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Production notes from the Director, Amy Pickard
 

May 7, 2002

Wanted to throw the alarm clock through the window when it went off only three or so hours after we went to sleep. Stumbled my way into the kitchen to make coffee for all. A foxy shirt was needed for Glenn since he was doing the Fox in the morning show in Chicago. Of course, none were ironed and Tom didn’t have an iron…but luckily, Tom had an old gray, foxy shirt that happened to fit GT perfectly. Problem solved. Turns out that Tom had it in his closet for two years and never wore it because it was too big but he didn’t have the heart to throw it out. Perhaps he was hoping to go the gym and pump up in order to fit into it? No one can now say that Tom didn’t give Glenn the shirt off of his back and he was happy to do it dammit.

Drove downtown to the Fox station. Zan and I foolishly thought that the temperature would be balmy and tropical since it was very warm the day before, so we squeezed into our skimpy tank tops. As we stepped out of the door, we realized that not only was it freezing, but there was a twister strength wind blowing through the city. Too late to change, we just grabbed our equally inappropriate thin jackets and hopped into the van. We were met by the producer, Jock at Fox, who is a big fan. We love it when the press folk are big fans! I was thrilled to know that Harry Connick Jr. was also on the show and was peeking in every doorway to catch a glimpse of the dreamy crooner. As Glenn warmed up, I told him excitedly, "Harry Connick Jr. is here!!" and Glenn motioned me toward the make up room where H. was getting the powder treatment. I didn’t say anything of course, but was amazed that even dreamy crooners look like shit at 7am in the morning. Poor guy. He came out of the make up room and stood in the hallway, dazed and sleepy and looking rough. I’m amazed this morning show is able to book ANY musician at that evil time of the morning. Some enthusiastic employee who had obviously been up since 4am and was feeling perky bounced up to Harry and said, "I’m fro m New Orleans too!" and poor Harry forced a smile out and said, "oh." So much for snappy morning banter.

Harry did his thing and we followed Glenn down the hallway to the studio. Zan and I had not one ounce of makeup on, Zan’s hair was still wet from her shower, my hair was unwashed and put up but was straggly and resembled a haystack from the infamous Chicago wind. As we entered the studio, half asleep, we saw Harry come down the hallway with a camera filming him. I made a face to Zan like, "Ooh..there goes my husband." Sort of thing and she made a face back to me and we went in and sat down while Glenn got wired for sound. We watched the monitors when they came back from a commercial break and the reporter said, "Can we just show some footage of Harry in the hallway surrounded by women?" Much to our horror and surprise, there Zan and I were, making faces and looking skanky ON CHICAGO MORNING TELEVISION!!!!!! All we could do was cover our wide open mouths and cringe. It’s not fair! It was then Glenn’s turn to make his debut (at least he had a foxy shirt on and make up and looked good!) where he sang Tempted. They were able to plug the solo album and they advertised the gig so I’m hoping it will draw in some new people. It was really sweet- the whole crew sang along and were really excited to meet Glenn. Glenn posed for pictures with everyone and signed their CD’s, which was lovely. I really think that his appearance went well and will hopefully, spread the Glenn love throughout the Windy City.

We then drove straight to the neighborhood of WXRT, Chicago’s finest rock radio station. I’m a WXRT freak and have loved the station since my mom moved to Chicago years ago. I love that Glenn is going to be interviewed by Terri Hemmert, one of my favorite DJ’s. (I just wish XRT would play Glenn’s solo stuff!) Before the interview, we stop to get some breakfast at a local greasy spoon. I think it was called Clara and Stan’s or something. We sat down and it appeared to be stuck in a time warp. There was one employee who sported a wig and must’ve been around 80 who was multi tasking in a very impressive way. She was peeling a potato, smoking a cigarette with an inch long ash attached precariously to the end and scratching her nose enthusiastically. Hmmm…surely there must be hygiene laws that forbid that. Glenn’s tuna melt took a year to manifest itself and once it did, was smothered in faux American cheese when Glenn actually ordered swiss. My eggs came on a less than spic and span plate and after I found something unknown in my coffee, I decided to push myself away from the table. There was a woman sitting behind us in a booth all alone with fantastic ‘tall’ hair. She had her some real hair and some faux hair mixed in and her eyebrows were drawn on and drawn out to the side of her face. She also sported powder blue eye shadow and bright pink lipstick. For a 60 year old woman, she was put together and reminded me of a combination of the leathery woman in Something About Mary and the smoker Grandma in the movie 16 candles. I loved that she got out her compact mirror and looked at her ghoulish make up job and thought, "Nope…just right!" and then put the mirror back in her white leather purse, satisfied that no touch ups were needed.

Disgusting breakfast ingested, we went over to WXRT. They were doing a Beatles show the following Sunday and asked Glenn to play something, so he went into the studio and did a corking version of Ticket To Ride. We all went into Teri’s studio and hung out while she interviewed Glenn. Teri’s great since she obviously is a fan. Glenn played Interviewing Randy Newman, which Teri could relate to and then we left to go back to Tom’s. Glenn and Zan had to return the minivan to the airport and pick up the mega-van in anticipation of the arrival of their pals later on so I took a little nap. Once they returned, I had to book a flight for my friend Bob to get to Portland since we heard from Hendrix motor that the RV was ready to go. Glenn slumbered for a bit, Zan drove the megavan back to the airport to get her pals who just landed from London and I booked flights and bathed.

For the first time, Tom was able to experience the chaos that is Glenn on the road. There is never any time to do anything and there is never a plan and you run through at least 5 possible scenarios for the day, which change hourly. I jokingly say that it’s like being caught in a Glenn vortex. Glenn arrives on your door and you’re sucked in. Chaos takes over the whole place. Questions for Tom in an hour between duties: Do you have a fax? Can I use your computer? Do you have a shirt we could use? Can you run to Target and get a blank tape? Do you have a three pronged outlet? Can we do our laundry here? Can you put the clothes in the dryer while we unload the van? Can you go park the car? Do you know where I can fed ex around here? Can we stop at a bank on the way? (but know that we probably won’t have time to stop at the bank.) Do you have a hair dryer for me? Will there be enough hot water for me to shower before Zan gets back from the airport? Do you have ten bucks? On the last tour, we stayed with friends Paul and Karen in Boston, Hans in San Fran and Bill in Buffalo and they all know what it’s like. What is great, is that they are all willing to help in any way possible. Ask and it shall be done. Personally, I think it’s an American thing. (but then I’m biased.) Not that English folk wouldn’t be willing to help, I’m sure they would. But us Yanks take it to crazy lengths and offer to help until it kills us. Darn it, we’re happy to do so too! And if we can’t help…we always try and get a friend who can! What? You can’t walk? Use MY limbs! ….just kidding.

The English folk arrived at Tom’s and Tom was on call once again. (but he loves it). The crew consists of Pete, a pal of Glenn’s from way back when and a lovely couple called Jeff and Gill. They are all in their 40’s and have never been to America but were very excited in spite of their tiredness. Marmite and English papers were handed out and they all freshened up and drove along to the gig with us for soundcheck. Tom had never seen Glenn live before (in person) and was excited to hear Glenn play Cash Machine and Vanity Fair at soundcheck. While we were watching the footage, Vanity Fair stood out for Tom, who commented on how beautiful it was. He insisted that we put it in the movie (I didn’t disagree) and as soon as Glenn started playing it at soundcheck, I searched the room to find Tom so we could have a little moment. Of course, Tom was in the bathroom and missed it.

We all went to a restaurant called Grizzly’s or something across the street from the gig and it was adorable how Glenn and Zan were ‘translating’ the menu for the Brits. I suppose we couldn’t have chosen a more American place for them to eat. There were stuffed deer, elk, bunnies, bears and other such wildlife stuck to the walls and there were lots of different meats on the menu. Our service was terrible but I said that I had organized it so that it made them feel more at home. (the service in England is notoriously bad. Hey, I can say so since I lived in London for almost 7 years. I love it, but damn.. they could learn a thing or two about service from us yanks.) I sat at the end of the table getting to know Glenn’s pals and Tom sat at the other end getting to know Glenn. They started discussing the movie and I was straining to hear what they were saying and felt left out. Indulging in my 3 year old behavior, I forced Suzanne to swap seats with me so I could sit next to Glenn to hear what they were saying. Tom told him the Vanity Fair story and what we had in mind for the movie and shared his thoughts on Glenn’s music, etc….

Tom was never a Squeeze fan (I know, I know…but I like him nyway.) but after seeing Glenn live in the movie footage, he was a convert! I think it’s great that Tom is looking at the movie from a non-fan perspective and I’m approaching it with a freaky fan perspective. It balances out and I think that combination is what will ultimately make the flick successful since we are not necessarily making it for Squeeze fans. We want to bring new folks to Glenn’s music and shows. Tom and Glenn got on really well and I was proud. I think it’s a bit like when your boyfriend meets and gets on with your parents! My friend Doug showed up for the last bit of dinner and I was happy that all my pals are finally getting to meet Glenn and Suzanne! After dinner we walked over to the gig and I was happy to find the merchandise stand right next to the stage so I was able to see the show from a prime spot and keep an eye on Tom and Doug enjoying the show! The show was unbelievably amazing and I think it was the best one of the tour that I’d seen. A nice guy named Brian came up to me before the show and introduced himself and told me that he had driven something like 3 hours to come see the gig. He also told me that he had been enjoying the tour diary and he gave me two cassette tapes picked at random from his tape collection for us to listen to in the van. (what a sweetie! He remembered that we picked some tapes up at a thrift store last week and thought he’d join in the fun. COOL!) Here is the set list for Martyr’s in Chicago:

• Touching Me, Touching You
• Hope Fell Down
• Piccadilly
• Sunday Breakfast Treat
• Tough Love
• Black Coffee in Bed (At this point, Glenn had the enthusiastic crowd on his side and the whole audience sang along. I looked over at Tom and Doug’s faces and they were positively beaming as they sung along to the words. It got me a bit teary actually. It was just so lovely to see them loving Glenn! I felt so proud!)
• This Summer (so excellent-especially the bit where an encouraging Glenn sang "There’s NO reason to ever be lonely again/this summer I am SOOOOO in looooove….." sigh. Fantastic!)
• Observatory
• Slightly Drunk
• This is Where You Ain’t
• I’m a Believer
• Vanity Fair (Glenn remembered our conversation at dinner and dedicated it to us! Before he played it, he said, "This one’s for Amy and Tom." He fills my heart with joy and love and I looked over at Tom who was smiling back at me. I’m a dork who is so easily pleased.)
• From a Whisper to a Scream (with Michelle, a fan who obviously was nervous but loving it.)
• Take Me I’m Yours
• Voodoo Chile (Okay…this rocked. I was calling on jesus, this version was so smoking. I found myself waving my hands in the air like a woman in church yelling "preach it Glenn!". Amazing!!)
• In Quintessence
• I Won’t See You
• Hourglass
• Annie Get Your Gun
• Up The Junction
• Some Fantastic Place
• The Truth
   

• Always On My Mind
• Tempted
• Another Nail

A great gig!! Jeff and Gill managed to remain upright and participatory but Pete slept in the dressing room for most of the gig. I can only imagine how pooped they must be after flying over the Atlantic and then going to Glenn’s gig. I was buzzed with adrenaline from the amazingly poptastic show and had a fun time rapping with fans about the movie and the merchandise. Got to see some old friends of mine, Officer Tom and his lovely wife Marybeth but it was all too brief. Met a funny guy named Chuck who works at the Onion. (We all worship the Onion and ooohed and aaaahed as he gave me his green business card.) We tried to get him to contact the AV club at the Onion in order to interview Glenn. Chuck loved the show but couldn’t promise anything but free goodies to send to us. We’ll take what we can get. I told him that he hasn’t lived until he’s heard Glenn read Smoove B in an English accent. (for those of you who have no clue what the Onion is, it is a satirical newspaper that is so funny you’ll be wee-ing yourself. Check it out on www.theonion.com)

Met lots of nice fans who complimented me on the glennmovie website and sold a bunch of tshirts. What a great night! An old friend of Glenn’s named Gavin, turned up and we all went out for a drink afterwards. The whole crew! Cue convoy to Tom’s friend Jerry’s club, Narcisse. We took over the room next to the window and had some yummy wine but got booted out around 2 or so. It’s just as well as the Brits were exhausted from their journey and the rest of us were tired from the day’s rushing around. I abstained from alcohol and drove us all back to my mom’s place in the burbs where everyone would crash. My first time behind the wheel of the megavan, I looked in the rearview mirror, then the side mirrors, and all was clear so I backed up slowly and proceeded to hit the car behind me. That’s the pisser about driving a 15 seat passenger van…they are huge and you can’t judge stuff that well. Luckily, no damage was done and we got the hell out of there before I got my ass kicked.

We pulled up to my mom’s around 3am and unloaded the van. We were trying to be as quiet as possible and a tipsy Glenn insisted that it would be a great idea to knock on my mom’s bedroom door and crawl into bed with her and introduce himself. [This is SUCH a bad idea. Mom SO don't play. - jp] I immediately had a sense of humor failure and begged him not to. I explained that if he did that, my mom would need therapy and I would as well. Luckily, he was joking. (but you never know when the alkee-hol is involved!) Bags brought in, towels set out and sleeping arrangements assigned, we all got into our PJ’s and snacked on Mom’s pies!!!!! My mom’s pecan pie is amazing and I had to laugh over Glenn’s very adorable English description of it: "It is a heavenly combination of delicious flavors!" I finally sat down and had some pie and a glass of milk and all was right with the world. We said our goodnights Waltons-style and went to bed/couch/floor around 4am.

Well, I say we. I mean they. I couldn’t sleep for all the snoring going on. (of course, I shall never tell who was doing the snoring because that would be mean, wouldn’t it?) I was freezing cold and I could not get to sleep for all the hog calling. I went upstairs to go the bathroom and saw the light underneath my mom’s door and decided that mom’s bed was the answer to my prayers. I opened the door and my mom’s head popped up in alarm as if to say, "English people in my room!" I said hi and explained in the voice of a five year old that I was cold and the mean english people downstairs were snoring and could I get into bed with her. A snuggle was in order while Mom watched the morning news and I immediately warmed up and dozed off. Mom left for work without getting to meet the pink people but I showed her who everyone was on her way out the door. It looked a bit like the Jonestown massacre downstairs but she told me to give everyone her love. Moms are the best. No sooner did my mom step out the door than the alarm went off at 8am for all to get up. Glenn has a gig in Memphis, TN tonight and it is an 8-10 hour drive so they have to get up early. I’m passing on the Memphis roadtrip, mainly because I’m exhausted but also because I’m just going to Dayton early to stay with pals.

Glenn woke up and immediately wanted pecan pie. Pete was the first into the kitchen to organize toast and tea. I made coffee and everyone dragged themselves out of bed. Jeff made his way downstairs and like a precious toddler, looked at me sleepy and perplexed and said, ‘Amy, we’re really thick. We don’t know how to use your tap." Bless. They couldn’t figure out how to work the bathroom faucet. I sympathized with them since my first
trip to the UK was an ongoing I Love Lucy sketch. I couldn’t figure out how to turn anything on (you have to turn on the actual socket). I went to iron a shirt and there was no plug at the end…just frayed bits (you have to have a degree in engineering and put one on yourself). I had to take showers with no hot water (you have to put the immersion on or whatever the hell it’s called since English people don’t believe in hot water whenever you want it. You have to have a plan approximately a fortnight before you want to bathe, turn on the hot water heater and THEN you can have hot water…for five minutes.) Oh, I do miss living in London.

After they loaded the van, I took a photo of us all (not exactly looking our sparky best but we tried) and we said goodbye. Jeff and Glenn had just put on after shave and when they both hugged me goodbye, I was covered in a waft of manly englishness. It reminded me of hugging my dad before he went to work third shift at the car factory. I’d go to bed smelling of Old Spice. Only now I smelled of Glenn’s Hai Karate and Jeff’s Brut after shave. Just kidding! Don’t know what they wore but it was comforting to drift off to sleep with it on my pillow.

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