Our new Rockin' the Railroad Festival "Roadie for a Day" contest got me thinking about all the times I've been able to hang out back stage at rock concerts.  Of course, most radio guys have hundreds of pictures with people they've met once.

Typically, hanging out backstage ins't as glamorous as it sounds.  Some rock stars are cool, some of them are jerks.  Usually, meeting an artist is like ordering a hamburger at a fast food restaurant.  You wait in line, then it's your turn, then they sign an autograph, say thanks and move you along.

One of the coolest rockers I've ever met was Marilyn Manson.  He was sick that day, or so he said, so we waited 3 hours to meet him.  When we were finally invited into his dressing room, he couldn't have been more gracious.  We spoke for about a half hour about a variety of subjects.  It was just like hanging out with someone you've known for years.

The guys from Metallica are also very cool.  They treat their fans with a lot of respect.  I've also met some real a-holes.  One time, I saw Tommy Lee verbally assault his record rep over something she had no control over.  It was like watching a 5 year old throw a temper tantrum.

Then there's Dave Mustaine from Megadeth.  I've met him three times and it was like meeting a different person each time. First, I met coked up and hitting on fat chicks Dave Mustaine.  A few years later, I met pissed off and angry Dave Mustaine.  Then, a few years after that, I met a calm, thoughtful and kind Dave Mustaine.  It was bizarre.

The weirdest rock star encounter I ever had was with my favorite musician of all time, Maynard James Keenan from Tool, A Perfect Circle and Puscifer.  I've met Maynard on three occasions.  The first time I met Maynard, he didn't utter a single word to anyone and signed with a question mark when fans asked for his autograph.  The second time I met Maynard, he didn't say a single word either.  He passed by a group of fans, waved hello, then proceeded to play pinball about 25 feet away from our group.

The last time I met Maynard, I mentioned to him that he hadn't spoken to me the first two times we met.  He then said, "Well now I have".  I laughed and he said, "You're welcome".  It was strange.  If he wasn't my favorite rock star, I probably would have been pissed.

 

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