First, the show in Boston was tremendous. I got to hear a couple of older songs live for the first time (cage, blue flashing light, slide show) and the new tunes sounded amazing. Those of you yet to see them for this tour, you are in for a real good time.
Now to the quest.
When Fran played his solo tour a few years ago he made a stop at the City Winery in New York City. Afterwards, my friends Sara, Cliff and DAN and I went to meet Fran, etc. I purchased a vinyl there and I got Fran to sign the album and the poster inside. He personalized it and it was real cool. My friend Dan had nothing for him to sign so he purchased a physical copy of his solo record. Well, when Fran was talking to my friend Dan, he brought up a point about his name. Fran talked about a show over in the UK called Alan Partridge and there was a character named Dan and we should look it up on youtube. We didn't really know what he was talking about but we said we would look it up.
On the way home, we were looking at our autographs and Dan looked at his CD and noticed that Fran didn't sign it, but just wrote on the CD To Dan, Alan Partridge-Dan. This was so funny that we stared laughing and crying because it was so crazy. Here I had my two autographs, and Dan had one of the oddest signings ever. We contiuned well after that making fun of Dan and his experience. Here is a clip from that show if you don't know what I am talking about.
Fast forward to September 22nd (years later.) Dan and I are both at this show along with my other friend Cliff who was also at the City Winery gig. Dan brought the CD to for Fran to finish what he started. We waited for about an hour and Andy and Neil both came out and talked with folks and signed autographs and took pictures. I told Dan that he should try to get Andy and Neil to sign the jacket of Fran's solo record. We were a little freaked out by that idea but we went ahead and tried and they both signed it no problem.
Fran and Dougie came out about 35-40 minutes later. Fran went to the bus to drop off his stuff and he said he would be right back out.
The moment had arrived and I couldn't believe what was about to happen.
Fran came over to Dan and they started talking a little about the show. Dan said, "I have something to discuss with you", "What do you think of when you hear the name Dan?" Fran said "Alan Partridge", as he said it, it was like a small memory had become to resurface. Dan told him the whole story and Fran couldn't believe what he had done. Here is a photo sequence of the exchange.
Fran realizing what he had done.
Fran signing the CD.
Its all good!
twas a long day, but loved meeting him and the rest of the guys.
Dougie signed the jacket as well, so I think Dan is the only person to have Fran's solo record signed by him and the rest of the guys. I enjoyed seeing some of the ladies from the board at the show too and I think they saw some of this mad exchange.
