The Mellotron Group

On Sep 14, 2008, at 5:00 PM, Chris Dale wrote:

> During the "Tronto" Mellotron convention we had the chance to sort  
> of "interview" Ian. One of the attendees - Ches Cain - actually  
> captured much (but not all) of the interview on videotape.
>
> I have a copy of that tape somewhere and recall that Ian seemed very  
> pleased that we asked about all the facets of his career, which shed  
> much light on why he left Crimson, his work with Giles, Fireballet,  
> Foreigner etc.
>
> Later that night at the pub, our conversation turned to discussion  
> about the present state of the music industry and how the major  
> stores were carrying less jazz, blues, rock, and devoting more shelf  
> space to the top 40 sellers.  During the chat I had lamented an  
> example to him that I couldn't find the special 30th anniversary  
> edition of "Court" despite repeated trips to several stores.
>
> The following night at the pub, at a private table, he brought up  
> that topic again and asked me something like "So you never could  
> find it??" And then - re-living my frustration with the search I  
> answered "Yeah, I can't believe that these major stores aren't  
> regularly carrying it!! They're telling me they aren't sure they can  
> get it because they carry the previously released version with the  
> orange and purple cover, and if I want it then I have to order that  
> one!! It's truly disgusting!! They'll carry deluxe versions of Pearl  
> Jam or Nickelback but it's almost like there's some conspiracy to  
> not carry prog rock!!
>
> And with that he was smiling slightly and slowly withdrew a copy of  
> the 30th anniversary edition out of his jacket, and said   
> "Well....this is for you Chris"!!   It was signed "To Chris, With  
> All Best Wishes"
>
> Needless to say I was happily shocked!!
>
> Ian is a true gentleman

Wait a minute! He said the exact same thing to me! But he also added  
to mine: "Chris Dale is a wanker" and that makes it more valuable!

;)