| My New York experiences with Paul This thread currently has 2,561 views. |
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| Joe_Karlosi |
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I had a couple of encounters with Paul in NYC, but I'm afraid they're not the most pleasant... Here's the first one:
In February of 1993, Paul was doing SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE. I found out the hotel he was staying at, and so my wife and I hung out with about 20 other fans hoping to get an autograph.
Because I was such a lifelong Beatles fan, I stood in the February cold for two days (not consecutively, of course - I went home in between) and what Paul did was play "cat and mouse" with us all day. He would leave the hotel to get in his limo and go for a jog, then return to the hotel. We'd wait three hours, he'd come back out to go to lunch, then come back. Another couple of hours we wait -- he goes out to dinner. He comes back to the hotel, stays a while, goes back out to rehearse at NBC.
To make a long story short, during the course of the two days there'd be as many as 20 people there at some times and as little as 3 at others. Each time, Paul would say "hello!" or "good morning!" but then he'd be off, without stopping.
One time, I jokingly yelled to him (lying): "Please, Paul - I came all the way from Canada!!" -- and as McCartney climbed into the limo, he turned to me and shrugged: "Oh, did ya? I came all the way from England!" - and then the limo sped off!
As it turned out, I actually DID get Paul's authograph that weekend -- but it was only while he was inside the lobby, and he sent his PR man John Hammil outside to collect items for signing. Paul signed them INSIDE the hotel, then the items were returned to us. As Paul left for SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, he yelled to the crowd: "okay! Everyone got one?!" - and we all said "thank you's". It wasn't the best way to get his autograph, but it was better than nothing!
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| Joe_Karlosi |
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The really bad story occurred in June of 1995 in New York. Once again, I had heard Paul was in town from another Beatles fan I knew. This time it was a private visit, and nothing public. So when we got to the hotel, I figured I was a shoe-in for a close encounter with Mr. McCartney because nobody else knew he was coming and there were only three of us present.
However, the hotel manager begged us not to stay at the hotel. He said, "Paul's here on personal business and says he doesn't want to see any fans here when he arrives". Now, I had no way to be sure whether or not this guy was lying or not, so we three stayed.
Eventually, the limo pulls up and we walk to the car. Linda is in the back seat on "our" side, while Paul is on the other side. I have a copy of the RAM album with me for a possible signing, but Paul recognizes one of the girls who's followed him around for 20 years (and has the photos to prove it!). When he sees her again, Paul yells -- and I mean YELLS -- "YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE, HONEY!!"
As it turns out, this girl doesn't want anything from Paul. She has a little crystalized statue she wants to give him as a gift. Paul screams: "NO!! I DON'T WANT YOUR GIFT BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE!!!"
So, the girl decides to hand the gift to Linda. Paul, furious, grabs it from his wife's hand and flings it out the window, onto the street. "I DON'T WANT YOUR GIFT BECAUSE YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE!!!"
At that point, I just backed off in shock. Paul went into the hotel and that was it. I guess it's one of the chances you take in getting disappointed when you try to meet your favorite stars. Now, I can't be sure about this, but in retrospect it's a possibility that the McCartney's might have been in New York regarding Linda's cancer. It was shortly after this that I think the public found out about it. |
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Quoted from Joe_Karlosi, posted July 14, 2004, 9:14pm at here
One time, I jokingly yelled to him (lying): "Please, Paul - I came all the way from Canada!!" -- and as McCartney climbed into the limo, he turned to me and shrugged: "Oh, did ya? I came all the way from England!" - and then the limo sped off!
That cracked me up!  Great story Joe! Regarding your 1995 encounter, I reckon you're right about the tension caused by Linda's illness. I'm sure, in hindsight you've forgiven him for being so... erm... off! At least you got to meet him... TWICE, even if he wasn't in the best of moods! |
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| Rowdy |
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Wow, that's weird that one girl would follow him around so much....I see no problem in how Paul acted about the situation...he's only human.
I met Paul over a year ago. Well, we didn't meet....I saw him......on the Anthology DVD..... |
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| misterchaz |
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Who knows what this girl stalking him had done for 20 years...she may well have upset him long ago and he simply did not want to ever see her again. He was usually pretty accessible. The cancer may have had something to do with it. Either way, it's not as if he punched ya or anything.  |
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| tkitna |
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Yeah, sorry to hear about his bitterness, but in the second instance, it was pretty clear when the guy said - "Paul's here on personal business and says he doesn't want to see any fans here when he arrives".
You stayed anyways. |
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| Joe_Karlosi |
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Living in New York, there are many opportunities. The only other time I came close to Paul was in 1992 when I had won tickets on a radio show when he was doing the UP CLOSE show for MTV. I had been calling the station for days, trying to win. Then at 2 am I was the "25th caller"! It's the only time I won anything on the radio.
When I received the tickets, they said "Floor" on them. So I figured, "well, at least the seats are going to be good". When my wife and I got to the Ed Sullivan theatre, we were told that "Floor" meant that we'd have to stand in front of the stage, no sitting.
DO YOU THINK I MINDED???? HELL, NO!!! We were standing throughout the show right up against the stage, just about five feet to Paul's right. I remember I could see the fillings in his teeth when he was singing! This is my happiest achievment as a fan.
I also got to see RIngo at his hotel in 1995, but once again, it wasn't the best experience.
He came and went a couple of times, just mumbling unpleasant things under his breath and rushing past the fans without acknowledging them or signing anything, I'm afraid. Maybe this has something to do with what happened to John, and that this is New York. I don't know. |
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Quoted from Joe_Karlosi, posted July 15, 2004, 10:09am at here
I also got to see RIngo at his hotel in 1995, he came and went a couple of times, just mumbling unpleasant things under his breath and rushing past the fans without acknowledging them or signing anything.
Wow! You have pissed off half the Beatles!!! LOL! |
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| Joe_Karlosi |
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Well, all kidding aside, they pissed me off The first case of Paul in 1993 was just his being stubborn. It took 2 days for him to finally sign autographs FROM INSIDE THE LOBBY after we fans waited in the freezing cold for several hours each day. Walking right passed, in and out, only saying "hello". Ever see Paul when the camera's on him, like in BACK IN THE U.S. ...? All of a sudden, in the spotlight, he's Mr. Accessible! That was the difference between him and John. The second time, in '95, I guess Paul was agitated because the familiar girl was still there after 20 years of stalking him. Still, it's not cool when a Beatle throws your gift out the car window and onto the ground and shouts: "YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE, HONEY!" - I mean, we're Americans, he's from England, for Chrissake! Who's not "supposed" to be where? Anyway, he was yelling at the girl, not me; I was too shocked and backed away. Ringo just didn't want to be bothered with any fans. Amazing from a guy who's always got that peace sign in the air and shouts, "peace and love". I never met John, unfortunately. At the time he was alive, I wasn't used to traveling into the city by train. However, when he was recording DOUBLE FANTASY I went with some friends to the Dakota but he wasn't around. It haunts me that ever since his death I became very much an avid city autograph collector and subsequently went into Manhattan many times to see celebrities. I know that if John was still alive while i was older I would have seen him. But I hadn't been a frequent visitor to the city when he was still with us. Now YOKO, on the other hand, was a joy to meet. It was in 1994 and she was as gracious and sweet as can be. Smiled and signed for everyone who was at the Dakota that day, and posed for pictures with us. That lady is really living an unjustified bum rap. Never met George, although I very nearly went to his hotel in '92 when he was here for the Bob Dylan tribute. |
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| misterchaz |
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You're being to hard on both of them.
They certainly don't OWE anyone anything. And everyone, yourself included, has bad days.
It's a shame he wasn't more gracious those two few times you saw him (and Ringo too) but it doesn't really mean anything.
Neither one told people to wait around in the cold for two days. I'm afraid fans came up with that idea on their own.
And yes, Yoko was quite nice to me when I interviewed her in 87. |
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| Joe_Karlosi |
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You're being to hard on both of them.
They certainly don't OWE anyone anything. And everyone, yourself included, has bad days.
It's a shame he wasn't more gracious those two few times you saw him (and Ringo too) but it doesn't really mean anything.
Neither one told people to wait around in the cold for two days. I'm afraid fans came up with that idea on their own.
I appreciate your frankness, and to be honest I knew this was inevitable from someone. However, I subscribe to the old school of "if I buy your records over the decades, see your movies forever, help to make you what you are, etc.." you do kind of, well ..... owe me at least several seconds. I know everyone has their bad days; I certainly am one of them -- in fact, in 1995 I was unemployed and had to borrow money to go to the city to try to meet Paul that time when he was inconvenienced by three people eager to say hello to him. The least a multi-millionaire can do is sign an autograph. I know what you're saying, believe me. But as far as fans choosing to wait in the cold themselves, I'm afraid we don't have much choice unless Paul would like to schedule us in sometime on a spring afternoon between lunch and dinner What I'm getting at is, we have to take advantage of whatever meager opportunity is there, when it's available. These stars act like you can always come back another time when they're in the mood; well, it doesn't always work that conveniently. If I live to be 100, those two encounters with Paul McCartney may be the only opportunities I'll ever get. I know this sounds harsh and I apologize for that. When I first posted the stories my aim wasn't to "prove anything," but merely to tell interesting stories to Beatles Fans on the Beatles Forum. |
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| Sandra |
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Can you even imagine how it must feel to constantly have people wanting something from you? Everywhere you go there's someone asking for an autograph or picture? I mean even when you're having a bad day or are not feelling the greatest people expect you to smile and do what they want! To have this be your life all of the time 24 hours a day!!! I think Paul and Ringo have handled it well considering how poorly some mediocre stars have behaved. I don't think half of us would be able to handle it so well. |
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| Joe_Karlosi |
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Absolutely -- I've very often thought of how awful it must be to get someone in your face, 24/7, asking for something from you. Man, that's gotta be a real pain -- However, it's part of the job of being famous and they're getting paid a King's Ransom for it. It's give and take. Accepting the bad with the good. Paul could have been a construction worker or a cook - then nobody would even care if he existed, and he could have struggled from paycheck to paycheck to make ends meet, as a working class stiff. However, he chose stardom and I'd bet he doesn't regret it. If you ever see him, ask him which he'd prefer. My job is a thankless one too, and I knew what I was getting into when I took it. Only difference is, I don't get paid nearly the same amount to put up with it. P.S> I'm just telling my true feelings on the matter. Don't mean to offend anyone. |
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| misterchaz |
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Quoted from Joe_Karlosi, posted July 15, 2004, 8:12pm at hereI appreciate your frankness, and to be honest I knew this was inevitable from someone. However, I subscribe to the old school of "if I buy your records over the decades, see your movies forever, help to make you what you are, etc.." you do kind of, well ..... owe me at least several seconds. ***And you'd still be wrong. I know everyone has their bad days; I certainly am one of them -- in fact, in 1995 I was unemployed and had to borrow money to go to the city to try to meet Paul that time when he was inconvenienced by three people eager to say hello to him. The least a multi-millionaire can do is sign an autograph. ***Again, your unemployment is neither known to him nor relevant. My point stands. I know what you're saying, believe me. But as far as fans choosing to wait in the cold themselves, I'm afraid we don't have much choice unless Paul would like to schedule us in sometime on a spring afternoon between lunch and dinner ***That would be nice. Seriously, tho, the choice is not to. What I'm getting at is, we have to take advantage of whatever meager opportunity is there, when it's available. These stars act like you can always come back another time when they're in the mood; well, it doesn't always work that conveniently. If I live to be 100, those two encounters with Paul McCartney may be the only opportunities I'll ever get. ***Which is still more than the vast majority of his fans will ever get. I know this sounds harsh and I apologize for that. When I first posted the stories my aim wasn't to "prove anything," but merely to tell interesting stories to Beatles Fans on the Beatles Forum. ***I understand, and agree...I enjoyed your stories immensely. I did not feel you needed to prove anything...but (here it somes)...neither does Paul. ***Like George said, they gave their nervous systems. Like John said, the fans got it all, there was nothing left for them to give. So why demand that they do? ***Thas all I'se sayin.
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| Sandra |
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Personally, I don't see what the big deal is about bothering these people for autographs and stuff. I live in the L.A. area and occasionally see 'famous' people and it's like exciting for about a second. Then you realize, ok, they're just people eating at a restaurant or shopping for fruit! I'm certainly not going to bother them for my own amusement! I guess it would be great to meet Paul or any other Beatle, but I'd be more excited to see them perform. That's what they do. What am I gonna say? Uh, I love your music. Like they haven't heard that a million and one times before! |
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| Sandra |
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Quoted from misterchaz, posted July 15, 2004, 7:34pm at here
And yes, Yoko was quite nice to me when I interviewed her in 87.
Huh!?! What!! That's very cool. P.S. Did you get her autograph? |
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| Joe_Karlosi |
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***And you'd still be wrong.
There is no "right" or "wrong" here, just opinion.
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***Again, your unemployment is neither known to him nor relevant.
It doesn't have to matter to Paul; but it mattered to me back then. And given my situation at the time, it's part of the reason I felt I'm being more "inconvenienced" than he was and can't be expected to think he's got it so bad by my showing up to say hello to him for 10 seconds. That's some "problem"!
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***That would be nice. Seriously, tho, the choice is not to.
Huh? You've been a Beatles fan even longer than I have. Surely you can understand wanting to get an autograph from Paul McCartney in person?
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***Which is still more than the vast majority of his fans will ever get.
Well, you MAKE your opportunity. That's why I chose to do what I did.
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***I understand, and agree...I enjoyed your stories immensely. I did not feel you needed to prove anything...but (here it somes)...neither does Paul.
I originally posted the story just to share it. I didn't say Paul needed to prove anything. When someone wrote "you pissed off half of the Beatles," I had to say that no, I didn't --- but if anything, they kind of disappointed ME. I stand by my opinions. The bottom line when all is said and done is that Paul really was wrong to grab the gift from the girl's hand and fling it out the window and onto the street and yell at her. Wouldn't you agree there, at least? This is a free country and Paul doesn't own the streets. He was in a limo, and the girl never touched him or anything... |
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Quoted from Joe_Karlosi, posted July 16, 2004, 10:02am at herePaul really was wrong to grab the gift from the girl's hand and fling it out the window and onto the street and yell at her.
Famous people understand that people are ALWAYS going to ask them for autographs, but obviously some days it's not going to be convenient or maybe they've got out of bed on the wrong side - you've just been unlucky! I'm sure there are millions of fans with great stories to tell - like that homeless hippy who John found living in his garden! Regarding Paul losing it with that fan and her statue - he was obviously extremely stressed (and we've sumised why) and all of us have days when we throw our dummies out of the pram... luckily WE never make the tabloids! I walked into a book shop once, and Pete Best happened to be doing a book-signing in there! So I rushed out and bought a camera! When I got back to the shop, he was more than happy to pose for pictures - and even re-posed when the flash didn't work for half of them!! I have nothing at all against dedicated fans chasing autographs - if I had the time (and patience) I'd probably do the same. And if I happened to be buying fruit next to a Beatle, there is NO WAY I'm not going to dig in my pocket for a pen and paper! |
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| misterchaz |
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1.) You're right. It's your opinion and your opinion can neither be right or wrong.
2.) The 'pissed half of the Beatles' line was funny. Indicated by smiley. Lighten up!
3.) Yes, I understand what it would mean to make contact with a hero. No, I don't think it's up to me to grab the chance. Perhaps a unique NYC perspective, I don't know.
4.) I loved the stories and appreciate your posting them. But by doing so you open yourself up to OTHER'S (non-right and non-wrong) opinions. You've read mine.
5.) As to the girl I have no comment as I was not there, and agreed, it sounds pretty shitty. |
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Sure, it seems so easy: making people happy by just signing your name on a piece of paper. That doesn't seem like such an unpleasant thing to do, right? But Paul McCartney has been herassed by people who want something from him almost non-stop for the last 40 years... I can't blame the guy if he gets fed up with it every once in a while... He's a real person and not a public property. |
| Formely known as Biscuit Power |
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| Joe_Karlosi |
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Famous people understand that people are ALWAYS going to ask them for autographs, but obviously some days it's not going to be convenient or maybe they've got out of bed on the wrong side - you've just been unlucky! I'm sure there are millions of fans with great stories to tell - like that homeless hippy who John found living in his garden!
Well, let's remember that the Lennons were filming that event, so it's easier to be cool when you're kind of playing to the camera lens. And this is especially the case with Paul. From what I've seen, he's all smiles and "public relations" when he's on camera, as witnessed in the BACK IN THE U.S.A. video where he signs a few autographs from out of his limo! Don't get me wrong, I think you guys are 100% right that I just got Paul on a bad day (as we surmised) and it was indeed a risk I took. I was just unlucky that day, you're right. It's just too bad I had to witness his rage like that; it's not the one image I want to have etched in my mind of my one close encounter with James Paul McCartney, after being a Beatles fan my whole life! But that's the way it went, unfortunately.
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Regarding Paul losing it with that fan and her statue - he was obviously extremely stressed (and we've sumised why) and all of us have days when we throw our dummies out of the pram...
Agreed. Besides, this girl has photos posing together with Paul dating back to the early '70s. It was upon seeing her at this hotel AGAIN that set him off. I don't think he would have been thrilled no matter WHO he saw at his hotel that day, but seeing this girl in particular seemed to inspire a bad reaction. Kind of like, "YOU AGAIN?? YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE TODAY!!" -- He really wasn't addressing me or the one other girl who was with us. By the way, you're not going to believe this part of the story (which I left out).. After I was dissed by Paul, I walked back to catch the train and I actually saw what looked like another McCartney looking through a shop window with his girlfriend. I recognized him immediately -- he was Mitch Weissman, the "lookalike" who played Paul in the BEATLEMANIA stage show in 1978. I swear to God, true story! I just shook his hand and told him the Paul story I had witnessed only minutes earlier. It was like a TWILIGHT ZONE episode! |
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2.) The 'pissed half of the Beatles' line was funny. Indicated by smiley. Lighten up!
Yes, I realize that. I wasn't annoyed, it's just that I guess I'm a stickler to "make it understood rightly". No anger here -- just that, even with the smiley and the joke, the truth is that "I" didn't do anything to them!
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3.) Yes, I understand what it would mean to make contact with a hero. No, I don't think it's up to me to grab the chance. Perhaps a unique NYC perspective, I don't know.
Well, it's the old "if you snooze, you lose" philosophy, no matter where you live. Say you're a big fan of McCartney, both as a Beatle and especially as a solo artist - and you know you've got a rare opportunity to possibly see him and maybe get an autograph. Do you take the opportunity or let it pass you by? To me, it's a no-brainer. It should be a natural excitement to fans as serious into the group as we are. They're not going to knock on your door, y'know!
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4.) I loved the stories and appreciate your posting them. But by doing so you open yourself up to OTHER'S (non-right and non-wrong) opinions. You've read mine.
Very true and very fair. However, it's worth keeping in mind that fans most often like to block out any notion that their heros could be so nasty. They try to deny it or make excuses. Unfortunately, I wish this WAS a dream! |
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| Joe_Karlosi |
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Sure, it seems so easy: making people happy by just signing your name on a piece of paper. That doesn't seem like such an unpleasant thing to do, right? But Paul McCartney has been herassed by people who want something from him almost non-stop for the last 40 years... I can't blame the guy if he gets fed up with it every once in a while... He's a real person and not a public property.
Oh, believe me, I understand. I do try to imagine what it's like ... Paul gets up, goes outside, there's a mob waiting for autographs. He gets into a cab, the guy wants his autograph. He then goes to a TV studio, every technician wants an autograph. Etc... Etc... The ones who get lucky, think he's cool. The ones that are unlucky think he's not. I really get it. But about Paul's not being public property -- who's being treated like "property" when the star says "YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE!!!"...? I mean, I love the Beatles and I don't want to sound like I'm bashing the guy, but Paul may have a right to say this if we're loitering on the grounds of his own home, but he can't come to America, where I live and "belong," and be on a public street (we three fans were waiting across the street of the hotel at the time, by the way, as the hotel owner made us stay there). Not really the right choice of words that Paul used. But then again, it's not like he planned what he was going to say, word for word - it's just the way he reacted. One more tidbit: After Paul stormed into the hotel that day, the PR guy (I believe his name is John Hammil) came out to me across the street and basically said, "Look -- Paul isn't signing any autographs this trip. But if you'd like, if you write down your name and address, I'll have a signed photo mailed to your house". Well, I wrote it down. Never got anything. But he succeeded in getting rid of me.... |
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Quoted from Joe_Karlosi, posted July 16, 2004, 9:25pm at hereBut about Paul's not being public property -- who's being treated like "property" when the star says "YOU'RE NOT SUPPOSED TO BE HERE!!!"...? I mean, I love the Beatles and I don't want to sound like I'm bashing the guy, but Paul may have a right to say this if we're loitering on the grounds of his own home, but he can't come to America, where I live and "belong," and be on a public street (we three fans were waiting across the street of the hotel at the time, by the way, as the hotel owner made us stay there). Not really the right choice of words that Paul used. But then again, it's not like he planned what he was going to say, word for word - it's just the way he reacted.
It does sound a little harsh of him (to say the least), but she's been stalking him for 20 years, so I guess Paul probably told her to stay away more than once in the past, hence the "You're not supposed to be here". Could it be that she has a restraining order or something? Plus, he also could've just said "f*** off", but when you're dealing with a long time stalker, "You're not supposed to be here" sounds fairly nice, almost like an advice. |
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And another thing I'd like to add (no offense):
It's cool if you want to meet your idol when the chance is there, but I think that when you're wasting days of your life just to meet someone for a few seconds, you really degradate yourself and make some kind of supreme being of the other. It's almost as if you say to that person that those few seconds of his life are of more worth than an entire day or your own life.
I believe that all people are equal and that doesn't just mean that I think that no one is less than me or you, but it also means that I think that no one is more. Not even Paul McCartney.
Again, no offense. |
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| Joe_Karlosi |
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And another thing I'd like to add (no offense):
It's cool if you want to meet your idol when the chance is there, but I think that when you're wasting days of your life just to meet someone for a few seconds, you really degradate yourself and make some kind of supreme being of the other. It's almost as if you say to that person that those few seconds of his life are of more worth than an entire day or your own life.
I wouldn't have minded investing some time to see Elvis, to be at Woodstock, to see The Beatles at Shea Stadium, to say I met JFK, etc.... I really don't think that approximately 24 hours or so - split over the course of three different days, not consecutively in one long session - is a big chunk out of the entire 42 years of my life! I mean, it averages out to about 8 hours a day, or 3 full work days. I've certainly wasted more of my time at work! And at least I got to see Paul, and my wife was with me that first time in 1993 to take tons of photos of Paul in and out of the hotel, getting into the limo. I don't know how huge a fan you are of the Beatles, but it's hardly a big deal to me to do this! I can't think of anyone else I'd go to this length for, other than Paul and John Lennon. I guess I'm a little surprised that I even need to explain the joy and excitement of this to a Beatles Fan, but what else can I tell you? These are The Beatles, not Fifty Cent.... Maybe being 25 (I just checked your profile) you don't have the same sense of importance and relevance as I do regarding the Beatles, and that would make a difference, I think. But really -- all the best things in the world are worth waiting for, as the saying goes. I'm a Beatles Fan with a firsthand Beatles experience. Granted, the one in '95 wasn't pleasant, but I've got 'em. How many fans can say that? Hardly a "waste" of my time, and one of the most interesting experiences of my life. |
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Could it be that she has a restraining order or something?
Plus, he also could've just said "f*** off", but when you're dealing with a long time stalker, "You're not supposed to be here" sounds fairly nice, almost like an advice.
No, there was no restraining order. And the girl was very attractive, not some sort of freakizoid or anything. She wasn't hurting him. Anyway, regardless of how Paul's words read here on the computer, he YELLED in a nasty tone and threw the gift out of the window. Nothing nice about it, trust me. A real shocker. |
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Well his friend happened to be killed by a stalker so maybe it just freaks him out. That and the fact that his wife was dying at the time probably didn't put him in the greatest mood. But yeah, how rude of him not to stop and sign another bunch of autographs!  Also, I don't think a persons age has anything to do with getting how important the Beatles are. Some people just don't go in for the whole idol worship thing. I think seeing him in concert is much more exciting than seeing him get into a car or sign a bit of paper. Now if he sings to you while signing it...... |
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Quoted from Maccalvr, posted July 16, 2004, 4:34am at hereHuh!?! What!! That's very cool. P.S. Did you get her autograph?
No, I talked to her for a few minutes, and I have a photo of us shaking hands. She was quite gracious and nice. Her wailing and screaming were a bit disarming tho. |
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Quoted from Joe_Karlosi, posted July 16, 2004, 9:17pm at hereYes, I realize that. I wasn't annoyed, it's just that I guess I'm a stickler to "make it understood rightly". No anger here -- just that, even with the smiley and the joke, the truth is that "I" didn't do anything to them! ***No, of course not, and I doubt anyone except you thought that. Which is fine, because we all read things that hit us just...wrong. Well, it's the old "if you snooze, you lose" philosophy, no matter where you live. Say you're a big fan of McCartney, both as a Beatle and especially as a solo artist - and you know you've got a rare opportunity to possibly see him and maybe get an autograph. Do you take the opportunity or let it pass you by? To me, it's a no-brainer. It should be a natural excitement to fans as serious into the group as we are. They're not going to knock on your door, y'know! *** I agree. I wormed my way uninvited into the Yoko interview, and I tried to get Paul's autograph at the press conference when it was over and everyone rushed the stage but I was too slow. SO believe me, I understand the need to make the opportunity if need be. I didn't do a very good job explaining that concept. Very true and very fair. However, it's worth keeping in mind that fans most often like to block out any notion that their heros could be so nasty. They try to deny it or make excuses. Unfortunately, I wish this WAS a dream! *** Of course. Human nature. ANYone I meet, if they are rude, forever color my impression of them, famous or not. And a hero is a hard thing to see fail.
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Quoted from Joe_Karlosi, posted July 17, 2004, 1:28am at here
No, there was no restraining order. And the girl was very attractive, not some sort of freakizoid or anything. She wasn't hurting him. Anyway, regardless of how Paul's words read here on the computer, he YELLED in a nasty tone and threw the gift out of the window. Nothing nice about it, trust me. A real shocker.
Again, pure supposition on my part, but if this has ANYthing to do with the cancer diagnosis being in that time frame, and perhaps Linda (as well as Paul) being devastated, and them trying to book off to be alone somewhere (where traversing public streets is a necessity)...well, it seems that IF all the above was true I would not have a problem with Paul's reaction. Last year I lost my wife to breast cancer. She was 47 and had it for ten years. I remember the anguish and confusion and anger in being faced with dealing with it, especially at a young age (she was 36 initially). And it would have been impossible for me to function as the usual Paul PR person in that time. Needing to collect one's thoughts, as it were. Again, a HUGE supposition on my part. Maybe Paul, like all of us, can be a petulant a**hole. In fact, I'm betting on it. But sometimes... |
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That and the fact that his wife was dying at the time probably didn't put him in the greatest mood. But yeah, how rude of him not to stop and sign another bunch of autographs!
First of all, I have no idea that Linda had the diagnosis yet; that's just a guess on my part, after the fact. I don't know. Amazing that Linda herself was very cordial and friendly though, isn't it? She was gracious and said "hello" while Paul went into his tantrum, incidentally...
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Also, I don't think a persons age has anything to do with getting how important the Beatles are.
Well, I do. You weren't there while they were actually "doing it". So you don't have the same emotional connection.
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Some people just don't go in for the whole idol worship thing.
I don't "worship" anyone.
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I think seeing him in concert is much more exciting than seeing him get into a car or sgn a bit of paper. Now if he sings to you while signing it......
Yeah, I know. I saw him at the UP CLOSE show at the Ed Sullivan theatre. I was standing only a few feet from him to his right, in addition to hearing him sing. A real high, let me tell you. And how did I do this? By "wasting my time" on the telephone for a weekend, trying to call the radio to win these special tickets. Was it worth my time? You're damn right. It's an experience I'll never forget, but I don't even think about the time I gave up to win the tickets these days. You don't remember how you got there; you remember the special results.The end more than justified the means. I'm sorry you don't feel any sense of "magic" or the thrill of getting an autograph, especially from a Beatle! It's something I've never understood. I'm not saying people should endlessly stalk a celebrity or annoy them... But how you couldn't get even a little "buzz" from meeting someone famous whom you've admired your entire life, and who has become such a legend inhis craft... I just don't understand. If I have to go explain to you the greatness of getting a Beatles' signature, you're no longer worth my time... |
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Again, pure supposition on my part, but if this has ANYthing to do with the cancer diagnosis being in that time frame, and perhaps Linda (as well as Paul) being devastated, and them trying to book off to be alone somewhere (where traversing public streets is a necessity)...well, it seems that IF all the above was true I would not have a problem with Paul's reaction.
Last year I lost my wife to breast cancer. She was 47 and had it for ten years.
I remember the anguish and confusion and anger in being faced with dealing with it, especially at a young age (she was 36 initially). And it would have been impossible for me to function as the usual Paul PR person in that time. Needing to collect one's thoughts, as it were.
Again, a HUGE supposition on my part. Maybe Paul, like all of us, can be a petulant a**hole. In fact, I'm betting on it. But sometimes...
I'm so sorry to hear about your wife. I had no idea and I'm sorry if I stirred up something in you; I didn't mean to do that. And believe me, I'm not telling you this as someone with no potential for being able to relate... My own wife is 36 right now (we just celebrated our ten year anniversary), and I don't know what I would do if I were faced with such a blow. It's actually one of the big fears of my life. My sincere condolensces.... But I appreciate the fact that you're being more open-minded than some others about this situation with Paul. Again, I have no idea whatsoever if Linda had her diagnosis at that time or not; it was only well after the fact that I reflected and thought, "I wonder if THAT'S why Paul was so angry that day?" Perhaps I was trying to look for some sort of justification in my mind as well. As I told the other guy, and which was a detail I left out, if Linda was indeed ill at that time, she sure was very kind and gracious before Paul was screaming. She actually smiled and said "hello" as the limo pulled in front of us, before Paul went off. Linda was on our side in the car; Paul was on the far end. |
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Quoted from Joe_Karlosi, posted July 17, 2004, 10:13am at hereI'm so sorry to hear about your wife. ***Thanks. I had no idea and I'm sorry if I stirred up something in you; I didn't mean to do that. ***Please, no apologies. You didn't. I was just using it as a point, I don't know if I've ever even mentioned it here before (I think I might have, long ago). Anyway, there's no way you could know. I appreciate the sentiments tho, thanks. And believe me, I'm not telling you this as someone with no potential for being able to relate... My own wife is 36 right now (we just celebrated our ten year anniversary), and I don't know what I would do if I were faced with such a blow. It's actually one of the big fears of my life. My sincere condolensces.... ***Again, thanks. And yes, until it hits you don't think about it much (why would you?) and I'm sure you and your wife wil live together for many long, happy years. But I appreciate the fact that you're being more open-minded than some others about this situation with Paul. Again, I have no idea whatsoever if Linda had her diagnosis at that time or not; it was only well after the fact that I reflected and thought, "I wonder if THAT'S why Paul was so angry that day?" Perhaps I was trying to look for some sort of justification in my mind as well. ***Yes. I have no knowledge of the time frame of this, I only remember someone commenting on the possibility of a recent diagnosis and threw it out there. Like I said, maybe on occasion, in public, the guy can be a prick. As I told the other guy, and which was a detail I left out, if Linda was indeed ill at that time, she sure was very kind and gracious before Paul was screaming. She actually smiled and said "hello" as the limo pulled in front of us, before Paul went off. Linda was on our side in the car; Paul was on the far end.
***She might have been embarassed for him. Especially as the world knows what a huge 'gotta love me' type person Paul is, one who is so locked into a lifelong PR campaign that he simply cannot pass up an opportunity to glad hand someone. Maybe to her it was a barometer of just how upset HE was and she decided to calm him by being clam herself. Like I say, ALL pure imagining on my part, so it may all be just pissing in the wind. Still some pretty cool stories tho! |
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Quoted from Joe_Karlosi, posted July 17, 2004, 1:26am at here
Maybe being 25 (I just checked your profile) you don't have the same sense of importance and relevance as I do regarding the Beatles, and that would make a difference, I think.
I don't agree. I'm very well aware of the fact that Paul McCartney is the greatest living musical legend at the moment (since Elvis and John Lennon are both dead) and that pretty much every single person in the civilized world knows him... I do look up to him and idolize him to a certain level, but that doesn't mean I would lower myself (again, no offense) by almost begging him to give me some attention. I just feel too good for that. And I don't think that has anything to do with age, I used to be a very fanatic autograph collector as a kid, I had hundreds of autographs, but I completely grew over that. |
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I'm very well aware of the fact that Paul McCartney is the greatest living musical legend at the moment (since Elvis and John Lennon are both dead) and that pretty much every single person in the civilized world knows him...
I'm not talking about "being aware of it," I'm talking about living it over the decades, having grown up with The Beatles and their music while they were doing it.
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I do look up to him and idolize him to a certain level, but that doesn't mean I would lower myself (again, no offense) by almost begging him to give me some attention. I just feel too good for that.
Good for you. But as far as I'm concerned, it's not "lowering" one's self, but that's your problem if you derive no excitement over it (no offense). In my mind, I'm not "lowering myself" in the least, and that's what matters to me. | | |
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