Monday, January 22, 2007

The Killer !

The music post seems to be popular on Mondays in Bloggerville, so I think it's time for another walk down musical Memory Lane.......with the G-Man.

A few weeks back I had a post about witnessing the implosion of our local hallowed concert venue, the IMA auditotium. One of the reasons that they could do that was because they had built a place called The Whiting Auditorium. The Whiting is a beautiful place, very intimate, as it only seats 2001 people. It is built nearly as a replica to the New York Opera House. It has huge acoustic sheilds hanging from the ceiling, and the seats are quite comfortable in plush thick red valour....Our college fraternity had contracted the job of providing ushers for every show that came to Flint. Ballet, Opera, Motown, Jazz, Rock, Broadway, whatever show came to town, we saw it for FREE! It was a sweet deal really, when all the other frats and sororities were having car washes and BYO's to raise money, we were dressing up and watching every big name in show biz.
My job at every performance was to tear tickets at the door until show time, then go back stage to keep the 'unwanted' groupies away from the entertainers. It was great, and I have many back stage tales to share......but in due time. This particular story is about Jerry Lee Lewis.
Jerry Lee at one time was as close to becoming the king of rock and roll as anyone. He could play piano like a madman, he was charismatic, he was handsome....but he made the unfortunate mistake of falling in love.....with his 14 year old 3rd cousin! I realize that in the Deep South thats the same as total strangers, but for the rest of society, that was tantamount to incest.
But he was still an awesome entertainer, and he still could pack em in.
So Jerry Lee came to town back about 1970? I did my normal stint on the door, and then slipped quietly back stage to assume my other nightly duties. It was kind of quiet in the wings, so I was just chilling and mingling just off stage, waiting for the show to start when I felt a presence behind me, I slowly turned around, and it was Jerry Lee. Now I have been at the behest of many famous people at the Whiting, and I didn't usually become star-struck, they are just normal insecure folks, like you and me. We were both waiting for the MC to announce his name when the theater Mgr. came up to him and said.." Jerry, I've seen your act, and get you get sort of wild, you can do what ever, but DO NOT jump up on top of my 8,000 Dollar Steinway piano...get it"? Jerry Lee gave a big grin, agreed to those terms, and just as the MC announced his name, the roar of the crowd started to become deafening, he turned to me and said.."Son, hang onto your socks, here comes The Killa!"

....."You shake my nerves, and you rattle my brain.
Too much love, drives a man insane.
You broke my will, but what a thrill....
Goodness Gracious, Great Balls of Fire".

He kept his promise that night, he did not stand on the Steinway...But he did smash a 500 dollar piano bench, much to the chagrin of the Mgr. But, as he put it, "well worth the price of admission". ..Guess what tune was on the radio this morning?.......Peace.......... G-Man

100 comments:

jillie said...

WOW...what a great story. I can remember stories about him and how he was a real wild man on the piano.

Yeah...what's with the 2001? LOL

You know there are stars and then there are LEGENDS.

G-Man said...

I don't know why the 1 but that was always a joke with us too.

Funny how The Killer was the hardest liver, and drinker, and womanizer,... but he's still here.

TC? Is that you? Mornin.
Jillie, my fridge needs cleaning!

Jodes said...

I saw him perform back in the early 90's. What a show, he was still going strong then and he had to be in his 60's or older. It was amazing.

G-Man said...

Jodi Girl, did you see all my pestering of you this week-end?
You are so bugable..

jillie said...

Ummmm....I'm thinking that's going to be a no on your refrigerator...SORRY. One per vacation is MY limit ;o)

I can't have too much fun...I just may never leave...ahhhh!!!!!!

G-Man said...

The lure of lactose!

Breazy said...

Cool ! I have always loved Jerry Lee Lewis and just to set you straight on some things...we here in the deep south do not believe that a third cousin is a stranger, I like you believe it is incest . LOL! Just sayin' . Have a good day !

jillie said...

Lactose intolerance? TMI I "so" don't want to know

HAHAHAHAHAHA....

G-Man said...

Breazy, Tennessee is NOT that deep.
Thanks for commenting.....G

Jillie, I did not say anything about intolerance did I?
Jillie Honey, you do not dye your hair do you?xoxxoxx...G

Breazy said...

Did I mention that I too can play the piano too? Nothing even remotely like Jerry Lee Lewis but I can play a bit. I mostly play for my own pleasure and go ahead and laugh but I also play the banjo. LOL! I just learned how to play Dueling Banjos (from the movie Deliverance). Other instruments I play are the flute, the clarinet and best of all the radio!! LOL! Do you play any instruments?

jillie said...

HEY...you're too quiet today...what are you up too??

Roxi said...

thats fucking amazing and I bow at your feet

G-Man said...

TC, his cousin is still younger than you! And that happened 47 yrs ago!.....G
Keith Richards looks a lot like Chuck Berry!

Breazy said...

Sorry to comment so much but I just read your most recent comment and I had to reply ... you are right , Tennessee isn't that deep south but I had to rib you a bit over that one just for giggles ! I could mention a state that I know for fact believes a third cousin is as available as any one else ... LOL!

G-Man said...

Breazy, Dueling Banjos? Both parts?
A Southern belle and virtuoso!!

ROXI!! YOU are the Queen!
I kneel before your feet...And you have bared your feet at my request I might add...You Rock, I can't wait to buy you a drink!!

Quiet? I'm at work for Christ sake.

CozyMama said...

yes I did see all your pestering...but I saw it all at once when I got to work this morning. I never even came close to the computer, except last night as I was trying to get in bed and I tripped over the desk chair. too many other things to do then sit in front of a computer on the weekends. plus I get this horrible kink in my neck sitting at our desk at home. maybe it is the lopsided chair??? hmmmmmm

G-Man said...

Breazy, Galen's Chat Room is Never closed and always open.


"Always Open..Always Welcome"

Spoony Quine said...

` I can't imagine how awesome he must have been - however, during my trip I saw a videotape of my boyfriend the last time he was on a cruise.
` He was 14, lip-synching to 'Great Balls of Fire', pretending the dessert cart was a piano.
` Now I understand why he was jumping on it, pounding at it with his feet!!!
` Great story!

G-Man said...

A La Jerry Lee. He still plinks a piano key with the edge of his heel.
Glad you are back safely, I've missed your scientific evaluations and conclusions......G

lime said...

pretty cool story there g-man. and may i say keith richards ahs got to be the most hideous guy in rock. i mean that guy is uglier than a fence post.

G-Man said...

You ain't lyin!

And, BTW oh mysterious one. Thank you for extending your ongoing record streak!.....G

Put your new straight-haired picture as your avatar for a week.
Please, do this for me?
How many requests have I ever made from you?

CozyMama said...

G-MAN!!!!!!!

G-Man said...

I love it!
A girl who answers your beckoned call.
Yes Jodi, I am at your service!..G

CozyMama said...

if you are at my service then shouldn't that mean you are at my beck and call?

jillie said...

I am a natural blonde I swear...BUT as I am getting older, it's getting darker and this past year I have started high lighting not. So no, I do not dye it. In the summer it gets light.

Did I hear dueling banjos? Are you and Breazy going to battle? LMAO....

Oh yeah, Lime is right on the nail with Keith Richards.

What are you doing my sir galen?

G-Man said...

Jodi, look up beckon OK?

Jillie, as James Bond says....
" as long as the cuff and collar match"...

I'm back, I just delivered a Dura-Max Diesel!.....Yeah.

Breazy sure has a purty mouth..

jillie said...

I thought it was the drapes match the carpet...LMAO

G-Man said...

Those darn Brits...?

jillie said...

I don't get it....

SignGurl said...

Ok, too weird! My sister in law is an usher at the Whiting right now! It's a small world after all...Sorry...now that song's stuck in my head.

Breazy said...

LMAO!!! Y'all just keep me laughing all the day long!!! If you think my mouth is purty now wait til someone makes me mad and I open all the way up and show my true colors...mwaaaaaah!

G-Man said...

Hi Jenn, your sis-in-law took my job? ...Great Balls of Fire..xxxo

Breazy, your too sweet to be offensive.

Manny said...

Right on.

Manny said...

This one time, at Legend Valley, they ran out of water.




OK, Now I am sitting here, alone, and laughing out loud.

G-Man said...

Manny, how long has this been going on?
Bad day at work?
I wanna laugh too, c'mon.

OK, I'm going over to your site and start to laugh for no reason!

Breazy said...

awwww...you are too sweet!

Manny said...

I'm just happy g. Come on over








Tee Hee

jillie said...

The madness is getting to Manny...OH NO!!!

Watch out Breazy...these guys are ANIMALS!!!

Manny said...

It is madenning over here at g's place.

G-Man said...

One of these days I'm going to like post the Greek alphabet, and nothing else, just to see how many comments ensue.

Or have a sign..'The Doctor Is In'.
Just like in Peanuts.

TC's got an Open Window, I got the Open Door!

Come On In!

SignGurl said...

Is the barn door open too?

Breazy said...

Jillie , I love ANIMALS!!! LOL! I am having so much fun playing with y'all!

G-Man said...

Sign, you save all these up at work, then pounce on me like a wild-cat? I should be glad you worked, enough women around here treat me mean. Boo Hoo!

G-Man said...

Jillie....bad bad influence.

lime said...

what record streak are you talking about oh cryptic one? i swear you are messin with my mind and theri ain't a whoel lot of material to mess with in the first place. crossed eyes and straight hair as my new avatar? yer kiddin me right?

Breazy said...

okay I have properly introduced myself to TC on his blog . He is probably going to think I am a friggin escapee from the closest crazy house but I have introduced myself ! LMAO!!

jillie said...

Breazy that's ok...we know you're nuts and a freakazoid just like us. He's going to luv ya!

ME?? BAD INFLUENCE?? Have you been talking to my mother? Dammit. I'm going to have to put a lock on my computer.

Hey..I got her to drop the "F" bomb TWICE at dinner. My younger bro and I were dying! OH MAN...My life is now complete.

Greek huh? Don't you mean "GEEK" Wooohoooo...I'm on a roll.
I'll find a way to translate it...lol!

SignGurl said...

So, the G in G-Man stands for GEEK, Jillie?

G-Man said...

Lime, your streak of commenting on every one of my posts.
..And BTW, I love that pic. Really, try it ONE day, You'll see. Would I lead you astray?

Breazy, he's nice and much older than me so he goes to bed after his hot cocoa.

Jenn? Grrrrrrrrrr.

SignGurl said...

G, you know you love all this attention. You are a blog AND an attention whore! Bwahahah!!!<-----maniacal laughing

jillie said...

Signgurl...YEAH you got it. Did you hear that g-man

Ummm...did I just hear that right?

You're going "geek" on us? d'oh....I can see it now. I think I need a drink.

jillie said...

Jenn...you can be on our possie for the geek...

I'm sorry G-man...

ATTACK

jillie said...

I think I want to come to one of you Michigan meetings. You guys are just WAY too much fun!

I love it.

SignGurl said...

<-----Insert witty Michigan comment here.

SignGurl said...

I am a work in progress as are my comebacks.

G-Man said...

Yeah Jenn, and I've already defiled your new post.
Hahahaha
Just markin my territory!

Jillie have a Leini.

SignGurl said...

What did you do to my roses, G?

jillie said...

My mom only had the dark and red so yeesh! I am having some wine now...chillin with me momma!

What's the Michigan humor...I'm sometimes more blonde than I need to be and don't get it...d'oh!

SignGurl said...

I have to let my bleary eyes rest for the night, my friend. Work calls again tomorrow so I won't be around until later.

G-Man said...

G'nite Jenn..

jillie said...

Sweet dreams Jenn!

Breazy said...

Jillie don't worry about the blond , my hair is darker now but I am a natural blond. Woohoo! LOL!

G-Man said...

Two blondes? Next Jodi is going to be a blonde.

She's not blonde yet is she?

Breazy said...

ummmm.. I am not sure if she is a natural blond or not , we will have to ask her . You know they do say that blonds have more fun ...

jillie said...

Ok..I am going to let the cat out of the bag...she is a blonde but she ...ok hi-lights it...

abcd said...

g-man, what will you do if you were Jerry?

G-Man said...

Pink Ginger, if I were Jerry, I would still be playing piano like a madman. I am honored by your visit, thank you so much....G-Man

abcd said...

g-man, that's great. maybe one day you can duet with me when I play violin. :)
Would like to introduce you a very outstanding new age pianist -"Maksim". check it out.

G-Man said...

Thank you Pink Ginger,
I am always open to new music. I will check this out.....G

Mouthy Girl said...

Damn...*sigh* I love crazy Jerry.

One of my musical favs is "Only the Good Die Young." I freaking love listening to Billy Joel wham that one out.

I'm seeing him live next month with both of my blogging sisters. Can't wait to shake my booty in person!

jillie said...

Well I let him out didn't I???

Breazy said...

Good Morning all ! I hope y'all have a good day!

G-Man said...

BG, good afternoon, Billy's coming to town this week near here. I'm not going, but I like him

Good afternoon, ladies.

Good afternoon, TC. Sorry about the mess!

jillie said...

I thought maybe we lost you for a moment or the cat got your tongue

Welcome back g-man

Breazy said...

I like to hear Billy Joel too . He is amazing on the ivories! Good afernoon!

Leigh said...

2001... there has to be a story behind that.

Have a great day.

CozyMama said...

hi....is today over yet?

G-Man said...

Sorry ladies I'm not too chatty today, I'm really busy. Things should slow down about 6:00 .
Later......G

jillie said...

You know g-man...tomorrow I want a new blog...it's too much work to have to keep reading all of the responses and scrolling ALL THE WAY DOWN THE PAGE...LOL!!!

Breazy said...

No worries Galen .. I have been busy doing paper work today . I will be leaving in a bit and I won't be back until around 8:30 or 9 so y'all have fun !

Manny said...

Stop with the 'milking of a post' already and blog something new man!

Hi g, thanks for the sweet good night yesterday.

Manny said...

POST!!!! cuz I can't think of anything new to say.

I did have a great day at work, but that's work.

I need blogger luv!

jillie said...

THANK YOU Manny!

Milk and cookies TC?

G-Man said...

I'm still at work. I just sold an Impala to a teacher, and she wants to take it home tonight. So i am stuck here awhile......make hay....
I'll be talkin late!
Manny, you'll be in bed so I'll say goodnight now. Everyone else I'll say a late goodnight....G

SignGurl said...

Galen!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SignGurl said...

Please don't desicrate the daisies.

G-Man said...

OOOh, I gotta go bad too....

jillie said...

Catch ya on the flip side ;o)

Breazy said...

Hello ! Just got home from this and that and thought I would stop over and see what everyone is up to !

jillie said...

What does an Impala look like?

Dude...NEW POST PLEASE ;o)

G-Man said...

Jillie, it looks like a skinny deer.

G-Man said...

Ya know this post is less than 48 hrs old, Jesus, I'm not the NY Times...

But your lucky, I am posting new this morning,
so don't get your camel-toe in a bunch!

CozyMama said...

what time is it???????????????????????????????????

CozyMama said...

i just saw the comment about me being blonde - yes I am and a natural.

S said...

99 Comments? What the hell is going on over here? Perhaps I oughta join the party, eh?

That is so naughty to break the piano bench and jump on the Steinway.....sheesh some artists just dont know how to behave!
LOL:P

G-Man said...

Jodi, with you here now, it's PARTY TIME!!!

The Barefoot Mistress!!
What an honor, I know a little about YOU already. Thank you so much for visiting.
I remember this college prof that gave us the definition of the word Mistress..'halfway between a Mister and a mattress'.........G

CozyMama said...

that comment you just left me is freaking me out man.

Breazy said...

good morning all ! Yay, Bare is joining the party! Let me wipe the sleep out of my eyes and take something for my sinuses and I will be ready to party too! LOL!

Cha Cha said...

Dura-max Diesel...sounds like a condom.

Barn door...open windows...what about the backdoor? That's where I usually sneak in.

I've got a mad thing for geeks.

And I went through a mad Jerry Lee phase in the early nineties/late eighties when that movie came out with Dennis Quaid and Winona Ryder. He was the shit.

And yet another acronym here that I haven't a clue..BYO's? I went to U of I but did NOT partake in ANYTHING remotely Greek. So, once again, you'll have enlighten me.

I commend you on your chatroom, Galen. It's awesome, dude.

Rock on.

xoxo

GAB said...

Great Balls of fire? That man is soooooo cool! I love him. wild and wicked! lol