Autographs

[Bob from Westphalia, Mich]

I've been wondering for quite some time why Gordon doesn't very often sign autographs at his shows. I seen hin at the Fox Theater in Detroit in 97 I believe. I sat in the front row. I noticed, before the show, that at the base of his microphone stand were numerous items (pictures, album covers, old ticket stubs, etc) placed there by fans for Gordon to autograph. I even brought a picture I had taken during a concert at the St. Dennis Centre, in Windsor Ont.,a few years earlier. When Gordon came on stage, he picked my picture up to look at it, placed it back down, and went on with the show. After the show was over, a "roadie" took the items back stage, and returned with them some 20 minutes later. Not a single item had been signed. I can't figure out why. I'm sure he has a reason, and I like to know it. During the show at the Fox Theater, another person in the front row ( a young teenager) asked Gordon for a guitar pick. Gordon refused to give the kid a pick and instead shook the boys hand instead. It would be alot easier to accept if he let the people know why he doesn't do this...anyone know the reason?

I can't say much about autographs tossed on stage, I did put a couple of requests which were utterly ignored. However I have met him twice and he did autograph my LP Summertime Dream. I just think a personal touch is better. After the show I waited patiently backstage and he showed up and we chatted for awhile and afterwhile I asked him to autograph above said LP which he did. There were other people besides me and I think he just likes to see who the person is and talk before signing anything. He likes input directly. IMHO

[chris]

Gord, I think you're right. I have never seen or heard of him refusing to sign an autograph after a show. I would guess the reason he wouldn't sign things before the show is because it would be unfair to those waiting for the show to begin. But for those waiting afterwards, he has a rep for being unfailingly gracious and kind about signing autographs.

chris

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"It took most of my time to do what never was done" -- GL

[Bob from Westphalia, Mich]

Well, you've had better luck than I. I've seen him 3 times and every time, after the show was over, all were asked to leave the venue, and weren't allowed anywhere near back stage....believe me I've tried. I've stood at the "back stage door", and each time was asked to leave. Don't get me wrong, I'm not by any means mad.....disapointed would be a better word for it.

And as far as others having to wait for him to sign some autographs before the show....well I know I was in awe just by seeing him walk on stage. I wouldn't have cared if he ate dinner on stage before the show.....I was overwhelmed just to see him.

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The house you live in will never fall down, if you pity the stranger that stands at your door.....GL

I'm in a rush, but couldn't pass this one by. I ws at the concert in Bellingham Wa. on April 12. Concert was awesome, although I agree Gord's voice has changed, he's still the best.

A group of about 50 waited by the backstage door for about an hour after the concert. Terry CLements came out for a cigar and talked to us for 1/2 an hour. After a while the group had dwindled to about 20 and Gordon's manager came out and said he'd tell Gord we were there and see what he could do to get us autographs. He said they had to catch a plane and he might not be in the mood. Soon Gord came out and happily signed autographs and took photos for about 20 minutes in the parking lot!. He chatted and joked and was the ulitmate class act. I got his autograph and he was giving hugs to all the ladies!

BTW Gord's manager confirmed MAssey Hall, 2nd or 3rd week of May 2001.

While waiting for Gord the other night someone asked Gord's manager (anyone know his name?) why he doesn't sign autographs a lot and especially on stage. He said what the other person on this topic said - that Gord likes to talk to people first and likes to know the autograph is for them. Apparently he's got pissed off because he's signed a bunch of autographs and then found them for sale the next day on ebay.

BTW, he looks WAAAy better in person than in the concert photos, they don't do him justice.

[Bob from Westphalia, Mich]

Thanks for the info ! That explains alot ! I don't blame him a bit about the E-Bay thing, I'd be pissed too. Next time I'll be alittle more patient and try other options ! Thanks again !!!

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The house you live in will never fall down, if you pity the stranger that stands at your door.....GL

[vlmagee]

Gord's business manager is Barry Harvey.

I think I noticed the Ebay incident that he was referring to. Last July, right after the Much More Music broadcast, someone put up an autographed "photo of a sketch", saying it had been autographed at the broadcast. There was no photo in the ad, so bidders didn't know what it looked like. I didn't bid (I bid on altogether too much already, and I have autographs that were to me, so I certainly wasn't going to bid on something I like that)!

What was particularly sad was that after that auction closed, another identical item was listed. And after that second auction ended, there was still another. I don't remember how many there were, but obviously someone got Gord to sign multiple copies of it, just to profit. What is even sadder is that because of this incident, Gord is apparently hesitant about signing autographs as freely as before. Not everyone can wait outside after a concert (I know several fans with young children that simply can't stay an extra hour no matter how much they would love to), so some devoted fans may not get an autograph at all. I hope that Gord realizes that at his concerts at least, there are very, very few people who would do what this person did.

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Valerie Magee

[Rick]

I finally met Gord years ago at the SF Opera House. I didn't ask for his autograph...it was an honor jus to shake his hand. He was astouded that at that time I had seen him 15 times. This Saturday night will be the 25th time and I hope he'll sign the "Songbook"!!!
When I met him, I found him to be very friendly, gracious, and an all around great person.

If you have difficulty getting back stage, pretend you belong there.

Hi just a word or two here... I wouldn't necessarily leave because someone told me to,just make your self less visible but in the viewing area of the backstage door. I agree with the views someone else here, it's not Gord's staff it's the theatre management tossing ya out. I remember being told another artist I liked had left when in fact he didn't. Concert Hall managers oughta remember who forked out the money to have Gord play, and it isn't Gord!!!!! LOL. Good luck as Gord will be around 10 more years before he packs it in at least that is my guess.