I met Jack, he didnt like me.

[anonymousbrunette]

Simply put.

[theeradicaleclectic]

oops...

[arewhyehen]

I've had opportunities for sure but would never ask as it falls into the not-cool book imo. You are in his space, not him in yours.
Now, if Jack decides to come into a public space like the TMR store front, line at a show, etc, that's a different story.
Not flaming anyone, just stating my opinion.

Grim

Didn't you say you asked him for his autograph while standing in his office?

[flattop2001]

I've had opportunities for sure but would never ask as it falls into the not-cool book imo. You are in his space, not him in yours.
Now, if Jack decides to come into a public space like the TMR store front, line at a show, etc, that's a different story.
Not flaming anyone, just stating my opinion.

Grim

I agree, I have worked in the music industry and without fail asking for autographs in a backstage environment is not cool. If you are a kid or a competition winner maybe it's OK, but if a friend gave you the pass I think you are getting a privilege and should respect the artists space.
If I was escorting an artist I would ask them to sign some sleeves beforehand and put them on a table and anybody that wanted an autograph could get one. Some (usually the less established) were really cool with this, some would say no way (much more often once ebay took off), a lot of band have close friends and family show up backstage and feel really uncomfortable signing in that environment. Like Grim just my opinion.

PS most of my gigs had rooms next to the toilet so green room etiquette may be different.

[arewhyehen]

I've had opportunities for sure but would never ask as it falls into the not-cool book imo. You are in his space, not him in yours.
Now, if Jack decides to come into a public space like the TMR store front, line at a show, etc, that's a different story.
Not flaming anyone, just stating my opinion.

Grim

I agree, I have worked in the music industry and without fail asking for autographs in a backstage environment is not cool. If you are a kid or a competition winner maybe it's OK, but if a friend gave you the pass I think you are getting a privilege and should respect the artists space.
If I was escorting an artist I would ask them to sign some sleeves beforehand and put them on a table and anybody that wanted an autograph could get one. Some (usually the less established) were really cool with this, some would say no way (much more often once ebay took off), a lot of band have close friends and family show up backstage and feel really uncomfortable signing in that environment. Like Grim just my opinion.

PS most of my gigs had rooms next to the toilet so green room etiquette may be different.

What about being backstage and saying hey could I get a quick photo with you? Sort of the same thing but is it looked down upon as much?

[Stl_ben]

I had back stage passes for Billy Corgan once, but he was the opposite he was chatting and signing away...but he wouldn't do any photos.

[curseofhalos]

I had back stage passes for Billy Corgan once, but he was the opposite he was chatting and signing away...but he wouldn't do any photos.

Oh man that's bad ass. I've met him a couple times. Last time was in Louisville. He wouldn't sign autographs. Said they were "So 90s"

Was the Backstage pass you had for his solo tour? The show at the Pageant? I went to that show. It was really good. That was one of the last times I've been to St. Louis.

I have met Jack a few times around town. He's always been nice. I've never asked for a photo or autograph though. Just shook his hand and wished him well or told him I loved the store or a show or something. Never wanted to bother him too much. I just took up 5 seconds of his time and let him move on.

[Stl_ben]

[quote="curseofhalos] Oh man that's bad ass. I've met him a couple times. Last time was in Louisville. He wouldn't sign autographs. Said they were "So 90s"

Was the Backstage pass you had for his solo tour? The show at the Pageant? I went to that show. It was really good. That was one of the last times I've been to St. Louis.

I have met Jack a few times around town. He's always been nice. I've never asked for a photo or autograph though. Just shook his hand and wished him well or told him I loved the store or a show or something. Never wanted to bother him too much. I just took up 5 seconds of his time and let him move on.[/quote]
Yes solo show at the pageant, he was super nice talking about what ever. But yeah no posed photos. Not saying any weren't taken when he wasn't looking...

[mmshuster]

Sorry man that would suck pretty bad. I walked up and introduced myself to Jack Lawrence and Patrick Keeler at a Greenhornes concert and PK wasn't overly friendly but then again I'm a stranger and I totally get why someone wouldn't want to talk but Little Jack hung out with me for like thirty minutes and we talked music for a while. He told me he didn't like playing bass and always wanted to be a guitar player which was shocking but he was really nice. I would be pretty disappointed if they had me kicked out though sorry to hear that, I doubt it was you though he might have just had an off night.

i guess you didnt talk to him about how he felt when it came to playing banjo? that would have been a great conversation to get in on

Yes it would have, it was weird I saw him and ran up and hit him on the shoulder and then was like oh sh*t what do I say now if I had slowed down and thought about it I would have maybe gone there. He looked spooked though because I'm like 6 foot 3 and 240 pounds and he was about 5'9 or so, I don't think I tapped him either I think I literally hit him on the back.

[mojoryan]

I think people on both sides of the discussion are forgetting something: musicians are people. The autograph thing has always been a little weird to me-both as the asker and the giver. That said, if a person (musician, artist...whoever) is in a pissy mood, then yeah, shit happens. But on the other hand if they aren't? What the hell does it hurt to sign something for people.
The whole thing is very Twilight Zone-ish to me.
Who gives a damn if it's backstage or wherever...a fan is asking for an autograph, and unless you're really busy, or in a pisser (as mentioned) just sign the shit and stop being a prima donna.

[littleacorn]

I think as a fan the only time of Jacks that is 'yours' is when he is onstage.
I think asking for a sig when you have a backstage pass is plain wrong.
It is his time and you are intruding into it.

Listen to the man. He knows his etiquette.

bahaha

[Vytis33]

Nobody said Jack HAS to sign or pose for pictures, it would be cool if he did though. Or at least was more open to it. Ive seen Springsteen play 34 songs over 3.5 hours at 60 years old and come out at 1am to sign for 50-75 people. Did he have to? No. Was it cool as shit that he did? Absolutely.

Jack chose a profession where he's in the public eye and has fans of his work. It's no different than somebody going to a MLB game and wanting a picture or autograph from their favorite player. I don't see what's odd about that. That's what a fan does.

[Musicsoul78]

This conversation is the thing I like best about this forum, I really enjoy hearing everyone's opinions (even if they differ from mine.)

Gotta say, my [very limited] impression of Mr. White has really been shaken by this whole situation. I just never expected him to be such a straight-up jerk to a fan. Doesn't Third Man Records pride itself in being a "fan's record label?" Then it's founder won't even sign a limited-release vinyl for a true fan??? It leaves a really bad taste in my mouth.

[Kali Durga]

Gotta say, my [very limited] impression of Mr. White has really been shaken by this whole situation. I just never expected him to be such a straight-up jerk to a fan. Doesn't Third Man Records pride itself in being a "fan's record label?" Then it's founder won't even sign a limited-release vinyl for a true fan??? It leaves a really bad taste in my mouth.

But all you or any of the rest of us know of this situation is that fan's impression of what happened. That person could have misread Jack's tone of voice, could have been unaware of circumstances, could have misrepresented what actually occurred... or his description of what happened could have been completely accurate and Jack could have just been in the mood to be an asshole. Either way, why be shaken by it? If it is the latter case, then who here can say that they've never once in their life been a jerk to someone else? It's obvious from the experiences other people have described that Jack's subject to both gracious and not so gracious moods, just like any one else. Allow him the luxury of being human. And if you (or anyone, I'm using "you" in the general sense here) ever have the opportunity to pester him for an autograph, and if he behaves the same with you as he did with this person, then be rational about it and don't take it personally. You're just one more out of thousands of people who've made that same request.

[mojoryan]

This conversation is the thing I like best about this forum, I really enjoy hearing everyone's opinions (even if they differ from mine.)

Gotta say, my [very limited] impression of Mr. White has really been shaken by this whole situation. I just never expected him to be such a straight-up jerk to a fan. Doesn't Third Man Records pride itself in being a "fan's record label?" Then it's founder won't even sign a limited-release vinyl for a true fan??? It leaves a really bad taste in my mouth.

First let me preface by saying, as parents, my wife and I try to allow our son, Conner, to be his own person, which includes (but isn't limited to) making his own choices (within limits, of course). That said, at MIFest my son was hanging by the fence area that separated the fans from the bands. He was hanging there with the intention to get some stuff signed (really, he wanted his jean jacket signed more than anything, as it's been signed by The G'hornes, and he wanted to get JW and BB's sigs too). Daniel (Pujol) and the Black Belles were all very open and social with any and everyone who approached. Jack was walking back and forth for what must have been 45 minutes. My son was there before- and long after -the hoard of people waiting to gets autographs etc. Jack was literally within 10 feet of Conner and couldn't be bothered to even look his way and say hello. Nonetheless, my son stuck it out (yes, the wife and I thought that our son should have thrown in the towel...if someone can't even be bothered to say hello to a 12 year old kid, frankly, fuck 'em). Eventually one of Jack's "handlers" came and got Conner's copy of the RSD LSH, took it over to Jack (who wasn't even within my son's view at this point, but I could see him), and brought it back signed. Sure, a 12 year old boy eventually managed to get his record signed, but that 12 year old boy is also a crazy-awesome-deep-ass-thinker who walked away appreciative, but with an altered view of a musician he looks up to. I asked him how he felt about it, right after it happened and he said, "It's cool...but not the same as if he would have done it in person. He saw me there; would it have been so hard to walk up and do it himself? Besides, I really wanted my jacket signed." He didn't take it for granted, and still appreciates the signed record. But, he also feels a little differently about Jack now. My wife? Not so much: she's always thought Jack an arrogant dick. It doesn't change how she feels about his music though, or his performance and ability (she loves what he does).