The Confrontation

April 10, 2007

I see Robyn Hitchcock & The Venus 3 at Slim's in San Francisco. The band is in fine form and Peter really seems to be enjoying himself the whole night. After the set, the band is hanging out at the merch table so I make the bold move of trying to explain this ongoing saga to Peter. Of course I blow the whole thing from the start by coming across as some deranged psycho stalker with an axe to grind and it just goes downhill from there. Peter couldn't be nicer as he explains with a laugh, "I probably hated a lot of people in 1982". Nonetheless the damage is done and getting worse as I notice Robyn beginning to gain interest in our conversation. Great, now not only have I completely ruined my chance to bring Peter in on the joke, but I've also been tagged as a weirdo by the one artist I've devoted most of my adult life to. So fuck it - from now on it's a smile and a wave; opening my mouth just invites trouble.

San Francisco

February 27, 2006

I see Robyn Hitchcock along with The Minus 5 at Slim’s in San Francisco. Peter Buck is playing not four feet from me throughout the gig and never once makes eye contact. After the show I grab one of Robyn’s setlists and go over to the merchandise table, where Peter is signing stuff with Robyn and Scott McCaughey. Scott’s nice enough to ask me how I’m doing and graciously takes the setlist and signs it. He tries to hand it to Peter, but Peter blows him off while signing a CD for someone. Scott hands the paper to Robyn, who signs it happily enough. Finally Peter takes it and scribbles his signature, without even looking at me.

New Millenium

April 4, 2001

I see The Soft Boys at The Crocodile Cafe in Seattle. The Minus 5 opens with Peter Buck on bass. After the show I'm buying a tee shirt and Peter Buck sticks his head in the merchandise booth. Out of the corner of my eye I see him smile at me, but I just finish the transaction and leave, not even making eye contact.

Y2K: Disgruntled in Seattle

June 24, 2000

I see Robyn Hitchcock and Grant Lee Phillips at The Crocodile Cafe in Seattle. I see Peter Buck walking around quite often. I don't care.

Ten Years Gone

November 16, 1999

I see Robyn Hitchcock at The Crocodile Cafe in Seattle. I'm having dinner at the venue beforehand and Peter Buck walks by. I try to say Hi, but he just walks by, not even making eye contact.

Boston

April 1, 1989

I see Robyn Hitchcock & The Egyptians at The Paradise in Boston. Peter Buck joins them on stage for a few songs. After the show I'm hanging out on the sidewalk chatting with Morris when Peter and Andy Metcalf come flying out of the club and into a waiting taxi, each carrying two six-packs. I wave and try to tell Peter I enjoyed the set, but he just runs by, not even making eye contact.

First Encounter

April 23, 1983

I see The English Beat at the Agora in Hartford, CT. That band with the weird singer that does "Carnival of Sorts" opens for them. Between sets my buddy and I are hanging out in the back of the venue when the guitarist walks by. He's really tall and thin, wearing cool pointed toe cowboy boots. I wave and try to tell him I enjoyed the set, but he just walks by, not even making eye contact.