Has anyone ever gotten to party with Bruce? Curious Question

babytweety2yo

Bruce Hornsby setlists, concerts, downloads Forums General chat Has anyone ever gotten to party with Bruce? Curious Question

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  • #25011
    Avatar of babytweety2yobabytweety2yo
    Participant

    Strange question probably, but I’ve heard people have had the chance?
    Any one want to give any input?

    #28782
    Avatar of Si TwiningSi Twining
    Keymaster

    What do you mean by “party” with him? I’ve lunched with him plenty, and hung out with him more… is that what you’re referring to?

    #28783
    Avatar of daverichdaverich
    Participant
    si_twining wrote:
    What do you mean by “party” with him? I’ve lunched with him plenty, and hung out with him more… is that what you’re referring to?

    I’ve now got a mental image of bruce and si arm in arm singing “oggy oggy oggy” stumbling threw the streets of newcastle.

    heh.

    Kind regards

    Dave Rich

    #28784
    Avatar of babytweety2yobabytweety2yo
    Participant

    Yes I would say getting together with him would have been the more appropriate way to put it.
    How does one get to be so lucky?

    #28785
    Avatar of meganmmeganm
    Participant

    Yes, I agree with Si, “partying” with him is not how you’d describe spending time with Bruce. Being with him feels like being with a good friend you haven’t seen in a very long time…lots of catching up to do….he asks a lot of questions, shows genuine interest in your answers, is unfailingly polite, fun, fascinating and fascinated. There is nothing “precious” or arrogant about Bruce. He doesn’t look over your head to see who else has come in the room, he never makes you feel like he’s tolerating your presence. He looks you right in the eye. You forget very quickly that you’re with someone famous.
    I’ve had the experience a few times now, and I treasure it. I’m a singer/songwriter from Canada and I’ve been allowed the experience because I sent him some of my music and he liked it. Simple as that. After a phone call a few years ago which I wasn’t home to take (he left a message and ,in typical Bruce fashion, at one point apologized for “rambling” on my answering machine) we’ve simply stayed in touch, and I’ve been afforded the opportunity to enjoy his company after some shows.
    I know exactly how lucky I am.
    Anybody else? I’d like to know about other people’s experiences too…

    p.s.-shameless promotion here, I know, but please check out some songs of mine and let me know what you think! Thanks!
    http://www.myspace.com/meganmetcalfe

    #28786
    Avatar of babytweety2yobabytweety2yo
    Participant

    I did phrase the initial question wrong at the time I wasn’t thinking correctly how to phrase it. After reading Si and Meagans posts I see how they have something in common with Bruce that would make it possible to meet him, but my new question would be how would that be possible for just an ordinary person that wouldn’t have those things in common?
    If that makes sense at all?

    #28787
    Avatar of daverichdaverich
    Participant
    babytweety2yo wrote:
    I did phrase the initial question wrong at the time I wasn’t thinking correctly how to phrase it. After reading Si and Meagans posts I see how they have something in common with Bruce that would make it possible to meet him, but my new question would be how would that be possible for just an ordinary person that wouldn’t have those things in common?
    If that makes sense at all?

    slightly off-topic but our drummer went to see the dave matthews band at wembley arena here in england last week. He hung around afterwards and to his joy a few of the band members came over after the show and hung out chatting for about half an hour to the die-hard fans who were waiting to catch a glimpse.

    My drummer was ecstatic ‘cos he met his hero (Carter) and even took off his t-shirt he was wearing to give to him – so who knows maybe Carter will be wearing a dave rich band t-shirt in the near future! ;)

    to get back on-topic, it’s kinda hard to guage how big bruce is in the states, but here in england he’s not that well known – so I would say send him a letter, phone him – do whatever. Actually am I the only one who’s a little surprised he doesn’t post here? – Eddi Reader posts on her forum all the time.

    One of my biggest lifetime ambitions is to jam with bruce, it might be tricky ‘cos we’re both pianists hehe, but even if i got to do that for 5 minutes I’d be made up (and if someone didn’t get it on video I’d cry ;) ). It’d probably never happen unless I get my butt to america though.

    Kind Regards

    Dave Rich

    #28788
    Avatar of bryandunnbryandunn
    Participant

    Just had my first opportunity to meet Bruce at a gathering at his home. My impressions? He and Kathy are very gracious hosts and really great people! While I’ve traded some mail, e-mail, etc. with Kathy, she treated me like family. Bruce is very outgoing and positive, quite a pleasure to be around.

    After reading from many fans and already hearing the stories of encounters with Bruce from many ‘locals’, I think I already understood that Bruce was the real deal of an incredibly talented ‘regular guy’. Seeing the many other examples of celebs as their names are plastered all across the world in the media for tirades, escapades and ‘oopsie’ moments, I believe I now understand better why Bruce is … perhaps, lesser known than some others (I don’t see loads of stories on unsavory things anywhere for Bruce, so in that area he’s not ‘newsworthy’ to many supposed news outlets). You won’t find pretenses or posturing, he is who he is – and he’s comfortable with that.

    Refreshing…I had the golden moment in the ‘ego room’ (no harm intended there, it was Kathy’s name for this fantastic room – grammies, gold, platinum and other awards along with stunning photos of Bruce and friends) to ask about the upcoming Jazz album – and Bruce was stoked. From all I heard, I’m anticipating another great recording from a talented man who has conditioned me to expect the unexpected from his craft.

    Just thought I’d add my impressions – I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet Bruce, Kathy, and the rest of his local team of folks (Melissa, Patti, and others). What a great group of folks.

    Now…if I could only swing it to meet Si…one day, my friend…and dinner’s on me.

    #28789
    Avatar of daverichdaverich
    Participant
    bryandunn wrote:
    Just had my first opportunity to meet Bruce at a gathering at his home. My impressions? He and Kathy are very gracious hosts and really great people! While I’ve traded some mail, e-mail, etc. with Kathy, she treated me like family. Bruce is very outgoing and positive, quite a pleasure to be around.

    After reading from many fans and already hearing the stories of encounters with Bruce from many ‘locals’, I think I already understood that Bruce was the real deal of an incredibly talented ‘regular guy’. Seeing the many other examples of celebs as their names are plastered all across the world in the media for tirades, escapades and ‘oopsie’ moments, I believe I now understand better why Bruce is … perhaps, lesser known than some others (I don’t see loads of stories on unsavory things anywhere for Bruce, so in that area he’s not ‘newsworthy’ to many supposed news outlets). You won’t find pretenses or posturing, he is who he is – and he’s comfortable with that.

    Refreshing…I had the golden moment in the ‘ego room’ (no harm intended there, it was Kathy’s name for this fantastic room – grammies, gold, platinum and other awards along with stunning photos of Bruce and friends) to ask about the upcoming Jazz album – and Bruce was stoked. From all I heard, I’m anticipating another great recording from a talented man who has conditioned me to expect the unexpected from his craft.

    Just thought I’d add my impressions – I was very fortunate to have the opportunity to meet Bruce, Kathy, and the rest of his local team of folks (Melissa, Patti, and others). What a great group of folks.

    Now…if I could only swing it to meet Si…one day, my friend…and dinner’s on me.

    I reckon a signed football from white hart lane would swing it ;)

    Kind regards

    Dave Rich

    #28790
    Avatar of JonathanJonathan
    Participant

    Check this! I got to meet Si and Bruce on the same night. How honoured I was. :D

    Bruce had just finished a solo performance in London (wow, it’s getting on for 3 years ago now!) and after the show I waited for the theatre to clear and went to say hello to Si. He was laughing and making jokes about his cameo appearance on stage to turn the page on Bruce’s music (yes, sometimes he does need a reminder). Si told me that if I waited round for a little while Bruce would probably exit the theatre via the stage and the front door. He wasn’t wrong, and I was lucky enough to be able to greet him and thank him for bringing his wonderful music to England. I even got to shake Bruce’s hand, albeit very gently – at the time his wrists were hurting him, I think due to tendonitis.

    That’s how I got to meet Bruce. It didn’t need me to have anything in common with him, other than the one thing that we all have in common – a love of great music. If you can get to a gig, stay around afterwards and try to say hello. Alternatively, if that doesn’t work, do as someone once did at a concert and give him your hotel room number with your request! :P

    Jonathan

    PS. Bruce, if you do read Si’s forum, I’m still waiting for you to come back to Manchester. 😉

    #28791
    Avatar of babytweety2yobabytweety2yo
    Participant
    Quote:
    Alternatively, if that doesn’t work, do as someone once did at a concert and give him your hotel room number with your request!

    But were they successful? Did it work? :?:

    #28792
    Avatar of JonathanJonathan
    Participant

    Actually, no, I don’t think it did on that occasion. But you never know your luck. :P

    #28793
    Avatar of gdwomangdwoman
    Participant

    I think all you really need to do, in order to “hang out” with Bruce is to have the balls to say hello. (oh, sorry – was that a bit strong with the language? oh, well…. you know what I mean).

    The very first time I had a chat with Bruce was outside the Calvin Theater in North Hampton, Mass. I was in my car, looking for a parking spot – while sitting at a stop sign, I noticed Bruce standing outside the theater talking to some folks. I backed up the car a bit and, perhaps a bit rudely interrupting, called out, “Hey, Bruce!” He looked over, and I beckoned him with that crooked finger thing, and said, “I have something for you.” I was completely shocked when he actually started walking towards my car. I had made an elaborate song request, and gave it to him. We chatted for a moment and when I told him my name, I was amazed that he had remembered me from a card I had written for him at a show the week before. That was really all it took.

    (I have always had this problem with being shy…. )

    (ok, that’s a lie.)

    That was in the beginning of my ride “on the bus” – well before Noisemakers or any of that. I guess when you followed the Dead like I used to, no one in the band or crew noticed you because there were a gazillion others following the band. However, when you follow Hornsby around with that same level of passion and zeal (which seemed perfectly normal to me, and not a bit like stalking – which fortunately, Bruce “gets”) the folks begin to recognize you, so eventually I sort of became a part of the family – but it all started with a “hello.”

    Don’t be shy – Bruce is real people and he surrounds himself with people who are real people. It’s all good.

    #28794

    I had lunch with his mom and got to hear “when Bruce and Bobby and Jon were growing up” stories…..but I’m being paid WELL to keep quiet. 8) Just DON”T ask her about the twins!!

    I have met Bruce backstage at most of his concerts. You’re right. All it takes is the balls to say “hello”.

    By the way…..
    Our school has just installed a program on all our computers that won’t let you view “questionable” pages. This was one of them, I guess because it said “balls”. I had to wait to get home to read it. Just hope I don’t need to place a school order for playground BALLS anytime soon…….

    #28795
    Avatar of daverichdaverich
    Participant
    Miss Virginia Former wrote:
    I had lunch with his mom and got to hear “when Bruce and Bobby and Jon were growing up” stories…..but I’m being paid WELL to keep quiet. 8) Just DON”T ask her about the twins!!

    I have met Bruce backstage at most of his concerts. You’re right. All it takes is the balls to say “hello”.

    By the way…..
    Our school has just installed a program on all our computers that won’t let you view “questionable” pages. This was one of them, I guess because it said “balls”. I had to wait to get home to read it. Just hope I don’t need to place a school order for playground BALLS anytime soon…….

    thats unbelievable.

    it’s getting that stupid here in england too. used to be we were brought up on swearing, playing in the dirt and climbing trees. I pity kids today.

    aaanyway – what happens when people are searching for summer balls, or golf balls? – I remember hearing a story about a company who lost nearly all of their online business because their censorship/anti spam program stopped nearly all of their mail :) – in fact the guy telling the story was their i.t. consultant and he had to very carefully choose words to email to them to tell them to turn off their anti-spam program. He actually couldn’t get any mail through and had to phone them . ;)

    Kind regards

    Dave Rich

    #28796
    Avatar of babytweety2yobabytweety2yo
    Participant

    Well all I apperciate all the answers so far. What I am hopefully going to get accomplished is getting Bruce to sign the old 88-89 Scenes from the Southside Tour book when I go to see him at his gig in Lafeyette, Louisiana in Jan of 2008. I’ve been told you can send stuff to his assistant and she’ll have him sign it, but I’ve had it for so long and kept it in such good condition, having him sign it in person would make it much more special. So if anyone has tips on getting backstage I’d apperciate it. Thanks again for all the replies…nice to have other fans to share experiences with.

    #28797
    Avatar of daverichdaverich
    Participant
    babytweety2yo wrote:
    Well all I apperciate all the answers so far. What I am hopefully going to get accomplished is getting Bruce to sign the old 88-89 Scenes from the Southside Tour book when I go to see him at his gig in Lafeyette, Louisiana in Jan of 2008. I’ve been told you can send stuff to his assistant and she’ll have him sign it, but I’ve had it for so long and kept it in such good condition, having him sign it in person would make it much more special. So if anyone has tips on getting backstage I’d apperciate it. Thanks again for all the replies…nice to have other fans to share experiences with.

    Personally I much prefer it when folks come up direct and talk, it’s a bit strange when folks are nervous of coming to talk – just picture it yourself, which would you rather :)

    It gets a bit weird when people start getting emotional though, that’s always strange. – (mind you, saying that – If I ever get to meet the man I’m sure I’ll just be stood there welling up, mind-racing, thinking about the enormity of the situation hehe)

    Kind regards

    Dave Rich

    #28798
    Avatar of meganmmeganm
    Participant

    You know what I think you should do? Send an email to Bruce’s organization, explain what it would mean to you to have Bruce take a minute to sign the item you described and I’m sure they’ll pass the information on to Bruce…as everyone has already explained, all it usually takes is asking….I’ll bet he’d be pleased to do it! Just my opinion….
    Megan

    #28799
    Avatar of VictorVictor
    Participant

    I agree with Megan. It’s been my understanding that if you e-mail Bruce’s management at the address from the official site with a worthy request, you may get some sort of official backstage pass. Obviously it’s not guaranteed, but it’s worth a shot. I met Bruce in Chattanooga by hanging out between his bus and the backstage door. It took a while for Bruce to come out (after taking a break and a shower, I presume), but that gave me time to meet the band. I also met him after the CMT Crossroads taping just by walking up to stage left afterwards.

    Neither time did I get emotional, but I did kind of stammer because I’ve admired Bruce’s work and him as a person for so many years. Even though I’ve met a lot of “important” people over the years, I did get a bit tongue-tied around Bruce. :) He was very nice both times.

    #28800
    Avatar of rdiakunrdiakun
    Participant

    From my limited experience, he isn’t all that hard to approach. He’s a person, ya know :) I took the chance on meeting him in ’95 after the show at the Landmark Theatre in Syracuse. Standing in the cold on the street near where the band bus was getting loaded up for the venture to Burlington, VT the next night, I struck up a brief conversation with JT Thomas. When Bruce came out, he invited me and my very star-struck bride onto the bus to chat with him while a very amused John Molo watched the proceedings. He signed my copy of Harbor Lights, as well as LIsa’s concert t-shirt. It didn’t hurt that he was able to recognize the last name from having played basketball with my oldest brother, but he still was just coming across as “just another guy” and not some star on a worship me trip. So… don’t fear. I don’t think he’ll bite if you come up to him after a show. Just don’t be pushy or rude, and you’ll have a lifetime memory.

    Rich

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