| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| freiah |
Posted - 05/14/2004 : 05:15:59
I had been along time fan of Frank Black, going back to early Pixies days. I have supported him throughout his solo efforts, and think he is a wonderful musician (and that voice...)
Last year, I went to see him at Toad's Place, New Haven...so very excited was I!!
After his set, I went downstairs with hopes of getting him to scribble his name upon my poster. I waited there with ONE other person. FB walked by and said "after the encore"....whoo hoo!!! so I waited patiently...the other fella did not. When FB came back down, I very politely asked him again for his signature...he completely ignored me. I said please and he told me to F*** off.
Now, I do not think that was very nice behaviour...it was not like there were throngs of people asking for his autograph, just me....
Unfortunately, it has put a sour taste in my mouth for Mr.Black |
| 35 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| freiah |
Posted - 05/20/2004 : 15:59:11
nah...probably not.... |
| IceCream |
Posted - 05/20/2004 : 13:43:37
Freiah, are you ever going to try to get FB to sign an autograph for you again?
I'd personally suggest it; many people (on this forum) have had pleasant experiences meeting Frank. |
| freiah |
Posted - 05/20/2004 : 13:32:49
thanks for your support, Wade....
I think part of the reason I took in lightly (well, mostly) was because I do understand that he is human...not someone I worship (I don't worship anyone except my kids and myself...)... |
| Wade |
Posted - 05/19/2004 : 16:02:01
quote:
Originally posted by CaptainMaximus
......
I work with 120 people---as a teacher at a university---and they approach me at lunch, in my office, after class. One particular semester, I was separated from my wife, and something about my tone and demeanor actually made a few students cry.
Why mention this? I'm not a people person, but I try to be. FB doesn't strike me as a people person, so maybe it's best to just leave him alone. I can only imagine what it's like to be approached by inebriated, sweaty, demanding fans after having just completed a show. I'm not implying you were one, but this probably characterizes his typical experience.
I think what he said---and I'm going to believe you---was extremely excessive. Well, borderline malicious. But we all have our malicious moments. Sorry that it had to be you.
I think that says it all well. I also think that Freiah seems to have taken it well, and in perspective, and is above it enough to still be a fan of the music. She's probably at this point more disappointed at the criticism she's gotten for sharing the experience here, though her view of FB has obviously changed. Forums are such a harsh environment at times, such a microscope. King Hold's Court thread is a perfect example.... well...
How many of us would still be a fan if we got our chance to shake his hand or whatever, were as polite as you knew how to be, and he told you to f@#$ off? Maybe some, but that's a hard pill to swallow for someone just looking for a brush with what they consider greatness. Maybe it's more realistic to see them as real people, but that's a hard way to realize the gravity of that.
|
| CaptainMaximus |
Posted - 05/18/2004 : 14:54:57
All people are entitled to bad days; in fact, all people are entitled to act like assholes on occasion. Acting like an asshole is far different than being one, however. Don't know which category FB falls into and, frankly, I don't care.
I do, however, believe the story described. In my younger, more impressionable years, I met FB on several occasions, and practically every encounter can easily be described as a negative experience. This is when I was much younger, and now I am far too old---well, 30---to even entertain the idea of getting an autograph. I'm not saying that's strictly kid-stuff, but it was something I outgrew.
I work with 120 people---as a teacher at a university---and they approach me at lunch, in my office, after class. One particular semester, I was separated from my wife, and something about my tone and demeanor actually made a few students cry.
Why mention this? I'm not a people person, but I try to be. FB doesn't strike me as a people person, so maybe it's best to just leave him alone. I can only imagine what it's like to be approached by inebriated, sweaty, demanding fans after having just completed a show. I'm not implying you were one, but this probably characterizes his typical experience.
I think what he said---and I'm going to believe you---was extremely excessive. Well, borderline malicious. But we all have our malicious moments. Sorry that it had to be you.
All of this being said, when my fawning fanship was at its peak, in my middle-teens, I would have been devestated. Now, there's no one alive whose autograph I'd want. All of my idols are dead, thank god, and won't have the opportunity to taint my opinion of them. |
| billgoodman |
Posted - 05/18/2004 : 14:13:40
quote:
Originally posted by FrankfanL
I was lucky enough to have a phone conversation with him, and he was wonderful! Hope your next experience is better!
nobody likes a show off!
 "I joined the Cult of Frank/Nobody wanted to join my Culf" |
| FrankfanL |
Posted - 05/18/2004 : 13:11:34
I say cut Frank some slack. We all have good days and bad ones. I imagine if Frank did indeed say F-off, it was hurtful to hear, from Frank or anyone for that matter. I was lucky enough to have a phone conversation with him, and he was wonderful! Hope your next experience is better! |
| BLT |
Posted - 05/18/2004 : 12:25:20
quote:
Originally posted by mun chien andalusia
Am i the only one who went to a FB show and didn't try to meet the man and ask for an autograph?
You're not the only one. I've never even tried to make him aware of my existence*. Keeps the relationship simple.
*:except for my joke about the hernia truss in his King Holds Court thread. |
| mun chien andalusia |
Posted - 05/18/2004 : 11:40:03
Am i the only one who went to a FB show and didn't try to meet the man and ask for an autograph? Come on people the beauty of an autograph stands in the story behind it, like i met -insert famous guy's name- and we had a chat and gave me an autograph. What's the sense of pushing someone to the limits of patience for a forced autograph?
 join the cult of errol\and you can have a beer\without having to quit smoking
|
| billgoodman |
Posted - 05/18/2004 : 10:55:28
I think we all know frank can be moody sometimes
he explained it before too
although I don't like his phrase 'fuck off'
not my style
"I joined the Cult of Frank/Nobody wanted to join my Culf" |
| Itchload |
Posted - 05/18/2004 : 10:11:09
You have to understand, every month or so someone comes to this forum and starts a thread on how mean frankie was to them. At one point Frank apologized for being curt sometimes, it's just the life of the road. I'd say for every mood frank black post there are quite a few nice encounters |
| Treo Black |
Posted - 05/18/2004 : 09:58:10
actually there are other immortals than just gods, like eternals. |
| freiah |
Posted - 05/18/2004 : 06:25:07
I have been to quite a few FB shows....and have met quite a few musicians...
I do not idolize the man, as do quite a few people here....they see FB as god... I enjoy his music immensely, and support him as a musician.
Robotblood, I see your point, I just feel as if you were way more rude than anyone else here. And the fact that you assumed that I was a certain way, or acted in a certain way is very presumptuous
(sorry that I am a terrible speller...) |
| Treo Black |
Posted - 05/18/2004 : 03:28:39
you are mortal, you should be happy for those few words you got. |
| Ziggy |
Posted - 05/18/2004 : 00:35:56
Yes, this is a fan forum, but a little constructive criticism never goes amiss I guess. But give Frank the benefit of the doubt. Maybe go to another show, and you might well have a more pleasent experience.
"Me and the chickens running in the street" |
| robotblood |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 22:32:01
freiah, did you expect to arrive here, start a thread entitled RUDENESS where you attack the character of frank black and not get some grief from other forum members? and much to your dismay, in this forum i do have the right to make whatever comment i wish, as long as it's in good taste and not obscene. in my opinion, coming to an artists fan forum to give a one sided account of an alleged slight, then following up with a handful of insults toward the artist is done in poor taste.
you're right, i don't know you. and you don't know me. and neither of us know frank black. you opened this thread to complain about him. i posted in this thread to defend the guy. did i miss anything? |
| Wade |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 17:05:19
Well, it's always hard to have your idol treat you less than respectfully, but as many have pointed out, it must be hard to give every representation of Joe Public the utmost or at least minimum prerequisite of social respect when so many people are just.... well... tools. That's not to say anything in response to Freiah's incident, just that ... well... things happen. I'm not naive enough to think it couldn't have happened (I have a couple of contrasting stories in my brush's with Frank as to his demeanor and social grace, though not so severe perhaps) but I do think that he's generally a good guy who just gets fed up with certain parts of his job.... just like anyone.
I would also like to say that in terms of Frank being "chatty" at shows (was that this thread? I saw part of it requoted here) that I have always heard many recordings where he is much more chatty than when he comes to Houston, and thought "Why isn't he like that here? Does he not like coming here or is he always in a bad mood here?" but the chattier shows seem to come more from his solo performances after more reflection. Anyway, I do think it'd be nice to "identify" with him a bit more, his work is cerebral enough that it makes you feel like you might know him, or want to, and maybe some chat would do that, but it might.... nay, would.... take away from the part of his shows that I have always liked... One great song after another, no crap, no "Hey, Sing along, Clap your hands.." just great songs... one after another. Rich broke a string at their last show here at the Engine room during the end of a song (can't remember now if it was Mr. Grieves or Los Angeles) Anyway, it happened right at the end, and Rich, finishing that sone with 5, immediately after the song grabbed his guitar and started putting the new string on himself.... great.... but FB wasn't wating, or chatting, when he started Farewell Bend IMMEDIATELY after the other was over.... barely noticing, but aware of, Rich's issue. Rich got the string on and got it tightened up "in tune" about one note before the crazy sounding solo started.
Point is, the shows are professional, great. I'd like to feel like he identifies with our crowds, and somehow in doing that ... also with me.... but I prefer to hear the extra two or three songs performed by a professional than someone up there running on and on like their running for freaking student council. I think I've melded two posts and concepts here.... hope they seem appropriate enough.
"I can't pretend a stranger is a long awaited friend" - Neil Peart, Rush
|
| Adnan_le_Terrible |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 10:33:35
I don't really car if Frank is rude or not. I mean, I like Lou Reed very much, and he is notoriously unkind. This has nothing to do with art.
It's our tradition to control, Like Erich Honecker and Helmut Kohl, From the Ukraine to the Rhône. Sweet home über alles, Lord, I'm coming home. So come on, Sugar Daddy, bring me home. |
| Adnan_le_Terrible |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 10:31:24
How could such a rude person have so nice fans? We are truly nice, aren't we?
It's our tradition to control, Like Erich Honecker and Helmut Kohl, From the Ukraine to the Rhône. Sweet home über alles, Lord, I'm coming home. So come on, Sugar Daddy, bring me home. |
| freiah |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 10:17:30
aaack, I did not mean to include that "rude bastard comment again"...sorry to the nice folk out here |
| freiah |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 10:16:29
and btw robotperson...when you said:
"hey, face it, you were being more pushy than the average person who attends a show just to hear the music and not to seek autographs."
you have NO idea who I am or what I am about...I am QUITE a fan of the music, and you have no right to make the above comment about me.
Frank is a rude bastard |
| freiah |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 10:08:31
Robotblood-
you can believe anything you want to...but it went down as stated...I did go back upstairs to hear the encore, but when it was over, I quickly went back downstairs with glee, hoping to get his autograph.
And being two years later, BFD, ya know? you are so defensive, robotblood....
as far as the rude bastard comment, I wrote that on a whim, and meant to take it off. |
| rahli |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 04:35:51
You wanted something to remember him by now you have it you are wingeing. If you wanted something better maybe you should have swore back. Then he might have given you a black eye. What more could you ask of a psycopath like black francis. The Pixies are real. They aren't acting, they are expressing themseves uncensered. You wouldn't want it any other way
Rahli |
| rahli |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 04:34:53
You wanted something to remember him by now you have it you are wingeing. If you wanted something better maybe you should have swore back. Then he might have given you a black eye. What more could you ask of a psycopath like black francis. The Pixies are real. They aren't acting, they are expressing themseves uncensered. You wouldn't want it any other way
Rahli |
| MiscellaneousFiles |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 02:16:31
I find it hard to believe that Frank Black would tell a fan to fuck off, whatever mood he's in, unless he was provoked.
I met Frank very briefly before a Catholics gig at Brighton last year. I arrived late, missed the support slot and as I was walking up to the venue I could see it was already packed and there was nobody outside. Apart from one chap getting out of a coach. As I got closer I recognised that it was Frank, seconds away from entering the venue and taking the stage. OK, I thought - this is possibly the worst time to approach a musician. But it was the only chance I would get, so I casually said "Hey Frank" and held out my hand. He smiled, shook my hand and said "Hey man, better get inside!"
I obviously caught him on a good day and I'm glad that he was friendly enough to bother - I know the pre-gig tension feeling - and I'm sure that even a legend like Frank must get somewhat uptight before going onstage. But he took the time to say "Hey" and that counts for a lot. |
| n/a |
Posted - 05/17/2004 : 01:58:15
I think that Frank would never do what freiah tells, unless he had a good reason. A man that comes often to the forum just to answer to his fans would never do such thing!
I also would love to meet him! But I think I wouldn´t dare to talk to him, even if he was in front of me!
And what is someone that thinks he is a bastard doing in the FB forum??
rita.r |
| robotblood |
Posted - 05/16/2004 : 23:18:44
freiah:
straight up, i don't believe your account of this suppposed run-in with frank. i was at the most recent toad's place gig and that was in the fall of 02. i assume this is the show where you were slighted. i question why someone would come here just to slag on frank in the first place, but i question even more why you would wait almost 2 years to do it. i saw frank outside after the show and he was fine/friendly as always, though i don't go much further than trading nods. still, i gotta ask why, as a long time fan, you would wait downstairs by the bathrooms/dressing rooms for the show to end while the band continued to play upstairs? even the other fella knew enough to go upstairs and listen to the band he paid see.
if you're aggravated because i'm questioning your character here in the forum, remember that you chose to introduce yourself with a character assassination on frank in your very first post. i don't know you and i don't know "your nature". since your follow up posts go on to call him a rude bastard and a prick, i do question "your nature". hey, face it, you were being more pushy than the average person who attends a show just to hear the music and not to seek autographs. now you're here, nearly two years after, to insult him? classy move... frank is lucky to have fans like you. |
| Skatealex1 |
Posted - 05/16/2004 : 18:06:24
it is
The Truth Is Out There |
| ProverbialCereal |
Posted - 05/16/2004 : 16:51:49
That's classic.
Just quit a cult / going through withdrawal |
| BLT |
Posted - 05/16/2004 : 14:43:44
quote:
Originally posted by frnck blck
TO ALL MY FANS...
There seems to be much concern over the fact that I don't say much during my gigs. I have never in 17 years chatted from the stage. It is not my style. Most of the crowd is there to hear music and could care less about what I might have to say as a citizen. If I made pop music and played to thousands of people a night, maybe my demeanor would be a little different. I play arty rock music on the arty rock music circuit. It has never been my expectation that one should be chatty in this arena. That has never been my experience when I am a patron. And if I don't do an encore it isn't because I'm "in a bad mood". It's because the audience didn't really ask for one. Basically, I, the artist, don't deserve to take an encore if it is not demanded. The oft performed encore is a classic example of theatrical tradition becoming watered-down, dumbed-down, and meaningless. It's a real shame. I am a guitar player. I am not a dancing bear....I am a singer. I am not a dancing bear... I am a guy loading a trailer. I am not a dancing bear... I am a cabaret singer. I am not a dancing bear... Sometimes people think that I am rude when I don't switch into that dancing bear routine. I am not complaining. I adore playing music to the people that support my art. But I am not a fucking dancing bear... I may look like a dancing bear! Sure. I admit it.
FraNK
|
| Skatealex1 |
Posted - 05/16/2004 : 10:29:15
Dancing bear is in the king holds court post!
The Truth Is Out There |
| Cult_Of_Frank |
Posted - 05/16/2004 : 09:12:35
I tried to find the dancing bear post, too, but to no avail...
 "Join the Cult of Frank / And you'll be enlightened" |
| Jason |
Posted - 05/16/2004 : 08:40:04
If I were a rock star, I'd probably be rude and distant sometimes when dealing with the fans.
I mean, I'm not a rock star and I'm rude and distant ALREADY. I'm a prick. So I usually relate to Frank in these stories. |
| Ziggy |
Posted - 05/16/2004 : 07:35:22
Ah yes, the 'Rich Gilbert is a snob' thread. LOL.
"Me and the chickens running in the street" |
| True Blue |
Posted - 05/15/2004 : 11:21:21
Interesting subject.....
I've met Frank twice. The first time was back in 99 during the Pistolero tour and we went caught him loading the van (Astoria - London) He was basically surrounded by about 20 fans who all wanted to talk at him and shake his hand. He was really friendly and spoke to everyone, gave us autographs and we had a quick chat about a TV show he'd been on and he thanked me for compliments etc. It left me with a real glow, like I was so glad he was nice in person.
The second time I met him was in 2001. We hung around about an hour after the show and he eventually emerged and was again helping to pack stuff into the coach. We waited until he was done and then walked over. I went up to him and congratulated him on a great show. He did shake my hand and signed some fliers, but then he just turned his back and completely ignored my question about the gig in London the next night. It was rude and it did make me feel a little weird about the evening. Had he not been so nice the first time I would say he was a rude bastard, but if anyone has read interviews, he's often said that he is moody and sometimes he has to be a bastard or he'll never get away.
Therefore, I think we gotta appreciate he's only human, and fans must get in his face sometimes, but telling someone to fuck off is way out of order, I would've given him an earful if he said that to me, musical hero or not!
|
|
|
