What's a "John girl" like me doin' with a "George girl" like Nanci??? The answer? Enjoying every second of it.
When you meet Nanci Davis, you encounter a bit of mystery and magic. Unusual things happen to her. She "runs into" Stella McCartney, Yoko Ono, and even encounters George Harrison (ask her about this) in a general store in the Midwest. She has more than good luck or serendipity. She has an aura, and it is lovely.
I met Nanci at the Fest for Beatles Fans in Chicago . . . which is a fest not to be missed! It's "fun, fun, fun 'til Daddy took the T-bird away" (oops, wrong group!). But sincerely, it is one of the best weekends one can experience. Anyroad . . . Nanci stopped by my booth to purchase Shoulda Been There, and we began talking about the lads, her trips to Liverpool and beyond, and Louise Harrison . . . and George. The conversation bubbled. Nanci bubbles.
Well, instead of my telling you about her, get to know her yourself. Her adventures and photos will amaze you.
My "Beatle story" begins like billions of others: a youngster mesmerized while watching The Ed Sullivan Show on that blessed night in February 1964.
I could tell you stories of endless hours, days, months and years spent listening to Beatle music, philosophies, ideas, wit and humor, admiring glossy photos, watching films time and time again. Ah, just to hear those British accents!
And like billions of others, I have seen how their love, compassion, and respect for life have helped make this world a better place. They have sparked my interest and curiosity, led me on journeys that fostered self growth and heightened awareness of my world "within me and without me."
And so...
I share with you some of the wonderful places I have been and the amazing people I have experienced treasured moments with.
I was eleven years old when I attended my first concert August 21, 1966. Despite the controversy over John's misquoted comment about religion in the spring of '66, I was allowed to see the Beatles in St. Louis with my eighteen-year-old cousin and her brother...who was only five years old. Even then, a variety of ages were drawn to Beatle music! I was sure that night that I would be a Beatle fan forever.
As I grew into adulthood, however, I became busy with life as it was. Only a handful of my former Beatle treasures remained in my possession until my daughter gave me a framed print of the lads, and my boss casually commented, "I am surprised you've never been to England."
Inspired, I started listening to the "Beatle Brunch" radio show. I decided to attend a Beatlefest (as they were then called). And before I knew it, I was traveling to England with a group, returning again with a great bunch of gals, and even going semi-solo to spots in England. I had reclaimed my "Beatle heritage" in a big way!!
Each "Beatle person" that I met along the way added something special to my experiences. Some were famous; some well-known in certain groups or social circles. Some were just like you and me - longtime admirers of the four wonderful lads from Liverpool. Each and every one of the Beatle people that I encountered was special. I would like to share some highlights of my experiences with you.
(You will notice some of my photos are taken at night. At that very first concert that I attended way back in 1966, I clearly remember John singing "Mr. Moonlight" as the lights glowed in Busch Stadium and the crowd chanted, "We want the Beatles! We want the Beatles!" Perhaps this is how I developed my affinity for shots in the dark. So often as a teen, I imagine the Beatles sitting up late into the early morning hours as they played music to adoring fans, recorded songs, or just hung about after gigs. I thought about them in the still of the night, seeking privacy and solitude during the height of Beatlemania.)
ADVENTURE #1:
It was the night before the "First Annual George Harrison Festival" in Benton, Illinois, and I was there.
As I listened to "All Things Must Pass" on my headset, set up my faux candle, and comfortably positioned myself on the floor of the tiny guest room, I gazed around.
Framed tickets stubs and close-up shots of the Beatles from that 1966 concert in St. Louis (the very one I had attended!) hung above the small sleeper sofa George slept on when his sister lived in New York City. On the opposite wall, the original turntable from the local radio station sat...a true relic from days gone by. Above it was an article about Marcia Schafer, the first DJ who regularly played the first Beatles record and who interviewed George in September, 1963, in the nearby town of Frankfort.
In the lulls between songs, I heard the long whistle of the train in the distance as it neared...the soothing whoosh of the train as it followed the tracks a few streets away.
I could feel the calmness of this little town. I imagined how George must have felt as he lay in the bunk bed late at night in this very room. I was at the "Hard Days Nite" B&B in Benton, IL...the very house that Louise (George's sister) once lived in, the place where George stayed for a fortnight in the fall of 1963 - just months before the Beatles appeared for the first time on the Ed Sullivan Show. George enjoyed obscurity here, maybe for the last time. It was pre-Beatlemania.
The next day, the festival began and the house quickly filled with both excitement and a quiet respect. Guest speaker, Gabe McCarty, told how Louise had introduced him to George; he recounted their times together. He told us all how he and George had sat in a corner of the dining room and jammed on guitars. Gabe recalled how he had escorted George around to the locals, took him to buy record albums and his first Rickenbacker guitar, and even took George to a drive-in movie show!
BOCCI BALL CLUB
But that wasn't all! Gabe told us how George sat in with Gabe's band at the nearby Bocci Ball Club and the local VFW hall. Photos were taken of Gabe and George as they sat on the hood of Gabe's car while holding their guitars. (There is a longer story about that, ask me and I will tell you).
Then, Jim Kirkpatrick and other speakers told of the audience's response to this quiet Englishman's performance as he played Hank Williams in a rural Illinois dance hall.
There were so many great stories shared that day! We were told about George singing birthday greetings while playing at the Bocci Ball Club, about his casual strolls around town (chatting and drinking pop at the local gas stations or car dealerships). And there was a great tale about George losing his wallet in the town square and having it safely returned to him. Everyone spoke of his maturity, kindness, and graciousness. (I have my own George story in Benton, ask me and I will tell you!)
The high point of the day occurred when Bob Bartel vividly told the gathered crowd of Harrison fans about the moment when Bob drove up to this once-abandoned house, only to find a bulldozer ready to tear it down to make way for a parking lot. Bob's efforts to save this historic and important house were monumental. Bartel's hard work and perseverance kept a piece of music history alive in Benton, Illinois.
D.J. Marcia Shafer and I stood gazing at the house together. We talked about her experience interviewing George at the radio station that day. She remembered so many details, right down to what he was wearing and how soft-spoken he was. What a rare moment in Harrison history I shared in that day in Benton.
This past year, I returned to Benton again - this time focusing more on "evening into night" photos. As I wandered about, I could feel the peacefulness of this lovely town. Later that night The Pete Best Band performed at the high school auditorium just steps away from the B&B! Wonderful! Cannot wait till Pete returns this year!
ADVENTURE #2
In May of '08, I experienced a spectacular trip to England with five gals I met via Beatle events. Hiking through branches and tall grass...and literally climbing walls to see rare Beatle locales, we did things I'll never forget! Taking an amazing hot air balloon ride (Nancy Wilkins from a previous "Meet the Beatles Fans" feature has the BEST PHOTOS from it!) was just one of our once-in-a-lifetime adventures.
On that trip, my friends and I also attended premieres for two Beatle films! Olivia and Yoko were among opening speakers at these occasions. I was blessed when Olivia spoke to me during our close encounters. She noticed my "Dark Horse" tee-shirt when she walked past me, so she stopped to have a chat. When I told her how great George was and how much I loved him, she replied "So do I!" with a loving fondness in her voice.
The next night, Olivia spoke at our theater presentation. As she walked towards my section, I stood and bowed to her. She walked past her escort straight over to me and gave me a "high five"! I will NEVER forget her warm smile and delicate hand as our fingers touched. I was deeply honored that she felt comfortable enough to approach me without feeling threatened.
The final treat of that trip was seeing Paul in concert in Liverpool! Before the concert, my friends and I went to Stella's charity fashion show at LIPA. I strolled around to "people watch" while getting shots of George Martin and Paul's band members.
I was even fortunate enough to say "hello" to Mike McCartney, chat about his book, and meet his wife and children. NICE GUY!!!
Afterwards, en route to the restroom I caught a glimpse of Stella McCartney in the hallway, and I asked if she minded me taking a photo. As she turned, I saw she was holding a young child, and she said that it was not a good time, but if I came back after the show it would be all right. I apologized for my request and thanked her for the offer. Because I respected her personal space, I was even allowed to snap shots along with the photographers during publicity shots!
ADVENTURE #3
Finally, in August '08, I visited friends in NYC en route to England for 'Beatle Week' in Liverpool. My host's great sightseeing tour of NYC included The Dakota. After a few tearful moments at the gates, we turned to leave. But in the distance I heard someone say that Yoko was coming out.
Don't ask me how, but somehow I got up to her as she was getting into her limo and told her how sweet and wonderful Sean had been when I met him at Blueberry Hill in St. Louis. The next thing I knew, Yoko was getting out of her limo and was asking me if I wanted my picture taken with her! No Duh!!!
By then, others started to gather asking for a photo, but she politely said, "No, just that one," and she left! (You know that tee shirt about 'Still Pissed at Yoko'? I don't own one!)
Just prior to joining my tour group in Liverpool, I set off solo to enjoy a few quiet days. My first destination was the quaint and lovely English town of Henley. I settled in at the inn, got out my faux candle, and relaxed with some yoga and meditation - thinking to myself: how blessed!
I was just two blocks from the front gates of Friar Park. Glorious!
I spent two days just strolling around town, going into the little shops, and taking a boat cruise on the Thames. Those were some of the most peaceful moments of my life. As I walked along the parameters of Friar Park (day, night, and dawn) I saw the tall, massive razor wire topping the fence, and I thought how shameful it is that such a peaceful man found it necessary to go to such extreme measures to secure his privacy.
And I thought of yet another set of gates and of the man whose life ended so tragically, but who also stood for peace.
With a similar and sincere longing for peace in my heart, I send out wishes to the various "Beatle People" who have blessed my life in so many ways. To:
* Victor Spinetti who is a hoot, but tells a warm and wonderful story of the lads.
* Larry Kane, who remembered my town. (He lived here a few years in the Sixties; few celebs live in St. Louis!)
* Robert Freeman, who is ever serious about his talented work
* Robert Whitaker, who is a cool guy with funny stories of the boys during photo shoots.
* Paul Saltzmanhe and his wife Patricia are great. Love the picture of George, he, and I. Paul took it himself!
* Donovan, whose GREAT book reflects the warm and caring man he is
* Allan Williams, who is warm and funny and whose Beatle and UK stories are one-of-a-kind
* Mike McCartney, who is extremely friendly
* Stella McCartney, who was cute and friendly (WHY didn't I have her sign my Linda McCartney jersey?)
*Sean Lennon, who was a very nice man and who looked quite a lot like John when performing on stage!
* Peter & Gordon, who were both nice and patient...even at the end of a long Meet & Greet evening.
* Denny Lane, who has been warm and friendly each and every time I met him.
* Jude Southerland Kessler (know her?) GREAT GAL!
* Jorie Gracen, who will crack you up with her conversations!
* Patti Boyd - what can I say? SUCH A LADY!
* Pete Best, who is always a VERY warm and friendly chap - quiet, but funny, too
* Billy Preston - he was one of my favs, and one of my brothers, also.
And:
* Ella, my hero! At eight years old, she met Paul and chatted with him at his book signing. And, she thinks I am a 10 on a 1 to10 scale of Beatle Geeks!
* All the folks I have met and had wonderful moments with, TOOOOOOOOOOO many to mention and I would not want to leave anyone out. You know who you are!
P.S. Now with a little/lot of luck, I am off to see Paul, Ringo, and Donovan in NY at the benefit concert! Perhaps I will have close encounters with them as well!
Namaste
