Paint it Black

Okay, to clear up the rumors, let me just say, yes, I was kicked out of the hallway in front of Keith Richard's dressing room, but it wasn't for doing anything illegal, and it wasn't for misbehaving. I was supposed to take photos of the band with some of our clients. That was how I got backstage in the first place. Anyway, I was taken from the Rattlesnake Inn, where all the family members, friends, roadies and a few backup musicians were drinking beers and eating Shephard's Pie, to this room where Charlie Watts, the drummer, was shaking hands. He came right down the line, and in the kindest, most sincere manner, looked everybody in the eye and said "Nice to meet you." It was as if we were all old friends, and I liked the man instantly. Then Ronnie Wood came out. The group I was with had all bought paintings from Ronnie on Saturday night at our gallery opening, and some of them had flown in from back east just for this opportunity, so they were thrilled to talk with him, if only for a minute. I wasn't blown away but the experience seemed pretty cool, something that would be memorable later. Just then a woman approached and said, "Who's the photographer?" and before I knew what happened, she grabbed my shoulder and pulled my out. I tried to explain who I was but it was too late. The bouncer at the door just shook his head and pointed in the direction of the buffet, as if to say, appreciate what you have, dude, and get some food before the concert begins, and whatever you do, don't piss me off. I smiled in embarrassment. It felt like a major scene but hardly anyone noticed or knew what happened when I brought it up later, and ultimately, nobody really cared, particularly me. In fact, now that I think about it, I realize how cool it'll look for my gravestone to read: Thrown out of Keith Richards' dressing room.....Anyway, by that point I had had enough of the backstage scene, and with the concert getting ready to begin, I headed to my seat, which happened to be about fifteen rows from the stage. We had given one of the extra tickets to a girl who used to work at the gallery, Ashley, who's a designer and just a fun person, and who I hung out with most of the night, along with one of her friends. We all had a great time......The Rolling Stones are real performers, and even if they're getting up there in age, and even if the costume changes were a bit much, they still know how to get down. The stage was amazing (with all these crazy colors and this giant set of inflatable lips at one point), Mick danced his ass off, they played extended versions of Paint It Black and Sympathy for the Devil, and I took a ton of pictures, which I'll organize in the new few days. (In the meantime, click on the photo above to see a bigger version.)

Anyway, since June I've been fortunate to see The Walkmen, Radiohead, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Cold War Kids, Yo La Tengo, and The Rolling Stones, and for a person who lives for moments like this to drown out all the other nonsense, I've done a lot, I have to say, and I appreciate all the opportunities I've been given.

Cheers.