sincere tone "I'm really glad you enjoyed it."  
(Encounter number 3, just like number 1 -  I mean this was PETE 
TOWNSHEND, people).

The most surprising thing was probably how casually they all came 
over to chat, shake hands and sign autographs.  My sheltered vision 
of their level of celebrity is that they are always surrounded by 
people and are wisked away from the masses by their "handlers".  All 
three came out virtually alone.  (Rog had maybe three people with 
him).

I gotta go now before I implode.  Thirty freakin' years, and I 
finally got to meet them on what may be their last tour.  I'm gonna 
go light a novena candle for Keith now.

Thanks for your attention, fellow Whooligans!!