In a message dated 4/12/03 3:01:53 AM, Jim writes:
<< I was livid, and lost a great deal of respect for Joni as "a person" that
night. Much like Bob Murphy suggested, I felt so betrayed by her lack of
professionalism and respect for her devoted audience that I have had a VERY
hard time getting over it. I didn't play her music for close to a year, I
don't believe, and have never truly forgiven her. Had I been Bob's friend -
instead of already having 15 years of rabid fandom under my belt at that
time - I would never have wanted to hear her name again, either.
In the years since, thanks to interviews she has given, etc., I have come to
view Joni (as "a person") as an egotistical prima donna. I have had to
overcome that view to remain the fan that I am, since I've always liked my
heroes to be, first and foremost, "nice people." I've been successful,
though, which explains my continuing presence here.
Best,
(formerly Boston) Jim
I've always had mixed feelings about wanting to meet some of the artists
I'd loved over the years, thinking that I might not like them as "a person"
and possibly being turned off of their music as a result.
Unfortunately, this has never been a problem since I never really met any
of my heroes. But, I talked to Todd Rundgren on the phone once during a Todd
fan gathering and we all thought he was fabulous (answering our questions &
chatting about any subject we wanted) on a call that was over a speaker so we
all could hear everything. Likewise, other members of his band (at the time)
Utopia.
I have a good friend (gal) who was "in love" with Johnny Mathis many
years ago (his biggest fan) and she got a friend of hers (who worked at a
radio station) to arrange an interview (he almost never granted interviews at
the time) and this friend of mine went along as "the photographer".... with a
freakin' INSTAMATIC!
Mathis was VERY kind to them, saw right through their ploy and still
treated them wonderfully; even gave them each a kiss (my friend didn't wash
her face for a week!)
Kenny B
