June 2000 The Psychedelic News Music Ezine

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Go Ride the Music....
July 29, 1995 - Chris Skelton, London Ontario

Angels and fate had been very much alive and well within my little realm back in 1995. There had been too many closely related events of which, I feel, cannot be dismissed as mere 'coincidences'. I still find myself sitting back and wondering if what had transpired was reality or merely just a dream. I'd like to share this, one of my favorite memories, with you.

In the sweet halcyon days of my youth, (back when dinosaurs ruled the earth), I had purchased a newly released album in 1966 entitled "Takes Off" by an unknown band called "The Jefferson Airplane". Upon listening to it I had heard a very magical sound that touched me deeply. It was the rich distinct melodic artistry of Jack Casady playing the bass guitar as a musical instrument rather than a common tool being used to simply augment a band's rhythm section. Because of that one man's musical ability I chose, then and there, to learn how to play the bass guitar. Borrowing money from my parents I ran out and bought a cheap Japanese bass guitar and a woeful little amplifier and began to practice. I'm sure that I must have bored all of my friends over the years mentioning my dream to one day meet my mentor and personally thank him for the gift that he unknowingly gave me.

One evening 29 years later I was working on some art when an overpowering urge told me to go to the corner store and purchase a newspaper. I tried to dismiss the thought but it kept returning until I eventually gave in to the feeling. When I had returned home with newspaper in hand I immediately discarded everything except but the classified section. I can only say that it was as if I was being guided. I began to search for the 'announcement' column. There it was! A small box announcing that a July concert was being scheduled in London, Ontario for the Jefferson Starship TNG, "Featuring original Airplane members Paul Kantner, Marty Balin and Jack Casady"! Three of my musical heroes back together again! The show was being promoted by a local television and rock radio station. I folded the paper up and began to drift upon the ether of wishful thoughts. My long harbored dream began playing again. I soon dismissed it as being something that "only happens to other people". That is until the day before the concert was scheduled...

The day before the concert had found me in the midst of a minor union problem at work that required immediate attention. I called for an impromptu meeting with three of my comrades and when I was asked where we should meet the name of a new roadhouse immediately flashed vividly in my mind: 'Armadillo's'. I was asked "Why there?" and I simply replied, "Why not?". I had never been to that place before and never once entertained any previous thoughts about ever visiting it. It was while I was approaching the front door of that establishment that I began to smile to myself at the recollection of an old Jefferson Airplane song on which Grace Slick sang a long drawn out "armadillo" in the background. How appropriate!

As my co-workers and I were sitting there discussing how to deal with the problem at work a stranger came up to our table in the bar and sat down upon the stool next to me. We began to talk and I soon learned that he was a very popular local radio disc jockey from the station that happened to be promoting the Starship TNG concert. (Note: The band promotes themselves as The Next Generation). We had an excellent conversation about the music of the Sixties. I mentioned my story of how Jack Casady had inspired me 29 years ago and what an honor it would be to meet my mentor and ask him to autograph my beloved Rickenbacker bass guitar. Sort of a teacher's approval of his student's work. A life circle would then be completed! After I had relayed this thought to the disc jockey he smiled and started rummaging through his pockets for a business card. Finding one he instructed me to call him at the radio station around three o'clock the next afternoon. "It was nice meeting you Chris". He stood up, shook my hand and walked out of the door. What the hell was that all about? continued . . .

I am reminded of the time I met Richie Blackmore...

Vic The Dude - Seattle, Washington

I was working in a huge costume house in LA that furnished the movie studios with the wardrobe used in the various motion picture and TV productions. The place was called Western Costume and was right next to Paramount Studios. Besides costuming the movies, it also rented to private citizens. I was maybe 18 or 19 at the time and working "the floor" as we called it, doing private rentals and helping the main costumers assemble the wardrobe for the studios. One day my name and one of my co-workers name was called out on the PA system to come up front to help a private rental. I got to the reception desk and was introduced to my next client, but while I was there the receptionist called out the name of the next person to be helped, which my co-worker would be assisting. "Mr.Blackmore", she said, "this is George and he'll be helping you". I looked back into the reception area and man, there's Richie Blackmore! He's with some friend and is there to rent a costume from the Renaissance period. Now, I was used to meeting famous actors at Western, but NOT my rock heroes! So I escorted my client back to my dressing room area, and George (who had NO idea who his new client is) escorted Richie back to his dressing room area. Usually what happens next is we will ask the client what kind of costume they are looking for, take their sizes, and have them wait in the dressing room while we go get the various items for their costume. (Western is an enormous 6 story "warehouse" of row after row after row of every imaginable type of garment. That's why we NEVER let the clients go with us to get the clothes. If we did it would take forever to complete an order because the client would have just way too much to choose from, literally thousands and thousands of pants, shirts, jackets, etc, from all different periods of history).

So when I got my client to the dressing room, even before they could tell me what they wanted, I politely excused myself and said I'll be right back. I then went right to George's dressing room and waited for him to come out. As soon as he did I said "George, you have to trade clients with me! Do you know who you have in there"? George said "some guy named Richie Blackmore who wants...." (I interrupted him) " That's Richie Blackmore the guitarist for Deep Purple and Rainbow! That's one of my favorite guitarists in the world! You gotta trade with me." I pleaded for a few more seconds and George finally said sure he'll trade. So I went into George's dressing room and introduced myself to Richie and told him that I would now be handling his order. Richie then told me what he was looking for and as I was about to leave the dressing room he asked THE question that was always answered with a no from us costumers..."Can I go with you?" "Oh yeah, you bet!" I said. So off we went. While we were walking through the aisles I admitted to being a big fan and I'm sure I must have said any number of dumb things during the time it took to complete his costume. Anyway, when it was finished and I was writing up the order I asked about when Rainbow would be playing in the LA area (this was right before the "Rainbow Rising" album came out. He said a new album would be out soon and right after that they would probably be in LA for a concert. Then I asked if he thinks he might remember me and maybe get me into the concert. He said "here's a phone number where I'll be in LA. About a week before the concert call this number and tell whoever answers that I said to put you on the guest list". WOW! So I did what he said and called the number, thinking that I'll probably reach some record company or other "official" business. Instead the phone rang and the voice on the other end just said "Hello". I didn't know who I was talking to so I said "is Richie Blackmore there?" The voice (British) said he was not there and asked who was calling. I told this person about Western Costume, Richie said call, yada yada yada, etc. The voice then said, "how do you spell your name?" YES! He was taking down the info and told me where to go for my tickets the night of the show. I said thank you and to tell Richie thank you, and hung up. The night of the concert I had 2 passes waiting for me. Hindsight tells me that the passes were probably good for backstage access at some point, but at age 19 I had no idea about passes. All I know is they got me into the concert and they were free! Good enough for me. Hindsight also tells me that it was probably Richie that I was talking to on the phone at his home in LA (how else would he have known what number I should call so many months or weeks in advance?), but to shorten the call he just took down the necessary information.

I tell you the story because I think it sheds some favorable light on a guy who has a reputation as being somewhat arrogant. At least in '75 or '76 or whenever this took place, he was an absolute delight to be around, and kept his promise of tickets to a young fan. Also it shows that he has been a fan of the Renaissance period for a long time, as that was the period of costume he came in to get, so he could wear it to the Renaissance Pleasure Fair held annually outside of LA. Obviously if his musical direction now has him playing this style of music, then it is a passion of his that runs very deep, and has for many many years.

Thanks Vic!

Go Ride The Music - continued

The next day had arrived and after watching the noon news on television I was getting ready to turn the set off when "something" told me to keep watching. I still had to drive downtown to purchase my ticket for the concert but I kept getting a message to keep it on just a little bit longer... I decided that I would go around the dial one more time, turn it off and be on my way. The very last channel I came upon was a local station that was broadcasting a community events program. Suddenly there before me was Jack Casady and Marty Balin being interviewed via a live satellite feed from somewhere in the United States! They talked about the band's history and promoted their concert for later that evening. When the interview was over the program's host stated that he had a pair of free tickets to the Starship TNG concert for the first caller! I grabbed my telephone and began to rapidly punch in the numbers. It rang for what seemed to be an eternity. Just as I was about to hang up a cheerful voice came on the line and announced, "Hello! You're a winner! Can I please have your name?". I died of happiness right then and there! I had just won two $33.00 tickets! After I had hung up the telephone I sat back in the couch and began to think about the 'coincidences' over the past couple of months. It certainly seemed that it was time for me to thank whomever it was that was showering me with such kindness and generosity. I smiled like a Cheshire Cat.

When I finally got around to picking up the tickets at the television studio it was nearing the time when I was to contact the disc jockey. Seeing how I was already in the general area I thought perhaps it would be simpler if I just drove to the radio station in order to find out what the big mystery was all about. The radio station receptionist asked me for my name and then called the disc jockey on an intercom. A few moments later the studio door opened and I was hurriedly invited inside. He was in the middle of broadcasting a commercial and had to get back on the air in a few moments. It was absolutely fascinating to watch him cueing up the CD's, advertisements and talking to thousands of anonymous people who were listening to his voice at that precise second. A long song was set up and as it played I was given a tour of the studio. As much as I would love to have that job I don't think there is much call for a connoisseur of vintage psychedelic music in this city! When the tour was over we returned to his studio. I thanked him for the tour and asked why did he want me to contact him. He smiled as he reached into his shirt pocket and produced a laminated VIP pass for the concert! He dangled it by its strap and began to sway it before my eyes like a hypnotist's pendulum. "This is for you on only one condition. You must promise me that you will bring your Rickenbacker to the concert tonight and have it signed by your teacher. This should get you backstage. However I can offer no guarantees you will get meet him. Their road manager might have made arrangements for them to go to the airport immediately after the concert". A stranger's kindness... When I regained the ability to speak I thanked him and made the promise. As I was leaving the studio he called me back and requested that I contact him tomorrow. He wanted to know whether dreams do come true.

If you are ever in the mood to feel stupid try showing up for a rock concert carrying a guitar case. The security personnel at the door wanted an explanation and demanded to search the case for tape recorders and cameras. After I had showed them the VIP pass I mentioned how I hoped to meet Casady and ask him if would be kind to sign the bass. They all nodded in silent reverence and wished me the best of luck. It turned out that they were fans of his as well.

The concert was held in the hockey arena of the University of Western Ontario. I was surprised that it was a licensed show with alcohol being sold and served on the main floor level. The crowd was disappointedly small with perhaps eight hundred people in an arena that could have comfortably accommodated at least five thousand. It wasn't until chatting with a few people that I learned that Procol Harum had been added to the playbill and were now scheduled to close the show! Well! In held 'twas I!

After a local band opened the show there was a flurry of activity on the stage with the roadies setting up an impressive selection of equipment. Soon the stage lights darkened completely and then suddenly came on in a dazzling array of colors. Simultaneously the opening notes to "Crown of Creation" tore through the venue. There stood three of my musical heroes playing one of my all time favorite Airplane songs! It was absolute perfection! It just doesn't get any better than this! The band had a tremendously talented new female vocalist who, at times, sounded like a young Grace Slick. I soon worked my way to the front and found an excellent vantage spot at the edge of the stage, (just like I did at the Airplane's Detroit concert back in August of 1972), and watched Casady play the most incredible bass lines. The entire band was thoroughly professional with their delivery. Even the next day's newspaper review gave them highest accolades over their sound. They played for about an hour and a half and included every song that I could have remotely hoped for. Kantner chatted easily and shared some thoughts and memories between the songs. The band appeared quite happy and it was obvious that they were enjoying their performance. As I watched and listened I was transported back to a gentle carefree time of my life. The many long hot summer nights that I had spent listening to Airplane music while waiting for the sun to rise.

Crown of Creation, Wooden Ships, Volunteers, Somebody to Love, White Rabbit, Law Man, Miracles, Count on Me, 3/5 of a Mile in 10 Seconds, Running Around this World, With Your Love and a few new songs from their then upcoming album "Deep Space/Virgin Sky" were played. They briefly left the stage only to return with an encore to enthusiastic applause. It was now that I decided that I should make my move to get backstage in order to meet Jack Casady when he exited. I managed to pry myself away from the performance and lugged the guitar case over to a muscle bound security employee who was standing by the stage door. I showed him the VIP pass and asked him for backstage access. "It don't say fuck all about backstage", he sneered. I was taken aback by his bluntness. I then asked what did the VIP pass access me to. "How the fuck should I know? It don't say backstage and if you even try to get back there you're gonna have to deal with me". He glared, folded his large arms and stood in a silly macho pose to emphasize this threat. My dream was now rapidly starting to slip away. As I began to turn away I suddenly had an idea! (maybe I should have said: was 'given' one). In my best authoritative voice I commanded, "I demand to see your Supervisor and I want to see him now!". The mammoth appeared absolutely stunned at the words that I had just spat out and he silently pointed towards a small middle-aged man who stood about twenty feet away watching the concert. As I approached him, I placed a nice smile upon my face and asked, "Excuse me but I have this VIP pass to meet the Starship and could you...?". He immediately snapped to attention and said, "Yes sir! Please follow me sir". We walked past the mammoth and I had managed to shoot off a look of utter contempt at him. I could still hear his repeated apologies as we walked on. I was escorted through a series of long hallways deep within the bowels of the arena. We soon stopped in front of a door that had a sign reading 'Private' taped to it. After unlocking it he invited me into a room which was furnished with numerous comfortable chairs, a well stocked bar and a very large table that was heaped with catered food. "Please help yourself to whatever you may wish sir", he smiled. "The band will be in here shortly or you can wait for them at the stage door entrance at the end of this hall". I kindly thanked him and he departed. It was a very strange feeling being left all alone in the Starship's post show room. The Queen Alien's chamber! I opted for the stage door.

Shortly after the last notes were played the stage door opened. I looked up and saw the entire band coming towards me! There! Live! In color! Kantner! Balin! I nodded and said a wide-eyed 'hello' as they walked past. My greetings were returned. Then came Jack Casady! He was carrying two bass guitars with him. As he neared I approached and asked, "Jack, would you honor me by signing my guitar?". He stopped, broke into a very warm smile and said, "Hello! I'd be very happy to do that for you". He looked down at his two bass guitars and then back up to me and said, "It appears that my hands are rather full right now. What's your name?". I told him. "Come on down to my 'office' Chris". As I was following him down the long corridor I suddenly became aware that I was now walking alongside the new female singer. She introduced herself to me and began to talk about the performance. Her name is Diana Mangano. I told her that she has a beautiful voice and that I thought she did a tremendous performance on the older songs. She thanked me and began asking me about my interest in the band's history. I briefly told her about my dream and that I couldn't believe my good fortune of being in such close proximity to the band and especially Jack Casady. She said that she knew exactly what I was saying and strongly felt the same way. At that point in time she had only been with the band for a couple of months. Diana then confessed a fear that all of this was simply a dream she was having and how she would soon wake up to discover that none of this had ever happened. Laughter was shared when we compared notes on just how much we were in awe of the three rock music legends before us. Jack, by this time, had unlocked his dressing room door and invited me in. I bid Diana good-bye and entered the room. Once inside I was confronted with an impressive array of guitars and a practice amplifier. "Please have a chair Chris. You can set your guitar down on the bench". I then began to tell him the reason why I chose to play the electric bass guitar 29 years ago and that I've been following and studying his musical style ever since. "I've always considered you to be my teacher and I'm very grateful that I have been given this opportunity to thank you in person for all of the years of enjoyment you had provided me". He thanked me most graciously for my 'wonderful kind words' and said, " I'm deeply touched to learn that a young Canadian boy picked up the bass guitar because of me. Let me have a look at your guitar". I then opened my guitar case and lovingly took out the Rickenbacker and handed it to him. He plugged it into the amplifier and began to play it. Jack Casady was actually playing my "Beast"! He pronounced it a very fine guitar and accurately dated its age. "Do you really want me to sign your Rickenbacker?" I then produced a permanent ink pen and told him that I would be honored. "The honor is all mine Chris. I would consider it a privilege to sign your bass". He placed the guitar down and carefully wrote his name on the top 'horn'. A beautiful signature. He then placed the Rickenbacker back into its case, stood up and walked over to where his guitars were sitting on stands. He took the Gibson that he had used on stage that night and plugged it in. He played a fast little run on it and then handed it to me. It's was a beautiful old Gibson hollow body of a model I wasn't familiar with. I'm guessing that it must be an early 1960's vintage. I played a short melody of various Airplane songs complete with all of the 'Casady' flourishes that I had been practicing for years. "You really have been studying me haven't you?" He gave me a wide smile of approval. "You played that well". My spirit was now soaring somewhere over the stratosphere! He then explained that the bass I was holding was a rare prototype that Gibson had once considered manufacturing some thirty years ago and was one of only a few copies in existence. Upon hearing this I carefully handed it back to him! He told me that he had just signed an agreement with Gibson to produce a limited edition run of this guitar as the 'Jack Casady Edition'. It would be issued through their subsidiary Epiphone. It felt like the most perfect bass guitar in the world. Nicely balanced. We then started talking about the Jefferson Airplane, his playing with Jimi Hendrix on the Electric Ladyland album and the various guitars that he used to play such as the Guild, Alembic and Epiphone. He sadly told me that his famous custom built Alembic was stolen many years ago and how he missed it. At this point I looked down at my watch and realized that we had been talking for almost forty minutes. I thanked him once again for the kindness that he had shown me and bid him farewell. "You've been a very good student Chris. Your teacher approves. Take care". I floated down the hallway with my feet walking on the air.

As a postscript to my story I visited the disc jockey at the radio station the next day. I proudly showed him my autographed Rickenbacker and recounted the conversation I had with Casady. I thanked him profusely for the kindness that he had shown me. After chatting for a while I asked what exactly made him come over to me in the bar and begin a conversation? He honestly didn't know except that 'something' told him to do it. There are angels at work among us and dreams really do come true. Never lose sight of that!

Thanks Chris!

	The Trip Continues . . . Expand Your Mind visit classicrockpage.com	June 2000 - Issue 9 For Daily Trivia click here

Greetings All ... The summer issues of The Psychedelic News will be a little different. We'll be trying various things and as usual we want to hear what you think. The "Hippy Remembers" feature has become a very popular part of your cyber-zine. This issue will be completely dedicated to some of the great stories that subscribers have been kind enough to share with fellow Classicrockpagers. The team at CRP has enjoyed reading them and putting them together for you. We hope you enjoy them too.