Well, I managed to avoid making a fool of myself as I got to meet and chat with one of my all-time songwriting heroes, Pat Dinizio....
I had never been to one of his "living room concerts", so I wasn't exactly sure what to expect...what we got was a set of seven songs framed by a ton of great stories. He went into great depth about how certain songs were written and inspired, about his childhood in New Jersey, and about why he loves doing these intimate shows. For a guy who's always wondered about these things, it was an interactive joy! He told us that one of the reasons for these type shows was that, in today's 'communication' world, people don't connect the way they used to: In a backyard setting, with food and beverage, with kids around, pets underfoot, with some cool tunes...he really only kinda 'breaks even' on these shows, so I am inclined to believe the man. He was attentive, autographing everything asked, and even gave me a free autographed DVD for my buddy Doug, who missed the show due to work. He seemed to be a very kind and gracious fellow, not at all what one might expect from a 'star'...
In fairness, I have to report that he did seem tired, but he had flown in from New Jersey that very morning and had tried to catch up on some sleep during the day...he seemed to be fighting a cold, actually. The small sound system had some difficulties coping with the louder vocals at times, and there was someone who dropped the ball on having a microphone stand there, so one was hastily improvised out of a kid's music stand.
The set list:
1. Blood & Roses- A 'career song', as he called it.
2. She's Got A Way- From "God Save the Smithereens" and written for his daughter, Liza.
3. Something New- From "Green Thoughts", written during a snowbound breakup with his future wife!
4. House We Used To Live In- Also from "Green Thoughts"...just what the titles says.
5. Blue Period- Told an amusing anecdote about guest vocalist Belinda Carlisle...he had a TOTAL crush on her, as did most guys at the time.
6. Somewhere Down the Line- About some friends back in Jersey when he was a kid.
7. Cigarette- From "Especially For You", this was a request from the host of the party...
And now as proof, here is a pic:
http://s478.photobucket.com/albums/rr142/Sparkymanmervap/Dinizio/?action=view¤t=SS855239.jpg
