fans, fans, fans,

[Helen Hall]

I've searched high and low this week for the band who cares for their fans like the DB do.  Seven nights of watching and I believe I found two that came close.  Notice I said came close.  38 Special and The Wilkinsons were the best two with their fans.    I really liked The Wilkinsons because they sang Listen to the Music.  The crowd went wild when they heard the song and after it was over.  The Wilkinsons took pictures with their fan club and signed autographs for their fans.  They are truly nice onstage and off.   For 38 Special the fans lined up 3 hours prior to the show.  Having nothing to do but keep trouble down and amuse myself, I decided to conduct a survey.  The question was how many of you would like to see the Doobie Brothers at next years fair.  The crowd went wild.  I tried to keep count but couldn't because I mentioned the bands new CD and the crowd went wild again. I gave up on my survey and talked DB with the crowd. I can honestly say I had the honor of meeting a lot of Doobie fans.    NOT ENTIRELY DB RELATED...DELETE NOW IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO READ ABOUT 38 SPECIAL I watched 38 Special last night and was really impressed.  After the show (close to 6,000 in attendance) the guys went backstage and the fans circled the building to see them.  The fans never crossed the barriers but stayed behind them and waited.  The fan club were the only fans allowed backstage and after spending time with them, one by one the band went up to the fans and signed autographs.  I got to leave my post and come backstage at this point.  When the guys finished talking to the fans and came back down the hill I thanked them and told them how much their fans appreciate a minute of their time.  All of the guys held a meet and greet with the officers and thanked us.  I was impressed because none of the other bands have ever done this.  Then they did something their manager says they never ever do.  They autographed their picture and personally presented it to each of us.  Mine says "Love to Helen",  the guys got "Rock on (and their name)."  I have to honestly say that Donnie Van Zant is the coolest.    A few of us talked Doobie Brothers and I, again am impressed but not surprised, at the amount of respect the other musicians have for the Brothers.    I talked to the organizers about having the DB at the fair next year.  I was told that there is not enough room for the fans and there would be no way to control how many people attended.  One person said "If you think 38 Special brought in a crowd, the Doobie Brothers fans would be unreal."  Apparently our little fair is too small for the DB.  Well, I guess I'll have to travel to see them.  Better go pack.  Take care, Helen