Met Gord In New Jersey

[3pennies]

Hi everyone.

Just wanted to share an experience I had meeting Gord this past June 19th in Morristown, NJ.

My Sister and I went. I had a feeling before heading out that it was going to be a special night so I put a CD of Sundown in my Sisters purse and had a sharpie in my pocket. Was going to bring a digital camera but didn't know if we would have a problem getting in with it and I didn't want to miss any of the show having to run back to the car or anything.

Anyway, great show, started right on time. 2 great sets. When he ended and left the stage some drunk idiot started yelling at the top of his lungs "Gord, you didn't play Early Morning Rain come back." We all shuffled out and I said to my Sister that we should go around back and see if we can get an autograph or something. Sure enough "Stage Door" sign, big trailer and 2 sedans. There were about 8 of use hanging out.

My Sister, although a big fan like me, had a really early morning the next day but was being patient. After about 15 minutes Clements, Heffernan and Keane came out. They didn't hang out, got in one of the sedans with some other guy and drove away.

About 15 minutes after that, Haynes comes out, bottle of water in hand, and leans up against the other sedan. He was super nice and answered questions etc. Then the drunk idiot shows up and gets right in his face. Haynes remained cool, answered the guys questions and he finanlly started mellowing out. For 1/2 hour Haynes hung out chatting. Then the drunk idiot left and somehow Haynes must have signaled that it was cool for Gord to come out. Sure enough, out came Gord. Walked right up to me and commented that it was cool that evening. He graciously signed autographs and took pics. My Sister took one of the two of us standing close together with her cell phone. Gord was chatting and signing and taking pics. My Sister says "the pic didn't come out." I was disappointed. So she says "Mr. Lightfoot, the photo I took of you and my Brother Dan didn't come out good, may I take another." With that he says "Sure, I'm sorry Dan I didn't play your song tonight." I told him it was OK and The Watchman's Gone totally made up for it. He put his arm around me and we took another pic. The second one came out lousy too but I couldn't bug him anymore. All told he hung out with us for about 15 minutes. Haynes got in the drivers seat of the other sedan, Gord got in the passenger side, thanked us and drove up the street.

It was a great night. He was gracious, kind, funny, friendly. Totally approachable.

[GJA]

OMG!! That is so neat. I'll see him October 1st. Can't wait!!

[3pennies]

Gloria if you are patient you may just get to have an experience like mine.

I suggest if unfamilar with the venue to arrive a few minutes early and take a walk around. You should be able to find the stage door.

One thing I made sure to do was not to be right by the door. The other people around me did the same. We gave him room and I think Haynes gave him the sign that there were no weirdos hanging out. He came out comfortable and relaxed and approached us.

There were a couple of big dudes in the background. I think they moved the equipment but were also used as security as he moved in and out of the building.

Enjoy the show.

[BILLW]

Thanks for sharing. Always great to hear a new voice and a fresh take on the subject.

Bill

[Nightingale]

That's a really nice story and great to hear that Gordon was so gracious.

I didn't get to meet him when I saw him last spring but he put on such a wonderful concert that I was satisfied just seeing him on stage.

Doesn't it seem like there is ALWAYS one drunk in the audience that carries on about one thing or another?
Wonder if it's the same drunk and he follows G.L. around...lol.

Mr. Lightfoot and crew seem to know how to handle it well.

Thanks for sharing your story. It was a pleasure to read.

[Kelly Davis]

Great story. Try again for a better picture with Gord. I have quite a few. I have one framed on my band room wall at the school where I teach - right under a "Songbook" poster signed by the entire band.

As for the drunk, it seems there is always one in the crowd. I wish security would just escort them out !!!!!

In my opinion, a "no-alcohol" Gord concert would be the ultimate way to enjoy the experience.
No distractions, no drunks, no people up and down for drinks during the show.


I enjoy a drink now and then, but not at a concert when I have already shelled out money for tickets.

[BILLW]

Originally Posted by Kelly Davis

I enjoy a drink now and then, but not at a concert when I have already shelled out money for tickets.

Well Kelly as someone who might be described as a teetotaler I agree with you. HOWEVER, I must say that anyone who wants the bars closed at his shows are probably in the wee minority. Better just to go with the flow on this one (pun intended). And might I say for the record some of my best friends are drunks, LOL. Gotta love 'em !

Bill

And you have to admit it's funny watching them line up for the bathroom at intermission, eh ?

[paddletothesea]

Yeah the whole band is great, mike and barry usually blow out of there quickly. Ive talked to terry and rick for an hour before gord cam out. terry drank 1/2 my bottle of wine i had, which was fine with me.
gords a lot shorter and smaller than he looks on the album and on stage.

[Jesse Joe]

gords a lot shorter and smaller than he looks on the album and on stage.

paddletothesea

That's what I found also of our "Poet Genius" !

[Jesse Joe]

Originally Posted by 3pennies

Hi everyone.

Just wanted to share an experience I had meeting Gord this past June 19th in Morristown, NJ.

My Sister and I went. I had a feeling before heading out that it was going to be a special night so I put a CD of Sundown in my Sisters purse and had a sharpie in my pocket. Was going to bring a digital camera but didn't know if we would have a problem getting in with it and I didn't want to miss any of the show having to run back to the car or anything.

Anyway, great show, started right on time. 2 great sets. When he ended and left the stage some drunk idiot started yelling at the top of his lungs "Gord, you didn't play Early Morning Rain come back." We all shuffled out and I said to my Sister that we should go around back and see if we can get an autograph or something. Sure enough "Stage Door" sign, big trailer and 2 sedans. There were about 8 of use hanging out.

My Sister, although a big fan like me, had a really early morning the next day but was being patient. After about 15 minutes Clements, Heffernan and Keane came out. They didn't hang out, got in one of the sedans with some other guy and drove away.

About 15 minutes after that, Haynes comes out, bottle of water in hand, and leans up against the other sedan. He was super nice and answered questions etc. Then the drunk idiot shows up and gets right in his face. Haynes remained cool, answered the guys questions and he finanlly started mellowing out. For 1/2 hour Haynes hung out chatting. Then the drunk idiot left and somehow Haynes must have signaled that it was cool for Gord to come out. Sure enough, out came Gord. Walked right up to me and commented that it was cool that evening. He graciously signed autographs and took pics. My Sister took one of the two of us standing close together with her cell phone. Gord was chatting and signing and taking pics. My Sister says "the pic didn't come out." I was disappointed. So she says "Mr. Lightfoot, the photo I took of you and my Brother Dan didn't come out good, may I take another." With that he says "Sure, I'm sorry Dan I didn't play your song tonight." I told him it was OK and The Watchman's Gone totally made up for it. He put his arm around me and we took another pic. The second one came out lousy too but I couldn't bug him anymore. All told he hung out with us for about 15 minutes. Haynes got in the drivers seat of the other sedan, Gord got in the passenger side, thanked us and drove up the street.

It was a great night. He was gracious, kind, funny, friendly. Totally approachable.

This was very enjoyable to read. Thanks for sharing it, and welcome to {"Corfid" The Gord Board} 3pennies...

[JohninCt.]

Originally Posted by paddletothesea

Yeah the whole band is great, mike and barry usually blow out of there quickly. Ive talked to terry and rick for an hour before gord cam out. terry drank 1/2 my bottle of wine i had, which was fine with me.
gords a lot shorter and smaller than he looks on the album and on stage.

I noticed that Barry and Mike leave quickly nowadays. Terry sometimes exits early with them also. I guess they just got bored with the fan stuff. Rick has always been very friendly, and of course is basicly Gordons #1 man and body guard. As for Gordon, he has lost lots of weight since the illness and was on a long diet even before that happened. Back in the 80s there was a time he was quite large, 'El Rotund' as he refered to himself. When he quit drinking, he lost the weight and has kept it off ever since. I sometimes wonder if he was a bit heavier, like 30 pounds or so, if it would make his voice more powerful and resonant, and maybe with more breath control.

[3pennies]

It's funny you mention his weight.

When he put his arm around me he grabbed me pretty tight. I did the same and thought how solid he felt.

I have read he works out quite often and that his fitness helped get him through the health issues in 2002.

It's great to see he's already lining up shows for 2009! I'll bring a better camera if he come through my area again.