I did something I never thought I'd do tonight. I waited on line to get an autograph. But it was from one of my top 2 favorite artists, Tori Amos. So I said, "fuck it."

I saw an ad in the Village Voice last week that announced Tori would be signing her new CD at Tower Records to those who buy the CD from there and got a wrist band. So last week I went to Tower and bought 2 CD's. One for myself and one for my friend's birthday (cuz she's a huge Tori fan as well).

So today I get to Tower at about 2:30 with some McDonald's for lunch and a great spot on line. I was like the 30'th person. The hours went by and finally at 6PM Tori shows up and starts the signing upstairs. Although there weren't that many people in front of us, the line was moving slower than a great grandmother on a walker, climbing Mount Everest. But eventually we got in.

There was no picture taking allowed, and we could only get one item signed. I brought my From The Choirgirl Hotel CD booklet cuz it was the first album of hers that I bought and the one that made me a fan. I was pissed that I couldn't get a picture with her, but meeting her was really what I was there for.

So as we got closer to the top of the stairs, I realized why is was taking so long. It turned out Tori was not only signing shit, but she was actually having conversations with every single person who approached her. She wasn't seated, but standing there, and giving everyone the time of day. "Holy shit" I though. I've never seen an artist do that before. Very cool. I actually kinda felt like that kid Ralphie in A Christmas Story, climbing those stairs to meet Santa Claus. I was looking for the twisting slide for her to kick me down when I was done.

So anyways, I get up to her and we hugged. She asked for my name and signed my CD. She was then open to talk, so I asked her a question that I was wondering the answer to for a while. I remember reading an article with Marilyn Manson, where he said he'd like to collaborate with a few artists, including Tori. I told her about that and asked her if it's something she'd consider doing someday. She said she'd consider working with almost anyone, but it's difficult to get together with other artists cuz one may be on the road while the other is in the studio, and so on. Then she started saying some weird shit about Manson being "on a path," and he needing to get through it. Anyone who knows how Tori speaks, knows she says some bizarre things. I forgot her exact words, but I basically took it as, "When Manson calms the fuck down, maybe we'll do some business." She did however say that she'd "Put it in the noodle," as she tapped her head.

So there it is, I met her. And I must say that I have a newly found respect for her after that. She actually cared about every fan there and didn't try to rush them all out so she could get to her next thing. She was actually asking people about what they do for a living and otherwise. She was cool as all fucking hell.

congrats! she is a cool lady and seems to sincerely take an interest in the people who support her. its one of the reasons i continue to appreciate her.

She was definitly one of the coolest celebs I ever met.

Cool to hear she's still affable as she was back in '95 when I met her.

EvilWhiteMale said:

Gotcha EWM - you're a big softie at heart.

Where's the line to chat and cuddle with EWM?

Anyways. Amazing!

Tori is a wonderful person, indeed she seems rather eterheal (someone correct that spelling svp) at times.

Wonderful story!

She is by far the most loving, caring celebrity I've ever met. I was a new fan at the time in 1994 when I first saw her at Hill Auditorium on the U of M campus. The show was unlike anything I had ever seen. Everyone was silent and seated during the show and it seemed like everyone was crying at certain points. I was only 18 at the time and had never waited after a concert for a performer. My friends and I hung out for about an hour with like 300 other fans hoping to catch a glimpse. I was lucky cuz I happened to be right where she exited the stage door. Several people were giving her gifts and taking her picture. I simply thanked her for playing my favorite song at the time, "Tear In Your Hand". She was like "Oh honey, it was my pleasure. You're such a dear." And then unexpectedly, she gave me a huge hug and kissed me on the mouth. I remember she tasted like buttered popcorn. Yum. Before I knew her and her work very well, I had no idea she was so kind. I thought because of her painful music, that maybe she'd be cold and distant. But she almost has this Christ-like presence to her. She seems to heal her listeners and make them feel special. It's truly remarkable. After that night, I became a fan for life.

It was so cute that night. My friend Natalie was right next to me. But she wasn't in the direct line that Tori was walking in. She settled for petting Tori's arm as she greeted all the fans closest to her. I felt really lucky cuz she only spent about 15 minutes total. But I felt like that was pretty generous cuz there was a total mob.

I walked past Tori Amos in '92 and not believing it was her decided that I must have been tripping so didn't bother saying hello. The following day she did an interview with Steve Wright on BBC Radio 1 and he asked her where she was living and she answered with "Nottingham". I kicked myself hard over that one.

Cloudbuster said:

Were you tripping?

TRON said:

Sadly not.

Cloudbuster said:

You guys would've probably talked all night!

TRON said:

True. I do like her very much but sometimes she comes across as being wedged up her own backside (but then I'm a Prince fan so it shouldn't put me off). However, she's definately an artist I would love to sit down and have a chat with.

Cloudbuster said:

lol @ wedged

I don't think she can help it.

Her brain is so scrambled with music, creativity, emotions and drugs that she'll never be normal.

TRON said:

And thank goodness for that. Who wants their favourite artists to be normal? Certainly not me.

You should have asked her if the carpet matches the curtains.

chemmie said:

TRON said:

Meaning "Is her pussy ginger?"



[This message was edited Tue Nov 25 3:20:07 PST 2003 by Cloudbuster]

Cloudbuster said:

wrong forum!

chemmie said:

Oh jeez.

EWM has a heart!

PANDURITO said:

I've heard nothing but good things from everyone who has ever met Tori. I've met lots of celebs, but I've never been able to meet Ms Amos (believe me, I've tried). I don't normally get starstruck, but I think I would with her. She seems so...otherwordly. It would be more like meeting the queen of the pixies than it would meeting my favorite artist.

THAT IS SO AWESOME EWM!!! When you said there were only 30 people in front of you and the line was moving slow, I knew right away it was because she was talking to everyone. That is just how she is.

I'm surprised pictures wern't allowed. Probably a store thing. There are a kazillion pics over here of her meet n greets. http://www.oneway.com/ewf/frames.html She basically will meet fans who are waiting outside, before the show. Some of these pics just warm your heart, she looks so beautiful, she truly radiates love for all her fans. I fucking adore her.

I know nothing about her, but am intrigued. How about listing a 10 song compilation that will convince me to buy her stuff?

jackflash said:

10 songs wouldn't cut it and such a compilation doesn't exist.

But her just released "Tales Of A Librarian" is a wonderful Best Of and a good place to start.

TRON said:

Apparantly it's not a Best Of, it's "A Tori Amos Collection".


:wedged:

I really love that lady...I'm so glad you were able to meet her