Back in 1975 (the very year John gave up the business to become a house hubby), he did a benefit in Philadelphia, PA. for Multiple Schlerosis (I believe). He was there for a few days, and between TV appearances and interviews, he was available outside the studio for autographs. I'd heard about him being there, and so I immediately panicked, grabbed a couple things just in case I would be lucky enough to get him to sign, and went on up. There were tons of people of course. He was in his famous white suit with the silly hat that he was famous for. People seemed to be passing through the line fairly quickly, without really saying much it seemed.
I had thought that IF he would sign anything for me, it would probably be better if it was something of Yoko's rather than his. So I had grabbed my copy of her book "Grapefruit" as I left the house that day. As I got closer, I remember thinking, "God, is this really the same Beatle that I saw in A Hard Day's Night, etc...)". The girl in front of me had a paper autographed and just walked on through, and he didn't seem too interested. But when I stepped up, I said the first thing I could think of: "John, I just want to thank you and the guys for all the happiness you've brought me over the last 10 years. You've been good friends". And with that, he offered his hand and said, "No problem". God, it was so much like a typical John statement. But he smiled. Then I asked if he'd sign something, and I handed him the book. Immediately he giggled a bit and said, "So I'm not the only one that bought it eh?" I could tell he was pleased that I had it. He then signed a cigarette pack for me too. Now here's a kicker, the man pulled out a cigarette too, but didn't have a light. Guess who had the honor? ~Smiling~ even now. I had a camera and just pointed to it (I didn't want to ask outloud). So I took 6 photos of him as he signed for a few others. I then stepped back up to him.
I told him how much I had enjoyed "Walls & Bridges", but that "Imagine" was still my favorite album. He said "It's my fave as well but don't tell anybody" laughing out loud. I shook his hand again, and wished him the best. I said "Luv ya John" and left.
I can't begin to describe the feeling I had. I had met my all time idol, and shook the guys hand. The Grapefruit book was the English printing, and it had a highly glossed cover. His thumbprint remains there to this day.
Well, that's it. I met May Pang in 1981, and got a letter from Yoko that year too, but that's another story.
A SAD NOTE: As it turned out, in November of 1980, a friend of mine here in town, who had written segments in quite a few Beatle Books, and who had met all four over the years, called me to tell me that he had been invited to the Dakota to do an interview with John in February of 1981. He asked if I would like to go with him as a guest. I about died. Can you imagine? Sitting in John's living room while my friend interviewed him? I was excited as hell, and of course thought about nothing else until...
On the night of Dec.8, 1980, that excitement died along with John. We never did go to New York.
Thanks for your patience in reading this.