The Mellotron Group

Chris,
Wonderful story!
Pete

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
>