Each day I ask someone from the band to join me at the end of the Royal Package. Each of them is very special and different in their own way, and generally very willing. Sometimes, however, when I appear at the end of the soundcheck, I spy someone making a hasty retreat in the opposite direction, usually because they have already made other plans. In New York, I asked both Tony and Pat, but both were busy that evening – which was fine as Jakko was available. Pat must have said “but I’m available tomorrow” – although at the time I had not realised that this would be his birthday.
So in Boston, I asked Tony, who, as a son of Boston, was very happy to step forward. After all, I could hardly ask Pat, who was celebrating his birthday, together with his wife.
Pat, however, was half expecting to appear – so I had made a double booking. In the end, Tony appeared, and we were immediately asked by a Royal Packager if Pat was around so that they could all sing “Happy Birthday” to him…
I think this needs a manager.
