My brother Mike asked several months ago if I had any interest in going with him to see Paul McCartney play the very last event at Candlestick Park- the location of the Beatles last performance nearly 50 years ago. Sure I said. We didn't have any other discussion about this until the day before when Mike called and said he wanted go with me (his treat!) to the show. As much to hang out with my brother as to see McCartney, I agreed.
Although he didn't introduce his band by name other than "my band", it's worth noting that he's played with these same four (one not pictured) musicians longer than he had played with the Beatles or most of the Wings line ups. They are very good. Playing to a full house with a start time delayed by traffic, McCartney and his fellows knew how to entertain and deliver what the people want. While performing some expected (desired) standards, he also sang some lesser known songs from his extensive catalog. The guys cover some of McCartney's lessening of his once powerful vocal range (but still sounding mighty good on ballads and rockers).
McCartney engaged the crowd and took plenty of time between songs to gaze out and breathe in the experience. This was his experience as well as ours. Might also be a smart way to catch a rest too, as he works hard. The firework show during Live and Let Die was fun and his story about how everyone learned guitar playing Blackbird ( a civil rights song) but noted "you all got it wrong!". A good night, a friendly loving crowd. So long Candlestick Park! I took a walk pre-show to see the 49'ers wall of fame. Food lines were crazy slow with very limited choices (most vendors had already finished their time at the stick). I felt guilty in the burger line while holding Paul's Peta DVD. I'm working on it, Paul!
Walking into the show (not a great move that Mike and I forgot which lot we parked in, later) maybe Iwas amazed that this 70+ year old dude was putting so many people intp profitable employment. All of the t-shirt guys outside the stadium were doing a brisk business.
It was a beautiful night at the old park but we weren't cold. On this night the coldness that sometimes exists between us was gone. I thank my brother Mike for this opportunity for us to be fans, friends and brothers.
Just a day or two before we all heard about the death of Robin Williams. Anyone who has worked retail in San Francisco in the last three decades has a Robin Williams story. And perhaps the crazy cost of living could be partially sourced at his unfailing loyalty to the bay area and San Francisco in particular. He helped make San Francisco a cool place to want to live in; a different place to be. So our getting the boot from Hyde Street is your fault Robin!
There is a feeling that leaving his family and this world in the way he chose was selfish and a waste of life. Perhaps. Definitely very sad that he felt that this was the best option for him. It's worth noting that his life is very different from most people. Even doctors that he might seek out for help would prefer him to be funny- "that's important to discuss Robin but (I like you better when you're zany)". His TV show depended on his visibility and star power to draw ratings-(unlike) a movie that when complete is over. Unless there are sequels, the work is done. A TV show has a large crew depending on coming back to work the next season. Tthe cancellation of his first TV show might have been a large self imposed weight.
Even us cool bay area types that allowed him his space still gave off odd vibes. In the cafes I've worked he popped into all of them- some quite often (usually prdering a 1 or 2 shot espresso), soft spoken, quiet, sometimes a spark (usually a baby) would rev him up but generally he liked to quietly participate. Years ago I saw him completely plastered (with a friend) but since the 90's he mostly came in places alone. Although once i witnessed him visibly irritated, Williams always was respectful of people working, and had no problems waiting in lines.
The first time I met him I was working in a 2 person kitchen at a benefit for the Boarding House comedy club on Columbus Street. He would visit us as we prepared meals before he went on stage. I got one of his big seal laughs from something absurd that I said, and I've remembered that. After we were done cooking we were free to wander in and watch the second set of the 2 nights he did the benefits. Although I noticed that often the audience laughed before he actually delivered punchlines, it was a great experience to watch him work on his craft. This may have been 1982 and the World According To Garp was about to be released.
Once we were taking some goofy Before and After coffee photos in front of Peets (Chestnut). Maria,Dexter (baby), Bobby and Cailin are posing for the Before (drab) and After (perky!) Coffee snapshots. Behind them and coming out of the front door was Williams. When he saw my camera he flinched- paparazzi! but then noticed that I wasn't taking a photo at him but instead- at these silly folks sitting on the Peets bench. He slid behind me to gather another look (we were in the After stage), and from this safe vantage point, laughed.
The following is an excellent interview with Marc Maron. Williams is very relaxed, thoughtful, and of course, funny. His funniest bit may now in hindsight be the saddest moment. It's a good listen and a fine memory of who he was and how important he was to the Bay Area and to the comedy world. I'll definitely miss him.
2010 Marc Maron and Robin Williams, interview
Tonight the Dodgers clinch the Pennant vs. the Giants 9-1. Kershaw rocks, no doubt.
However i don't like the Dodgers. Bleh.
2010 Marc Maron and Robin Williams, interview
Tonight the Dodgers clinch the Pennant vs. the Giants 9-1. Kershaw rocks, no doubt.
However i don't like the Dodgers. Bleh.
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