Quick stones sighting story. January 1998, the Stones play Portland for the first time since '66 ( with Brian and Bill). They sell out two shows in minutes (Portland is a bit dull) and walk out with a few more millions.

Early the night before their arrival, they play BC. They arrive at the Benson Hotel at 1 in AM. I catch Jagger going in, damit, I did exactly what I didn't want to do. I just sat there going, "Holy Shit that's Mick Jagger." I watched him sign an old copy of Between the Buttons and I didn't say anything?! Agg. How did I let that one happen. Anyway, then Ronnie comes in, family in tow and he just turns to the small (5 guys ) crowd there, the paparazzi types. Damn, ruin it for us true fans. He just blazes right by. THen alas, keef. He's carrying an ancient looking staff, like a true wiseman. He does the same! I am stunned and shocked. Dagnabbit, why do I just have to be a fan. SO I sqelch out as he's going into the Hotel doors, "You got it made for a long long while." That's a song they did for the Voodoo Lounge sessions. Probably didn't make any sense. Anyway, "You Got it Made" is still a cool track.

Some day I will get to talk to Keith about Hoagy Carmichael.

Cheers Stones Fan,

e j roma