From: yarlas@PSYCH.UCLA.EDU (Aaron Yarlas)


First of all, the concert was spectacular.  Crash Test Dummies kind of
sucked; they had a few good moments, but the lead singer seemed to think
that apathy and stupid facial expressions was the way to go.  Whatever.

Elvis and the boys, OTOH, were phenomenal.  They started off rocking and
never let up.  Well, the middle of the show (about 2 hours long and about
30 songs, BTW) dragged a little, but the beginning was incredible and the
end was scorching.  I was right up against the railing surrounding the
stage (read: front row - jealous? :-) and saw every detail (such as, Bruce
looks like an old man, much older than the other three).  Superb show,
absolutely classic.

So, after the show was over, I scouted where the people with backstage
passes were going, and bought one for $20 (isn't a free-market society
wonderful?  Then again, I got a shirt outside for $5, so I can't complain).
 It was just a patio pass, not All Access, so I was in the midst of about a
hundred neophytes who won radio contests and record company schmoes who
probably think his real name is Elvis, all gorging themselves on chips and
free drinks.  But not me.  No, I stood at the gate separating the dressing
room from the patio, waiting for Elvis & the boys to sign my stuff.  I
brought my CD booklet of King of America and a great picture of Elvis
mugging for the camera that was in Pulse magazine.  After about 10 minutes,
Pete came out and graciously signed both.  Five minutes later, Bruce came
out and also signed (he joked, "I'm going to have to put something funny on
this [KOA booklet]" but he didn't, just signed it regular).  Then Steve
came out, and just walked passed me like I was a leper.  Now, I don't want
to judge (maybe someone just dropped an amp on his foot or something), but
he could have been more polite.  Finally, Elvis came out.  He looked SO
cool.  He was wearing a black suit (like the one on Letterman last night)
and sunglasses.  I was just, WOW!  I told him how awesome the concert was,
and got him to sign (completely illegible, BTW).  I also asked him three
questions (just like a genie I suppose).  I don't remember all the details
of his answers given the situation, but as best as I can:

1.  Q: What is this upcoming project with the Brodsky Quartet?

     A: There's two projects.  One is some sort of television clip, I think
a tribute to someone (some classical                                       
                                                                           
                                     sounding name).  The second is that
he's writing a song for their next album.  He said it won't be available   
                                                                           
                                                                   in the
US, but that's never stopped us before!

2.  Q: What's up with the Wendy James demos?  Anymore coming out?

     A: Not sure yet.  We'll see what happens.

3. Q: Are you going to release the Barbados tapes?

    A: Soon.

So, there you have it.  I'm going to try to make different color copies of
this patio pass so I can get back there again tonight (there are some GOOD
things about living in LA, though it's not always apparent).  This time,
instead of asking questions, I'd just like to tell him how much I value his
music, and how important it is to me.  Again, incredible show, you will not
be disappointed.  

Best,

Aaron