Rockford, IL Afterglow

[OldDan]

I, too, attended the Gordon Lightfoot concert at the Coronado Performing Arts Center last night. Thanks "redhead" for publishing a set list. I just wanted to kick back, sip my drinks, relax and enjoy this show, so I didn't compile one. It was nice to see Gord resurrecting some rarities; Drink Yer Glasses Empty, I'd Rather Press On and Wild Strawberries, from his treasure vault. He should do more of it in light of the fact that he's not recording new material anymore, I think the fans would just love it.

My post is more about after the concert. I had brought an old photo of me with Gord taken in 1977 that I wanted him to sign, so I made my way around the corner to the stage door after the show to begin my wait. I've done this before at other venues, so I know the routine.

There were a handful of other fans waiting there with LPs and memorabilia for him to sign, as well. Soon, the loading dock door opened and the roadies went about their work loading equipment onto the semi. The crowd grew somewhat to about 15 or 20 fans and we queued up along the wall waiting patiently. Several anonymous people emerged from the stage door, but nobody "famous", at least to us

Finally, an official-looking guy (Gord's manager perhaps?) with an ID lanyard around his neck came out the door and I asked him, sort of already knowing the answer, if Gord was doing a "meet and greet" after the show, which is typical. But, then he said, "Yeah, I'm thinking about that", and I didn't quite understand what he meant, as I thought one was already in progress inside. Earlier, I had remarked to the couple standing behind me that I'd never been lucky enough to get on the list for one; you have to have the right connections.

Well, this guy with the lanyard comes back out a few minutes later and asks those of us standing there if we all attended the concert, which seemed rather obvious, and we said yes. Then he said, "Follow me folks" and led us through the stage door and down several hallways and through doorways until we emerged in the theater lobby and were escorted into the auditorium and told to take seats down front.

There were other people waiting there before we arrived, but our group started really filling up the place. Soon another guy appeared from backstage and began complaining that people had to be on "the list" and "it wasn't fair to those who were". Some commotion ensued between the fans, this stage manager guy and the other guy (??) who let us in, but they finally relented and let us stay. So there I was, an unwitting "crasher" of a Lightfoot "meet and greet". My wish was fulfilled in a weird sort of way.

Rick Haynes, Barry Keane and Carter Lancaster were milling around near the stage and talked with people. Didn't see Mike Heffernan. Then Gord suddenly appeared from the side of the theater and was soon surrounded by his fans. He seemed oblivious to the earlier commotion and graciously greeted everyone. I shook hands with him and had him sign my vintage photo and then departed to head back to my car.

Patience really paid off last night and I hope that other guy, whoever he was, didn't get chewed-out for letting all of us in. We were the nicest, most well-mannered group of crashers you could have wanted. Lightfoot fans are just nice people!

[redhead]

Thanks "redhead" for publishing a set list.

You're welcome. It was a great show last night, wasn't it!

So you did get to see him, and get your photograph signed; good for you.

"red"

[Peter Bro10]

Well OldDan, all I can say is "good for you!"
I thought of waiting out back too, but circumstances wouldn't permit that... but hearing your story is good enough for me.
All in all, it was a great night.
btw, nice pics.

[charlene]

good stuff!
was the guy with the lanyard the guy standing behind Gord in the pics? Or was he the guy complaining?
He's the road/tour manager who controls the meet and greets...and tries to run them with military precision..
lol

[OldDan]

The guy standing behind Gordon in the pics is the guy who let us in. The guy sitting with Barry is the guy who was complaining, but someone told me afterward that he worked for the theater, not for Gord.

[niffer]

The Lanyard Guy is Warren, right? They call him Wiggy. He has always been extremely nice to me.

[charlene]

that guy behind Gordon is indeed Warren/Wiggy...

[OldDan]

Thanks for the clarification "char" and "niffer", I guess we were in good hands.

[Melissa]

Warren is a class act. He has always been very considerate of Gord's fans and he does his best to help folks get to see/meet/interact with Gord. I've always been impressed with his ability to do the job he's hired to do and still be so gracious to all the fans who want their moment with Gord. That's gotta be an extremely tough job, but my hat's off to Warren for the way he handles it.

Plus, he has cool hair.

Melissa