One person that earlier this month sent me his story of meeting Paul McCartney was Paul Griggs. Check out Paul's website to learn more about him and his music. Paul has a LOT of great Beatle stories on his page! He saw the Beatles in concert quite often in the 1960's, plus he saw them various other times. He was at the concert of Jimi Hendrix when he played Sgt. Pepper for the first time right after the album was released! And he saw George and Pattie in the audience. He also has on his page a letter from George Harrison to him and a whole lot more Beatles goodies.
One of the stories on his page that he is allowing me to share is that of when he was one of the winners of the Buddy Holly song writing contest in 1987. As one of the winners, Paul was able to attend the Buddy Holly reception and meet Paul McCartney himself.
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| Eddie Duane, our Paul and Paul Griggs |
9th September 1987
Paul
McCartney is a big fan of Buddy Holly and owns the publishing rights to
Buddy's songs. For a number of years he arranged an event around Buddy
Holly's birthday and in 1987 it was a "Buddy Holly Song Contest", which I
decided to enter. I was well pleased when I had a letter saying that my
song "No More Tears" had reached the final 10 and was invited by Paul
and Linda to an awards lunch in London on 9th September 1987. It was
held at The Dolphin Brasserie, in Belgravia, and I went along with my
wife Lynne. We were some of the first people to arrive, and were told we
could sit anywhere except on a large table with reserved on it. (I
wonder who for). We were joined by guitarist "Mick Green" from "The
Pirates, who was destined to play guitar on Paul's "Run Devil Run" album
and Mike Maxfield who was lead guitarist with "The Dakotas". Also there
was "Alvin Stardust" who was a fellow "Magnet Records" artist when I
was with "Guys n' Dolls" and record producer "Pete Waterman" who had
also worked at "Magnet Records". Paul arrived with Linda, his daughter
Stella, "Twiggy" and her husband "Leigh Lawson".
It was a very enjojable lunch "veggie" of course, and after we had all eaten Jonathan Ross presented the awards and I received a "Runner Up" framed certificate, which I got Paul to sign. What do you say to one of your all time heroes. "I'm a big fan and I've got all your records", I don't think so. We talked about my brother Nigel's band "Split Enz" as I knew Paul liked them as he had brought their keyboard player "Eddie Rayner" over from Australia to play on one of his albums. Mike Berry and his group were playing throughout the lunch and at one point Paul got up and sang a couple of numbers with them. All in all a most enjoyable time and they say "You should never meet your heroes as you will be dissapointed". In this case definately not true.
It was a very enjojable lunch "veggie" of course, and after we had all eaten Jonathan Ross presented the awards and I received a "Runner Up" framed certificate, which I got Paul to sign. What do you say to one of your all time heroes. "I'm a big fan and I've got all your records", I don't think so. We talked about my brother Nigel's band "Split Enz" as I knew Paul liked them as he had brought their keyboard player "Eddie Rayner" over from Australia to play on one of his albums. Mike Berry and his group were playing throughout the lunch and at one point Paul got up and sang a couple of numbers with them. All in all a most enjoyable time and they say "You should never meet your heroes as you will be dissapointed". In this case definately not true.
T
Hi Sara--That's rockabilly star Duane Eddy, not Eddy Duane. I love this blog, especially photos like these that show the Fabs with other musicians.--Doug
ReplyDeleteHi again! I just noticed that Paul is holding copies of Eddy's "Rockestra" single, which he [Paul] wrote, produced and played on.--Doug
ReplyDeleteMay 20, 2016
ReplyDeleteI was working at the Dolphin Brasserie London UK at the age of 22 as a Commis Chef. I had just finished College in Toronto and headed to London to start my apprenticeship. I landed a job working under Aidan Mcgrath.
I had the pleasure of meeting Paul and Linda McCartney on that very special day in my life September 9, 1987. We had just finished preparing and serving the meal to Paul and his entire group of guests. The kitchen crew and service staff was huddled in the kitchen around a large serving platter reaching for a well deserved pint of lager. The kitchen door swings open and who walks in, Paul and Linda McCartney to shake our hands and thank us for the meal and service.
I was so surprised by their generosity and thoughtfulness to take the time to meet us. The fact that they would not forget the kitchen crew and service staff really said a great deal about the type of people they were. I could only reach out and shake their hands, how honored and star-struck I was. I felt so lucky to have met one of the Beatles – how many people can say that! I knew then it would be moment I would remember for the rest of my life.
I recall one of the service staff, she was from Australia I think her name was Jennifer, she asked Paul to sign a menu and he did with delight. I was frozen for those few moments, I wished I had my camera and or had been quick enough to have Paul sign a menu. Well that’s life -- 29 years later, a few days from now on May 23 I will turn 51 and still hold that Kodak moment in my mind.
I returned to my duties in the kitchen to prepare for the next service time. I could hear Paul signing and playing the piano. I took off my apron and step into the dining room to see Paul jam for a few moments. Man, I have really had a back stage pass that September day!
On July 1st, 2016 I will return to London with my wife and two teenage daughters on vacation. I will take my Family to lunch at the Dolphin Brasserie and maybe revisit the kitchen where I met Paul and Linda.
Cheers to all The Beatle fans,
Thomas M. Keane
My name is Francis McIntyre and I was the only Scottish finalist in this Buddy Holly songwriting competition of 1987. So I too have a runner-up plaque. It is signed by Paul, Mike Batt, Alvin Stardust etc. I have some photos and my invite too. I just out the details of the plaque into Bing and this site came up. I am sending this annon, as I don't know how to send it any other way.However, my e-mail address is yoyoalbum@yahoo.com if anyone has any questions about the day or the plaque and provenance.
ReplyDelete