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Here's a new one- how about a clothes auction? I would certainly love to buy that flashy yellow suit! (I know, quite an absurdity. Just kidding, of course!)
Great idea! I would like to buy some used stockings!
I've enjoyed the regular Q&A sessions on Scott Henderson's board - a chance to ask specific questions about gear, music theory, the road, different playing experiences, etc. It might be a more manageable thing for Robben and Anne, just sitting down every 8 weeks or so to type for an hour or two. The times I've met Robben after a gig, he's always a bit tired or distracted, as most people would be. He's always very gracious, but there's little opportunity to do more than offer some thanks for the great tunes and encourage him to come back to play again, asap!
A chance to read his response to questions many of his guitar playing fans commonly share about his music and the route it takes from the mind and heart to finally wind up in the air somewhere would seem the most valuable. Other people can transcribe his music for those of us still training our ears to hear what he's playing, but being able to ask questions about a particular chord voicing or harmonic development while comping or soloing could be cool.
As well, maybe we can help Robben find ways to promote his music more, by making suggestions that would increase his visibility, or help to promote whatever this 'gold circle' has to offer the new listener.
The 'gold circle' concept is being used by McCartney, Sting and several other artists, so there might be some examples out there of relationships that can benefit the fans, as well as the artists. Plus, appreciative listeners (including those on this board) I think, genuinely would like to be able to give something back for all of the pleasure Robben has given us over the years, as well as honor him for his commitment to playing at the level that he is committed to and without compromise. I'm sure it is not an easy life. I appreciate it when someone occasionally acknowledges my own commitment to excellence and my own personal truth.... I imagine it could be a source of satisfaction for Robben, as well.
We just sponsored Jack Wilkins to come out for a weekend of private lessons, a clinic and a gig at our local jazz club. While he was here, he was treated like royalty, and deservedly so, being one of the last of the great jazz guitarists of his generation, on a par with Barney Kessel, Joe Pass and others. Although it was a bit of work for him, I know he thoroughly enjoyed our celebration of him. I would like to think that any artist who might feel a bit bypassed by ultimate fame and fortune would nevertheless appreciate that someone out there really gets it, and says so. Maybe that's not an issue for Robben, but it's something we can offer, now and/or later, through this vehicle or in some other manner.
If we can contribute by being members of a group that can help to support him financially, I'm all for it and doubt that I would be dissatisfied with whatever he and Anne feel fit to share with us.
Joined: 19 Sep 2003 Posts: 646 Location: City of Trees, USA
Posted: Tue Jun 05, 2007 8:26 pm Post subject:
OK, time for the BlueRunner to step in and be his typical contrarian:
I'm not sure that a lot of these "extras" are really what being a Robben Ford fan is all about. E.g., here are some things I'd like to have from a musician:
Dates with long sets in small clubs where you can get up close and really get a feel for the music and the musicians. But this is exactly what Robben does when he gets to places like Moe's Alley, SoHO Santa Barbara, etc. And what did I pay to see Robben and his brothers at Moe's about two years ago? Something like $15. Heck, that's what it costs to park your CAR at Dodger Stadium, before you go into the gate and give them a ticket for $60 just to park your butt. (And don't get me wrong -- I LOVE the Dodgers.) And once you're inside, not only are the drinks reasonable, but no one really hogs being up close to the stage.
How about a chance to sit down and really proble a musician's mind, and learn something from him or her? Like at the Clinics? Which for a really reasonable price give you a day of figuratively (and at least in once instance last year, literally), sitting around in the living room soaking up amazing stuff.
As for blogs, journals, diaries, etc., I have the feeling that Robben is happier talking with his guitar than with a keyboard. But each month I can go to www.annekerryford.com to get some really interesting written insights from Anne. And given how long the two of them have been together, it's my bet that a lot of these are joint insights.
Add to that the opportunity to share some really interesting stuff with the folks on this BBS, all for free. (OK, not completely free -- everyone should be sending Kirk95 a couple of bucks each year to defray his expenses.)
Tee-shirts? Picks? Special treatment at shows? Not really necessary.
So if it's something that Robben and Anne really want to do, and it works for them, OK. But right now things are pretty cool, too. _________________ - BlueRunner
OK, time for the BlueRunner to step in and be his typical contrarian:
I'm not sure that a lot of these "extras" are really what being a Robben Ford fan is all about. E.g., here are some things I'd like to have from a musician:
Dates with long sets in small clubs where you can get up close and really get a feel for the music and the musicians. But this is exactly what Robben does when he gets to places like Moe's Alley, SoHO Santa Barbara, etc. And what did I pay to see Robben and his brothers at Moe's about two years ago? Something like $15. Heck, that's what it costs to park your CAR at Dodger Stadium, before you go into the gate and give them a ticket for $60 just to park your butt. (And don't get me wrong -- I LOVE the Dodgers.) And once you're inside, not only are the drinks reasonable, but no one really hogs being up close to the stage.
How about a chance to sit down and really proble a musician's mind, and learn something from him or her? Like at the Clinics? Which for a really reasonable price give you a day of figuratively (and at least in once instance last year, literally), sitting around in the living room soaking up amazing stuff.
As for blogs, journals, diaries, etc., I have the feeling that Robben is happier talking with his guitar than with a keyboard. But each month I can go to www.annekerryford.com to get some really interesting written insights from Anne. And given how long the two of them have been together, it's my bet that a lot of these are joint insights.
Add to that the opportunity to share some really interesting stuff with the folks on this BBS, all for free. (OK, not completely free -- everyone should be sending Kirk95 a couple of bucks each year to defray his expenses.)
Tee-shirts? Picks? Special treatment at shows? Not really necessary.
So if it's something that Robben and Anne really want to do, and it works for them, OK. But right now things are pretty cool, too.
I tend to agree with you (hence my previous post). As a musician, I would like to be able to incorporate a bit of what Robben does into my playing, but I think there's more than enough information in the available instructional material to do that. I don't want to be a Robben clone who tries to learn every last lick, or emulate his tone. I would rather learn from his overall approach and his infuences, and take a lesser-known gem of a tune and put my own slant on it - for me that's developing my art (pretentious-sounding, I know!). I'd feel a bit odd doing a Robben cover in a band.
As BlueRunner says, anything more than what is currently available seems a bit obsessive to me. However, it's down to the individual - for example, I can't get the with the idea of autographs - you get someone famous to sign their name on a piece of paper? What for? To prove you've met them? So what? It feels to me like an ego thing for people to feel like they are part of their idol's life "yeah, last time I was talking to Robben we discussed Mike Bloomfield blah blah blah etc"
Personally I don't want to be Robben's friend, I don't want him to respect my guitar playing or even know I exist. I don't want to meet him after a gig to ask him a carefully thought-out and researched question which will gain me his acceptance as a musical equal. Robben is my favourite guitarist - I respect him as an artist I'm quite happy to buy his records and go to his gigs just to enjoy the great music and playing. I don't want any more than that. Again, this isn't meant to be harsh (although it sounds it). I just find people a bit odd at times.
Joined: 29 Jan 2004 Posts: 1504 Location: Methuen, MA
Posted: Thu Jun 07, 2007 5:41 am Post subject:
You two guys make way too much sense!
I see your very eloquently presented points of view, and must say that I do agree to a certain extent. However, it appears that Robben is reaching out to his fans, and would like to do it in ways other than on stage and at your favorite music marketplace.
I also think that it's human nature to want something special whether it be an autographed picture, a conversation, or even a pick from someone famous whom you admire. Remember being a kid an opening up that new pack of cards and finally getting that Mickey Mantle one you've always wanted, and you put it away somewhere so it would stay nice and new instead of it being slapped around the spokes of your bike? Yeah, we are adults now, but I still like having that simple pleasure feeling once in a while to envigorate me!
Looking back to Anne's original post, I seem to recall that she was canvassing ideas on the back of some prior discussion with Robben.
I'm not embarrassed to say that Robben's music excites me and gets the blood pumping - it also encourages me to raise my game as a guitar player. I don't have any signed posters on my wall, I don't wear jockey shorts with his picture on (bit there could be a market..) and I don't have a burning desire to go backstage and meet him - not that I ever get to his gigs. But SOMEONE might and if Robben thinks that is cool, it addresses Anne's question.
So why not turn our attention to the original question and answer it? My own suggestions are documented and as you will see are partly tongue in cheek, but that's the other thing we need as well as JohnnyZ's excellent childhood enthusiasm analogy - FUN. I think this thread started off as a 'fun' idea and now I feel like I've been stalking the poor guy!
I think a members site could be cool. I agree w/ the posts above that given the type of musician and personality that Robben appears to be, he's not selling a big Rock Star persona. Most of us that contribute to this site are players and dig what RF does musically. We're not trying to emulate a look or fashion sense, but trying to gleen something from his playing and apply it to our own style.
That given, what would interest me is an offering of educational type stuff. Maybe, twice a month a short lesson or example of how to and when to apply certain methods and/or technique. And a cool lick now and then.
Transcriptions to some of his catalogue that can't be found elsewhere. Downloads of live shows or individual songs (too much of that can almost work against an artist I think ) but carefully selected can be of benifit. Alternate studio takes etc. Use it as a sounding board almost like market research from his fan base.
I think the key to this is Robben's involvement. If Robben gives it his backing and is happy to make himself available in the ways outlined by some of the other posters, then that's great. If he's not really involved and it's more like a 'fan club' just run by other fans with no real involvement from Robben then it doesn't really appeal.
I suppose my concerns stem from the fact that Robben doesn't (visibly) post on here and contribute to any kind of blog (there is no kind of personal message from Robben on the new website), doesn't really like being photographed, doesn't allow gigs to be recorded etc, which are all things that other artists do. The conclusion is that he's not really comfortable with any of these things - some artists get involved at this grass roots level as a marketing tool to raise awareness & sales of themselves and their music. If Robben doesn't want or need to do this then that is his right.
If, however, he wants to start allowing this kind of access to the members of the "inner circle" then that's great and I would be interested to see what would be available.
Anne - can you give us an update on Robben's views and involvement in this?
Joined: 01 Jan 2004 Posts: 49 Location: Oklahoma City Ok
Posted: Sat Jun 09, 2007 6:02 pm Post subject:
A special T shirt design only available to members would be worth the price. Maybe a tour laminate. The ability to buy an advance copy of the CD with out oredering it from Europe E-maill tour updates. Early entry to shows especially GA shows. Unreleased recodings available for purchase.
Here is a sample of Heart's fan club perks.
Join the brand new Heart Mongers Fan Club!
The annual membership fee is $30USD for US residents and $40USD for international fans (including Canadians). What will your membership fee get you, you ask?
This is only the beginning:
Presaleavailability! Not all venues on the tour allow for presales, but thosethat do will be exclusively offered to fan club members.
Contests and lottery drawings to attend upcoming Heart events.
The Official Heart Mongers Fan Club T-shirt.
Chats with Ann and Nancy.
Access to exclusive, streaming media clips.
Never before seen photos, including the wardrobe closet and shots of Nancy's100+ guitars!
Access to the exclusive HeartMongers Fan Club Message board, with your own blog page!
Plus much, much more to come. We will be adding new perks and benefitsfor fan club members all the time. So, stay tuned and join today.
First of all, I think it's very cool of Robben to offer this!
-Some years ago, I was a member of "Greasy Kid Stuff", which was a newsletter that Steve Vai's people would print up and mail out to folks and it always had guitar picks, stickers, and other promo "stuff" that was exclusive to members and always a nice surprise to recieve. As out of date as a newsletter may sound, it's nice to know that I can acutally go put my hands on these "GKS" issues and all of the little things that were included. Just a thought.
-How about an occasional webcast show for members? I'm in Georgia, and the only time I've gotten to see Robben was with Gregg Allman and Friends, so I'd really like to actually see an entire show instead of bits and peices of tunes on youtube.com. (of course, I'd settle for Robben to actually play a date in Atlanta!! It's a big town....lots of people...)
-Contests to win exclusive "stuff", nothing huge, but maybe an autographed 8x10 or something.
I rarely post here, but I do read and keep up with what's happening. Again, I think this is very nice of Robben to offer. Oh yeah, the new website is fantastic!
I thinkthis site is good enough. I don't think im so special that I need a site that other Robben fans can't visit!
Let's face it being a fan of Robben is hardly mainstream _________________ the older I get the better I was
Well Anne, you certainly provoked some interesting debate! One thing we will unanimously agree we do want, is more of Robben's music. I'm just beginning my search for past treasures, so I'm more fortunate than those members who have already discovered them, if you see what I mean. I have it all to look forward to!
If anyone can post an 'essential list of Robben CDs/DVDs that would be most acceptable..........
The exclusive members thing will either run or it won't but meanwhile, I found a new 'space' in which to play my own material but with large dollops of Ford-influenced tone and picking.
I keep leaving messages and hints for Robben to just turn up for dinner whenever it suits him, but he's not shown up yet......the RV3 is by the door.....
Joined: 17 Jul 2003 Posts: 189 Location: Northern California
Posted: Sun Jun 10, 2007 7:43 pm Post subject:
Lot's of interesting stuff posted on this. The most important part of this is that Robben and Anne want to offer something. Hey, I'm all for another revenue stream for Robben or a way to share music that might not see the light of day otherwise.
As for "stuff" from Robben, as a typical fan I like autographed stuff. I have a small frame hanging in my music room that has an autographed pic, a couple of signed pickguards, tickets and a guitar pick that I've gathered over the years attending shows. I don't have any visions of being Robben's "buddy", but I still like the bits of swag that reminds me of how much enjoyment I've gotten out of Robben's music.
Joined: 21 May 2004 Posts: 173 Location: Santa Barbara
Posted: Mon Jun 11, 2007 9:20 am Post subject:
Hmm. An interesting idea, indeed. Though, not expected from Robben's camp. I tend to agree with the Bluerunner, in that Robben runs his 'show' such that I feel pretty satisfied with what he already provides. Perhaps this is not necessarily true elsewhere, but here in California, I've always gotten good seats at shows, etc. It may take getting there early, but it's always worth it.
But, since Anne asked, I tend to think Robben's history of teaching might lead to a new opportunity to impart some technical info on to interested fans. I'm thinking of perhaps a monthy 'Technical Q&A', where we can email in questions, and once a month or so, Robben can hand pick 5 or 10 to answer as he chooses. We always have questions here regarding Robben's songs, such as rifs, lyrics, keys, gear, etc. The online radio show that he hosted (is that still on?), also might be the basis of interesting questions and answers about artists, songs, writing, war stories, etc. We already have something like this with Daved's corner.
I'm hoping that the new website will post Robben's tours/shows a bit more promptly than in the past. But if that's not the case, sending a global email to Robben's fans of upcoming shows would be great.
Thanks for asking Anne. I'm looking forward to see what comes of this.
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OK, time for the BlueRunner to step in and be his typical contrarian:
