Never meet your heroes...

[Trinity]

Ross Halfin (scroll down to June 10th of his diary entry) couldn't have said it better. When Joe Elliott and Vivian Campbell introduced themselves to one of their Idols, Snowy whateverthefuckhislastnameis, they were both rudely ignored.

Still, a part of me refuses to believe that every star is shallow and egotistical but I've also been known to be gullable and naive.
I'd hate to think Joe is like that to his fans but my good sense tells me that being in the music business that long must do a number on your "head".

Any thoughts?
Have any of you met your "heroes" and what was your experience?

[jrnysc]

Ross Halfin (scroll down to June 10th of his diary entry) couldn't have said it better. When Joe Elliott and Vivian Campbell introduced themselves to one of their Idols, Snowy whateverthefuckhislastnameis, they were both rudely ignored.

Still, a part of me refuses to believe that every star is shallow and egotistical but I've also been known to be gullable and naive.
I'd hate to think Joe is like that to his fans but my good sense tells me that being in the music business that long must do a number on your "head".

Any thoughts?
Have any of you met your "heroes" and what was your experience?

Hi Trinity. I have met some of Journey, and they were the nicest, most down to earth people I have ever met. Just like talking to anyone else. That is the only example I have, and I am sure many are the way you described. Mark

[whocares]

My Heros aren't professional Musicians, so I'll probably be boo'd out of the thread. But my musical likes have never let me down, even though I've only met a few. One of them several times and each time he was very gracious to me. Local DJ's and TV personalities are more likely to let me down, than the few people I've ever met or wanted to meet in the entertainment industry.

I'm still hoping to meet Salma Hayek. If it ever happens, I'll repost about it.

[Liam]

I met Dennis DeYoung (formerly of Styx) and he was very nice. I just basically walked up after the show and told him "your music has meant a lot to me over the past 20+ years..so thank you". Then we kinda shared a smile because of this one woman who was like one of the girls in the Ed Sullivan audience for the Beatles Stammering trying to get out "Oh....My....GOD....I.....Love....You". I said...."You've been putting up with this crap for 30 years????"lol.
Anyway...a musical hero...but I don't have any "Idols".

[Angiekay]

Have any of you met your "heroes" and what was your experience?

I've met Pat Benatar, Styx and Chris Isaak....all amazing experiences. The only one I was worried about was Pat (who I'd heard was a diva). She was a gracious angel in the middle of a thunderstorm with her family.

[StyxCollector]

You can't confuse the meet-n-greet with who that person is. You need to spend more quality time (so-to-speak) or interview them to really get a better sense of who they are.

These guys are human just like we are. They're not gods.

[Squidward24]

I've met a few 'stars' in my time. Like StyxCollector said "you can't confuse the meet-n-greet with who that person is". It's true. Most have been very nice and down to earth. I met Judas Priest, with Ripper. Tim was VERY thankful for the support that he was getting, very down to earth. I also met Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith and Roy Z, again all three were very nice and down to earth.

Sports people on the other hand can be arse-holes. I asked Billy Smith (NY Islanders) goaltender, then assistant coach for the Florida Panthers for an autograph, and I was told to leave him alone he does not sign anything for anytbody for any reason. I told him to fuck off, spat at thim and left. Grant Hill, formely of the Detroit Pistons and I were walking toward the same enterence inside the Palace of Auburn Hills (I worked there). I was pulling a pallet with 8 kegs of beer toward the door and he stopped right in front and WAITED for ME to open it for him.

I waw in Florida on vaction coming out of the Haunted Mansion at Disney and litterly bumped into Harry Hamlin (LA Law, Clash Of The Titans). I looked at him, said "Sorry about that Harry", he smiled and said "That's ok, just keep it hush hush, I'm here with my son and want to TRY to go unnoticed and have a good time." HE shook my hand, thanked ME for not making a scene and went on his way.

I recently got to meet Julie Newmar, Lee Merriweather, Yvonne Craig and Lisa Lorring at the Motor City Comic Con. Talk about putting on a good face, all these people, asking for your autograph, asking for pictures, yet EVERYTIME I looked at one of them, they all had a smile and a story.

Ok, my long winded tale it over. Bottom line - it's a 50-50 chance you take when you meet 'stars'.

[conversationpc]

I also met Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith and Roy Z, again all three were very nice and down to earth.

I think you may be one of the few I've heard of that's met Bruce Dickinson that had a good experience.

[Squidward24]

I also met Bruce Dickinson, Adrian Smith and Roy Z, again all three were very nice and down to earth.

I think you may be one of the few I've heard of that's met Bruce Dickinson that had a good experience.

This was in 1997, 1998 on the Accident Of Birth tour. He played a small place called Harpos. Maybe oh about 600 people, maybe less. He did have a bit of a 'tude in regards to a person who stage dived and forced the show to stop while EMS came to take him away. He madea a few jokes about it and had a smile all the time.

[whocares]

I 100% agree about the Meet & Greet sessions, you paid to be there most likely, they should be nice to you. I also agree that sports figures are the absolute worst ego's in the world, though most hockey players are more down to earth than other sports. With a few exceptions. I found LOCAL soccer and football players to be the worst, mostly. Even the "christian" ones.

Thanks God when I met Tommy Shaw and Michael McDonald it was just out and about. They didn't have to be nice to me. When I saw Tommy Shaw, he was getting into a limo in the rain wiht no umbrella. I calle dhis name and asked for an autograph, something he surely didn't need to even acknowledge me for, or even do it. But he waited for me to get to him, and talked to me for a few moments before the rain got to be too much.

Michael McDonald, is someone I've got an advantage with, because I'm friends with one of his friends and we attended said friends wedding (together but seperate). I was surprised at how much shorter he was than me, but the nicest guy in the world. He put up with me a few times have conversations with him, while he was in town visiting. not to mention at the concerts where we'd had chances to talk.

The BEST was meeting Cal Ripken and getting his autograph, and shaking his hand. He made sure to look every fan in the eye, and tlak to them for a moment, and thanked them for being fans of him and the game of baseball. Can't beat that with a stick.

[Big J]

Since we're moving into sports heroes...I'll include my experiences with a couple baseball HOFers.

Met Willie Mays when I was 10 at a baseball game signing. Well, I didn't MEET him, he grumbled at me, snatched my ball, signed it and rolled it back to me without looking up. My dad was more disappointed than I was, he'd grown up watching the happy go lucky "Say Hey Kid" and I guess believed it wasn't all an act.

When I was 13, I went to a card show and got Don Drysdale's autograph. Now this guy, God rest his soul, was a class act. I didn't realize at the time how much so, but looking back, wow. The line was long, and the signatures were like $7 or something, for a charity he was supporting. I'm sure he got some cut, but never mind that. Every person, and I do mean EVERY, got a look in the eye, a firm handshake, a how are you today, thanks for coming out, good to see ya...an answer to any questions they have, whatever. And a picture if they wanted one, despite there being a sign behind him saying "no pictures please" - presumably put up by the show's promoters.

With the kids, he'd try to small talk with them, ask if they played ball, etc, who their favorite player was. He showed one teenager the grips for a curveball and a couple other pitches. The guy who I'm assuming was the show promoter kept coming up and telling him to keep the line moving. Don ultimately said to him "look, I'll stay until everyone gets what they want, just leave me alone" Clearly a guy who was there for the fans, not the money.

I didn't get to meet him, but my stepmother once ran into Gaylord Perry at a food trade show. He was endorsing some product, but once she mentioned her stepson was a fan, she was lugging home balls and cards and other assorted stuff whether she liked it or not. Perry just kept handing her shit, it was great.

At an Oakland A's game two years ago I got to meet a good portion of the 70's championship team at a meet and greet deal. Off the top of my head Ray Fosse, Bert Campaneris, Dick Williams, Joe Rudi, Blue Moon Odom, Vida Blue, Claudell Washington, broadcaster Monte Moore, and a couple others. Great guys all. Dick Williams, who was the manager, was kicking back telling old stories and whatever, it was great.

[anonymousse]

The celebrities I've met have exceeded my expectations, but I think it's because I had no expectations and was pleasantly surprised. It also depends on the setting and timing, of course, as with anyone.

[captexshreve]

Of heroes I've only met a couple so far, but those and my other encounters with famous people have been mostly pleasant and usually worthwhile.

[NealIsGod]

Sports people on the other hand can be arse-holes. I asked Billy Smith (NY Islanders) goaltender, then assistant coach for the Florida Panthers for an autograph, and I was told to leave him alone he does not sign anything for anytbody for any reason. I told him to fuck off, spat at thim and left.

Oh, the sports people are the arseholes?

[M. J. Perry]

I have net Rick Nielson & Robin Zander of Cheap Trick back in the early '80's. Rick down to earth and funny and Robin was a little of the opposite.

Ken Griffrey Jr. at SeaTac when I was flying to New Orleans in '95 for Thanksgiving. Very respectful and humble in my opinion.

Seattle Seahawks Coach Mike Holmgren was very easy going.

Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasslebach loves to joke.

Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander very easy going but says "You know" too many times.

Seahawks wide receiver Bobby Engrahm is approachable and laid back.

Former Patriots, Seahawks, Cowboys defensive player Chad Eaton looks intimidating but is easy to joke around with.

Mariners analyst Ron Fairly loves to talk about baseball. He played for the Los Angeles Dodgers along with a couple of other teams.

Mariners TV/Radio announcer Dave Niehaus was all right but seemed to be distracted.

Former Washington Redskins and now ESPN Monday Night Football crew Joe Thiesman who I basically met and shook hands and told him to have fun during a Sunday broadcast last year in Seattle.

Hall of Fame quarterback Warren Moon who was very easy to talk to for a brief moment on a couple of occasions over the past couple of years.

Hall of Fame wide receiver Steve Largent who was patient and polite meeting and signing a few autographs before moving on to his next interview appointment.

[Defshep]

This is my first post here, so be gentle.
I worked as a dj in rock radio for years, so I got to meet alot of artists. Just some impressions about the ones I remember.
Aerosmith- Steven Tyler is one of THE most genuine, nicest people I've ever met in this industry. Just wanted to talk about regular stuff. He's a surprisingly little fella!
Def Leppard- Musically my personal favorite band. Met Phil Collen, Vivian Campbell and Rick Allen on the Adrenalize tour. Very nice guys (thank God!). I remember talking to Phil about Miss You In A Heartbeat, a song he'd written as a b-side for Adrenalize and which Paul Rodgers included on The Law's (remember them?) album. He told me they were re-working the song with keyboards... Met Joe during the Slang tour. Very talkative, even playful. He was goofing around during the meet-and greet photo session. I thought I was tall!
Stone Temple Pilots- Dickheads, but just could've been having a bad day.
Rush- Nice guys. I remember Geddy Lee's shirt had "I hate my job" written on it.
Tesla- Kinda jerks at the time.
Great White- Jack Russell is a great guy. Really talkative and polite.
Tommy Shaw- One of my favorites! Real down to earth. Had a lot of great Damn Yankees/Styx stories. The best ones were during shows in which they shared the same stage, when DY would do a scorching version of Renegade! I don't think Tommy and Styx were on great terms at the time.
Jackyl- Jesse Dupree is NUTS! Just a down-home country boy. He lives about an hour and a half away and I'm proud to call him a friend and ally.
I'll try to think of some more stories. Joan Jett, Drain STH, Mike Tramp, Baby Animals were all great folks as well.

Thanks!

[Defshep]

How could I forget this guy! I met Richie Sambora during a dinner function to promote his second solo album. He was a proud papa, showing us pictures of Heather (beautiful with no makeup) with their newborn. Real sweet guy. He mentioned feeling under-appreciated in Bon Jovi, as he wrote 50% of the material. Gotta agree.

[jaffa]

well I met def leppard 3nights ago in minneapolis, and They were way nicer than I could ever expect, so meet your heros!

[Lynchy]

This is my first post here, so be gentle.

Tesla- Kinda jerks at the time.

Thanks!

..I met Tesla back in 87 when they were supporting the Leps in the UK... absolutely top blokes back then... I guess a bit of fortune and fame done for them!

[tequila]

So humbled by you lot, the best I have done is Jani Lane, sat close to Spike from Quireboys although I didnt speak to him cos he was absolutely wasted..... the Hamsters (although you wont have heard of them lol).. jeez cant remember anyone else that even touches you lot.... and so jealous, would love to meet Ste Tyler

[tequila]

Oh just remembered another one - singer with Stone Temple Pilots (whatever his name was) took him to the nearest bar after they had played one of our smaller venues, nice guy but just left him at the bar and went off with my mates

[Trinity]

That's reassuring to know Jaffa. Thanks!

[Jack-N-Coke]

My first post, looks like a lot of good discussions.

I've met a lot people and have not had any bad issues, but some have been better than others.

Met the guys from Boston in 1995 at a meet and greet, they were all very nice, but Brad Delp (Singer) and David Sikes (then bass player) were awesome to hang with. They spent as much time as anyone wanted to, with them and had some good stories.

I'm friends with the keyboard player for Molly Hatchet, he's from close to where I live, so I'm a bit biased about them. They are all great guys and have invited me on their bus after shows many times, to unwind and shoot the sh** with them. Very, very, down to earth guys and they really know how to treat their fans.

Tesla - met them in 1996 or 7, without Tommy. They were cool, especially Frank Hannon. Once he found that I played guitar, he brightened right up. (it was an early morning meet and greet at a local record store, so they were wiped from the night before)

Geddy Lee - Very cool, as I've been a Rush fan since I was in grade school (back before it was cool to be a fan of theirs)

Robin Trower - Met him after a show in Pontiac , Michigan, at a tiny place called The 7th House (maybe 300 people). I only got to shake his hand and say hi, but it was incredible, as I think he's one of the most prolific guitar players ever!!

Michael Schenker - Also met him about 2 weeks after meeting Trower, at the same place. I didn't know what to expect, since I've heard that he is kinda weird sometimes, but I found him to just be reserved. He was there with his manager at the end of a narrow hallway. He has lots of security though and since the guy next in line behind me wanted to cause trouble, I got to talk to Michael for about 10 minutes, just one on one, and he was really cool. I told him that my older brother was a huge fan when I was just starting to get into music, and he let me listen to UFO's "Strangers in the Night" album, and I was hooked, not only as a fan, but it steered me in my direction as a what I wanted to play guitar like. We talked about guitars and to very cool effects rig that he uses. It seems like no matter how bad a day that a big time guitarist has, if someone asks about their tools of the trade, they seem to perk up.

Met Gary Hoey a bunch of times and got to attend a guitar clinic that he put on at a local music store. Unbelievable guitarist and all around good guy.

Rik Emmett (formerly of Triumph) - Attended a show that a fan club member put on. He did 2 hours of his music along with some classic Triumph tunes all done solo, with a backing band on a DAT. That was a great show, he is one amazing guitarist.

Someone else here (Squidward24) is from around my area too, I saw some references to Harpos on his post. I met the guys from Corrosion of Conformity at Harpos when they were doing their Live DVD filming. I had went there at lunchtime form where I work in Dearborn, trying to get tickets to the show that night. I was walking around the place, which is in a horrible part of Detroit, looking for the box office and to see if they were open. I went around the side of the building and the film crew was there and they guys form the band were just walking off the bus. I got my tickets and ran back to my car to get some paper and a sharpie in hopes of getting a signature. They not only stopped and spoke to me for about 20 minutes, they gave me a shirt which they signed, and I was filmed getting to hang with them. Unfortunately, that whole part was edited form the DVD and it looks like they just get off the bus and walk into the venue. I did make it on the DVD for a shot at the beginning of Clean My Wounds however. I'm in the crowd right in front of the camera and appear for a couple of seconds.

Sorry for the long winded post, I just love music and have had some really great experiences of being in the right place at the right time.

Later,
Scott

[stevenzane]

So, where do I begin..I've met so many, I've forgotten most..1. Kiss..Paul stanley=Rock God! Nice and even answered several questions. Gene, Ace, and Peter were also cool, I was only 17 at the time, and it was on their Destroyer tour. Long story, nut I'll leave it at that. 2. Def leppard on their Hysteria tour, backstage after the show in orlando, got all their autographs on the shirt, even steve clarks, still have it hanging in the closet. 3. Cheap trick..My sister's husband's best friend is Bun Carlos brother. Came over to dinner one night with Bun and the band. 4. Bob seger..very friendly guy, loves to laugh. 5. Joe perry..Cooler than the other side of your pillow! Lot's of sports stars autographs, to many to mention. I have been blessed..steven

[Mandi]

I can't say he is my hero, but I admire the genius of Billy Joel. He is mega talented, and when I saw him shopping with his family on a Sunday afternoon, I didn't want to intrude. He was approached by several people, so I got up my nerve, and went to say hello. He was funny, kind and friendly. Very down to earth. In fact, if not for the fact that Christie Brinkley caught my eye with her stunning outfit and amazing smile, I would never have noticed Billy. He really just blends into the crowd.

I have been fortunate enough to meet all the members of Journey, but really having conversations with Deen C. and Steve A. Both of these talented men are very down to earth, and friendly, and have no problem chatting with fans they meet in their down time, after a show. Both times I have met them was at a casino, and I was able to meet their families as well. Very gracious people and Steve Augeri especially seemed happy to take time to chat with fans.

I did find myself in the elevator with Phil Collen and his wife (?) and they were also very nice to chat with me. I hate to admit this here, but at the time I didn't even know who Phil was, being a Journey fan and not having much exposure to DL. That has since changed, and now I am a big fan of the Leps.

Mandi

[Brownsound]

Hi Trinity and all here,
I joined just to respond to this thread. I love what Andrew does with this site. Sorry about this essay but here goes;
The best 'moment alone' with my heroes was when Cheap Trick toured Australia in '88 at the release of The Flame single. Back in those days, stalking celebrities, and/or selling signatures on Ebay were unheard of. I phoned the record company the day before; they told me when the band were coming in, and where they were staying. I went to work with a bag of all my CT records (yes vinyl) under my arm, then later in the morning 'went home sick'. Imagine my delight when I sauntered into the foyer of the hotel to see Robin, Rick, Bun E. and (my favourite) Tom (who had just rejoined the band. No manager's, no security, no other fans....just me, Cheap Trick & the guy booking them into their rooms. Like a stuttering fool, I nervously intoduced myself; Tom was the first to say hi which was cool. I got their autographs on everything, photos, and the guys stayed with me in shifts while they went in pairs to find their rooms. Rick was impressed/surprised as I asked him to sign a photo from a magazine from the early 80's of a rare guitar that he owned. I even took Rick around the corner to McDonald's and bought him a meal, and he was hard to miss in Cheap Trick sweater & trademark baseball cap. As a muso, I knew the venue they were playing, so got into to see the crew set up; Rick's guitar roadie let me take photos of his guitars, then the best treat of all; I got to hear The Flame for my first time ever, played live in front of my eyes by the band. Robin was wearing an Akubra (Aussie cowboy hat) so the photo still holds special memories. Rick gave me a handful of his trademark autographed picks. The shows rocked of course. After being a fan since the late 70's of a band from the USA, it was unbelievable to think I would meet them someday.
Kiss were my favourite band, and Ace inspired me to play guitar, but I'm kind of glad that I never got to meet them as I've heard stories of him being a complete A**hole when they toured here in '97/'01. I cannot remember a negative experience with any 'hero' whether it be my beloved Brisbane Broncos, the Queensland Bulls cricketers, or any national/international muso. Over the years I've been fortunate enough to meet Steve Vai, Eric Singer, Bruce Kulick, Billy Shehan, VH's Gary, Mike, Alex and the moment of moments when time stopped as I looked into the eyes of, and shook hands with, the godlike (to me) Edward Van Halen. I'm not saying they're all good, but the ones I choose to let influence me seem to be friendly, caring human beings. I was/am also a fan of Van Halen and absolutely loved David Lee Roth and was less warm on the Hagar period....until I met Sammy backstage in Melbourne in '98. What a absolutely wonderful charming experience! I guess it just proves that you can't/shouldn't judge until you get a chance to meet someone in person.

[RockInDetroit]

Met the following Rock Stars:

The Good:
Tom Petty - He was buying some Elvis and Rolling Stones cds in a local record store while in town. He was a great guy.

Night Ranger - All 5 original members. Met them each at least twice. Great guys and will hang out and talk. Take pictures sign autographs.

The Fixx - All great guys. They do a lot of signings after their shows and are great guys very friendly with the fans especially Rupert and Jamie.

Saga - Met all 5 guys. Great guys. Let me hang with them for a pre-show sound check.

Dokken - met all 4 original guys at a record store signing. They were all great with the fans. Talked about their love for Tom Jones. Heard about a lot of tension in this band, but not on this day all the guys were great. Especially remember Don Dokken being great with the fans.

Billy Squier - He was ok. Kinda an artsy guy.

Huey Lewis and the News - Sister in law dated one of the guys. She has gotten me back stage passes and to after the show parties at the hotel. Hung out mostly with Huey Lewis and Bill Gibson.

Geddy Lee from Rush - Sat next to him at a Blue Jays game. I was scamming seats. I moved down to like the 4th row by the field and looked over and he was sitting two seats over. Got his autograph. Boy, he is really into the games. Had season tickets and kept score of the games in one of those little league score books. Heard he does this for every game.

Mike Reno, Matt Fernette, and Scott Smith of Loverboy - Matt was really nice. Scott was really friendly but flirted with my fiance. Mike was kinda uncomfortable.....ok but acted kinda weird.

Fred Coury from Cinderella - Was nice but I wasn't a Cinderella fan so I did not really care.

10,000 Maniacs - Seemed nice at autograph signing after the show..

Aldo Nova - Seemed ok. Don't remember it much.

Dave Wakeling of the English Beat/General Public - Was nice.

The bad:
Stephen Percy from RATT - Biggest jerk I have ever met. Long story here but don't feel like typing it.

Eddie Money - Being a big fan of his I was very disappointed. He seemed so indifferent to meeting me. Acted like it was his job. First time I had back stage passes and he only paid any attention to my friend who worked for Sony Records. Met him again at a record store signing and was very unfriendly. Even stole my pen. He was a jerk twice to me so I assume he is a jerk. Have talked to others it appears he is only friendly to his female fans.

Tommy Tutone - was kind of a smart-alleck.

Met several sports stars and some hollywood people but leave that out because this a music forum.

[Angiekay]

Aldo Nova - Seemed ok. Don't remember it much.

Ok, I have met dozens of rock stars, but right there Detroit, YOU SUCK!!! Niggy are you seeing this?! How f**king cool would this have been? I'm such a big fan of his. I would imagine he was very quiet and private, that seems like just the kind of guy he is.

I'll have to agree with you on most of these artists. Night Ranger is cool, the Fixx..those guys are GREAT!! Eddie Money, well, you can chalk that up to the booze. He's always drunk when I meet him. Fred Coury is one big sweetheart! He was so nice to me both on the phone in an interview and then when we went back stage. Just a cutie too!

I put a few mentions above, but here are some of the artists I've met. Please note that despite the fact that being in radio has perks of backstage, a lot of the artists I have met have been by just standing by their bus after the show.

Def Leppard-Rick Allen was the first out signing and chatting and the last one on the bus. Very nice and attentive guy. Joe Elliot had hurt his writing arm, so couldn't sign autographs but took the time to stop and chat. Rick Savage was a little cranky.

Grand Funk Railroad-Have to admit I didn't know much about them when I met them because I really didn't like their music! They were nice guys though.

Britney Fox-As I posted in the pics thread, sweet guys, offerering food and beer, chatting and signing stuff, taking pictures. The LONGEST backstage I've ever been to. I think we were back there for a good half hour.

Sheryl Crow-Had just had surgery, so it was quick quick. We couldn't ask her how she was doing or anything. She didn't say much, just a quick photo.

Heart-What a couple of great ladies. I was joking with them, that I had always wanted to meet them just to commend them for being sisters and being able to stand being around each other for 30+ years. I told them I would have killed my sister in two weeks. If you noticed in my picture, that's why we are laughing!

Pat Benatar-Stuck in a tornado warning with her. What a doll! Met her again the next year and she remembered us all huddle together in that storm shelter drinking Coronas.

Chris Isaak-Comes out after every show he does and signs autographs. Especially loves kids. He stood and talked to my nephew for a long time and just made his night. His band is great too.

The Fixx-even feeling under the weather, Jamie came out of the bus to talk, sign and take pictures.

Jack Russell of Great White-did an interview at the bar Great White was playing at here back in the 90's. We were taking a couple pictures for our station website and he was standing kinda behind me. In one, you can see him looking down my sweater!

Firehouse/Quiet Riot/Cinderella/Ratt-last year for the Rock Never Stops Tour. I think Tom Keifer thought I was a little weird for commenting on his painted fingernails. Dude, YOU'RE a man with painted nails, don't look at ME weird! Kevin DuBrow is...weird. Jizzy Pearl, the new lead singer of Ratt is really cocky.

Kenny Wayne Shepherd-What a cutie!! He's so quiet and sweet! Requires NO alcohol backstage for crew or anyone.

ELO-No Jeff Lynn, but the original bassist and violinist

REO-Kevin Cronin never shuts up OFF stage either!

Joan Jett-OMG...she is SO shy and soft spoken! You really had to be close to her to hear what she was saying. VERY nice!

STYX- It's just really cool to have rock stars greet you by name! lol!

I was this * * close to meeting Elton John. We were supposed to go backstage on his tour right after Princess Diana died in 1997. The record rep didn't get our backstage passes to us in time. His manager got some stuff signed for us, but we didn't get to meet him.

I actually passed up meeting ZZ Top. We were told no talking to them, no autographs and no pictures...wtf is the point then!? Screw them!

Journey-Oh, wait that's right, they pulled out of their meet and greet with us.


Dream meets I hope for someday:

Rush
ANY of the Police
Sammy Hagar
Rolling Stones

[NealIsGod]

The bad:
Stephen Percy from RATT - Biggest jerk I have ever met. Long story here but don't feel like typing it.

Would love to hear the short version of this.

[NealIsGod]

Aldo Nova - Seemed ok. Don't remember it much.

Ok, I have met dozens of rock stars, but right there Detroit, YOU SUCK!!! Niggy are you seeing this?! How f**king cool would this have been? I'm such a big fan of his. I would imagine he was very quiet and private, that seems like just the kind of guy he is.

Yeah, Ang and I are the resident Aldo geeks. Saw him live on the Blood on the Bricks tour. He's in my top 5 favorites. Wish you remembered this.