Going to see a historic “Who” show such as the July 1ST Hollywood Bowl show
is one thing, but going to see it as “Beach Boys” legend Brian Wilson’s
guest is another! I was very emotional about the passing of John Entwistle,
even after meeting him only once in my career. For the record, I own every
“Who” album and have seen every tour since 1979. They are one of my favorite
bands, and Pete Townsend is without a doubt the greatest living songwriter.
Speaking of songwriters, let’s get back to Brian Wilson. I first met Brian
when I doing research for my unpublished book "Surf, Sun and Sounds: Best
of the West.” Producer, friend and fan Don Was gave Brian my phone
number after I moved out here in May. Brian and I met several times since
then – mostly for lunch at Canter’s Deli, where I dine almost daily. Brian
said he would pick me up around 7pm. Having had many nightmare experiences
with “rock stars” over the last twenty years, I hardly expected him to
arrive on time! (LOL) But much to my surprise, Brian arrived at 6:59.
Expecting a limo, I was surprised to find Brian, alone, driving a brand
new BMW. We drove to the show listening to Brian’s favorite band: a three
year-old CD from “The New Radicals.” Brian loves this album. As we made
our way inside the venue, Brian was besieged by fans and friends, meanwhile,
I was ignored, except for a nameless washed up rocker who shouted “Fuck You,
Meisner,” and some homeless man who shouted “Afflack” in my ear through a
day-glow traffic pylon. I was itching for the backstage, but Brian wanted
to watch the opening act from our front-pit seats. I wasn’t about to argue
with the man who made “Pet Sounds!”
The “Counting Crows” were the opening act for “The Who” – a major gig for
them! The Who don’t need an opening act. I was always a “Crows” fan, so I
didn’t miss the journey to the “backstage trek.” I have been a friend of
Counting Crows front man Adam Duruitz for nearly ten years. How this guy gets
all the fine A-list tail he does is beyond me – he did half of the stars of
the TV show “Friends” – including the women! (lol) I once ran interference
between both Courteney Cox and Jennifer Aniston in New York when Adam was
simultaneously seeing both of the! True story! The Crows have a new album
coming out – which by the way, rocks! Their show was a shorter set than
normal. Adam has put on considerable weight in the last two years, leading
Brian to lean over to me and say: “Instead of ‘ Counting Crows,’ he might
wanna think about ‘Counting Calories!’” I almost pissed my pants at that
one. Brian and I are both deaf in one ear. Maybe we should have switched
seats. During their last song, Adam, looking somewhat bald and overweight,
did and awkward spin and six-inch jump, and tried to throw the mike stand
on the ground like an angry rocker! Both Brian and I laughed at that! Brian
than gave the nod. We were going backstage!
Having been backstage almost 400 times, I wasn’t that impressed. This was
my first Hollywood Bowl experience. To be honest, I was expecting more.
Besides the usual “hangers-on” – whom I deplore, we were met by a number
of Hollywood music power-horses. I caught a glimpse of the “velvet-mafia”
– Barry Diller and David Geffen. I refused to speak with Geffen after he
sued Neil Young in the 80’s, so I went the other way. I met with some of
Paul McCartney’s new band (inclduding my good friend and Paul's lead guitarist, Rusty Anderson - pitcured left)... I had a brief post-concert chat with Adam, and
made my way to the head. Soon I was at the buffet table. I made myself a
Tri-tip sandwich. A heavyset guard came around checking backstage passes.
I humored him. This would of never happened if Bill Graham was still alive.
When Bill ran the show, I was one of seven people in the industry who had
“free reign” regarding backstage access. I met a fine and shapely little
Philly from Tampa named Rosemary. We talked about music. She said her
favorite artists were “Neil Young” and “Bob Dylan.” “Neil and Bob,” I
said, as I took her hand into the darkness. She looked down at my crotch
and smiled. “Kneel n’ Bob” is what she did! When I returned, Brian, who
observed my whole backstage “encounter” with Tammy, said: “That’s not
cool!” I was taken aback – this was Brian Wilson, after all! I felt like
I was three inches tall. I looked Brian dead in the eyes and said: “Dude,
this is Rock and Roll!” He sank back and then smiled, “This is true… – now
let’s go watch ‘The Who.’”
Pete and Roger were isolated from all of us. This was an emotional show
for them. Roger knew John since he was 15 years old! My sources told me
that the last two days of rehearsal with Pino hit him hard. Brian and I
made our way to the VIP side stage. When Pete and the gang hit stage,
Brian grabbed my hand. I could only imagine what was going through his
head. He had his share of loss, having outlived both his younger brothers
Dennis and Carl. He squeezed tighter, like so many vice grips. He leaned
closer and said; “Do you remember where we parked?” I looked at Brian as
the band tore into “Can’t Explain.” “Of course I do.” I reassured him.
“That’s my job, to remember everything.” Brian smiled - as Pete and Roger
cried for 18,000 fans. The show rocked! Pete looked over at us five songs
in an gave us a reassuring “thumbs up.” Knowing they would be onstage for
at least another 45 minutes, I excused myself and made my way to Pete’s
guitar tech’s trailer. I stole a set of Pete’s strings, an unfinished
set-list and Pete’s Altoids. I love this business - and, I love my job!…
The band tore the crowd to shreds! Brian and I left during the encore song
“Sparks” and made our way to Canter’s Deli in Brian’s BMW. Brian ordered
his usual – two eggs sunny-side up and extra crispy bacon. I got coffee.
As we were eating, Brian leaned forward and asked: “Have you heard the
latest album by the ‘New Radicals?’” “Yeah,” I said. “I heard it rocks!”
Brian smiled and ate his bacon. Over Brian’s shoulders I saw my earlier
sexual conquest, Rosemary from Tampa, ordering food. I called her waitress
over. “Don’t give her anymore sausage,” I said. “I think she’s had enough
tonight!” Brian looked over at me like I was insane. He grabbed my hand.
I thought for sure he was going to scold me for my off-color remark. “Do
you remember where we parked?” he asked. “Yes, Brian,” I replied. “For
better or worse, I remember everything.” Brian smiled. I stole a piece of
Brian’s bacon. Fuck it, I felt like a pig.
- Brett Meisner
Canter’s Deli
July, 1st, 2002
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The first "Who" show after John Entwistle's untimely death was held at the at the legendary Hollywood Bowl in California. A "VIP ONLY" event, of course I was invited - as the guest of Brian Wilson!
