MrFunster 27.02.2014 10:56 |
Hi Brian Hope you can help. My wife, Pat, is your biggest fan and has been doing every UK date on all your tours since you went solo after Queen, right through your solo gigs to Queen and Paul Rogers to the Anthems and the Born free tour. She also saw Queen a couple of times and was there at Knebworth. When we saw you at the show last Thursday you refused to sign a poster for Pat. I understand why, but she took it really bad and cried at the time. She did not go to the remaining gigs even though she has tickets. I think she has taken it personally even though I have explained it was not. Pat has never parted with anything you have signed for her and our back room is adorned with all of the posters and photos you have signed for her over the years. I hope you can do something to help as she has been a lifelong Queen fan and your number one fan. Yours sincerely, Henry --- See brian s reply on brianmay.com |
Lplix 27.02.2014 11:38 |
my opinion........: its a very good answer ......!!! if only he wrote "I'm sorry" would have "lost" less time and, according to me, would not have written a lot of things that might be misunderstood (maybe), even by me who are not native speakers of English. This is only still my opinion. what I read in the response made me think and I tell you, I have changed my opinion about him (even though I is not longer a "young man" and I follow the Queen since 1979). I hope your wife does not think about it anymore and that she get better, not worth it to suffer for this thing. my best regard to You all |
andyb1968 27.02.2014 11:43 |
I fully understand where Brian is coming from, why do people need endless items autographed meeting your idols should be enough. |
Wiley 27.02.2014 11:56 |
I had a similar experience with Brian and, although my first reaction was to complain and whine... almost immediately I understood and even felt bad for "annoying" Brian. I still feel that way. In retrospective, I wish I had only shaked his hand and wished him good luck in the show... but with dozens of screaming fans shoving pieces of paper on his face, well, that wasn't a possibility, hehe :). Here's my embarrasing story during the Q+PR Tour of 2005 Met Brian outside of his hotel in Prague twice. He signed me my concert ticket in the afternoon and then I met him again after the show (with dozens of other people). He signed my tour book now but, in all the rush and excitement, I must have put my sweaty thumb over his signature, smudging it a bit. I played dumb and gave it to him again (greedy me... I had everybody else's signature on my tour book, I NEEDED Brian's) but he wouldn't sign it and even joked about saying it didn't look too bad, that it was a midnight autograph. I resented his comment deeply at the time. Was he mocking me? But, like I said earlier, I eventually understood the man and realized I was being an ungrateful, whiny little bitch, hahaha :). |
ANAGRAMER 27.02.2014 12:49 |
Hmm Mixed feelings; one can understand Brain's point of view but he does put himself out there and has to take the rough with the smooth... |
Apocalipsis_Darko 27.02.2014 13:26 |
Well...I have a very bad experience with Brian when I was 20 years old. And it was the first time I met him and want to sign an item. And there were like only six people...and his behaviour was, how to say....rude? Yes, very rude. |
Thistle 27.02.2014 15:30 |
I have had the privilege of meeting Brian on one occasion, and I don't think it will happen again. I found him very accommodating to those who took the time to ask him politely, and shake his hand first. He spoke away quite pleasantly, shook my hand, waited for photos and signed my NATO deluxe CD as well as a programme for my partner. On hindsight, I wish I had taken my Red Special lol, but if I ever did meet him again, I wouldn't ask for another signature - if he had time to talk, I'd much prefer that. |
Marknow 27.02.2014 15:53 |
I met Brian once in London, I asked him to sign my Hot Space vinyl and he knocked me to the floor with one punch and called me a dickhead. A true gent, I'll never forget it. |
Barry Durex 27.02.2014 16:01 |
I tried to shake his hand on New Years Eve. He shot me in the left buttock with a BB gun that Anita had concealed in her handbag. When I fell to the floor he clogged me. I still have the dent in my forehead. |
brENsKi 27.02.2014 16:10 |
Apocalipsis_Darko wrote: Well...I have a very bad experience with Brian when I was 20 years old. And it was the first time I met him and want to sign an item. And there were like only six people...and his behaviour was, how to say....rude? Yes, very rude. i can empathise with this ^^^ I too had a bad experience with Brian when I was 20 years old - it was called "Dancer" |
cmsdrums 27.02.2014 16:12 |
I find the worst bit about all this is that this bloke went to the effort of writing to complain to Brian as if it was 'Pat''s right to a personal audience with him, when she clearly has far more to worry about than getting yet another copy of Brian's signature. Perhaps the 90 min of well crafted and well delivered music before this should have been the main momento to take away from the evening?!? |
TomP63 27.02.2014 17:25 |
i can empathise with this ^^^ I too had a bad experience with Brian when I was 20 years old - it was called "Dancer" brENski, you're killing me man! I really like your humour. Mind you I too had the same experience with Dancer, but then again I was only 22 years...........I still have nightmares... Tom |
Apocalipsis_Darko 27.02.2014 19:05 |
Brensky, Dancer is a hard song to listen...hahaha. |
FreddieCat 27.02.2014 19:31 |
No time in Dr Bri's life to sign autographs. I like his response. |
rocknrolllover 27.02.2014 22:39 |
Barry Durex wrote: I tried to shake his hand on New Years Eve. He shot me in the left buttock with a BB gun that Anita had concealed in her handbag. When I fell to the floor he clogged me. I still have the dent in my forehead.Bad humor!! |
ANAGRAMER 28.02.2014 01:42 |
Freddie might have said "Fuck off"! |
Toon_86 28.02.2014 02:04 |
Honestly, I reckon his wife needs a little 'help'. She's got loads of stuff already signed, adorned on her walls, and cos he couldn't sign one poster she cries the night away and doesn't go to gigs she's paid for? That sounds like someone a little unbalanced. On a happier note, the only time I've met Brian off guard was in 1986 during the Magic Tour. He was trying on a pair of Geordie Jeans in Newcastle and I accidently wipped back the curtain to try on some Geordie Jeans. They were famous for being right tight round the arse area. I was very apologetic and he smiled. Don't think he bought the jeans thougha |
master marathon runner 28.02.2014 02:22 |
What she should do , is try and trick Brian into contravening artcle 57 of the united nations security council and therefore bring down the wrath of NATO on his head. |
Dunno223 28.02.2014 02:25 |
I think that was a fair response from Brian. I met him last year in London. I didn't ask him to sign anything - in fact I didn't have anything for him to sign, it was a bit of a chance meet - I offered my hand, he shook it and I told him it was a pleasure to meet him, to which he said something like 'Thank you. God bless you', I think. That for me, as a young Queen fan was way more special than waving something in his face and coming away with a scribble on a piece of paper. But, there were those there who were doing just that; shoving booklets and CD covers in front of him without saying two words to him, simply calling out his name so he could complete their demands. These are the people who are simply interested in collecting an autograph, rather than genuine fans, otherwise they'd have more respect for him. |
scottmax 28.02.2014 02:34 |
Toon_86 wrote: Honestly, I reckon his wife needs a little 'help'. She's got loads of stuff already signed, adorned on her walls, and cos he couldn't sign one poster she cries the night away and doesn't go to gigs she's paid for? That sounds like someone a little unbalanced. On a happier note, the only time I've met Brian off guard was in 1986 during the Magic Tour. He was trying on a pair of Geordie Jeans in Newcastle and I accidently wipped back the curtain to try on some Geordie Jeans. They were famous for being right tight round the arse area. I was very apologetic and he smiled. Don't think he bought the jeans thoughaGeordie Jeans! classic. Was it the one near Greys Monument? ? |
Pingfah 28.02.2014 03:01 |
As well as having a boatload of signed memorabilia from over the years, Pat now also has a very considered email written specifically for her from Brian May. That's more than 99.9999999999% of Queen fans will ever get, so Pat should probably consider herself lucky and stop feeling sorry for herself over something so completely selfish. |
brENsKi 28.02.2014 03:34 |
master marathon runner wrote: What she should do , is try and trick Brian into contravening artcle 57 of the united nations security council and therefore bring down the wrath of NATO on his head. no.no.no.no.no. what she should do is:- spend ten years learning to play guitar, and another ten years getting known in the music business, then once she's known world-wide as a guitar legend, book a residency at the Royal Albert Hall, send out a special VIP guest list to include Dr May, then at the post-gig-backstage-party when Brian comes up to shake her hand, she should calmly and with grace say "FUCK OFF YOU MOP-TOP BADGER-LOVING WEIRDO" :-) |
master marathon runner 28.02.2014 05:42 |
scottmax wrote:.Toon_86 wrote: Honestly, I reckon his wife needs a little 'help'. She's got loads of stuff already signed, adorned on her walls, and cos he couldn't sign one poster she cries the night away and doesn't go to gigs she's paid for? That sounds like someone a little unbalanced. On a happier note, the only time I've met Brian off guard was in 1986 during the Magic Tour. He was trying on a pair of Geordie Jeans in Newcastle and I accidently wipped back the curtain to try on some Geordie Jeans. They were famous for being right tight round the arse area. I was very apologetic and he smiled. Don't think he bought the jeans thoughaGeordie Jeans! classic. Was it the one near Greys Monument? ? The one in blanford st Sunderland was pants. |
Toon_86 28.02.2014 06:21 |
scottmax wrote:The one in blanford st Sunderland was pants. Could've been the one near Grey's Monument! Don't make em like that anymore. And Blandford Street? You been there lately? If it was still there it'd have a pound shop on one side and a charity shop on the other. What a dump it is!Toon_86 wrote: Honestly, I reckon his wife needs a little 'help'. She's got loads of stuff already signed, adorned on her walls, and cos he couldn't sign one poster she cries the night away and doesn't go to gigs she's paid for? That sounds like someone a little unbalanced. On a happier note, the only time I've met Brian off guard was in 1986 during the Magic Tour. He was trying on a pair of Geordie Jeans in Newcastle and I accidently wipped back the curtain to try on some Geordie Jeans. They were famous for being right tight round the arse area. I was very apologetic and he smiled. Don't think he bought the jeans thoughaGeordie Jeans! classic. Was it the one near Greys Monument? ? |
Marknow 28.02.2014 06:31 |
I think it was really nice of Brian to reply to the letter, most "stars" don't bother corresponding with their stalkers. |
Rubbersuit 28.02.2014 07:08 |
I've met Brian twice in the 90s. First was outside a TV appearance with maybe 10 other people. Brian's handlers after the appearance ushered us into the lobby and Brian came out and spent maybe 10-15 minutes chatting and signing and it was real chill. The second time was backstage at a solo show, I felt sorry for him as there were a bunch of stalker types with stacks of things to sign and a manic desparation. I just shook his hand and exchanged pleasantries. He was very nice to everyone including the crazies. There's something embarrassing about a grown adult asking for an autograph. |
Supersonic_Man89 28.02.2014 07:32 |
I agree with most of what Brian said in his reply. If Pat had travelled far or never had anything signed, i think Brian would and should feel slightly more guilty (even though he is entitled to a break), but because she has an entire room full of signed things, she can't become depressed simply because he refused the one time out of a 100. He's not a young man filled with energy any more, i imagine gigs are very tiring, and he would want to rest afterwards. I met Debbie Harry randomly at London Marylebone train station last year, people ask why i didn't ask for a picture or sign something, but I didn't need to. I'm a big Blondie fan, and having that moment, chatting for a couple of minutes, was a better memory for me than any half-assed scribble on a piece of paper. I also felt that if i had drawn attention to her by having a photo/signing something, loads of other people would have noticed it was her, and my moments with her would have been reduced to seconds - and Debbie probably wouldn't have been too happy. |
scottmax 28.02.2014 07:34 |
Toon_86 wrote:With them being Geordie Jeans, they sent all the seconds to Sunderland!scottmax wrote:The one in blanford st Sunderland was pants. Could've been the one near Grey's Monument! Don't make em like that anymore. And Blandford Street? You been there lately? If it was still there it'd have a pound shop on one side and a charity shop on the other. What a dump it is!Toon_86 wrote: Honestly, I reckon his wife needs a little 'help'. She's got loads of stuff already signed, adorned on her walls, and cos he couldn't sign one poster she cries the night away and doesn't go to gigs she's paid for? That sounds like someone a little unbalanced. On a happier note, the only time I've met Brian off guard was in 1986 during the Magic Tour. He was trying on a pair of Geordie Jeans in Newcastle and I accidently wipped back the curtain to try on some Geordie Jeans. They were famous for being right tight round the arse area. I was very apologetic and he smiled. Don't think he bought the jeans thoughaGeordie Jeans! classic. Was it the one near Greys Monument? ? |
Donna13 28.02.2014 08:37 |
No, he doesn't need to sign autographs. For example, he could just say, "Hi everyone! I'm too tired to sign autographs tonight, but I can shake hands. Nice to see you all." He should just stop all autograph signing so as to be fair to everyone, especially if he can't stand signing autographs. This is a pretty trivial problem to spend time worrying about. Ha! |
malicedoom 28.02.2014 09:54 |
"As well as having a boatload of signed memorabilia from over the years, Pat now also has a very considered email written specifically for her from Brian May. That's more than 99.9999999999% of Queen fans will ever get, so Pat should probably consider herself lucky and stop feeling sorry for herself over something so completely selfish." ^ this |
master marathon runner 28.02.2014 10:32 |
scottmax wrote:With them being Geordie Jeans, they sent all the seconds to Sunderland!Toon_86 wrote:scottmax wrote:The one in blanford st Sunderland was pants. Could've been the one near Grey's Monument! Don't make em like that anymore. And Blandford Street? You been there lately? If it was still there it'd have a pound shop on one side and a charity shop on the other. What a dump it is!Toon_86 wrote: Honestly, I reckon his wife needs a little 'help'. She's got loads of stuff already signed, adorned on her walls, and cos he couldn't sign one poster she cries the night away and doesn't go to gigs she's paid for? That sounds like someone a little unbalanced. On a happier note, the only time I've met Brian off guard was in 1986 during the Magic Tour. He was trying on a pair of Geordie Jeans in Newcastle and I accidently wipped back the curtain to try on some Geordie Jeans. They were famous for being right tight round the arse area. I was very apologetic and he smiled. Don't think he bought the jeans thoughaGeordie Jeans! classic. Was it the one near Greys Monument? ? |
master marathon runner 28.02.2014 10:39 |
You mean geordie jeans actually had firsts!!!!!???- Vic n' bob summed them up brilliantly! - talking of dumps, is it true Westgate road is about to get the country's first 50pence shop ? ,or is it further up in pendower.? Tell you what, this has got to be the best ever post , causing some shit this ' un. Brilliant |
Wiley 28.02.2014 11:22 |
Plot twist: There is no Pat. Brian has fallen victim to an Internet hoax by some marketing company claiming they're doing some crappy research on Fame and fandom. Brian gets ridiculed when the thing goes public, he rants on his Soapboax daily for the next 2 months, while rallying against "the Interwebs". Disappointed, having found no support, retires from music, astronomy and public appearances for life. |
Vali 28.02.2014 12:13 |
Apocalipsis_Darko wrote: Well...I have a very bad experience with Brian when I was 20 years old. And it was the first time I met him and want to sign an item. And there were like only six people...and his behaviour was, how to say....rude? Yes, very rude.Hey Darko, when was that? because my "first time" with Brian was exactly the same ... and only six people or so were around. I'm talking about Barcelona, Hard Rock Cafe; press conference by Brian & Rog right after the release of "Queen Rocks". Were you there? I had my worst week after that as a Queen fan. I hated them (Brian and Roger) for a while! of course the pain went away soon and I had my reward years later :-) |
Vocal harmony 28.02.2014 12:23 |
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Regor 28.02.2014 12:25 |
Met both Bri and Roger outside the venue after the cologne Premiere of WWRY. About 10 people waited with items to sign, I had my Vinyl Queen II with me. Both were very nice, seemed to be in a great mood, and signed everything. They even chatted with us for a few minutes, and I had one of the greatest moments of my fan-life when I asked about the then upcoming QPR-Tour. Brian answered and looked at me, so there was a real conversation with one of my biggest heroes. Great memory, great man. |
Regor 28.02.2014 12:25 |
Double Post, sorry. |
Regor 28.02.2014 12:26 |
Double Post, sorry. |
Vocal harmony 28.02.2014 12:34 |
Pat should consider herself lucky to have had so much signed by Brian. Like anyone in his position, there are no rules which state he has to sign anything. Can you imagine how impersonal it really is to have loads of items shoved under your nose to sign, from people who often don't say hello or thank you. BM is usually quite approachable and willing, at least to say hello, if he has time he will stop and chat. Like any fan of a musician, Pat and Henry can buy any album the wish, and attend any concert they wish. But that exchange of time and art is where it ends for most people. She was lucky to meet him and get an autograph once. Can you imagine if these two people were Rush fans and they bumped into Neil Peart. . . . . |
k-m 28.02.2014 15:17 |
Okay, I'm really tipsy right now, but I do think people need to cut down on this whole fan thing. Come on, you go there to see a concert, you saw it, it was god (or not) and that's where the story ends. People like Brian May will always have a huge fan base, but c'mon let's not expect him to sign every piece of memorabilia put in front of him. If he does sign it - consider yourself lucky, if not - there's no reason to make a fuss about it. After all, Brian is under no freaking obligation to sign it and he might simply not be up for meeting fans after a show. He might simply be tired. I think what I'm trying to say is that autographs should be treated as a bit of an extra, something special, which doesn't happen every night. Take care. PS. I'd appreciate if someone could paste in Brian's reply. Searched the Soap Box, but couldn't find it. Thanks. |
scottmax 28.02.2014 15:19 |
Well I haven't met any of Queen, and to be honest, I'd rather not. Roger maybe as he seems a lot of fun, but I think I'd be disappointed if I met Brian |
Ouzy 28.02.2014 15:39 |
After reading what Brian said on his website, I think he is quite right. How many autographs does one need,1,2,3,10,100,1000....I have none, but I do have singles/albums and videos/dvds/blurays. Im happy with listening/watching the music that he/they perform. Having known people that have met Brian in a non musical setting especially recently, he appears from what they say to be a thoroughly decent fellow and appears to always try to make time for anyone he meets when he can. Don't forget hes just a normal guy with a outstanding musical talent and is now in the fortunate position where he can spend a bit more time involved in things that he believes in especially with regard to animal welfare and nature. Let me tell you there are many many very rude rock stars/actors who would never even bother with their fans let alone shake hands/say hi/sign autographs..So Brian keep up the great work Son.. My only wish....the Queen Anthology :) lol...but I think that wish may be one wish that never comes to light... |
coops 28.02.2014 16:24 |
Celebs have zero obligation to sign autographs or pose for pictures. We buy a CD or watch a show and that's what we get for our money. Pat and her husband must have some kind of developmental issues and are probably thrilled that brian responded and mentioned their names. Weird. |
the dude 1366 28.02.2014 18:38 |
Why has Queenzone become the anti- brian site? And John Deacon is seen as such a great guy for not doing anything. He doesn't even give an interview for Freddie's sake. |
Sheer Brass Neck 28.02.2014 18:53 |
In June '91, Brian did a little 3 song set at the HMV on Yonge Street in Toronto. Considering Queen hadn't been in North America in 9 years, the turnout was larger than expected. Brian signed a ton of autographs but had a flight at 3 pm and it was approaching 2 pm. The store announced that he would be leaving and couldn't sign everything. A lady behind me was furious, saying she was a long time fan and he should hang around for everyone. WTF. He could have stayed until 5 pm, then someone would have shown up just after 5 and say Brian's a dick because he didn't sign his item. I was too far back in line to get my item signed but took a beeline to the exit, Brian was in the limo and got out, signed my black BHM guitar with a black marker as I didn't have one, shook my hand, and made a comment about a black marker on a black guitar being very subtle. I'm not sure if I thanked him, said nothing or go fuck yourself. But he was incredibly gracious when he could have saved two minutes and ignored me. On the flip side, I met Billy Squier at a small meet and greet and he was a dick. Totally indifferent, nothing to say. But as I got older i realized, our dream is their mundane routine. My "I got Billy Squier's autograph!!!!!!!" is his "another fucking autograph session." Plus he was on the downside of his career, not many people there to see him and that has to affect him as an artist and a person too. I got over his lack of enthusiasm and didn't take it personally. Hope Pat can do the same. |
scottmax 28.02.2014 19:20 |
the dude 1366 wrote: Why has Queenzone become the anti- brian site? And John Deacon is seen as such a great guy for not doing anything. He doesn't even give an interview for Freddie's sake.I don't think that this place is anti Brian but he doesn't really help things? I once read that he was described as the nice guy of rock, though that was a while ago..... |
Apocalipsis_Darko 28.02.2014 20:53 |
They don't have the obligation to sign. In my experience, to me, was he was very rude. Without education, I mean, I was polite, not the typhical hardcore fan... It was in the last WWRY Madrid's musical, Teatro Calderón. I remember my mother kew her and said, I will sign you later, and later he was rude with her. If you have your word...And we were like 5 or 6 persons. It was a freak thing. The most stupid thing is the diehardcore fans said oh is Brian is a God. This is not the idea, the thing is being well mannered. Perhaps he had a bad day, but....you must respect everyone. Every person desesrves respect, no matter if you are an anonymous person or a celebrity. |
flash00. 28.02.2014 21:04 |
Who remembers Brian going over to George Lucas to meet him as a fan and getting mugged off by George and Brian had a mini moan on his blog about it lol, I would love to meet Roger or John but I honestly have no desire to meet Brian I'm sure he is a nice fellow. |
Apocalipsis_Darko 28.02.2014 21:17 |
If you can post that, would be great Flash00. |
jammythedodger 28.02.2014 22:43 |
July 16 2004 link I remember this too, even though it's nearly 10 years ago(!) |
Apocalipsis_Darko 01.03.2014 01:09 |
Thanks! |
Heavenite 01.03.2014 02:27 |
Yes, Brian gives both sides of the issue there. I quite like what he said about people just being friends rather than rock star and fan. I mean we all eat, sleep and go to the toilet don't we? Mind you, it's hard to approach a complete stranger, so maybe that's part of the reason people shove stuff in his face. I mean just to meet him is really the issue isn't it? I mean,I've haven't met Brian, but what I remember about meeting my heroes is what was said. Getting the autograph simply wasn't the issue. I guess I'm just not an autograph collector. |
musicland munich 01.03.2014 04:31 |
Heavenite wrote: ... autograph simply wasn't the issue. I guess I'm just not an autograph collector.Good point. There are so many sizes, shapes and interests of "QUEEN-Fans"...just have a look around Queenzone :) So one comment does not fit for all fans. For a die hard autograph collector would Brians behavior be a real dissapointment., On the other hand I can see Brians point also. |
noorie 01.03.2014 09:17 |
k-m wrote: PS. I'd appreciate if someone could paste in Brian's reply. Searched the Soap Box, but couldn't find it. Thanks.Here it is... it is titled 'Did I fail someone?' from Thursday the 27th of Feb. link |
noorie 01.03.2014 09:26 |
My sister had written a lovely poem for Brian, and she e-mailed it to him. (Thread on QZ link When she did not receive any reply or acknowledgement from Brian, she was a bit disappointed. But she got over it real quick. I guess Brian is inundated with stuff from all his fans all the time. Honestly, I doubt he has the time or energy to acknowledge everyone and everything. I am really not a big Brian May fan, but the guy is only human. |
brENsKi 01.03.2014 09:59 |
...and i took Brian's milk and papers in for him while he was on holiday - also kept an eye on the house for him - usual stuff, open and closed curtains, put lights on at night...and guess what? c*nt didn't even say "thank you" - mind you, i suppose i was expecting a bit much, considering i wasn't really minding his house - i was squatting, and i did take a sh*t in the sink. |
noorie 01.03.2014 10:52 |
brENsKi, where do you come up with the stuff? You should be writing ads...! Seriously! Not kidding! |
k-m 01.03.2014 16:15 |
Thanks. Couldn't agree more with Brian. Exactly how I imagine it must feel.
noorie wrote:k-m wrote: PS. I'd appreciate if someone could paste in Brian's reply. Searched the Soap Box, but couldn't find it. Thanks.Here it is... it is titled 'Did I fail someone?' from Thursday the 27th of Feb. link |