Bobby Long Online

A Passing Tale…

After Show, April 17, 2009

Walking into the glass palace that is the Hyatt Andaz, you instantly feel like one of Hollywood’s elite. Mile high ceilings with an ultra-modern feel, it was the perfect setting to begin a night on the town.

As I strolled into the lobby, looking around for “the posse,” I took a moment to reflect; and to thank my lucky stars for the last minute decision to wear the fabulous black heels instead of flip flops. Taking a breath for courage, I gave my name to the concierge and was soon met by Phil and travel coordinator extraordinaire, Penny. We headed into the lobby bar to meet Bobby, who was lounging casually at the counter.

We all settled into a corner table, joined by friends of Bobby’s including Jeff, who I discovered shared my love of fast cars and street bikes – an instant way to win me over. The dynamic of their group is relaxed and jovial, especially after a successful show. I was instantly comfortable, and felt like one of the group, as if I’d been touring with them for a while – casually normal.

Drinks and jokes were handed around, and soon the rest of the group was working the room, leaving Bobby and I trying to outwit each other (I was totally winning at this point but it was a close call, as he managed to get me to admit I used to watch The Hills – ouch). He got me good, however, as he leaned over and pointed out Phil sharing a moment with a gentleman at the bar. “That’s Angelina Jolie’s uncle!” Remembering his earlier joke about Muse’s Matthew Bellamy, I waved him off with a laugh. He sat up, suddenly serious. “No, really, that’s Chip Taylor.” He launched into a literal biography of the brilliant singer/songwriter – incredibly successful, and indeed, brother of Jon Voight. He was excited to share the conversation he’d had with Chip – I was quite impressed with his knowledge of the music industry, and how seriously he takes everything to do with his art. I was also inwardly fan-girling out that I was a mere few feet away from the man who wrote Wild Thing, and because I’m ridiculous, wanted to bust into air guitar.

As we chatted, a copy of Bobby’s EP (Dirty Pond Songs) was produced, and we shared a hilarious yet awkward moment as Bobby and Phil talked about realizing the EP’s track listing was backwards. I’ll never reveal who was last to touch the list, just as much as they will likely never agree who it was. “We’ll just pretend it was on purpose and this is what I’ll be known for. Hold onto that,” he motioned to me. “It’ll be worth millions someday!” I told him I’d already purchased my own, and he was genuinely surprised. “Oh, I should give you a better one,” he advised, mock serious. “No really, it’s odd; these songs were literally recorded in my bedroom, and now all of the sudden people are buying them.” I caught a bit of wonder in his eyes as he spun the CD round on the table, and realized that he still had no idea how many people had been waiting to put that CD on repeat – backwards or forwards.

My attention was drawn away as Jeff approached with a smile, asking if we were ready to head out. Where to? Well, what is a trip to Hollywood without a visit to the fabulous Chateau Marmont? We headed up Sunset Blvd., and I couldn’t help but laugh to myself at my good fortune; squashed in between a group of hot British men on a small sidewalk, headed to a posh LA club, laughing like old friends with Phil and Bobby. It beats the office any day.

The Chateau is as you would expect; tight security, luxurious furnishings, low lit ambience. We arrived about an hour prior to closing, thankfully missing the usual paparazzi frenzy and busy pace, and were led to a semi private area to continue the fun.
Bobby has an amazing mind, very intricate thoughts. He quickly turned the tables on me with his inquisitive nature, and I found myself easily swapping stories of family and life experiences. He is one of the few people in this world that has been able to stun me into silence (trust me, it never happens) with one caring and well thought out question. Upon my stuttering answer, after which I scoffed, “that’s depressing, Bobby,” he busted out laughing and said, “I should know, I’m a musician all I do is write depressing songs!” He’s incredibly funny, and when he’s able to let loose and have fun, is an absolute riot. We became fast friends, and in me, he’ll have a friend for life.

Try as we might, we could not avoid closing time, and soon made our way back to the Andaz. Not ready for the night’s festivities to end, Phil suggested a roof-top brandy toast. We gathered poolside at the top of the hotel, surrounded by laughter and the lights of Hollywood. A toast indeed; to Bobby’s first US tour, continued success, priceless experiences and meeting amazing friends.

“I literally never thought that I’d be here, and look at this.” He swept his hand gracefully, almost saluting the view. “It’s amazing.” I stood next to him in silence as we stared out at the panoramic view of the twinkling lights of Los Angeles, so rarely clear as it was that night, and saw it through his eyes.

He was on top of the world.

As people are wont to do in the wee hours of the morning, our voices grew quiet and we wound down. Feeling the effects of the long day and late hour, I decided to say my good byes. Ever the proper gentleman, Bobby walked me to my car to ensure that I got there safely. Our witty banter continued to the very end as we walked the streets of Hollywood, him razzing my “ridiculously posh” pronunciation of his hometown of Calne, me teasing him about their famous crop circle phenomenon.

And then, like some sort of karmic nirvana, ALMOST to the safety of my car, I tripped – spectacularly, just like I knew I would. And this is how I conceded the battle of wits to Mr. Bobby Long.

It had been one hell of a night, and I was exhausted, but still buzzing from the events that had unfolded. I strapped into my seat, and prepped to head out – then stopped, sighed, and reached out the window to grab the parking ticket on my windshield. Hollywood always leaves you with a souvenir…

****

Hyatt Andaz Pool Party

April 18, 2009

The next afternoon prior to Bobby’s last LA show at The Hotel Café, I was invited to spend some time poolside with the boys. Southern California was showing off its best for our UK visitors – clear skies for miles and sunlight streaming, it was the perfect Saturday afternoon.

Ever the work horse, Bobby was fielding interviews from various news outlets. How he managed, I have no idea, as the lack of sleep had rendered me completely useless. I curled up in a lounge chair and promptly zoned out as he sat with fans interviewing him for a UCLA radio show. With a sideways glance, he laughed at me. I’m sure I looked a hot mess – literally, with the sun beating down on my Irish skin, threatening to turn me into burnt toast, it was not my finest moment.

As we relaxed into the afternoon, I slyly brought out my camera equipment as to not spook the musician; cameras are Bobby’s kryptonite. As per usual, I failed miserably at subtlety – there isn’t anything at all inconspicuous about a gigantic zoom and a million and a half lens filters. I snapped some test shots around the roof, and asked Bobby what it was about taking pictures that made him so uncomfortable. He explained that in addition to him being rather reserved, it was the lack of control with what is done with the photos that are taken of him, at events and otherwise. “You have a certain image; and then a photo is taken of you doing something, and suddenly it’s all over the Internet,” he sighed. “I guess no topless photos then,” Phil cracked, and the mood returned to slapstick.

Phil became my muse as we laughed our way through an impromptu fashion show – “Phil, King of LA” showed off the latest in accessories from the Hotel Andaz. Dramatically throwing on a white robe, he stared out at the surrounding city with a huge smile and had us all rolling with laughter. Bobby eventually warmed to the camera, and we took advantage of the afternoon light with picture after picture. As I’m a fan of candid shots and strong angles, I settled back into my lounge chair and snapped away as Phil and Bobby discussed the upcoming Hotel Café show.

The trust that Bobby and Phil share is such a rare thing in the business, and it’s lovely to watch them make plans and support each other. They discussed the different songs that Bobby did and didn’t want to play and then onto Bobby’s plans to write more tunes upon his return home. I was thrilled to hear the plans being made to release more songs on iTunes, and was hoping that This Strange Love would make an appearance (hint!).

As the day wore on, exhaustion and the hot sun got the better of me, and when Bobby headed off for another radio interview, I left for a nap with plans to meet later at the show.

***

The Hotel Café – Final Show

I arrived at the Hotel Café looking forward to another amazing show, but with a touch of melancholy. The sold-out venue was crowded, the dark room filled with excited fans standing shoulder to shoulder, and the energy was palpable.

It was absolutely Bobby’s best show of the tour; you could feel every lyric, and see the raw emotion on his face as he gave his all on the stage as a farewell to the fans of LA. He once again pulled everyone into his world.

There’s something to be said about a live musician that can make a hush fall over a venue. A crowd of screaming fans could not have compared to the electricity of hushed silence during his songs. The faces riveted in the crowd, straining to make out each raspy lyric were almost as amazing as the show onstage – Bobby Long, the man who quieted Hollywood.

***

I had an amazing weekend with Phil and Bobby – they welcomed me like an old friend and took me on a wild journey through their world. It’s a bit difficult to write candidly about such a fun, personal experience with those that I now consider friends, but my hope is to show a different side of the shy UK stranger that I was lucky enough to see. I am so proud of all that they have accomplished, and that Bobby is well on his way to taking over America. I cannot wait until this summer when they return to L.A., the land of sun, fun, and banana trees! Don’t forget my cardigan that is “so London,” and in return I keep my promise:

Ladies, ladies, ladies…if you want to win Mr. Bobby Long’s attention, his favorite candy…is BRANDY! Or Scotch. Or Whiskey! And most certainly not Tootsie Pops. ;-)

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