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Topic: Goldsmith: up front and in-person
Howard L
Standard Userer
Friday night I got such a kick out of seeing everyone with their programs and various CD covers getting Mr. G's signature. This was great. But can you share with me & everyone some of the things you & he talked about?Personally, it seemed like each night's encounter just got better and better. He really seemed to be enjoying the attention, didn't he? Anyway, I'm not big anymore on the autograph thing so on Friday night when it was my time, I just went right in with "Mr. Goldsmith, may I just shake your hand and thank you for tonight's concert & your entire career?" And then we did shake hands, and after introducing myself and advising that "I carry with me greetings from Maurice Jarre", I had to let him know I was one of the many young children back in the early 1960s who begged his folks every Friday night to let him stay up and watch the Twilight Zone, and that my first TZ memory was "The Invaders" and another score of his that has remained with me all these years was "The Big Tall Wish." Well, Mr. G gave me a look of utter surprise and then he mentioned that he had forgotten that one. I let him know in no uncertain terms that I hadn't. We shook hands again and I felt like a million dollars.
Saturday, after admonishing him that Star Trekkers hate being called "Trekkies", he laughed and admitted he just doesn't understand it all. After that, I mentioned how delighted I was to hear his "Dr. Kildare Theme" in its original arrangement, explaining that I have a very old 45 with Stan Getz doing a great "Desafinado" on one side and the Kildare theme on the other. Again, he gave me a look of total surprise and then exclaimed "Stan Getz? Oh my, I've never heard it." I informed him that it's AWFUL and that he hasn't missed anything; moreover, "the only good thing is seeing '(Goldsmith)' under the title."
I then told him that I had traveled to Canada for the day and on the way back I enjoyed the countryside to the tune of his soundtracks to Hoosiers and Matinee, especially his music for the latter that underscored the scene when the John Goodman character explains the magic of making movies to the young teenage boy..."You created a wonderful melancholic mood." He smiled and said thank you.
Now we come to yesterday, Sunday. I sneaked through the "Wedge" exit and acted like I belonged backstage, only to go outside & find myself behind him as he had already exited for a smoke and was signing autographs. When it was my turn...well, he knew the routine and as we shook hands
I thanked him for the entire weekend and asked if he wouldn't mind accepting something as a token of my extreme appreciation. It was a sheaf of papers rolled up like a diploma, a blue band holding it in place. He took it; I explained that it wasn't a piece of music but a bit of creative writing that he had greatly helped inspire. He accepted it, and I was suddenly nervous and almost overcome with "I don't believe it...he's got it, it's done, it's done..." as I watched him climb into the car with the sheath in his hand.You see, the reason I was nervous and rather numb was that at that very moment I knew for a certainty that I and my friends from cyberspace had truly gone "all the way" this weekend. And I turned to and grinned at my buddy H Rocco, and then we walked away.
[This message has been edited by Howard L (edited 05 June 2000).]
posted 06-05-2000 01:55 PM PT (US) dantoris
Standard Userer
This only fuels my jealousy.But I'm glad you could experience such an . . . experience. What exactly was it you gave him (if you don't mind saying).
NP: Halloween: The Curse of Michael Myers - "Operating Room" ****/*****
posted 06-05-2000 02:02 PM PT (US) JoeInSanDiego
Standard Userer
Howard...OH MY GAWD!!! YOU DIDN'T!!! You gave him the STORY???????<GREAT BIG SMILE!!!>
That is SO AWESOME!!!!!! You are SUCH A STUD!!!!
Now, here's hoping he reads it and comments on it the next concert of his (which I would LOVE to attend and hear about...as I would go backstage and say something like...I would have made the trip to Canada with you, but I was otherwise detained...)!!!
That is just so COOL...I cannot tell youhow jazzed I am. I know a certain person who can no longer be with us is certianly smiling from his lofty place above...
NP - Incognito (Ottman)
posted 06-05-2000 02:45 PM PT (US) Chris Kinsinger
Standard Userer
INCREDIBLE!ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!
posted 06-05-2000 03:44 PM PT (US) Marian Schedenig
Standard Userer
W O W
posted 06-05-2000 03:54 PM PT (US) Marian Schedenig
Standard Userer
Chris, you may have missed a chance to meet Jerry, but Jerry met you.
posted 06-05-2000 04:04 PM PT (US) Wedge
Standard Userer
Well, Thursday morning, I snuck backstage. Ironically, it was the security guard who helped me find Mr. Golsdmith. after shaking hands and the obligatory "I'm a big fan, it was a marvelous concert, your music means so much to me, thank you for everything you've done," he asked me if I was from Detroit."Lansing," I said. "I play the tuba at Michigan State University."
"That's great!" he said.
I brought up his work with Alex North's music, thanking him for his efforts to bring it to the light of day.
"Yeah," he said, slightly surprised, "I really love working with Alex's stuff."
I grinned. "My friend and I once projected 2001onto the big screen and attempted to 'score' it with the CD you recorded."
He grinned back. "It doesn't work."
"I know," I laughed. "But it gave us the general idea."
As we gave him our "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" CDs to sign, Nesius pointed and said. "That's the one."
"That's 'the one', eh?"
"Yes," he replied. "The complete version," he added.
The guard stepped up behind us. "If you don't mind," he said, "I think Mr. Goldsmith would like to go out and have a cigarette." This was the part where I expected to get ushered out. "Perhaps you'd like to go with him?" the guard finished. I was thunderstruck.
Unfortunately, my bubble was burst when Mr. Goldsmith shook his head, smiling. "I'm sorry," he said. "I do have to leave." Oh well. But it didn't matter. I had met the master. We shook hands again, I gave him a letter on behalf of "the group" and he disappeared.
Friday night, I came back. "I got my autograph last night. I just wanted to shake your hand again and express my appreciation and congratulations."
"You came back?" he asked.
"Yes," I said, slightly sheepish.
He laughed. "Wow. I should have told different jokes for you! Are you coming back tomorrow?"
"No," I said, genuinely sad. "I can't make it."
I said my good-byes. "You've enriched our lives," I told him. "And the lives of our children," I added. "CDs and movies last a long time."
He seemed touched. Later, as he left the building, the group of us outside waved good-bye. "Good night!" we called.
"Good-night," he waved back.
What a gentleman.
And THAT was MY Jerry Goldsmith experience.
posted 06-05-2000 04:27 PM PT (US) Marian Schedenig
Standard Userer
Every time I read one of those posts, I've got a HUGE smile on my face... (and nearly tears in my eyes )
posted 06-05-2000 04:36 PM PT (US) Andre Lux
unregistered
Guys, you are wonderful!
I feel so happy for you. What an experience...
I only wish I could be there with you...
But it's impossible for me, living so far away.LONG LIVE JERRY GOLDSMITH, THE MASTER!
posted 06-05-2000 05:11 PM PT (US) Howard L
Standard Userer
Joe: The whole thing defies belief. Do you realize that the play came out 9/99 when nobody knew about any Goldsmith concert in Detroit and who would be going there? At the play's climax a "young man" emerges and suddenly this young man named "Shaun Rutherford" exchanges greeting with Jerry Goldsmith. What do you think was going through my mind on Friday night as I watched Shaun Rutherford exchange greetings with Jerry Goldsmith? Also, when all was said and done contact was made with Jerry and the McKone family in an evening & a day...in that order. As I was driving back to Detroit from Canada on Saturday it occurred to me that we have just made contact with Jerry & the McKone family in an evening & a day...in that order. There's more; oh, there's more.Wedge: You really were "da man wid da contacts"! You've got a set of brass ones, all right, and it payed off. The Man indeed received reading material for his trip back to the West Coast. Fact or Fiction UNPLUGGED? Hell no!
Dantoris: If you want a copy of the thing, email the author via 'willardknight@yahoo.com' and tell 'em Large Marge sen'cha!
posted 06-05-2000 05:15 PM PT (US) James
Standard Userer
I was waiting in line with my copy of A PATCH OF BLUE, when a tall man remarked to me "You wouldn't be James, would you?" I was incredibly relieved to find Mark, not just because I had been looking for him (and he apparently for me), but also because I had no pen.Anyway, I borrowed a pen and got back in line. When I was up I had trouble looking at Mr. Goldsmith, like I was an "untouchable" and he was royalty, that somehow my gaze would corrupt him, and I would be blinded. (The same thing happened last year when I met Eddie Bracken.) Anyway, I said hello, gave him my copy of APOB, and he was seemingly somewhat surprised, probably due to my age compared to the age of the score I was handing him.
"There's a good one," he remarked.
"It's one of my favorites," I unsteadily replied (I had no idea how to talk to him).
"Mine too," he said as he finished signing the cover. Upon handing it back to me he said, "You weren't even a glint in your mother's eye when I did that one."
Walking away it was all I could do to constrain my giddiness... and people who have known me well for years will tell you I am never, ever giddy.
After that I wandered through a labyrinth for 15 minutes with Mark, Howard, and H Rocco until we (ahem) decided we would find the restaurant and have dinner.
Gentlemen, it was an absolute pleasure.
James
NP - Rudy (I'm on an all-Goldsmith high right now)posted 06-05-2000 05:21 PM PT (US) Marian Schedenig
Standard Userer
You know, I would never have imagined to get so excited about a bunch of people I've never seen going to a concert I didn't hear.Hm, 3/4 of the posts in this thread are mine. Sorry for that, but I really feel like I've been there myself. THANKS!
posted 06-05-2000 05:29 PM PT (US) Howard L
Standard Userer
Attn: JamesHey 'Captain', how did today's exams go?
posted 06-05-2000 05:40 PM PT (US) Chris Kinsinger
Standard Userer
It's called "Reflected Glory", Marian, and I'm basking in the light of it myself!Wonderful!
ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE!
posted 06-05-2000 06:40 PM PT (US) H Rocco
Standard Userer
Just wait till my Account begins (some time tomorrow, I imagine) ...
posted 06-05-2000 07:10 PM PT (US) James
Standard Userer
Hey Howard,German had its ups and downs, I have no idea how I did. Could go either way.
English was a breeze, there were maybe two answers on the entire test I didn't know.
Thanks for asking!
'Captain'
posted 06-05-2000 08:16 PM PT (US) Howard L
Standard Userer
Wow. Meeting these last 2 respondents was like meeting a pair of "wonder boys." Gonna have to see that flick again when it's re-released in the fall.Marian, Andre--it was and continues to be such a privilege to share the tale of our gathering with others/strangers! and mention "our friends in Austria, Brazil, Argentina, Norway, Germany & the UK of course..." Can't wait to hear a piece of the Rocco's report. Keep celebrating, Marian, keep celebrating!
Wedge--forgot to mention: great story. GREAT story. I've now heard both the oral & written versions. Neat!
[This message has been edited by Howard L (edited 06 June 2000).]
posted 06-06-2000 07:29 AM PT (US) Marian Schedenig
Standard Userer
Wedge: As you mentioned Nesius - didn't he start to post over at FSM, about the time of the first Haiku thread? What's become of him - is he still here, using a new nick?NP: Looking for Richard (Shore)
posted 06-06-2000 08:05 AM PT (US) Nicolai P. Zwar
Standard Userer
You guys are just incredible... I'm envious indeed (though in a good way, you know).
posted 06-06-2000 08:40 AM PT (US) Wedge
Standard Userer
Nesius is around ... but rarely. He doesn't like to use the internet much. He's actually been posting infrequently since about the same time I did ... shortly after the beginning of the OLD old FSM board.
posted 06-06-2000 05:51 PM PT (US) SPOR2
unregistered
I must admit to a certain degree of envy gentlemen, for due to my dumb luck, the only night I was able to attend his concert at the Hollywood Bowl last year, was the only night he wasn't going to be signing autographs and CD's!!! Nevertheless, the live fireworks display accompanied by his music more than made up for a 'fan-boy's' disappointment not meeting a creative figure who has, for the better part of 25 years, brought him so much listening pleasure. Funny though, I always imagined him taller.....
posted 06-06-2000 11:22 PM PT (US) Darth Fart
Standard Userer
I'm happy for you guys meeting the miester, to meet your heros must give you a rush like no other.Nice posts, thanks for sharing.
posted 06-07-2000 12:41 AM PT (US) Howard L
Standard Userer
This thread has been resurrected per remarks in the big Jerry thread here and a response over at that other 'board.I've pulled this up for an occasional read over the last couple of years and now there is just that much more significance to the entire weekend of a couple summers ago. And Willard Knight's cyberplay--particularly for me the scene when "Howard" and "Jerry" go at it while JNH's Grand Canyon emanates from the car player--also takes on added resonance. Not to mention poignancy.
The play really was a valentine, of sorts. Anyway, Willard has contacted me and if anyone's interested maybe we can bring it back for a bit of a tribute, or at least that bit of it as the passing of Mr. G now hovers over at least 2 messageboards I know of.
Whatever. This is really a nice place to be at a moment like this, ya know?!
*******************************************************************[Message edited by Howard L on 07-25-2004]
posted 07-24-2004 10:09 PM PT (US) joan hue
Standard Userer
Yeah, Howard, this is a nice place to be right now. These are wonderful memories.
posted 07-24-2004 11:01 PM PT (US) Steve Hughes
Standard Userer
I was fortunate to meet Mr Goldsmith at the National Film Theatre in 1997. He attended an event for the London Film Festival with director Lee Tamahori to talk about film music. They showed clips from The Edge, their most recent collaboration, and talked about how Jerry's approach to the film. It was fascinating, funny, and really informative.At the end of the seminar, Jerry signed CD's. I got my copy of The Edge signed by him and Lee Tamahori as it seemed appropriate. I just said "Mr Goldsmith, I'm a big fan. Keep up the good work -- the audience is listening" and he replied "Thank you, thanks very much".
I noticed there was a scary looking fan beside me with unblinking eyes, who was breathing heavily. He handed Jerry something to sign and spoke in a scary Peter Lorre-type voice "I want to thank you for all of your scores...particularly The Omen." Jerry looked at me, rolled his eyes and stifled a laugh. It was really funny.
It was a great day. He was a great composer. He'll be sorely missed...
posted 07-25-2004 03:38 AM PT (US) John C Winfrey
Standard Userer
I read all these and these are all great.Will share all mine with you also.
Back in 1989 I was able to attend two Goldsmith concerts in Ft. Worth and then later in Springfield, Missouri in May.
Both concerts were great and I wrote a review of them both for the Goldsmith Society. At the first one was not able to meet him. In Springfield, after the concert, I went to the back door and just walked in. He was signing autographs for orchestra members and for fans. There were around 100 there getting his signature. I was able to take his picture and talk with him for a few mins while he was signing those.
When I commented on him staying and signing all of the autographs(his driver kept asking if he was ready to go, and he said wait a few mins) he said it was the least he could do since all of them had dragged themselves out to the concert. He talked to one couple about how good he thought the new music was for Star Trek V. He was surprised I had bought Leviathan, which had come out not long before that. He said "you bought that?" and I said yes, it was really good. He said "the movie was terrible."
Then we chatted about other scores and stuff for a bit. I shook his hand and left.
I also received some letters from him in the 80s. I think it was four. And from his secretary Lois, sent me a couple of things he had told her to send. In one of his letters he talked about Legend and his frustration at that being replaced. He said he enjoyed working on that and said that I had probably heard by now that it had been replaced.
In another letter he said "your letter was not intentionally ignored, but I was in Europe recording some of my work" and thanked me for compliments on some of his scores.
I have so many of his scores that are favorites. A lifetime of great music. Take care, J.
posted 07-25-2004 10:21 AM PT (US) Old Infopop Software by UBB