I was part of the Black Sabbath return show in Chicago. Which felt very odd. Its always a surreal feeling to work with people I’ve idolized in my younger years. I’m over the star-struck POV. But still, even to my last day, I get assigned or hired and during the show on stage with them I will drift into these thoughts. How the hell did Opie from Mayberry even get to there. In theory, I should not be. People just kept calling.
Most of my stories aren’t meant to be brags, its still bewilderment how I even got there. I never really meant to fit into the whole roadie “I’m with the band” persona. When I’m hidden on stage with the band I become part of the band more than anyone on any crew. I’m the only one dealing directly with the band. It’s my stage as much as its the band’s stage. Basically I’m steering the aircraft carrier and do my best to inspire adrenaline. When you work with someone often, ya become a trusted friend. They know when they see me nothing is going south. To be trusted by someone you idolized, its strange. I’m the only one pulled into the prayer circle before we launch. Meeting Ringo Starr was epic, even to me. That seriously has a family feeling that they put so much faith in Opie.
That drivel said, 450 high profile artist, 4000 concerts in 45 yrs,… I have barely scratched the surface of who I really wanted to work for.
I’ve done a lot of beginnings and endings of bands.
Pink Floyd always topped my list. Never got to work a true PF show. But worked seoarately with Waters and Gilmour’s solo shows.
Packing up Gilmour show I was packing his personal gear in an original Pink Floyd case he carried since day one. It was epic for me, as that was as close as I got. Closed that old wooden black case, with trigonal PF label. Petted it like a dog, and kissed the top. Where that case has been tells its own story just looking at it. That case symbolized where I was in the game, not any one person.
My friends and co-workers say I made it to top shelf, I say I almost made it.
Walking out of my last venue, I could hear the end of Clapton’s Lala piano part, like the end of Casino. It was like putting your old dog to sleep. I came out the end of the grinder, still both feet in Opie, I just have a lot of campfire stories. Now, I’m just a shmuck, and proud of that. My name in the industry will fade like everyone else.
AH replaces that adrenaline I’ll miss.
Observing these guys run events/scenarios reminds me of how a crew can make stars align to creat a memory. It’s the same. Its really all about the players/audience. Its not easily replaced. Yall don’t understand, you really do it how its meant to be done. Its exactly like putting on a concert. Creating a memory is very powerful. Be proud, you’re doing it right. Skins, terrains, you’re all a part of a production. I’d put you on my crew any day.
I hope HT realizes, despite the some negative input, not allow that to over-shadow he/they did it right. Its ok to have a reunion tour. This would rank high on my list of the best reunion tour. As many memories made here as many high profile bands. Thats probably what drives me. To see that would be like the first sound of the crowd when the band is launched. The hair on your arm will stand up.
