RECAP
ADAM LAMBERT in the LAND OF OZ (AWES! Ahhhs! Awwws!)
Three KC Amigos: Somewhere Over the Rainbow
3/19/12 ADAM LAMBERT RADIO PROMO @kissfm1059, LAWRENCE (KS) ARTS CENTER
Lawrence is a cool little college town (KU—Go Jayhawks!) in KS, about an hour from KC, MO...
I almost didn't go...I hadn't won a ticket, and the thought of standing around while my two amigos, M and T, were meeting Adam seemed a bit masochistic (I was sleep-deprived, had a million worrisome RL things-to-do, had to borrow a car, and drive through a thunderstorm)...BUT M said “Do it!” and my terrific son said “You're sure not going to see him sitting at home! He's your favorite musician—why is there even a question?—GO!” So I did.
M and T were told to be at the Lawrence Arts Center by 11am (event lasted until 2pm), so of course they were there by 10!
I arrived shortly after that, and—good friends that they are—they had already pleaded for me go in with them, but the guardian of the gate (radio station marketing director and her cutie daughter) had said no. As soon as I got there, I found a young girl who didn't bring a friend and we asked if I could be her +1, but the answer again was no. BUT they did put my name on the list of “hopefuls” in case of no-shows. So, I waited anxiously. Ate. Submitted a written question. Observed the lucky winners lining up. Eavesdropped on their conversations. Went to the restroom. Then AND M and T busted through the restroom screaming 'YOU'RE IN!” YAY for the power of positive thinking! And for the radio station's flexibility! Thanks forever @kissfm0159!
Adam arrived at about 11:30am. A record label person (young woman from Chicago) had driven Adam and Tommy from KCMO to Lawrence and walked through the lobby to get to the stage after dropping Adam and Tommy at the back door. (Paying close attention yields all sorts of info!) We went in and got seats front row center--except, of course, for the radio station people who sat in front of us. The audience (50 winners
twitpic.com/8yjyue ) was absolutely crazy diverse--age and gender-wise.
1) BETTER THAN I KNOW MYSELFAdam and Tommy came out to very loud applause/screaming, and after greeting us, he sang acoustic BTIKM.
Tommy's accompaniment was good, and Adam's voice sounded insanely GREAT, of course! He never sings songs the same way twice in live performances, as you all know...so it sounded fresh and beautiful.
2) Q&A: WRITTEN QUESTIONSThen the hostess read some of our written questions. Many were the frequently asked ones, with familiar replies (NOTE: familiar to us die-hard fans—good to remember there were more casual fans and people who were simply curious about Adam there who DON'T follow his every move (why they don't is beyond me!), but Adam answered all of them thoughtfully and sincerely. Here are the questions I can remember:
*What did you learn from Idol?
A lot. It's like a boot camp. Great experience and platform for getting recognition from a huge audience.*Do you keep in touch with Simon Cowell? What do you think of Xfactor and all the other new singing competition shows?
I only talked to Simon when you SAW us talking on Idol except for the time he called me to tell me which song he'd chosen for me to sing in the final (U2's One). I never had any other conversations with him, and haven't talked to him since Idol.
And I think the singing competition shows are great! It's a tough business to break into, and those shows give performers a chance. The Voice? Interesting concept of choosing the singers only based on voices, without seeing them...that's how it is on radio. You don't see the artist, you only hear the voice.*What have you brought along to read during radio promo?
MY Q! She said “Who's Hoopla?” And I spazzed out and dropped my camera (worthless pos anyway, lol) and I said "That's me!" So he looked directly at me while answering! I blushed! FFS, I haven't blushed in 30 years...
Nothing. Really not reading at the moment, promo=too busy. He's been catching up on episodes of Breaking Bad instead.
NOTE: Btw, Bryan Cranston is absolutely fantastic in this new quirky series!
*Who would you most like to perform with (alive or dead)?
Freddie Mercury. I think that would be really special.(Note: no segue into Queen this summer—missed opp for A/hostess.)
*Have you ever met anyone who made you feel "starstruck"?
Yeah, you guys remember when I was at that Clive Davis pre-Grammy party--the night Whitney Houston died--(talked about the strange energy that night)--well, I was sitting at a table with Britney Spears and I didn't say a word to her. I thought "She probably doesn't even know who I am" and I didn't want to bother her, so I didn't say anything. Well, we share the same UK publicist and later Shoshanna asked me "Hey weren't you sitting with Britney?" and I told her the story--she laughed and said "Oh, Adam! She said exactly the same thing about you!"*What do we not know about you? Something you want to keep private, close to your heart?
Really nothing I can think of, I think you guys know everything about me already--better than I know myself!
3) WHATTAYA WANT FROM METhen he sang WWFM. I'm glad this song is a hit for Adam, but I really do love other songs from FYE more--and since I AM one of those die-hard fans, I've seen him perform the song so many times that I always think it'll bore me—BUT I LOVED IT! He did something different in the middle riffing part, held a really long note(?)--all I know is, it was anything but boring--it was incredible! I wished the whole audience would sing along with him—I was—but very quietly.
Oh--and I yelled "Encore!" as the audience was clapping...I SO wanted to hear one of the new songs, too!
4) Q&A: AUDIENCE QUESTIONSAfter WWFM, the hostess asked the name of his new CD. He plugged Trespassing (hopefully she really DID know the name and was just giving him the chance to announce it) and then she said “It was supposed to be out 3/20, right?”
Yes, but it 's coming out later—in MAY. We're finishing some tracks, working on more music...and with radio and international release logistics, it's just not ready yet. You guys have (and he had) NO idea of all the strategies and behind-the-scenes details that go into releasing music. But we definitely know it'll be May now. Believe me, I'm just as anxious for it to get released as you are. BUT we are >this close< (fingers) to choosing new single...it's between two songs. Then there was kind of a what-next moment, and...Adam said we can see if they have any more questions...so she invited us to ask more questions. People seemed a bit shy—or maybe I was just feeling very bold because I have so many things I'd like to ask him--so I waved my hand excitedly and said I have more questions! And it was like I got to have a conversation with him—I was surprised!
*I asked: We saw a tweet about you being in a recording studio in Chicago this weekend? Were you finishing a track? Could you share with us what you were working on?
I was working on a NEW song, one you guys haven't heard before. *You and your "secrets!" Ah! I can see why CD won't be out until May--finishing tracks and NEW music!? And I can see why it's tough choosing the new single because I LOVE EVERY SONG I'VE HEARD FROM TRESPASSING!
Well that's nice to hear! What songs have you heard exactly?
*Cuckoo, Trespassing, Chokehold, Naked Love and honestly I love them all. (And I REALLY do.)
{I felt guilty for taking up so much time, so I didn't mention OOL and NCOE demo. I missed my chance to tell him I love OOL and was in Ste. Agathe when he performed if for the first time. And that the NCOE demo is okay, but that I always love songs he has written the best. He may not be aware that the diehards HAVE heard NCOE—so maybe that's the “new” song he was working on in Chicago? Who knows?}
Okay, so out of those songs you've listened to, which do you like BEST?If I were to choose, I'd go with either Cuckoo or Trespassing--one of the upbeat songs! I really do love all of them, you're the best at angsty ballads, too, but I'd love to hear C or T on the radio next!
Well, thanks, I appreciate your opinion! {He said more than that, but ICR because I was starting to get overly excited because it really did feel like I was having a genuine conversation with him--and I got self-conscious. That much eye contact with him just overwhelmed me.}
*Then my friend Terri just talked to him about many things in a lead-up to her question, beginning with telling him her husband said to be sure to tell him (Adam) how the three of us from three different states had met at a GN concert two years ago and became friends forever.
Adam said “That's great! I love hearing stories like that!*Next, she told Adam that HE (her husband) is a big fan of his, too! And that she wouldn't even have her camera out, except she promised her hubby she'd take pics for him.
Adam smiled, said "That's cool!" and flashed her the peace sign (for her husband!)*T's question: What size venue do you think your concerts will be this time, for the Trespassing Tour? We liked the size of venues on GN tour, but do you want play arenas next tour? Or do you like smaller venues like GN?"
Adam said it depends on how many albums we buy! (i.e., money) He'd love to do big venues/arenas, but it just depends, they really haven't figured that out yet, will have to see how the CD sells. Buy lots of music! Big arenas would be fun!
And maybe we could do arenas but somehow make parts of the show feel close and intimate at the same time, even in a larger venue.NOTE: Either on this question or at some other point, Adam did talk about how nice it was to sing the songs in small venues and how the connection is more intense at smaller shows, without all the amplification.
Those were just the FIRST TWO “questions”! IT FELT MORE LIKE “CONVERSATIONS”!
*Then a gay man told a very sad story. He was a nice-looking well-dressed man who had been out in a “gay-friendly” bar on St. Pat's and got attacked by someone in the bar because the guy thought he touched/bumped into(?)him. Then when the man went to the bathroom, this asshole jumped him. He kept his hand in front of his mouth while he was talking to Adam at first, then teared up and said, "I'm sorry you have to see me looking like this, but look what "they" did to me.” His mouth was a mess. All of his front teeth had been knocked out, lips split, face bruised.
*His question was: I know you must have faced some hard things, too...how do you cope with something like this? With bullying and violence?
Adam was just splendid. He was very empathetic/sympathetic. But also very honest. He said he has never faced anything like that. He had a loving family, and though he knew he was different and it scared him, he wasn't really out in HS and just kept to himself about orientation. He realizes he was very lucky. Not everyone can just move away from "home" to a more supportive community. But he hopes his music reaches people and helps them realize we are all very much more alike than different. He hopes that as an out gay recording artist who lives his life openly, that although his music may reflect his personal experiences, people will hear his music and realize that he's a person just like them....that our experiences are universal, that orientation is just one little part of who a person is.
Adam also asked the guy some questions: Did you know the guy? (Yes.) Are you going to the police, will you report this? (Yes.) He should pay for what he did. I'm so sorry this happened to you.
Adam repeated that people who face intolerance need to try to surround themselves with loving supportive people/communities. And his final comment: I think you should SUE HIS ASS.
WORDS CAN'T EXPRESS HOW GENUINE AND CARING ADAM WAS IN HIS EXCHANGES WITH THIS MAN. *The MD's cute daughter (middle-school age?) asked Do you know Justin Bieber?
Adam laughed a LOT—he thought it was cute--and smiled and said he doesn't exactly KNOW him, but he has been around him a few times and is really impressed with his talent. He plays guitar, drums, sings--cool! And his new music is supposed to be really good!{He forgot to tell her that he and the Biebs shared a special handshake before a gig one night!}
*A distinguished-looking gentleman asked him now that he's a celebrity, has fame (I lurv how that sounds), what's it like when he goes home to his family? Does he act differently when he goes home now?
Adam said nope--dad's in SD and when he sees him, they get along great. Mom's in LA, and she really helps him out a lot with things on the home front, very supportive. And I have a brother Neil who is VERY honest with me. Neil and I are very different. Big smile. And he has no problem saying for example "You looked like shit"--and I'm "Ummm, okay! Good to know!" He said more about Neil—was very funny--but basically said family and friends ALL keep him grounded and none of his family treats him any differently since AI.
*If you had the power to change one thing in the world, what would it be?
He gave the guns answer again (like in the what would you do if you were President vid). He said just get rid of them. All of them. Stop killing each other. Why do people need to hurt each other?*Is there anything about the record business or radio that you've learned since AI that really surprises you? {NOTE: I'm not sure exactly when this part of the conversation came up....but he was very open about radio play/business—from his perspective as a newbie. And I must stress that he was NOT complaining, just answering the question honestly.}
I've learned A LOT—like radio station play is not how you think it would be. It's not about how good a song is, or even about what the station's audience wants--it's just politics. It's about the station owner and/or director just making a decision about who/what they want to play. It's sort of random. He pointed to the first row of radio peeps and said, "I'm sure you guys know how it is, you work in radio. You see it every day." He said that really surprised him.
5) MEET and GREETAfter the audience questions, we lined up on the steps to meet Adam/get pics taken at the back/top of the room. We were still close to the stage, and after giving up on my camera, I'd thrown it in my bag. I turned around to see where Adam was and he was standing at the front corner of the stage with a couple of the radio station people...he smiled, yawned, stretched waaay backwards and exposed his beautiful skinny lily-white belly for several seconds.
I wish I had a pic of that...but then again, it's okay, because it's forever burned in my brain! NOTE: Those of you who are stans (as opposed to casual fans) will get my excitement. For those of you who think I'm nuts, you have to understand: Adam is beautiful, but he wears SO many clothes. Layers and layers of clothes. A flash of his stomach is a rare thing. Like spotting an extinct species. Notable.
Okay, on with the show...
We watched him interact with everyone. He thanked every single person, smiled beautifully, accepted compliments graciously, and spoke briefly with anyone who wanted to say something to him. Mary told him he made her brave. Terri told him that she thinks he's an amazing person and she seriously adores him.
My turn. The Chicago label rep held things for us during pics. As I handed her my bag, I whispered: “I can't believe you get to ride in a car with Adam for hours today. You are sooo lucky.” She laughed and said, “Yeah, I know, right?”
I went for a handshake (WTH is wrong with me?) but Adam opened his arms for a hug—which is what I REALLY wanted—and I told him that I truly believe he's an “old soul” and that I love that about him. He replied, “Thank you. I think I am, too.” He makes amazing eye contact if you're not afraid to look at him. Sorry for the hyperbole, but for me, it was kind of like looking into the sun. I felt like it lasted forever. Mary took a pic of me looking up at him while we talked that I love. I don't like pictures of myself, but I am so grateful for that pic, because everything I was feeling was written on my face:
LOVE and GRATITUDE.
{The subconscious chatter—about why didn't I dye my hair and get it cut, why did I gain this weight back (again), why did I wear my oldest tank top (even if it does have the Eye of Horus on it) why can't I ride back to KC with them because I have SO much more to ask him?—all flew out of my head with the hug.}
Anyway, I was jazzed up, and as we turned to the official photographer, I had my smile fixed and was STILL TALKING TO HIM THROUGH MY TEETH. All I remember saying is “I'm gonna keep talking, because time's almost up...” and I DID, but I cannot remember what I was babbling about...”I just really appreciate you for your music, for your attitude”...blah, blah fangirling like a boss (major ~facepalm moment.) But in that pic, Adam has the biggest smile on his face and I know it's because he was thinking “LOL this crazy woman!”
It was over...except I was so verklempt and addled, that I walked towards Mary and Terri without my purse! People started yelling at me, so I turned around and the girl was saying “You might need this!” and Adam said “You don't want to forget this!” Okay, now I've blushed TWICE in 30 years, both times on the same day!
Anyway, we watched some other peeps get pics taken. I was standing next to a station employee and I asked if the station took video. She didn't think so, but maybe. I said it was too bad because I thought that was the longest he'd ever talked to an audience on this promo tour and that a video would have received tons of hits if posted on FB or Youtube. She said they really hadn't known what to expect. (I think she said it might have been their first artist-promo show?) It was at their young promo manager's suggestion. They play Kidd Kraddick's show in the mornings...and we know KK likes “AdamLambertPants”!
Then we were all herded back out to the lobby, and we talked to people for a while. I saw the guy who'd been beaten up and said I was sorry for what happened to him, and he teared up again. I said, awww, you need a hug--hugged him and said I hope ADAM'S hug made you feel better today--he said Yes, it did!--and I got a SUE HIS ASS from him!
I asked several people if they'd taken any vids. Nope. I know I saw a few people with cameras out, but I don't know if they were taking pics or vids—or how to look them up. Anyway, we then went to lunch together to relive the moments a little and try to set everything in our minds...and drove home in a thunderstorm on a gray day—with sunshine in our hearts. Hokey? Yes. But TRUE! ADDED BONUS: 105.9 played BTIKM on the way home.
6) FINAL THOUGHTSNote About Vids: Adam went back to KCMO to the Granfalloon on the Plaza for the 99.7 The Point gig at 4pm, just a couple of hours later. The station took vids, as did many in the audience. He's all spunky and joking and smiley! It's great, and I'm glad I got to watch the vids—and THAT'S what you get when everyone's got a camera in his/her hand. And I like it! I'm grateful when fans take vids.
When I was lamenting later to Mary that we didn't have a “record” of our amazing time with Adam in Lawrence, she said that precisely BECAUSE no one was taping, what WE got in Lawrence was what WE needed. Genuine conversation.
Adam was relaxed, talkative, introspective, thoughtful. He gave us a chance to REALLY TALK with him (he asked us questions, too—more than I can remember) because almost no one was behind a camera--everyone there was in the moment and wanted to TALK with him more than they wanted to take pics/film. She thinks we got something very special--and I think she's right. I'm over my angst about not finding vids. Just wish we could remember every single word, because he said SO MANY!
Pics here:
www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.381648378526285.92297.320641334626990&type=1The station gave him a Jayhawk candle—he said “It's wearing platform boots!” (Crowd laughed!)
DISCLAIMER: My recap is NOT verbatim, but I haven't found one video of Adam in Lawrence yet—so I've run my memory and perceptions by Mary and Terri, and this is the best I can do. I want to remember it. I want to revisit the memory of meeting the artist whose spirit resonates with me so much.
One last thing: I DID smell him. He smells awesome. Like patchouli and cherry blossoms: WHAM! {...and if you get this joke, step away from the laptop and get a life! No, really, we're not over-invested. We've just found a musician who touches our souls and brings us joy. 'Sall good.}
Oops one more ~last thing. ITA with every sentiment in this fantastic blog!
When Celebrities are More Than Just Celebrities
davidatlanta.com/2012/03/when-celebrities-are-more-than-just-celebrities/
Okay, on with the show...