WHEN first asked to write an article for the new Crowes newsletter, of course I was all over the opportunity. For someone who usually has too much to say, to people who have too little time to listen, it is very exciting to have the opportunity to express your thoughts with other like minded people. But then of course, you sit down to take on the task, and you just don't know where to begin. I sat and thought about how great it is that a new fan club is being started and that the boys are headed back into the studio, but unfortunately under circumstances no one would've hoped. Now with continually introducing more and more people to 'Live at the Greek', and more and more people wanting to experience this combination of Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes live, you begin to realize that it is potentially a 'once in a lifetime' opportunity. I sit and write this on September 12, 2000, as the news of Jimmy's back problems, and subsequent tour cancellation, has just hit fans all over the world, and I just wanted to pass on my condolensces to all the fans that will now miss out. I however was fortunate enough to see them do their 'thang' at the Palace of Auburn Hills back in June. By no means do I want to sit and tell everyone how amazing it was, (you can read the show reviews for that), but I do feel for you all, as I can relate to the feeling of wanting to experience this combination so badly, and through circumstances beyond your control, are unable. All of these concert events began way back in June, 1999, when Jimmy Page was looking for a band to play a charity event for two causes he supports, SCREAM (Supporting Children through Re-Education And Music) and The ABC Trust (Action for Brazil's Children), at the Cafe du Paris in London, England. And as we all know, along came the Crowes. Well, I was living in London at the time, and upon finding out meagre details, I was on the phone to the Cafe du Paris to find out how I was going to get myself some tickets to this extraordinary event. How lucky was I that I happened to be living in the place where this 'once in a lifetime' event was happening!?! But little did I know it was a small, 450 person, invitation only gathering, that my sorry ass was definitely not invited too!! Well, as it turned out things went so well in London, that Jimmy Page and The Black Crowes decided to do 5 subsequent shows together, 2 in New York City, and 3 in Los Angleles. 2 shows in N.Y.C. in October! And me returning to North America, specifically London, Ontario, a mere 10 hour drive away! This time there was no question, I was going to one of those shows. A 'once in a lifetime' opportunity not just twice, but an extra 5 times, surely it had to be. But.....no. Kismet, and all things happening for a reason will take you a long way, but not when there are thousands of fans waiting to get their hands on these tickets the instant they go on sale. Once again, left out. So my sister found me a copy of the October 13th show, and I moved myself out west to British Columbia to listen and think of what might have been. Until the Year 2000 Tour was announced. This was it. Finally, this show was going to happen for me, on August 18th, and what a way to finally see a show at the beautiful, Gorge Amphitheatre in Washington state. I was definitely going to be there. But lucky for me, leaving nothing to chance, I bought tickets to the June 26th show in Michigan, and made plans to travel back home. And thank whoever that I did, for otherwise I may have been just to disheartened to even write this article. So I guess after all this story telling, if you're still with me, and you feel like you've lost out on this 'once in a lifetime' opportunity, don't, because 'once in a lifetime' may not always be. Peace, and take care Jimmy. Robbie. P.S. This article was written while listening to 'Live At The Greek.' |