What have you checked off your Bucket List?
In 1969 I went to the Texas International Pop Festival and gently persuaded the head of security to let me assist in protection of the masses and talked my way into getting a security pass. For the next three days instead of providing "protection of the masses" I decided to alter my consciousness (a number of times) and listened and watched some of the most remarkable musicians. The three day line up included Canned Heat, Chicago (then called Chicago Transit Authority), James Cotton (Blues Band), Delaney and Bonnie and Friends, Grand Funk Railroad, The Incredible String Band, Janis Joplin, B.B. King, Freddie King, Led Zeppelin, Herbie Mann, Nazz, Rotary Connection, Sam and Dave, Santana, John Sebastian, Shiva's Headband, Sly and the Family Stone, Space Opera, Spirit, Sweetwater, Ten Years After, Tony Joe White and Johnny Winter. This started my completely unplanned music career for the next ten years.
After high school I started university but after sneaking backstage at a Jefferson Airplane concert and speaking to the sound engineer I secured a job to go on tour with Elton John as a drum roadie. After the first tour, which actually started in Waco, I was offered a full time road position with Elton and the band and needless to say said YES!
I moved to England in the 70's when I was in the music business with Elton but I also eventually worked with Alice Cooper (working with Davey Johnstone & Dee Murray who were in Elton's band), Kiki Dee and as a lighting director for the J Geils Band. I got to listen to guest musicians while on tour with Elton and these included Greg Allman, Stevie Wonder, Al Green, and Leon Russell. While working with Claire Brothers Audio as a sound and lighting technician I did shows with Bette Midler, Barry Mainlow, Doobie Brothers, Joe Walsh and many others including being on a tour with some fella named Elvis. Not sure if he ever made it?
I toured with so many other bands including Jackson Five, Yes, Humble Pie, ACDC, Blondie, Steely Dan, Eddie Money, Mahavishnu Orchestra, The Dillard's, Sutherland Brothers and Quiver, Family, Black Oak Arkansas, Mountain, Grin, Peter Frampton, Billy Joel, John Martyn, Spooky Tooth, Gentle Ben, The Eagles etc. Actually I think I have forgotten more bands I toured with then remember the ones I had the opportunity to watch play on stage. So many great experiences and the real joy was the camaraderie and the talented musicians I got to meet!
So as you can tell by this MUCH to lengthy of a profile . . . music has been a very important part of my life and I have been blessed to have the opportunities I have had!
Needless to say I loved the music business but I came home due to get married and entered a more traditional lifestyle. While getting my Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from TCU (1981), I worked in the restaurant/food industry but and eventually went back to University and got my Masters in Social Work degree (1993). I went to work for the State of Texas for the next 19 years as a Program Director at Mexia State School and then as a adolescent therapist at the Waco Centre for Youth.
In 2006 while working for the state of Texas I suddenly decided I wanted to move to Alaska. I am not sure why I wanted to move I don't like cold weather at all? While I was looking for employment in Alaska I kept seeing jobs in the UK and terrific relocation packages being proposed. So in January 2007 I was offered a position in West London and have been here ever since.
It has been a EXCEPTIONAL experience! I worked with children in care providing mental health services primarily as a consultant and therapist. I have been very fortunate to work with some of the most extraordinary people from broad international backgrounds and plethora of experiences.
While in London I started shooting live gig photos as a concert photographer for a web site and a publicist. I have shot over 150 different live gigs at all the major venues in London and now on the South Coast. I love going to see new bands and most of what I shoot is Indie music and blues/rock.
I was a volunteer at the Atlanta 1996 Olympics and the 2012 London Olympics working with the press setting up press conferences. I also worked with the press at the New Orleans Superbowl when the New England Patriots were defeated by the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XXXI at the Louisiana Superdome.
One of the great joys of living in Europe is the travel opportunities. I traveled to Sri Lanka and spent a month as a volunteer with disadvantaged youth! After retiring in March 2018 I started house/pet sitting and have traveled to Germany, Switzerland, Ireland, France, Malta, Finland, Spain, Poland, Wales & Scotland. The pandemic put a halt to travel and sits but I have just started sitting again so looking forward to the future sits.
