Bwanabob
One of the Youngest of the Family
Posts: 66
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Post by Bwanabob on Dec 11, 2009 12:36:49 GMT -5
Back in early 1978 I wrote a rather gushing fan letter to Ian. I had just seen my first Tull show in Dec 1977 and managed to snag a grainy shot of Ian in his limo as they left (with DP in the background). I sent Ian the picture along with a series of lyrics questions, and a plea for a real live album. I mailed it to him addressed as the Laird of Straithaird, Isle of Skye, Scotland UK.
In May of 1978 I received a letter from England. Holy smokes - it was from Ian. It was handwritten, on Salamander & Son stationery, with answers to my questions, as well as news of what was to be Bursting Out. I was totally bowled over.
I had a friend put a seed of doubt in my head by saying maybe he dictated it and a secretary signed it for him. Hmmm.
In Jan 1980 I went to London for a brief holiday. I brought a photocopy of the letter with me and decided to go to the address that was on the letterhead. It turned out to be the address of the Maison Rouge recording studio. I met an Australian guy in my hotel who was keen to tag along and he said we should go inside. The door was surprising unlocked. We took somebody by surprise inside who was annoyed the door wasn't secured. I showed him my letter hoping it would give me some credibility. The fellow (never found out who it was) was nice to us and said Ian was on holiday, and he'd let us look around except that someone was using the studio. My Australian friend pressed him for details and were told it was Genesis (mixing Duke). We thought he was just being funny and thanked him for his time and left. Outside I took the obligatory photo and as we walked down the street, a car came up behind us from the studio (it was a dead end behind us). A bearded Phil Collins was in the passenger seat. Whoa!.
Forward to May 1982. I was chummy with a local DJ (also a big Tull fan) and he called me saying Ian was there being interviewed and that if I waited outside I could probably meet him. I drove up there with my letter. There were 3 or 4 other guys waiting outside the radio station with Tour programs. Ian came out, was incredibly polite and started signing stuff. When it came to me I said, "I think I already have one, did you write this letter?" and handed it to him.
He scanned it, nodded and said, yes he did, although he apologized for not recalling the exact circumstances. He also said that I must have piqued his interest as he rarely responded to fan letters in person. I was so psyched.
I have never met him since.
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Post by Nonfatman on Dec 14, 2009 12:12:56 GMT -5
Hi Bwanabob, what an amazing story, receiving an unexpected handwritten reply from the man himself, and then having him authenticate it several years later!
I'm sure you must have said some interesting things in your letter, and asked some intriguing questions, because my experience has been that Ian does not like it when fans fawn all over him, but if you have something interesting to say, Ian will talk to you, and perhaps even respond to a letter!
Jeff
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Post by TM on Dec 14, 2009 21:38:58 GMT -5
Great story. Interesting enough I think I received a letter from Ian in 1978 as well, although mine was written on a Maison Rouge Engineer's Log....
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Post by beggarsfarm9862 on Aug 13, 2010 16:37:46 GMT -5
As a semi-retired L.A. rock journalist I've interviewed Ian (by phone) several times. First met Ian after the Divinity show in L.A. Yeah, I was starstruck. Then I found out that Ian was into cats while I was working on Cat Fancy magazine. I made the contact and another interview was arranged. I found that Ian was more interested in talking about felines rather than music, at the time. We established a bond & stayed in contact. I received emails from Ian, and personally invited to local shows w/ meet & greets. The topper was when he called me to talk more about cats, and with excitement Ian told me about when he & Shona found an abandoned litter on their London estate. Yes. Rupi was one of the kittens from the litter. I am grateful having the opportunity to meet one of my mentors, and timeless musician.
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Post by Mothfairy on Aug 17, 2010 9:41:44 GMT -5
Aww, that's a cute story!
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Post by Nonfatman on Aug 17, 2010 15:41:37 GMT -5
As a semi-retired L.A. rock journalist I've interviewed Ian (by phone) several times. First met Ian after the Divinity show in L.A. Yeah, I was starstruck. Then I found out that Ian was into cats while I was working on Cat Fancy magazine. I made the contact and another interview was arranged. I found that Ian was more interested in talking about felines rather than music, at the time. We established a bond & stayed in contact. I received emails from Ian, and personally invited to local shows w/ meet & greets. The topper was when he called me to talk more about cats, and with excitement Ian told me about when he & Shona found an abandoned litter on their London estate. Yes. Rupi was one of the kittens from the litter. I am grateful having the opportunity to meet one of my mentors, and timeless musician. Great story, beggarsfarm (Steve?), and keep 'em coming! Jeff |
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Post by tullfan on Sept 29, 2010 21:30:03 GMT -5
That's really neat that you got to meet Ian. A lot of people never get the chance to meet their favorite celeberity. You were very blessed about this.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Dec 27, 2010 12:02:40 GMT -5
I have been lucky and had two encounters with Ian booth where friendly and courteous. The first was in Worcester. I thought was in the late 80's, but having come across some trinkets, It was again prove I am suffering from CRS. It was in fact from 1991 and the second time was in 2003(I think) that's another story.  I had to pretend I was photographer working with the Air Force. A friend of mine was in the Air Force and said that he could pull it off , and he did, we got backstage treatment before and after the show. We were told you can only take pictures for the first 2 songs. Not knowing anything about photography my pictures where nothing but blur and out focused lights. But we actually allowed to lean on the edge of the stage for the first twenty minutes. After the show we went back stage and met everyone in the band , I got to talk with Ian for about 3 to 5 minutes or so it seemed. Billboard magazine was wanted everybody there to get pictures taken with the band. |
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Post by TM on Dec 27, 2010 20:10:33 GMT -5
I have been lucky and had two encounters with Ian booth where friendly and courteous. The first was in Worcester. I thought was in the late 80's, but having come across some trinkets, It was again prove I am suffering from CRS. It was in fact from 1991 and the second time was in 2003(I think) that's another story. I had to pretend I was photographer working with the Air Force. A friend of mine was in the Air Force and said that he could pull it off , and he did, we got backstage treatment before and after the show. We were told you can only take pictures for the first 2 songs. Not knowing anything about photography my pictures where nothing but blur and out focused lights. But we actually allowed to lean on the edge of the stage for the first twenty minutes. After the show we went back stage and met everyone in the band , I got to talk with Ian for about 3 to 5 minutes or so it seemed. Billboard magazine was wanted everybody there to get pictures taken with the band. That must of been exhilarating if not down right scary to be part of the photographers Charlie. Too bad those pictures didn't turn out though.  |
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Post by pibbloke on Jul 6, 2011 12:05:46 GMT -5
Great story Bob and one I can attest to. He is very good like that, despite all the rumors. My band, The Dayglo Pirates, sent him a letter plus a video we made about the band. This was in 1998. We were also amazed that he replied very quickly and most enthusiastically too.
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Nov 14, 2011 19:11:17 GMT -5
That's a really great story. I can imagine being totally psyched when you got the letter. Maybe you were the one who convinced him to release a live album! ;D
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Post by Preston Platform on Dec 26, 2011 18:47:54 GMT -5
I brushed with Ian before the Manchester Christmas concert last week. I found him to be relaxed attentive and charming. He answered my question about the forthcoming album and treated all those around him respectfully.
to be honest I was a bit suprised as I had heard so many bad things..unfortunately it was one of the few tul gigs when I had no CD insert and pen with me so no signature was gained ..however it amy well have been a bit crass to ask for an autograph after he had been so charming.
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Post by Preston Platform on Dec 26, 2011 18:49:02 GMT -5
I brushed with Ian before the Manchester Christmas concert last week. I found him to be relaxed attentive and charming. He answered my question about the forthcoming album and treated all those around him respectfully.
to be honest I was a bit suprised as I had heard so many bad things..unfortunately it was one of the few tul gigs when I had no CD insert and pen with me so no signature was gained ..however it amy well have been a bit crass to ask for an autograph after he had been so charming.
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Post by Proggy on Feb 6, 2012 19:18:06 GMT -5
Hello everybody. This is my first post here, but I'm a longtime Tullhead. I met Ian on his way to soundcheck for the first date of the Autumn 2005 tour out front of Massey Hall in Toronto. He was running late as it was but was kind enough to stop for a photo and to sign my copy of 'A'. (I purposely brought that one because I feel it deserves more attention than it gets!) I was pretty thrilled.  Jon Noyce got out of the same car but was all business, racing inside before anyone bothered him. I thought the most interesting thing was how Ian didn't want to use my Sharpie - he had one of his own all ready to go for just such an occasion!   |
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Post by Dan on Feb 6, 2012 22:53:58 GMT -5
Hello everybody. This is my first post here, but I'm a longtime Tullhead. I met Ian on his way to soundcheck for the first date of the Autumn 2005 tour out front of Massey Hall in Toronto. He was running late as it was but was kind enough to stop for a photo and to sign my copy of 'A'. (I purposely brought that one because I feel it deserves more attention than it gets!) I was pretty thrilled. Jon Noyce got out of the same car but was all business, racing inside before anyone bothered him. I thought the most interesting thing was how Ian didn't want to use my Sharpie - he had one of his own all ready to go for just such an occasion! Welcome Proggy and a great first post and story! We are sort of on a first name basis here and hope you will share your first name so we don't have refer to you as Proggy forever. I get the impression that Ian may be a bit of a "germophobe" and maybe that's why he uses his own pen. Side question: I'm curious as to what T- shirt you were wearing for a Tull Show? Dan |
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Post by Proggy on Feb 7, 2012 7:22:05 GMT -5
Thanks Dan! My name is Lorne and I'm happy to be here, I could talk Tull all day long! The t-shirt I am wearing in that photo is a Marillion "Script For A Jester's Tear" shirt. On a side note, two days after this show I met Steve Hackett at his acoustic show! What a week! |
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Jon Noyce got out of the same car but was all business, racing inside before anyone bothered him. I thought the most interesting thing was how Ian didn't want to use my Sharpie - he had one of his own all ready to go for just such an occasion! 