Archive of the former Yahoo!Groups mailing list: The Mellotron Group

Chris,
Wonderful story!
Pete

Chris Dale wrote:

> During the "Tronto" Mellotron convention we had the chance to sort of
> "interview" Ian. One of the attendees - Ches Cain - actually captured
> much (but not all) of the interview on videotape.
>
> I have a copy of that tape somewhere and recall that Ian seemed very
> pleased that we asked about all the facets of his career, which shed
> much light on why he left Crimson, his work with Giles, Fireballet,
> Foreigner etc.
>
> Later that night at the pub, our conversation turned to discussion
> about the present state of the music industry and how the major stores
> were carrying less jazz, blues, rock, and devoting more shelf space
> to the top 40 sellers. During the chat I had lamented an example to
> him that I couldn't find the special 30th anniversary edition of
> "Court" despite repeated trips to several stores.
>
> The following night at the pub, at a private table, he brought up that
> topic again and asked me something like "So you never could find
> it??" And then - re-living my frustration with the search I
> answered "Yeah, I can't believe that these major stores aren't
> regularly carrying it!! They're telling me they aren't sure they can
> get it because they carry the previously released version with the
> orange and purple cover, and if I want it then I have to order /that/
> one!! It's truly disgusting!! They'll carry deluxe versions of Pearl
> Jam or Nickelback but it's almost like there's some conspiracy to not
> carry prog rock!!
>
> And with that he was smiling slightly and slowly withdrew a copy of
> the 30th anniversary edition out of his jacket, and said
> "Well....this is for you Chris"!! It was signed "To Chris, With All
> Best Wishes"
>
> Needless to say I was happily shocked!!
>
> Ian is a true gentleman
>