Many people are remembering this day as the 10th Anniversary of the Oklahoma City Bombing. Although it's a tragic day in our nation's history that should never be forgotten, today strikes a chord with me for different reasons.
Ten years ago, I was working at WOWK-TV in Huntington, WV. I had big dreams of being the an MTV vj at the time. So in order to reach that goal, I was busting my ass trying to interview as many rock stars as I could. Whenever there was a concert coming to town - I was there trying to talk to the band.
This time around - my boyhood heroes were playing Charleston, WV. It was time for me to meet my idol Ed Van Halen.
I called the Civic Center to get the VH contacts and put in a request. 2 weeks before the show they called me back and said the band was up for an interview. SWEET! However, they wanted me to do it in Lexington, KY because that show was 2 days before the Charleston concert - and they wanted to promote the show. No prob - Lexington was 2 hours away. Everything was set.
The day of the show, my friends Todd and Melissa are ready to roll out at 11:00 am. I remember never being more excited over meeting someone my entire life. In a few hours - I would be talking to Ed Van Halen!
When we picked up Melissa, she asked Todd and me if we heard about the bombing. We both hadn't turned on a TV or radio - so we were clueless. Mel was noticably upset and said she almost backed out on us because of it. We talked her back in and were on our way, not realizing the scope of the tragedy that had taken place.
We get to Rupp Arena about 1:00. As we walked in, I here Ed doing a sound check. He was playing Mean Street. I got chills. My eyes were watering. I was in awe. As I stepped out into the main arena to catch a glimpse, a security guard told me no one was permitted to watch sound check. I told him I was interviewing the band in a few minutes. He didn't care.
We meet up with Tucker, who at the time was the VH's or WB's tour publicist. He was an alright guy, but he seemed very tense. He informed me that Ed and Al were not going to sit in on the interview, but Sammy would be happy to talk to me. I told him that wasn' t the original agreement. He said - well, I could just give you Mike Anthony - or better yet - you could leave empty handed. I decided Sammy was fine. Tucker was in no mood to fuck around.
An hour later Sammy joins us. I won't go into the details, because not many of you would care. If anyone wants me to transcribe the interview PM me and I'll get it out to you. But it wasn't that interesting.
After we wrap up, Tucker notices that I have some CD's for the band to sign - Most of which were CVH - with the exception of Balance. Tucker freaks out, takes the CD's from me and tells me something to the extent of Sammy will go nuts if he's sees and CVH cd's. Looking back on it - it was stupid to get autographs in the first place, very unprofessional. But I was 23, VH were my heroes - who knows if I'd ever get the oppurtunity again. I don't entirely regret it.
As we're heading out, I notice an open door while walking down the hall. As I pass, I see Ed Van Halen sitting there noodling with a guitar. He looks up as I walk by and shoots me a grin. HOLY SHIT.
I walk about 10 more steps. Drop the mountain of gear I'm lugging, and tell Todd and Mel - "Guys, I'll never forgive myself if I don't go up and say Hi to him." They're cool, and want to do the same - but chicken out. I figure - what's the worst that could happen?
I go back to the room, stick my head in the door, and say something like - Hi Eddie - sorry to bother you, but I wanted to meet you before I left. I told him I just interviewed Sam - and he was supposed to sit in with me. He said something like, yeh - sorry about that, something came up.
I asked him to sign my Balance CD - and he says sure, no problem. I hand it to him and as he hands it back - he says - Don't forget to get Big Al over there. I turned around to see Alex lying flat on his back on a couch wearing a neck brace. I never even noticed him. Al struggles to get up. I couldn't believe he was in such bad shape. He gives me a smile, signs the CD and thanks me for coming out. He then crashes back onto the couch.
I'm just about ready to leave - then I decided to push it. I asked Ed if he would have a smoke with me. He replies - "Do you got one?" I whip out a pack of Marlboro lights, hand him one - light it for him - and we puff away. It was awkwardly quiet for a few seconds. Partly because I couldn't believe I was smoking a cig with Eddie, and partly because I'm sure Ed wanted me to get the hell out of his dressing room so he could sleep or whatever.
More than halfway through the smoke, Tucker walks in and looks at me like I just pissed on his leg. He was fuming. He starts apologizing to Ed left and right. Eddie didn't seem to care. He wasn't visibly angry or frustrated - all he said was - Tucker, everything's fine - I asked him for a cigarette and he gave me one. Wow, Ed had my back.
I took my last drag, and thanked Ed for the hospitality. He mumbled something I couldn't understand and gave me a smile while he shook my hand. I felt like I had just met God.
Ten years later I hear all of the horror stories about how Eddie is nothing but a grumpy old hermit and it's really depressing. I wish he could get his act together and be happy. I doubt I'll cross paths with Ed ever again. But if I do by chance, I'm almost certain our meeting won't go as well as it did in 1995.
Reply With Quote
