hey all!
what a week.
between the colonoscopy and the fallon show, i had both ends of my body put to the test. Jimmy was super gracious, and we reminisced about our crazy days in NYC from a decade or so past -- we hit the same dives and knew much of the same people. he was really really grateful that i had defended him in the past against the intolerant industry that had made his life hell. it was amazing how large the staff is. when i entered their "floor", it literally had as many employees that fox has for all their shows. and it's just like you imagine - every kind of tv stereotype - hair and make up people, band members, security, go-betweens and assistants and then people up against the hallway walls staring at me; the security folks (all grizzled cop vets) nodded in approval.
after the appearance as i left, joe jonas waited for me, and said "that was really great." he seemed shy and very happy.
the green rooms are all separate and they are "themed." mine was a rustic cabin, and had an actual fireplace that was working. the food was top of the line mini-bar stuff, which i took home with me. Jimmy deliberately packed a gift basket for me, and made it so it was over the top huge. a dozen shirts and sweatshirts, books, cups ,mugs etc. it had to be taken home in a crate.
the response from fans has been great.
but anyone disapppointed that i didn't "go at" fallon, missed the point. it was about two guys having a good time -- the goal was to recreate classic interviews from the Carson era. if you wanted politics, it wasn't gunna happen - by choice (mine).
i didn't expect the audience being so "jonas" friendly - but that usually happens with bands like that -- their fans get there first, and fill it up. but they warmed up to this old loud guy rather quickly.
i loved how fallon vaguely remember the drinking story, then absolutely remembered it.
if you're diehard redeye fans you might remember our "bar correspondent," tracey westmoreland. That was the Tracey i referred to in the speakeasy tale. he was a giant intimidating fixture of the NYC nightlife scene. Jimmy has some great stories about him too.
all in all, it was a pretty awesome experience. and it upset all the right people -- meaning losers who cannot accept when other people are having fun.
i hope this moves the needle at little, so you see less divide and more engagement on such shows -- but if not, i don't mind either. it was worth it for the fun of that moment.
gg