Brush With a Beatle

ONCE UPON A TIME IN NEW YORK CITY

While I was in college in New York City in 1978 I worked in the morning as a lifeguard for a swim program at the “Y” on Lexington Ave. and 53rd Street. One day I happened to look back through the window behind me into the waiting area where I saw a man, an older Asian woman and a young boy. Not thinking anything of it I looked back at the pool and then froze. My mind was racing as I thought, “No, it can't be him.”

So, when I had a break, I casually walked up and asked if he was here for swimming lessons. He answered in that legendary, unmistakable voice: “They’re not for me, they’re for my son.” The little 3-year-old was Sean. Of course, as a New Yorker I had to be cool and couldn’t show how excited I was. So I just said, “That’s great. It’s good to start them early. Good luck.” He warmly thanked me and I went off to school on cloud nine after a brief yet unforgettable encounter.
—Mathew Price, C.A.S.
Production Sound Mixer

HIS NAME WAS RINGO

In 1993, I had the rare pleasure of meeting a Beatle. His name was Ringo Starr. At the time I was working as a runner/assistant engineer at Ocean Way Recording, Hollywood. I worked there from 1991-1993 and saw many, many top-name acts in the studios, hallways and lounges there. Literally, every single day there were major recording artists and/or movies being tracked at Ocean Way. Michael Jackson had Record One in Sherman Oaks blocked out for what seemed like years making Dangerous (Record One is part of Ocean Way).

Don Was made his home there producing many acts during this time, from Bonnie Raitt to The B-52’s. Don, along with Jonelle Mosser, Benmont Tench (from Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers), Merle Haggard (!) and Ringo were booked in Ocean Way Studio A. I was in the control room helping to get set up for the session and Ringo walked in, shook hands, came over to me and very politely said, “Hi, I’m Ringo,” and shook my hand (I guess he didn’t want to assume I knew who he was; after all, I was only 22).
—Doug Diamond
Diamondigital Media

HOLD THE PHONE

In April 2002, I got a call from Alex Cortright, voice-over artist/radio jock/program director of WRNR, a modern rock station broadcasting from Annapolis, Md. Alex was set to conduct a phone interview with the legendary Sir Paul McCartney, who was flying into Washington D.C. for a two-night stand at the MCI Center. Alex had worked with me for a number of years, was comfortable with my abilities and wanted my company’s studio expertise in handling the technical end of the interview.

I was immersed in several large client projects, regretfully declined and referred Alex to another local studio, but assured him I would fit the session in if he struck out elsewhere. I figured I would get some great mileage from the story, as in, “Mr. Client, I turned down recording Sir Paul so I could work on your radio spot!”

However, fate intervened. Alex called me back, begged a lot and I caved.

With only a few hours notice, I made the necessary hookups, tested the equipment, and waited for Alex to arrive.

Alex and I talked music for an hour, then another 30 minutes past the scheduled interview time. Finally, we both agreed something must have fouled up the McCartney schedule and the interview would not happen.

Just as I prepared to power down the equipment the telephone rang. Paul’s road manager said hello and asked if all was ready. I pressed start on the DAW and the two DAT recorders for redundancy, and put Alex on. The next thing heard was, “Hello Alex, this is Paul.”

With the sound of the familiar voice a shiver ran up my spine and the hairs on my neck stood up. I realized that this man (along with John Lennon) was responsible for my entire life and career choice—songwriting, performing and recording since I was 11 years of age. I started jumping up and down with excitement!

The interview went on flawlessly, I mastered the recording overnight and it broadcast on WRNR the next morning.

That evening, Bill Blythe—a friend, musician, and co-worker of mine—went to see the second concert at MCI Center. Bill was 31 years old and a Beatles and Wings fan, but had never seen Paul live. The next day Bill spoke with eloquence and passion about the concert, about Paul's monumental musicality and talent, and about Paul’s love of show and his fans. Bill's enthusiasm was contagious and somehow reaffirming.

My friend’s experience brought me back to 1965 when I saw the Beatles at DC (now RFK) Stadium. He expressed the same thoughts and feelings I had then. He experienced the life changing power of music and rock ’n’ roll, courtesy of Sir Paul McCartney. I find it amazing that nearly 40 years later, Paul's music and artistry carry the same intensity and message.
—Steven Rosch
President, ROAR Audio, Music & Video