Ian told a story about my friend during a concert

[beerhopper]

Hello..my name is Jud Patterson (beerhopper) and I want to relate a story about something Ian did during a concert in Tunica, MS several years ago. Bear with me..this is worth it. My best friend is a pharmacist in Jackson, MS. During our college days ('72 - '76) we listened to a LOT of TULL but we NEVER got to see a TULL show together. Now..over the years, I have actually had the chance to meet Ian on several occasions and in fact, produce the Stand-Up throw blanket that you can see on the official TULL site. So....this occurred not long after the Hurricane Katrina disaster. I saw that TULL was scheduled to play one of the casinos in Tunica, MS so I called my friend in Jackson and told him about it. He said, "If you can get us backstage passes, I'll fly you here and we'll go." I was able to do this and off to Mississippi I went when the concert was coming up (I am in North Carolina.) The night before the Tunica show, Tull played a benefit concert for Katrina victims (the concert was in Shreveport, LA.) Now, it turns out that DURING the aftermath of Katrina, my friend, whose pharmacy was completely out of power because of Katrina, kept his pharmacy open and helped people who were displaced from the gulf coast get their medicines. Whether they could pay or not, he supplied them their medications. This is the kind of person he is. Anyway...before the concert, I wrote to Ian to tell him this story and to tell him that after DECADES of being Tull fans, my friend and I were finally going to see a Tull concert together. I asked Ian if he would somehow acknowledge my friend during the show. About 3 songs into the show, Ian told the crowd about the benefit show they had done the night before and then they started playing again. I figured, "well...I guess he just doesn't have time to squeeze in my story." But, 3 songs later, Ian stopped and announced that there was a special guest in the audience. He called my friend by name and then related the entire story, ACCURATELY and with no visible 'notes' and ended up saying, "Now, there is a TRUE American Hero." My friend was STUNNED and I was extremely happy. Upon hearing his name, he looked a me and said, "WHAT???" I said, "Just enjoy this." Afterwards, we got backstage and I introduced Lester to Ian and thanked Ian for relating the story. It was a night to remember!!!!!

[Dan]

Fantastic story, Jud!

That's great that you guys finally got to see a show together and I'll second the motion that, your friend, Jackson, is a True American Hero.



Dan

P.S.
Your story isn't too long and if you ever feel the need to present long posts in installments to build excitement- then feel free to do so.

[TM]

Jan 14, 2011 14:42:50 GMT -5 Dan said:

Fantastic story, Jud!

That's great that you guys finally got to see a show together and I'll second the motion that, your friend, Jackson, is a True American Hero.



Dan

P.S.
Your story isn't too long and if you ever feel the need to present long posts in installments to build excitement- then feel free to do so.

LOL!

Very funny Danno! Although Jud may not be aware of the history of the instalments.

But that is a great story Jud! That must have been something.

Nice to have you with us. Do you still sell those rugs? I'd like to get one if you do. Please PM me.

Paul

[Misteman 4]

Good story.. I remember one as well. I've never been as lucky to be backstage or to meet Ian personally. One year though while I was working doing HIV/AIDS testing and prevention I knew a woman named Chris who was born blind, had diabetes, and full blown AIDS. She worked with me doing education and she was quite a Tull fan. In 1999 I managed to get her and I tickets to Tull at the Reno Hilton. Her absolute favorite song was "fatman" and for 3 months she asked me if I thought they'd do "fatman"!! Finally I gave in and said "Chris it's a very old song....but anything is possible". During the show after 3 songs Ian proclaimed he wanted to do a request... and sure enough it was "fatman". I let Chris think until the day she died that it was for her. Maybe it was. She was very moved, it was one of the very few times I ever saw Chris cry. Later I ran her into a pole, it was one of the many times Chris cursed at me...peace

[jtul07]

Jan 14, 2011 14:14:01 GMT -5 beerhopper said:

Hello..my name is Jud Patterson (beerhopper) and I want to relate a story about something Ian did during a concert in Tunica, MS several years ago. Bear with me..this is worth it. My best friend is a pharmacist in Jackson, MS. During our college days ('72 - '76) we listened to a LOT of TULL but we NEVER got to see a TULL show together. Now..over the years, I have actually had the chance to meet Ian on several occasions and in fact, produce the Stand-Up throw blanket that you can see on the official TULL site. So....this occurred not long after the Hurricane Katrina disaster. I saw that TULL was scheduled to play one of the casinos in Tunica, MS so I called my friend in Jackson and told him about it. He said, "If you can get us backstage passes, I'll fly you here and we'll go." I was able to do this and off to Mississippi I went when the concert was coming up (I am in North Carolina.) The night before the Tunica show, Tull played a benefit concert for Katrina victims (the concert was in Shreveport, LA.) Now, it turns out that DURING the aftermath of Katrina, my friend, whose pharmacy was completely out of power because of Katrina, kept his pharmacy open and helped people who were displaced from the gulf coast get their medicines. Whether they could pay or not, he supplied them their medications. This is the kind of person he is. Anyway...before the concert, I wrote to Ian to tell him this story and to tell him that after DECADES of being Tull fans, my friend and I were finally going to see a Tull concert together. I asked Ian if he would somehow acknowledge my friend during the show. About 3 songs into the show, Ian told the crowd about the benefit show they had done the night before and then they started playing again. I figured, "well...I guess he just doesn't have time to squeeze in my story." But, 3 songs later, Ian stopped and announced that there was a special guest in the audience. He called my friend by name and then related the entire story, ACCURATELY and with no visible 'notes' and ended up saying, "Now, there is a TRUE American Hero." My friend was STUNNED and I was extremely happy. Upon hearing his name, he looked a me and said, "WHAT???" I said, "Just enjoy this." Afterwards, we got backstage and I introduced Lester to Ian and thanked Ian for relating the story. It was a night to remember!!!!!

I am impressed. Another great Tull fan from North Carolina.
North Carolina - First In Tull
Well done Beerhopper!

[jrpipik]

Great stories.