Oz Fox in '89 was the first "rock star" i ever met. He was very pleasant to talk to. And it was my first ever concert.
Met Nicko McBrain back in '92 for free at Billy Hydes in Sydney (You were probably there too Dan?!?!) and he was great! It was just a Q & A session, really. I don't remember him playing? Maybe he did? Bloody 29 years ago already!
Went to two Dream Theater M&G. Got a couple of goodies and a picture both times. Both sessions were kind of rushed. Portnoy was definitely the most standoff-ish of the five. Proud to say that I actually made John Myung laugh!
I have their autographs so wouldn't do one again.
Went to the KISS conventions in '95 but didn't even try to get near them, a mate got me Bruce & Eric's autographs in Brisbane. G & P just too swamped to get near. Snuck into the Sydney convention as they started the autograph sessions to look at everything one more time. Dan & Vic were definitely there for sure.
Met KISS (with 12, count 'em, 12 other people) on the reunion tour in '97 on the street, outside of the Brisbane Casino. They were asshats! Paul ran out and we said hi and let him be. 5 mins later, Peter's Dad came out and said that they'd be leaving soon so get ready, 5 mins later, Peter & Ace run out and try to jump in the Toyota Tarago. A 13-14 year kid got up to Peter with a guitar and as he's signing it he says, "Are you going to sell this now?" What a total KUNT! I can still see the blood drain from that kid's face. Ace (no doubt stoned) sat in the car ignoring everyone. Paul signed a couple of things and I got to Gene to sign a Guitar World with KISS on the cover and he didn't even look where he was signing and it ended up half assed. I asked, "How was last night's show?" He replied with, " I don't think it's the right time to do an interview!" It just said "Yeah...thanks..."
Ace then jumped out of the car and ran across the street into an electronics store. I could see G&P mouth "Where the fuck is he going?". I thought, "Well fuck you all for being asshats, I'm going over to that store!" I waited until Ace walked out and before I could put my bag down, he stuck out his left hand to shake mine!
I asked if it was a good night last night and replied with a laugh, After the show!"