Well folks, I finally got home long enough to tell you about the York, PA
adventure.
Friday morning I awoke at 2:00 a.m. unable to sleep, like a kid on
Christmas morning. I knew that in a few hours I would be on my way to hook
up with the Pres in Richmond, VA where he would then take the wheel and get
us to York, PA to hear motorcycles.
I left Roanoke at 7:30 a.m. for the 3 hour drive to Richmond, VA. The Pres
had given me great directions to his house, and I arrived there about 11:30
a.m. Since he wasn't coming home till 12:30, I introduced myself to his 3
dogs, and played with them while chomping at the bit to be on the road again.
The Pres arrived with a trumpet flourish, and after a quick loading of
various guitars, booklets, and other Doob necessities, we were on our way.
Miles had intended to accompany us but had overslept due to a power
outage-BUMMER!!!!!!! He had to cancel out on us.
The Pres was able to show off his intricate driving skills that I'm sure he
learned at the Evel Knievel Driving Academy. (If you ever have a chance to
ride with Laurin, please do. It is a true adventure!)
Due to the traffic near D.C. and Baltimore our 3 hour trip became 5 hours!
We finally slid in sideways to the backstage area, and unloaded guitars to
be autographed.
After meeting Ed, who is the guardian of the elusive backstage passes, we
cruised the fairgrounds until showtime.
We met up with Torrey and wife, Dale Dreyden and wife, and several other
club members who I unfortunately never caught names. (You must please
forgive me, as I have not been involved in the club long enough to know
everyone, only the ones like Torrey who harrass me on a regular basis!)
Finally, the lights went down and the familiar sound of flatheads and fat
boys hit my ears like thunder.
The boys took the stage and man were they rippin'!! I swear to you that
Tommy's vocals are getting better every time I hear him!
Skylark seemed a little more subdued than usual, but played in his normal,
perfect fashion. Pat was Pat, what more can I say? He truly enjoys flowing
all over the stage. Keith and Mike were in precision timing. Marc was
blowing notes that you might hear when you go to Heaven if you are lucky.
John was pulling strings perfectly as usual, but not very active on stage
(I found out later that he had been up all night the night before working
on the new website graphics, and he was really tired! Rest up Johnboy-we
need you to stay healthy!) You will notice that I left Guy till last. He
blew me away! Compared to last year, he has really gotten aggressive on the
keyboards and is vastly improving his technique (Rick Wakeman, watch your
back!). Oh, yea! And Pat announced from the stage that Guy is a Daddy now too!
After 90 glorious minutes, the guys said there goodbyes. We hustled down to
the backstage gathering point, and swapped lies for about 30 minutes.
My buddy, Skylark, came out to sign autographs, but I could not get
anywhere close to him.He was mobbed by fans who know that he is the finest
bass player in the U.S.
Big Mike joined him (who is not nearly as big as he was last year, and
looks 10 years younger!).
We were all moved inside the dressing room area since the temperature had
dropped, and it was really getting chilly. Torry and his wife were kind
enough to use my camera and snap photos of me bouncing all over the room.
When I walked in, the event happened that I have waited 28 years for. There
stood Tommy!!!!! I had to take about three deep breaths before I could walk
up to him. I told him that it was truly an honor to finally get to meet
him, and that I thought he was simply wonderful. He gave me a big grin, and
I saw a twinkle in those deep, dark brown eyes that was like you would see
if you caught Santa putting presents under the tree.
I then had the opportunity to ask Big Mike how he had lost weight since I
can use any advice I can get. He said it was a secret method, and he was
forbidden to share it. Sounds like it's Top Secret, hmmmmm????
Then I had the chance to do a little payback on Keithie for my buddy, Glenn
Maloy. I nuzzled up beside Keith, told him that a mutual friend, Glenn, had
sent him a message. (Now you need to ask Glenn what happened in Saratoga to
appreciate this!). I then gave Keith a nice, firm butt squeeze. He was
really surprised, and just shook his head while grinning from ear to ear.
He said to send Glenn his highest regards (in other words, payback to me
and Glenn is going to be hell!).
Guy was next on the hit list, and he really appreciated my compliments on
his playing.
Pat was last, and everyone should be pleased to know that he is feeling
much better. He sprained his neck right before the convention, and was in a
lot of pain while at Saratoga. (Cris, you make sure that he follows up with
his physical therapy!!!!!!).
All good things must come to an end, so we said our goodbyes, gave hugs all
around, and the Willis Rocket blasted off for Richmond. Three hours and a
sore throat after discussing the Doobs, the meaning of life, women, and
solving all the world's problems, we arrived at the Presidential palace at
2:30 a.m. I made it as far as the sofa and collapsed.
At 9:00 a.m. I awake to the sweet sound of "Hey Wice, you gonna sleep all
day?" Where does the Pres get all that energy?
Susie supervised cooking breakfast while Palmer and I played outside.
After getting warm, tummy fuzzies, I lightened my wallet a little on some
Saratoga auction leftovers. Not much, but some additions to my Doob Rec
Room theme.
Hugs all around, and on the road home I go.
Folks, let me tell you. Laurin, Susie, and Palmer are the best. I am proud
and humbled to call them my friends. No finer people can be found on the
planet, and we are lucky to have Laurin at the helm of the greatest fan
club in the world.
Until the next Doob time,
Steve
Slow Burnin' Steve
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