Erica at http://mopeychick.blogspot.com asked me to elaborate on the time I met Paul Anka, so I will, though it may not be all that interesting. A girl I knew in high school, with whom I was not really friends, called me one night and said that she had been given two tickets to attend a local "rhythm and blues" concert at the local civic auditorium, and asked if I would like to accompany her. I wondered why she was inviting me, since we did not hang around together, but she was a majorette, so I was somewhat flattered by the invitation and excited to see all the singers on the program. I can't remember them all (it was 47 years ago) but some of them were: Duane Eddy, Lloyd Price, Annette Funicello and Paul Anka.
At intermission, we were asked if we would like to meet the "stars". Of course, we said yes, and we were ushered backstage. At that point, I was wondering who or what she knew that could get us invited backstage, but I was marvelling at my good fortune, so I didn't ask. The promoter introduced us to Paul, and I was flabbergasted at how small he was. I am 5'10", and he would have had to jump up to reach my chin. I guess he had no interest in tall girls (which was fine with me); but he did like my short, blond, curvy companion, and promptly invited her to an after concert party. Slowly, it dawned on me why she was there. I still didn't know why she had brought me along. We were introduced to the rest of the cast, and it was uneventful, except Annette kept hanging around the guy's neck as we were being introduced to him, and I can't remember who he was. I think it was the guy she starred with in "Beach Blanket Bingo"(Frankie Avalon?). Soon it was time to go back to our seats and see the second half of the show.
It was the first time I had seen live acts on a stage (I had a sheltered upbringing!) and I was impressed with how good the show was, even if some of the acts had never been heard of before. After they were all done, the promoter told us where the party was (a huge old local hotel). We went to the lobby and waited there until the show people appeared. She went off somewhere with Anka and I sat in the lobby, foolishly expecting her to return for me. I was so naive (I am ashamed to say). After about 45 minutes, I realized she wasn't coming back anytime soon, so I called a taxi and went home. I didn't tell my Mom where we went after the show. She would have skinned me alive!
11 comments:
Loved the story. I too had a sheltered upbringing and would not have figured it out either. My mom would have definitely skinned me alive too. I would have had to have had the taxi drop me off at the end of the road or up in town so I wouldn't have had 92 questions on why I came home by taxi. Did your "friend" ever say anything to you after that night, such as how you got home, etc.?
I always wanted to meet Annette, but if she was hanging all over Frankie Avalon, it would have ruined it. Great story!
-Greg
Thanks all....
Gerbera Daisy: she later laughingly apologized for leaving me in the lobby, but it wasn't sincere. Since we weren't really friends anyway, I didn't let it bother me.
Judy, the reason you were asked along was because YOUR good looks would get you and the hussy invited back stage. The hussy had her own agenda planned out and knew she couldn't get an invitation without an attractor: you.
It took me a long time to figure out who Paul Anka was. A friend told me it was "Planka," and that was good enough for me.
Great story.
Loved reading this and it prompted me to write about my experience with a predecessor of Paul Anka's.
So come visit me and learn about my minute of fame with Johnnie Ray.
I have heard many people say that meeting a celebrity was a huge let down. That girl was a tart, no wonder you were not her friend.
This was funny, more so because I was one of the original afterschool members of the MMC. "Y? Because we love you! M-O-U-S-E!" Forget Paul- I wanted Annette to be my sister...Thanks, Judy!
Oh nooo. The old "bring a good looking friend so you can meet the hotties then drop said friend like a hot potato" game. Hmph. How awful of her, still, you did get to see P.A. !! Yes! It was Frankie Avalon in B.B.B. Good call. :)
Hi, Judy - thanks for posting your story, and sorry it has taken me so long to comment on it! Sorry also that Paulie was a dud. See, look where he is now: selling records purely on a novelty basis (surely). I don't have many 'famous meetings' to tell about, but will put a few up soon. Thanks for the inspiration. :-)
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