A Leg To Stand On, Meeting Ian Anderson, by Patrick
Lydon
The Wait
September 1, 2000 - Marin Center, CA
After relieving ourselves from a evening marching practice at San Jose
State University (that is to say, taking 3/4 of the cymbal section away in
favor of a far more important and entertaining jaunt), we arrived at the
concert venue extremely early, because of a sort of "take no
chances" approach to the night. With a few hours to spare, and
remembering that we had already stopped for dinner along the way, we
promptly proceeded to take a walk around the area, and take in the view.
That failing to amuse us, we took our stand in the will call line, hearing
the manager of the event announce that there were only 8 tickets left for
the show. With most Tull concerts being so low key these days, it seemed
pleasing to hear that this one had sold out. Should be a good show!
Concert Favorites
The concert seemed to be somewhat of a repeat from the Dot
Com Tour, and rightly so given the small amount of time between tours.
Nevertheless, the show was still most entertaining! Tull had never played
at this venue and from the sound of it during the first few songs, they
still had a few minor problems to work out. Watching Ian run over to
adjust some sound levels is not always a great sign. But after Ian was
satisfied with the mix, things 
went very well. The favorite song of the night, which was one I had never
heard live, was "Beside Myself" a song from the album
"Roots to Branches". The piece starts off with a beautiful
acoustic guitar solo, performed flawlessly by Ian Anderson himself, who
was quite proficient at sending a tingling feeling through my body (It
gave me goosebumps!).
The Wait (Again)
After finding our way to the "Green Room", we
quickly planted ourselves in front of the door, and donned out passes...
watching most everyone else get kicked out. Finally, only after the lobby
was cleared, we were allowed into the room to wait for whomever we were
there to see. Shona, Ian's wife, was very gracious in finding us, and
remembering that I was indeed Patrick, and was here to meet her husband,
Ian Anderson. So after a minute or two, we were introduced, and greeted
with a smiling Ian, whom recalled visiting my site on occasion. We then
received autographs, picture poses and the like, and were off for the
night. All in all, quite a short little visit, but well worth meeting the
man whom I admire so much, and find so much inspiration from.
All The Best
Patrick Lydon,
Oct, 2, 2000 (almost Oct, 3) - 11:57PM, PDT
