Joined: 21 Feb 2004 Posts: 243 Location: Rochester, MI
Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 7:14 pm Post subject:
I have had the pleasure of interacting with Robben a fair amount over the years. I used to hang out with him every Friday while at GIT in the early 80s. I used to see him in small clubs in LA and talk to him after and between sets. In the last couple of years, I’ve had a number of personal interactions with him as well. When we did a clinic in Detroit last year, I spent around 6 hours with him.
All I can say is that Robben is not only a fantastic musician, he is an amazing person as well. I don’t need to go into it, but he as made a number of personal gestures for me that have shown me that he is an exceptional person and a true gentleman (for one example, see my thread called “getting the nod from Robben”). He has said things to me and done things for me that have left me saying to myself “I can’t believe he did/said that—that was totally cool and totally unexpected.”
I have had the opportunity to meet a number of world class musicians. Some were decent guys and some were dicks. I guess that’s just the way it is. Based on my personal interactions with Robben, I think he is one hell of a good guy. I have come to appreciate his music and his playing even more due to the respect I have for him as a person.
Joined: 19 Sep 2003 Posts: 646 Location: City of Trees, USA
Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2005 8:14 pm Post subject:
Buzzy: Funny, but my daughter didn't mention anything to me about peeing on a car when she went to hear U2 recently. lionwool: You've hit a nail on the head. Most performing musicians I've met like to talk about music, particularly if you've studied up on what they do and what they like, and don't come across as too much of an idiot when you bring up the topic. As for talking about gear, usually not, but there are exceptions. I recently caught Kenny Edwards at a local gig, and he was breaking in a new Collings he recently purchased. I've gone to enough of his gigs that he seems to recognize my face, and when I asked him about the guitar during a break, he seemed to really enjoy talking about it (and asking me how I thought it sounded -- "expensive," I told him.) _________________ - BlueRunner
Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 10 Location: FREDDIE KING TERRITORY
Posted: Wed Oct 26, 2005 2:26 pm Post subject: Remember: Common Sense
I don't care if Robben is a Blue Meanie or is as cold as a North Dakota brass toliet seat, as long as he keeps making his music. I prefer to think he is as his interviews indicate, warm, maybe a little quite, and articulate, not Charles or Marilyn Manson-like.
All a performer owes me, if I paid to see him, is the best performance he can give at that moment of time. If he is distracted, by flash photos or whatever, then he can't do this. I'm sure this would greatly peeve any artist that wants to give his best, like Robben. If an artist makes himself available to sign autographs and meet the fans--use common sense and restraint.
One doesn't own a piece of the artist because he bought some of the artist's merchandise. "Hey I've been a fan for 20 years, bought $590 worth of your CD's, DVD's, and books, so you owe me an hour of your time, 15 autographs, and 25 pictures." This is probably the contents of the thought "bubbles" of many "fans".
I respect Robben for doing whatever it takes to do his best and "pay" the audience with a great performance.
Joined: 21 Jul 2003 Posts: 29 Location: Manchester UK
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 4:09 am Post subject:
garyguitar, you hit the nail on the head for me. Most of us here are into Robben Ford because his music touched us. We like to buy his recordings and see him perform live because we know that we will not be dissapointed. However, this does not make Robben our friend. It makes him a respected artist and it makes us fans. Unless life throws you the chance to get to know Robben better on a professional or personal basis, get used to the fact and enjoy life that way. I think we know well enough that Robben is where he is because of his music (and hard work) alone. He is not in it for the adulation. If he worked that side of things, he would probably be better known and financially better off, but he chooses to have a private life. Seems to me that most of Robbens photographs of him with his heroes are probably of him on stage, playing with them, not offstage after the gig.
I personally agree with what you and Gary have stated. However, one point to remember is that Robben does greet fans after his gigs. If he makes this decision then he obviously accepts the fact that some people will ask for an autograph, a photo, ask a question or two, and therefore, he has chosen to interact. Some nights he may not feel like it!
I think the problem is, it seems, some people may get a little carried away with it all, and basically take it too far, or become a little "in your face" for Robben's liking.
From my limited personal experience he is one nice guy, and one fantastic musician!
Cheer's,
DD _________________ Music is the universal language; speak it with emotion, listen with a passion.
DiatonicDude, Chalky and Garyguitar1117.......You guys are right on with what I feel. Unfortunately, in this world, nice guys get taken advantage of,
hence some of the crap Robben and others like him have to put up with from time to time.
Let me relate a story I told that was wiped off this board when the hacker did his dirty deed some months ago:
I took my 13 y.o. to see Greg Allman & Freinds at the Norva Theater in Norfolk, Va. back in February. We had a great spot on the side balcony about 40 - 50 feet forward of the stage. My boy was completely enthralled by Robben's use of his Les Paul. Robben noticed my boy's reactions to him. At one point, during one of Robben's long solo's, he looked up at my kid and gave him a big smile, a wink and a nod. You should have seen the look on my boy's face!.......That is CLASS!
That moment was priceless to me. Worth more than any photograph, autograph, souvenir, whatever.
Needless to say, Robben is my kid's guitar hero! (And mine too.)
Joined: 18 Oct 2005 Posts: 10 Location: FREDDIE KING TERRITORY
Posted: Thu Oct 27, 2005 11:59 am Post subject: Class and No Class
That's a great story and the young man will always remember that moment. I'm sure he will be inspired by Robben for a long time. That was a class act.
Speaking of getting taken advantage of by fans, I was at the Dallas Guitar show a few years ago, waiting to talk to rock pioneer Scotty Moore, who was an early hero of mine. The fan who was with Scotty before me, requested a picture or a brief video of him. While his friend took the video, the guy was pretending to choke Scotty for some reason, and had his hands on Scotty's neck and was shaking this 70 year old's head back and forth in mock anger. Scotty wasn't frail, but I know he had health problems and this had to be uncomfortable.
I was tempted to say something, but Scotty was slighty smiling (probably gritting his teeth). I was embarassed for Scotty and the other fans too. This same "fan" kept blithering on and on probably for 20 minutes. I gave up and went on, thinking Scotty put up with a LOT more than I would have.
I guess I don't see what all of the fuss is about. When I go to a Robben gig ,the last thing I'm thinking about is taking pictures or seeking autographs. I'm sure that being on tour is a grind, and with shows ending late I've always figured the guys want to relax, kick back and get rested for the next nights show.Listening to and feeling the live music, and sharing it with friends and fans is enough for me. I will remain a huge fan regardless of Robben's policy toward photos or autographs. He sure seems like a nice enough guy to me.
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 11:31 am Post subject: Robben Ford Disscussion Group.....FROM DEVLIN
To all who responded to my comments,
You all need to get a grip, it's like I said something about one of your family members. I mearly made an observation of a human interaction.
Your like mothers bears protecting your cub. It's not that I am hung up on this incident that happened a decade ago, I was searching the internet and stumbled across Robben's web site and I was reminded of what happened, THAT'S ALL!!!! I hAVE been a musician for 15 years and played alot of gigs, and there were times after a show I didn't feel like talking to anyone, but when someone has paid money to come hear me perform I ALWAYS was polite and appreciative. You can all go ahead and write your insulting replys and I'll probably come back, read them and laugh. If Robben wants to act like a dick, let him
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 1:16 pm Post subject: Re: Robben Ford Disscussion Group.....FROM DEVLIN
devlin252 wrote:
To all who responded to my comments,
You all need to get a grip, it's like I said something about one of your family members. I mearly made an observation of a human interaction.
Your like mothers bears protecting your cub. It's not that I am hung up on this incident that happened a decade ago, I was searching the internet and stumbled across Robben's web site and I was reminded of what happened, THAT'S ALL!!!! I hAVE been a musician for 15 years and played alot of gigs, and there were times after a show I didn't feel like talking to anyone, but when someone has paid money to come hear me perform I ALWAYS was polite and appreciative. You can all go ahead and write your insulting replys and I'll probably come back, read them and laugh. If Robben wants to act like a dick, let him
He can still be all of your hero's
MMMMMMMMMHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH . ARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH. That's GOOOOODDDDDDDDDDDDD . DEVLIN Here you are , hhaaaaa, he he he, dudie , dudie, kitty, kitty, here Fido (FZ) You sure looks like a POODLE.
You know what : you are not even make me cracking up. I am so fed up by these days that you are just right on my schedule . I am sorry John Z , i am not gonna let the sucker barking at the moon and closing that thread !
QUOTE :....I hAVE been a musician for 15 years and played alot of gigs, and there were times after a show I didn't feel like talking to anyone, but when someone has paid money to come hear me perform.....END OF QUOTE.
So DEVLIN I tried to keep sane after your first post , i mean i tried yo get decent ; well you might guess there is a lot of musicians on this poor little forum : some professionals, some semi pro, week ends warriors, amateurs,
you see what i mean ......... so here is mine :
I have been a musician for 15 years and played a lot of gigs and there wereI times after a show I didn't feel like talking to anyone, but when someone has paid money to come hear me perform i was NOT ALWAYS POLITE AND PATIENT and appreciative with Fucking loosers comin' just to get your blood just like vampires and ASKING ME why I am playing like Jimi or Robben and how old is my strat and why did i scratch the brand from my amp and in the same time i know i am and neverwill be an other thing than myselve just faking my heroes and i just wanna smoke a doobie with my buddies and kiss my foxy lady around her neck. AND BEING A YOUNG GUN FROM OHIO DEVLIN YOU SHOULD PUT SOME WATER IN YOUR WINE ( french old popular sentence) .
Now let's see if you got some balls to make some froggie ( Hi man)
shut up his big mouth . Come on make my day (clint eastwood) you wanna fuck my wife ( scarface ?)
Joined: 19 Sep 2003 Posts: 646 Location: City of Trees, USA
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 2:28 pm Post subject:
OK, Blobby, just because Zinedine Zidane has injured himself once again and may still be limping when the World Cup finals begin is no reason to get all that upset. Take a deep breath ...
As for this thread in general, I actually appreciate devlin252's analogy. When it comes to Robben, a lot of us act like momma bears. Robben's playing, signing and writing is all fair game for comment, so long as the comments are fair and polite, but when they cross the line I'm proud to get up on my hind legs, growl, and bare my claws. (Just ask the folks here at the office -- I do it all the time when I get upset about something.) _________________ - BlueRunner
Posted: Thu Nov 03, 2005 2:45 pm Post subject: Yes that's a god point but
BlueRunner wrote:
OK, Blobby, just because Zinedine Zidane has injured himself once again and may still be limping when the World Cup finals begin is no reason to get all that upset. Take a deep breath ...
As for this thread in general, I actually appreciate devlin252's analogy. When it comes to Robben, a lot of us act like momma bears. Robben's playing, signing and writing is all fair game for comment, so long as the comments are fair and polite, but when they cross the line I'm proud to get up on my hind legs, growl, and bare my claws. (Just ask the folks here at the office -- I do it all the time when I get upset about something.)
Well don't get me wrong Blue , i'm not "that" kind of soccer addict , i'more kinda polyomelitic guy therefore individualistic . Now when it comes to breathing i must admit that having smoke during 30 years with such an application leads me to be very sparse (i hope you get my words).
Well i was on the point to edit , but not for cleaning up the bad words. Certainly not .
I wanted to say that it upset me that a guy who don't have any CD out, a guy who don't travel the world to play a lot of gigs , a guy who will never know how it is to hit the stage with Miles Davis, and it can take a long way to pursue............that kind of creeper is making a fuss about Poppa Bear not greeting him as his little cub.
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Buzzy: Funny, but my daughter didn't mention anything to me about peeing on a car when she went to hear U2 recently. lionwool: You've hit a nail on the head. Most performing musicians I've met like to talk about music, particularly if you've studied up on what they do and what they like, and don't come across as too much of an idiot when you bring up the topic. As for talking about gear, usually not, but there are exceptions. I recently caught Kenny Edwards at a local gig, and he was breaking in a new Collings he recently purchased. I've gone to enough of his gigs that he seems to recognize my face, and when I asked him about the guitar during a break, he seemed to really enjoy talking about it (and asking me how I thought it sounded -- "expensive," I told him.)
