=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= B E T W E E N T H E L I N E S [tm] Volume 7, Issue 5 - May 8, 1995 DDDDD D D D D GGGG D D G DDDDD G GGG G G GGGG A Debbie Gibson Discussion Forum =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CONTENTS =- ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES INTRO BY JAMES R. TWINE - James R. Twine MORE NEWS FROM AN EMI COLLEGE PROMO REP - Eric Wong D.G.I.F. ONLINE - Debbie Gibson Int'l Fan Club TIN PAN SOUTH WITH DEBORAH - Mike Falkner DEBWATCH CLOSING REMARKS =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DISCLAIMER =- Between the Lines (ISSN 1201-4826, electronic publication ISSN 1201-4834) operates on a non-profit basis. Distribution is permissible only under the condition that no part of it will be used for profit. "Between the Lines" and "BtL" are trademarks of Between the Lines. Copyright 1995, Between the Lines. This forum does not necessarily reflect the views of Deborah Gibson, Gibson Management Inc. (GMI), Electronic Music Industries (EMI), or any organizations to which members belong or represent. Opinions expressed in Between the Lines are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the entire forum. All lyrics by Debbie Gibson are copyrighted by EMI April Music, Inc./Possibilities Publishing, Inc. (ASCAP). =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES =- Between the Lines has a central account and e-mail address. Please send all administrative requests and submissions to: BtL@egbt.org To submit articles by postal mail, please proofread and send them to the postal address listed below. Submissions should be typed or written legibly. To submit articles by FAX, please call (604) 322-5936. We reserve the right to edit, defer, or reject submissions without notice. Submissions become the property of BtL. BETWEEN THE LINES 2137 Qualicum Drive Vancouver, B.C. V5P 2M3 CANADA For those of you who do not have access to electronic mail, you may subscribe via postal mail. Issues are printed with a laser printer which allows six pages of text to be printed on both sides of one sheet of paper. Back issues are also available on one MS-DOS 3.5" or 5.25" high density disk (please specify disk format when ordering). Prices are at cost and are subject to change: Canada $3.25 Cdn. for 5 issues / $2.75 Cdn. for back issues on disk United States $3.25 U.S. for 5 issues / $2.75 U.S. for back issues on disk International $5.00 U.S. for 5 issues / $4.00 U.S. for back issues on disk Please make a cheque or money order payable to Felix Ng and mail it to the postal address mentioned above. We are not responsible for cash lost or stolen in the mail. Issues are always mailed via first class. -= BtL moderators =- Myra Wong : mkwong@ucsd.edu mkwong@ucsd.bitnet Felix Ng : fng@acca.nmsu.edu =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= INTRO BY JAMES R. TWINE =- James R. Twine - New York City, New York (ujrt@sunyit.edu) May 1, 1995 Hello all... My name is James R. Twine. I am a 22 year old computer programmer, student, long time fan of Debbie Gibson, and pretty happy that I found alt.fan.debbie.gibson and this list. How long have I been a Debbie Gibson fan? Ever since I first heard _Out of the Blue_. I fell in love with her music at that point, and have never stopped loving it, although in the past, I used to be what you could call a "closet DG fan." I never told anyone, except a few close friends, that I was a fan of her music. But now everyone that knows me knows that I am a Die-Hard fan, and if they do not like it, they just have to deal with it. (Love me, love my Debbie Gibson albums!) To me, Debbie Gibson's music is more than just something to listen to, it is something to "feel." Much of the inspiration for some of my poetry (see my WWW homepage at http://xenon.info.sunyit.edu/) comes from her music, or should I say, the feelings that are inside her music. Without her music, I do not think that I ever would have thought about writing poetry, let alone sharing it with others. She is not afraid to share her feelings in her music, why should I be afraid to share mine in my poetry? My dream would be to one day meet her (although I suppose that dinner is out of the question!), and hand her both a rose, and one of the many poems that she has inspired. I think that such an event would make my life complete! One day, I will do this. Hmmm... I really cannot think of much else to say here... I plan to be active on this list, so there is a good chance that you all will be hearing from me. Glad to see that there are others out there that can appreciate the GREAT talents in Deborah Gibson. Peace... =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= MORE NEWS FROM AN EMI COLLEGE PROMO REP =- Eric Wong - New York (eqw6875@is.nyu.edu) May 2, 1995 The label been busy gearing up for all of our upcoming releases and, as you all know, I am so psyched about Deborah's release. Everything is going as planned and the creative art department is diligently working on the cover art. The label's working 150% (if not more) in making this album work. Rest assured that the promotion/marketing plans are coming along fine. I wanted to elaborate on one of the songs that Deborah performed in Nashville. "Let's Runaway" is one of my favorite songs on the upcoming album next to "Didn't Have The Heart" (my favorite), and yes, of course, the first single, "For Better Or Worse." "Let's Runaway" is the deepest, one of the most compelling songs Deborah has ever written in her career. It's about being in a relationship that may not be accepted in society, by one's family. by one's peers, leading to the suggestion of running away to place where they can be free. My favorite verse: "Imagine a place where pride could cease to exist. We cannot speak of pain And angels carry us on their wings We are kissed As we bathe in the pouring rain." WOW! Just humming the song to myself is getting me psyched. Plus the arrangements, just ENCHANTING. I must say that I've become more attached to this upcoming album than any of Deborah's previous releases. I'm not just saying this because I'm from the label, but because I'm also a fan - a fan of real music. Regarding Deborah's first single, it has been pushed back for a radio add date of June 26th. But don't fret, the album is still scheduled for a Fourth of July release. Before anyone gets crazy on me, understand that there are good reasons for this - though nothing I can disclose at the present time. However, I can tell you that certain key stations have received the first single and we may get some advance airplay. AC and mainstream radio stations will receive their copies shortly in June. Be patient, my friends! It will be worth the wait. And yes, there will be a video to accompany the first single. So, we are a matter of weeks before the first single is released. Get ready for a great summer of great music. Remember, we must all do our part to spread the word of Deborah release - that means calling up your local radio stations and requesting airplay when the first single hit the radio-waves. Eric Wong EMI Records Group D.G.I.F. #2506 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= D.G.I.F. ONLINE =- Debbie Gibson International Fan Club - Merrick, New York (DGIF@aol.com) May 3, 1995 I guess I was unprepared for the ton of mail that greets us at the D.G.I.F. emailbox everyday. I was warned, I must say that. So, I have to admit that when it got to be too much, I had to take a break to catch up on some other work. Unfortunately, that resulted in me taking a few week absence from reading my mail! Although I've skimmed through some of it, I haven't yet really gotten to all of it yet. So, for any of you out there waiting for a reply, my apologies. The latest news from D.G.I.F. is that the album _Think With Your Heart_ will be in the stores on July 4th. I can assure you that this is an extremely firm date. We do not expect that date to change under any circumstances. The single "For Better Or Worse" will be shipped to radio in mid-June with the radio stations receiving it by June 22. However, there will be no commercially-released cassette or CD single because the album will be in the stores so quickly after the release of the single. On the "D.G.I.F. Official Business" side, we have set up a D.G.I.F. Hotline which will be operational after May 8th. The phone number is 212-803-5425 and it's only a regular phone call, no additional charges. It will have the most updated information available on television and radio appearances, live performances, album release information, advance "sneak" previews of some of the songs on the album, and occasionally a personal greeting from Deborah. We wanted to find a way to make sure everyone can get the most current information 24 hours a day. Also, we can now also accept VISA, MC and AMEX for all memberships and purchases, so feel free to use the credit card of your choice. Deborah wanted me to let everyone know how much it meant to her that so many of you traveled from so far to see her performance in Nashville. Due to the success of her performance at Tin Pan South, more small acoustic live dates are being planned (included one in NYC in May). Some will be open to fans by invitation/lottery drawing only, some will be first come first serve advance reservations. Additional appearances around the country are being planned as well. More information to come as it's available. The D.G.I.F. issues schedule is as follows: - Vol. VII, No. 1 will be mailed May 22nd. It will be an 8 page newsletter. All those who upgraded to deluxe will have it mailed first class. In addition, deluxe members will have their buttons shipped with this issue. The color photos are not ready yet and will ship with... - Vol. VII, No. 2 will be a 16 page color magazine and will be mailed 7/95. - Vol. VII, No. 3 will be a newsletter and mailed 10/95. - Vol. VII, No. 4 will be a year-end color magazine and be mailed 12/95. Those dates may change slightly and you will be notified of the date they go in the mail via Electric News, or you can check the D.G.I.F. Hotline. Karen/D.G.I.F. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= TIN PAN SOUTH WITH DEBORAH =- Mike Falkner - Milwaukee, Wisconsin (mfalkner@csd.uwm.edu) April 29, 1995 GIBSON PULLS A ROYAL FLUSH AT THE ACE OF CLUBS When I received word from Karen Gibson through the D.G.I.F. Internet feed that Deborah was going to be performing at Tin Pan South in Nashville, I was very, very excited. Needless to say, I, in a sense, wanted to redeem myself after my comedy of errors at Oheka Castle [which you can read about in BtL 6.4]. Moreover, I had a lot of personal doubts to answer about Deborah, after hearing the reports of her doing punk backing vocals and the like. Without much qualification, any doubts I had concerning Deborah herself were absolutely destroyed after seeing her in Nashville on April the 19th. Deborah Gibson is still for real, she still can put out good music, and she looks so mature without having to resort to Madonna-esque sexual stunts or to rhythm and blues co-writers. Deborah Gibson is herself again, and thank God for that!! How did I come to that conclusion?? Here's a report on my spring vacation to see Deborah: I was, of course, very excited as the bus was pulling, finally, into Nashville, knowing how much Karen has done for us to get ready for this. [Karen had posted an original message about the concert, and, in the days preceding the show, had posted no less than four updates regarding how, when, and where they were trying to set up for us to meet-and-greet Deborah in Nashville.] I was hoping to see old friends and make new ones. I finally got my suitcase out of the bus, and was immediately met by Sean McAllister, who himself had to have been on top of the world. He relayed to me the stories about how both the first and the second tours had scheduled stops in Nashville that were, for whatever reason, cancelled. So he's firmly decked out in his Electric Youth tour T-shirt, and ready for a fun couple of days. Knowing that we had had about 4-5 hours before I could check into my hotel, Sean decided to start showing me around the city, and we ended up going to his house to watch some sparsely-released videos that he and a friend had requested that I bring, including "Losin' Myself." I thought that Sean was basically agreeing with me on my opposition, at first watch. Later, however, when Sean, his friend Ernie, and I were having a conversation about Deborah later that night, it was apparent that he was more accepting of the video and the image than I was. Drivers beware: In this area, you take your life into your own hands when you go less than about 70 MPH in that area. I never thought I'd feel the sensation of going 80 MPH down the Interstate, and Debbie Gibson music blasting all the while -- not to mention about the same speeds in the backroads and the boondocks!! I was almost in Seventh Heaven, as far as that goes, except the speed was a bit disorienting... as well as the sharp turns that made it seem like we were in a demolition derby and not on a U.S. Interstate. We picked up his friend Ernie at his school and went out for pizza. It was just so funny that we would talk about Deborah, how she related to us, and just how unusual it was for us to go about doing all this -- it's not every day you meet some of her fans and are able to sit down and have fun. At that point, I began sightseeing. I went to the Country Music Hall of Fame and also saw a pretty large songwriters' exhibit in there. We then went to RCA's world-famous Studio B, where Elvis would often go into all-night recording sessions. >From then, it was time to check in to my hotel, and then we were off to see the Opryland Hotel and as much of Opryland, USA as we could. The amusement park was not open during the week yet, but areas of the grounds were, including the Grand Old Opry and other such areas, so I got some more pictures. One highlight of that area, for me, was the immense Opryland Hotel. The Opryland Hotel has to be one of the most extravagant hotels on the face of the planet, which caused me to scoff that they'd try to turn the whole city into a hotel if they could. The bus ride and the humid temperatures in the 80's having taken a toll on me, I went back to the hotel, took a nap, and had an interesting three-hour talk with Sean and Ernie on the phone about Deborah, life, and the meaning of it all, as Tuesday drew to a close. Wednesday morning had us getting up early, as Sean was rather convinced that Deborah was staying at the Loews' Vanderbilt hotel, where Karen had stated that the meet-and-greet was going to take place. Little did we know until the concert, that Deborah had not even been in Nashville until the day of the show. Just then, I had turned on the television and was notified about the tragedy in Oklahoma City, and was just concerned about things of that nature. [In fact, the next day, several bomb threats were right near my hotel in Nashville, but, thankfully, no real threat.] Sean picked me up at the hotel and we went shopping at various malls and record stores in the greater Nashville area. We tried to find him the London Grease soundtrack [we failed], as well as a teddy bear and perhaps some other gifts. By about 2:30, Sean had a THREE FOOT teddy bear, and we each bought a dozen roses for dear Deborah, and we headed back to my hotel to prepare for the meet-and-greet. We got back to the hotel room and changed, showered, and so forth -- me driving Sean, at least, nuts, if not Ernie and/or half the rest of the hotel, by playing Big Ben, telling him the time and how close 5:30 was. Finally, it got to 4:45, the time I wanted to get out and go from there. We were considering a plot, thinking that Deborah had been at that hotel where the meet was planned to have been held, to blast the car speakers full of Debbie Gibson music as we drove by. We didn't, and a good thing, too -- Deb was just coming in on a plane from New York that day. [Although one must think of how Deborah would have felt if she had been in the penthouse suite of that hotel as we were blasting her music in the parking lot 15 stories below.] So, we got to the Vanderbilt about 5:00 P.M. Sean had a camcorder, his bear, his dozen roses, etc. I had my dozen roses and my gifts [more on those later]. At that point, in came more fans. Amanda and Robert and Ron and others. One could tell Robert was a serious fan -- he was wearing a Body Mind Soul T-shirt to make sure that he was noticed as a Deborah fan. So we struck up general conversation. A lot of people gave me funny looks when I introduce myself [I must be making an impression with these posts and articles! *grin*], and we just continued to talk about Deborah, our respective histories of when we became fans, and when/if we had met her before. 5:20 passed, and then 5:30. Some of us got a bit concerned. [The meet-and- greet had been scheduled for 5:30.] Of course, if we had had the opportunity to read Electric News, we would've realized that the plans had, yet again, changed. Finally, about 20 to 6, one of the fans in our group called the GMI phone number as Karen had instructed and found out that Deborah would meet us at the Ace of Clubs upon her set's completion. I needed to have that explained to me no less than four times before I got the foggiest idea of what we were to do next! So we all pick up our stuff and haul ourselves to our respective cars and drivers, and head off to the Ace of Clubs. I think I counted that at least two people wanted Sean's teddy bear as we drove from the hotel to the Ace, and at least one woman wanted my roses [other than the mom of one of the fans in attendance]. It's just amusing to be in a busy city intersection and having a discussion with a woman in the next car waiting at the stop light. She wanted the bear! We also saw this very flirtatious waitress at the club who seemed like she was having a great time. About 6:15, we got to First Avenue and Broadway, and found various parking places in the area, and proceed to the Ace of Clubs. I tell you, this is not the kind of club you want to catch yourself in if you want to remain safe. It's a dark club, but we were excited as we stand in line and wait to get in. We actually had to go around the building from where we got off the main street going past it, go into an alley, and turn to what seems to be the back of the club. So we all got into the club, and we're early enough so that we can get VERY good seats. We were about the third row back, and we took up the whole row, in the middle. We're all extremely excited, as we knew that Deborah would probably debut some new songs from the new album here. So I was standing there, and the place was a wooden barn, basically, converted into a bar. I guess that's what they have to get the males excited when the go-go dancers dance at that club a couple nights a week. There are two levels of seating, the upper one protected with a chain link fence. The stage has the prerequisite piano [this being "Piano Night"] and a synthesizer. Seating was sort of "catch-as-catch-can". There were a few reserved tables, but mostly bar stools and stand-up tables in the lower level. The color is basic black. Some lights, but, again, not the most well-lit place on the planet. Tony Bennett music was playing in the background as people were filing in. The seats on the bottom level were full, and basically, we only had to wait for the traffic to subside so all the celebs could get there. As we would find out later in a USA TODAY article, Deborah was also late, as she had gotten a great idea for a possible new song, so she had to write it down. So if you hear about something that she wrote about in Nashville, who knows? She might have had us on her mind!! [Probably not, but I can dream!!] This concert was much more informal than I had imagined. They didn't even check for identification, which was implied since the club is a 21-and-up club [a good thing, for at least a couple of the Deb-fans in attendance were underage], and no one blinked when we were trucking in our gifts and such. Cameras were plentiful, as several of us had flashes going off. Out of deference to the performers, I decided not to use my flash. After two good opening acts [a very good young songwriter, and the writer of "Rhinestone Cowboy"], Deborah was the third performer of the night, at about 8:15. The director of Tin Pan South came out and gave a glowing resume of Deborah's work. [ONE GLARING ERROR -- Where did AIP go top ten???] Anyway, she was very happy to have Deb there -- Deb was asked by the people at TPS to perform here, and then the director made mention of that a lot of people were here to see her [and we were, of course!], and was especially happy for the presence of some fans in the front, of which I believe BtL'er Jeff Tharp was one of them. Deborah was wearing a full-length strapped black dress. When she was introduced, she walked out, smiled, waved to the crowd, sat down and started to sing. By the time she finished about 35 minutes later, she had done seven songs, five of which off the new album, and four of those being brand new songs. And now, for what I think most, if not all, of you have been waiting for... details on the new songs. FOR BETTER OR WORSE She started it off with the first single, and I can concur with Karen as to how one can be knocked out with this song. It is such a beautiful song, one of ultimate love -- one that states that even through "life's blessing, life's curse, for better or worse, I'll be there for you." [I hope I got the lyrics right.] The last verse is especially powerful, stating that that love even goes to death in that "May God take me first, for better or worse..." Anyway, it was just Deb and the piano for all seven songs, and I can't mind telling you that she was simply radiant up there. It's a simple-sounding ballad, with a very deep theme of a love that will never die. Deborah shows how her theatre training and the time and caring of a group of people that may actually want her music to succeed for the first time in a while will do for her. It seemed so perfect to have her singing like that up there. The song was so beautiful. You will love it. [Side comment, since it is the first single: I am now convinced that if the DJ's give this song a chance, it WILL hit. Now, to some people who are convinced _Think With Your Heart_ will not flop, you still have to convince me that the people in radio and airplay will take her and this music seriously and give her a chance. But if they do, this song is so beautiful, Deborah WILL NOT BE DENIED.] Deborah then remarked about how some people can be so rude [an airplane passenger yelled "MOVE!!" at Deborah as she was getting off the plane], while others can be so positive [while Deborah was getting some honey for her throat at a store, she struck up some smalltalk with a person who was not feeling just O.K., but "FANTASTIC!" which Deborah felt really good about]. She then went into a song that she decided to do at this show while at home over the preceding weekend: DIDN'T HAVE THE HEART Another lovely piano ballad. Just a wonderful song that gives us an indication of the new-found power that Deborah has in her voice, and in her lyrics. I guess it was during that song that I just kinda went to goo for a moment, since I can't remember much about it except it was very, very good. [Sorry, guys.] I just get the feeling that the whole album of ballads is going to be one beautiful song after another after another after another. And then, a bit of a talk with the people assembled before continuing into a John Berry-recorded song that may really have in its title words that we tell Deborah all the time... YOUR LOVE AMAZES ME [To Deborah: And it does, too.] First, Deborah spoke with us about how she got into being a fan of country music. Turns out Diane got Deb tickets to see Garth Brooks during a break in Grease, and Deborah reacted to Diane like I react to Deborah about the news about her doing punk backing vocals -- that is, not very positively. Diane convinced Deborah to go, and Deb became hooked on country music at that concert, and the rest is history. This was her motivation to do one country-written song and she sang it so beautifully. [This song is just one for Nashville -- it won't be on the album.] After that, Deborah had some fun with another song off the new album, entitled: TOO FANCY DEBORAH, I AM _IN LOVE_ WITH THIS SONG!!! I mean, here's a song, as we've speculated, that is so Deborah, and Deborah goes to the lengths to provide for an interesting and fun song. Imagine a light, bouncy, and even a bit of a showwoman's flair on it as well. It's a song about how Deborah would disdain the money and the jewels, and just go for the "quirky" sorts of guys, like we all know that she will. There's hope for guys like me yet. Deborah's fans are going to fall all over themselves for this one. It's a feel-good, top-tapping, finger-snapping good time. She even exudes a lot of energy performing the song. I think this is the "cabaret-style" song, as Deb just exuded fun, as she finished it with a full sweep of the keys and a broad smile. This song is so kicky! You will love it. I still don't think I've completely lost the melody line, it's just so bouncy and fun and .... Just you wait... This, I think, will be one of the favorites off the new album. Then, a song Deborah can perform forever and still not have us get tired of [as well as the only previously released song that she did in the show]: LOST IN YOUR EYES One comment about vocal power: She can just nail that forte high note in the final verse rather than having to trail off of it like she has done before in concert. Deborah's power has grown tremendously, and the combination of that with the depth of lyrics that she has on her new material will take her far if the radio people let her. She just has a wonderful voice, and it showed even with this Deb-classic. LET'S RUNAWAY I think that's the title, but I don't know. Another solidly beautiful Gibson ballad, with a message for all those who wish to play games with her -- something she is convinced will not work. Another song where her new-found vocal power is just mind-boggling. She then did WILL YOU LOVE ME TOMORROW? to wrap it up. At that point, she stepped to the front of the piano, and shielded her eyes so she could see the crowd, and then went off the stage to the back. Then we made our move in the same general direction, as it was now time for us to get ready to meet Deborah. We lined up parallel, and right next to, the bar. The show continued unabated, and we apologize if we seemed rude, for anyone who was there and thought we might have been. One funny thing happened while we were waiting: An obvious country fan turned to me and asked, "You gettin' married or something?" I, of course, said, "No." He said, "Well, those roses are awful serious." Without batting an eyelash, I returned, "We're serious fans!" No further comment from the man who had asked me the question. Basically, we were still pretty confused about just what form this meet-and- greet was going to take. We kept asking each other if this was the front or the back of the club, and we still were not sure. I was about 18th in a line of about 20 when we were originally set up. Diane was now vigilantly guarding the door to the backstage area where Deborah was, and the director of TPS was trying to do logistics on the fly. Diane looked absolutely smashing in her yellow and black outfit. How she still looks as good as she is at her age is beyond even me. [Sidenote: If anyone can tell this to the people at TPS, THANK YOU!! You don't know how much it not only meant to us to hear her, but how much your work was appreciated!] Anyway, we waited about 5-10 minutes, and then the line inverted itself, apparently at the instruction of Diane or someone with authority. The people in front were walking toward the opposite end of the club. I followed them, and we went outside, and around to the back of the club, where the stage door was. Meeting us there was the only security person in the place. Think Sinbad [the comedian] plus 100 pounds of solid muscle. Anyway, I must say that he was one of the kindest security people I've ever seen. This man had a lot of respect for the fans, as well as that he knew his job as well. He just basically went through the "Keep the line moving orderly -- get the picture -- tell her you love her" spiel, and then added at the end "Don't maul her," which I found amusing, given some of the heated exchanges on the AIP mailing list that I had had with other fans just preceding my trip. I must say that the security guy was respectful of us, while mindful of his job. We can only hope that security continues to be as conciliatory as Deborah tours the country for promotion, and, God willing, a full-scale concert tour. No sign of anyone like Mike Portnoy or the like around. Several minutes later, out came Deborah and Diane, and the first four people in line came out and got group and individual shots. After handing my camera to the mom of one of the fans who went [and ensuring that she knew which way to shoot it *grin -- inside joke*], I waited my turn nervously... Then, it was time. And this time, I DID NOT FREEZE!! Basically, I went up to her, gave her the roses first, and we started talking. I told her something I've said to the list a zillion times -- and am even more sure of it now -- that if the radio people give her music a chance, it WILL hit. I then said hello to Diane and we exchanged a couple words, and then Deborah and I got a straight picture -- and she even put her arm around me too, and lightly pressed her hand on my back. *sigh* *near-faint* Let's just say her smile and that light touch sent me beyond seventh Heaven. Then some funny things happened. I wanted to get a picture of myself, Deborah, and Diane together. I think this must've been the first time a fan has ever put Diane on somewhat of the defensive. I mean, guys, Diane is gorgeous for her age. And Deb's looking at her mother as if to really think it would be a good idea -- except that Diane just begged off politely and insisted that she not, drawing Deborah to say to me that Diane is camera-shy like that at home as well. I later remark after meeting Deborah to another fan that it's a shame that someone as attractive as Diane is so camera-shy. I gave Deborah a dozen roses, a Cupid doll, a card, a letter from another fan who could not make it to the concert that night, and a gift that did get Deborah's attention: A New York Times Crossword Companion -- a roll of 48 Times puzzles. Deborah remarked with a BIG smile, "Mom, you have to see this... This is too funny!" Then, Deborah related to me that when she was on the plane coming down, she was working on a New York Times crossword puzzle, and then couldn't finish it, but seemed very pleased with the gift. Deborah even went so far as to ask if I was on her plane as she came down. [The answer to that question is no, since I took a Greyhound bus.] That left me thinking that if I were on her plane, she would probably have had no time to do any such crosswords. She ended up signing my TPS program, "Thanx for all the _stuff_!" with her signature and a heart [for love, of course]. It seems she's perfected that she can do the heart and her signature without raising the pen off the paper. She forgot my first name [remarking that she was so bad with names and faces], and so I told it to her. She seems to remember that we DID meet before, though. One of the funniest things that happened was when I gave her a clue to remember who I was by. I said to her, "Think a Renegade" (for my Internet moniker, The Electric Youth Renegade). I'm now convinced that Deborah and Diane DO get some of the messages relayed to them from the lists, as Deborah seemed to remember, and Diane DEFINITELY remembered. The only time outside of the Internet that I did that was once for the pen pal section of the D.G.I.F. bonus issue that just came out, and I don't think they would've seen that and remembered it as clearly as Diane appeared to. I replied to Deborah and Diane with something to the effect that there are times when we must do what we must do to get our opinions out there and stand up for what we believe. Deborah seemed to understand, and that's all I needed to know. She doesn't have to agree with me. All I ask is what I felt from her, the vibe that she understands where I'm coming from. That convinced me that Deborah and Diane DO get information from the Internet lists through Karen -- a very heartening sign for all of us. One of the funniest things that I remember about it was that, by the time we all were done, the security guard had to get one of those U.S. Mail canisters that mail is bulked into [about 3 x 2 x 1 foot] to put all our stuff in. Basically, I made the suggestion to the AIP mailing list afterwards that anyone who meets her multiple times during this part of her career should give Deborah charity donations, like to the D.G.I.F. charity fund, should and when we meet her again. With that, it was time for me to let the next person get her turn, but then I remembered something as I chatted up with other fans who were finished with their meets, so I waited for when the Gibsons were just about to leave, and I said to Diane and Deborah to send my regards to Karen, because her presence on the Internet has helped us astronomically. Deb's face lit up at that, and Diane told me that I should make sure that I bug her every once in a while to keep her honest. I told Diane that I was not sure that she should give me that kind of creative license to do so, since I can bug Karen quite well. Diane's response?? Words to the effect of "You seem to have that kind of vibe about you." (To Diane: Ow. Let me take out that knife you put in my back.) With that, I got in Amanda's jeep and we sped off back to my hotel. Amanda and I had a fun conversation on the way back, and I gave a happy scream as I re-entered the hotel, and celebrated with a big fast food meal at a West End Avenue burger joint as Amanda went to her hotel. I slept like a child that night. I was extremely happy, and thanked God and Deborah for their love. Thursday was rather non-descript. I went to get the concert pictures developed, and found there to be no pictures of the concert itself, since I had refused to use the flash out of deference to Deborah. [Others did, and did get pictures, but I got the one I wanted -- the one with Deb outside.] It could've been worse, until the person looked at me and said I had only gotten seven pictures. At that point, I KNEW which seven, and the one with Deborah and I together looks just divine. As soon as I can get that properly converted, I'm putting that on my homepage on the World Wide Web! While I was waiting for that, I decided to go across the street from the Country Music Hall of Fame and get into a karaoke place. It was hilarious. Of course, they pipe the music so everyone within two square blocks can hear you make a fool out of yourself. Of course, I chose "Electric Youth" as my selection. Much to my dismay, the lyrics on the aid sheet looked like they were transcribed by Weird Al Yankovic!! I mean, instead of, "Don't underestimate the power of a lifetime ahead", I think the line on there was "Don't underestimate the power of the light down her hair"!!! Some of the words were missing, half the words were wrong, and, of course, the aiding voice was going by the incorrect words. Needless to say, I ignored the sheet entirely. Not to mention that I screwed up myself, putting the second chorus' "future in the hands of itself" in the first chorus. Also, they didn't use Deb's cut -- at least the music was true, although the "aiding voice" you got wasn't even close!! At least she had some spunk to it. I gave a passable rendition, but not that great. Basically, anyone that wants to hear that tape is a glutton for punishment. Some final thoughts, in the form of thanks... -- First, to Sean and Ernie for an entertaining time with them, even if I have Sean's cologne, he has my compilation tape and my other camera... -- To the people of Tin Pan South. I'm sure when the director met Deborah and called her to do the Piano Night, I'm sure they had no clue as to what was going to happen with respect to having 20 fans come from as far away as at least the Twin Cities to see her. I'm sure they had no idea of the can of worms that they had opened, but they worked with us, acknowledged our presence before Deborah came out *grin*, and were obviously very happy to have us there. Bring her back in the future, and you know we'll probably be back for more!! -- To Karen. This is the first time that Karen has been able to use the D.G.I.F. Net Access to notify us of a performance, and I can say without qualification that it went well. We were able to take information and get it out to people that needed to have it. Karen, thanks a million. *hug!* -- Me personally, to Myra. I wouldn't have known about the change in the meet schedule if Myra had not notified Sean to get a hold of me. Thanks, Myra. *hugs* -- To all the other fans I met. Amanda, let's try and get together again! You're a great sport... Robert, thanks for a lot of fun. Ron, thanks for the company -- I know you think I'm nuts, but that's only natural for people who don't understand where I am coming from. -- To Diane, for being a good sport herself! *hugs!* I never realized that you had a more human side to you, even and especially when you are around the fans. Your concerns when we meet with Deborah are very valid, not only from a professional sense, but also from the fact that you love her as your daughter as well. One of the reasons that I'm sure many people on this list think I am at least a bit crazy is that I would not mind meeting Diane at all... I see Diane as a very nice person, actually... One of the things that really warmed my heart further to her is when one of the first fans [probably a first-timer] went up and embraced Deborah to close her meeting Deb, and then the fan walked over to Diane and hugged her too. I don't think they'd ever allow me to do that, honestly. Deb, maybe. Diane, I don't think so. But Diane is one classy woman to go along with those great looks and that great wisdom of hers. -- Finally, to Deborah herself: *BIG HUG* What more can I say that I didn't say in the meet? [Other than what I've said in this article already about your response to those crosswords... =) ] The music itself is absolutely smashing. Realize, however, that that's not enough in today's music industry... And that's what I told you there. You have restored my faith a bit -- but some concerns do remain, about how what you can do can have a negative PR effect, and that people may still scoff at your work, even if it is the best yet. Given what I've heard about the marketing of the album so far, I also wonder if people outside the fan base are going to find out that your material is out there. But the music is coming from your heart, and that's the most heartening sign of all. Well, that's it for Tin Pan South. I am basically waiting with baited breath for the new album and single, as we get into the month of May. There are still a lot of concerns that I have regarding the new material and how it will be received: -- about how the DJ's and PD's and MD's might still have those "preconceived notions" of Deborah that will prevent her music from getting a fair chance. -- with her work with the likes of the Circle Jerks not allowing her to get the respect that songs like the ones she did in Nashville would have her deserve. -- and just worrying about the future, especially if the new album does not do very well. But one thing I do know: If all happens as we hope it to, this album will hit and hit big. Deborah has put so much of her love into the project, it's unbelievable. You can see that not only in her music, but in meeting her as well. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEBWATCH =- Here's a summary of significant television appearances shown since that last issue of BtL. 05/07/95 : HOLLYWOOD MOMS (E!) A six minute segment ("the gibson girls") featured Deborah and Diane Gibson working out in a gym, followed by a bite to eat at a cafe where Diane convinced Deborah to try lentils again after ten years. They talked about working out, being a "supermom," and motherly advice (jumping into things with two feet, the men Deborah date, and fashion advice). This segment, which included a portion of Deborah's interview with E! from 1990, begins 19 minutes into this hour long program. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CLOSING REMARKS =- "Hollywood Moms" airs again on E! on Sunday, May 14th at 2:00 P.M. Eastern Time. Don't forget! This year we are holding a contest for best article, as was first done in 1990 (Volume 2). During the summer, the current BtL moderators will select the best article(s) so far in Volume 7 (before the release of the fifth album). The same will be done at the end of the year. The winning authors will win a prize. Submit your articles now! For those of you who do not have e-mail access over the summer, don't forget that BtL is available via postal mail. Please see the administrative notes for subscription information. BtL 7.6 will be released in late May or early June depending upon the amount of submissions received within the next few weeks.