=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= B E T W E E N T H E L I N E S [tm] Volume 7, Issue 16 - October 20, 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 ANDREA SOUDERS - Andrea Souders INTRO BY MELISSA FOSSEEN - Melissa Fosseen INTRO BY BRANDON FOX - Brandon Fox REVIEW OF D.G.I.F. VOL. VII NO. 2 - Myra Wong AN ENGLISHMAN IN L.A. - James Minter 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, GMI Entertainment, Inc., 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 Deborah Ann's Music (ASCAP) or 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@btl.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 Felix Ng : fng@btl.org =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= INTRO BY ANDREA SOUDERS =- Andrea Souders - Ketchikan, Alaska (fulg70a@prodigy.com) September 12, 1995 Hi everyone! My name is Andrea and I am 25 years old. I live in Ketchikan, Alaska, which just so happens to be on an island. I have been a fan of Deborah's since I first heard "Only In My Dreams" back in late 1987. I was living in Albany, Oregon when I had first heard the song. I remember the day I heard it, I was getting ready for school (my senior year) and I was listening to the radio when the song came on. I really liked the song and wondered who it was by. Well, when the DJ came on, he said the song was by a 17 year old girl named Debbie Gibson, where she was from, and that she wrote and co-produced/produced her own songs. I don't remember word for word what the DJ said about her, but I just remember being so blown away that this girl was the same age as me. After I found out that this Debbie Gibson had just come out with an album called _Out Of The Blue_, I just had to get it. Not too long after hearing "Only In My Dreams," I had been up in Vancouver, Washington at the Vancouver Mall, I found the album and bought it. When I got home that day, I popped the tape into my stereo and became a fan instantly. I constantly played that tape and memorized all the songs, loving every single one of them! After the _Electric Youth_ album came out in 1989, I snatched it up right away. It was that year, in April, that I became a member of D.G.I.F, and I have been a loyal member ever since, and I have no complaints. Over the next few years I added all of Deborah's albums to my collection. When _Anything Is Possible_ came out in 1990, I had been living in Gresham, Oregon. When _Body Mind Soul_ came out, I was living in San Francisco. I moved up here to Alaska the same day that _Think With Your Heart_ came out. As you can see, I move around a lot. I really love Deb's new album _Think With Your Heart_! My way of describing the album is that it is truly beautiful, touching, and romantic. It's the best yet. I've been having trouble picking my favorite songs, because I love them all. I love all the previous albums too, but I never had a problem picking my favorites from those. I sure wish that I could have seen Deb on her promotional tour during these past couple of months. I've never seen her in concert, and know that I have really missed out. I have been struggling with the fact that I might never have the opportunity to see her in concert. I know I'll never see her here because Alaska is a place that she doesn't tour to. I feel so unfortunate. I wish that just once she would come to Alaska and do a concert. Well, I can say that I have had the wonderful chance of meeting Deb. This was back when I was living in Oregon. The day was March 17, 1991 (St. Patrick's Day), and Deborah was to be appearing in the St. Patrick's Day parade. It took place in Portland, Oregon. I waited impatiently for the chance to see her (I was at the very end of the parade). I was so excited when I finally saw her. She was riding on the back of a red Pontiac convertible. She had her dog, Kringle, with her, along with her sister, Karen, and some guy who I guessed was a bodyguard. I followed along as the car went by, taking a picture every now and then. When the car finally stopped for her to sign autographs, I nervously went up to her and handed her my autograph book for her to sign. I told her that I was in her fan club, and that she and I were the same age. I know that was probably a dull thing to say to Deb, but she smiled at me and said, "Oh cool." She handed me back my autograph book, signed a few more autographs, then hopped into a limo, and off she went. Even though the time meeting her was short, it's a moment I'll never forget. If I am ever lucky enough to meet her again, I'll make sure I won't say anything corny, but who knows if the opportunity will ever come about during the time that I'm living here in Alaska. Well, I guess I've bored you all enough now so I'll end here. But before I do, I just have a couple of things to say, and that is to our dear Deborah Gibson. ** Deborah---If you ever get to read this, I just want you to know that I love your new album _Think With Your Heart_, along with your four other albums. I will always remain a loyal fan. I hope you will always keep writing and performing such beautiful music. I hope I will have the opportunity to attend one of your concerts in the future, and meet you again. And I promise to say something more interesting than what I said to you when I met you a few years ago. Thanks for being such a sweet and friendly person. I wish you all the best with your new album, and all the best in the future. You're absolutely the greatest!!!!! ** Okay, I will now end my intro here. If any of you loyal fans ever want to write, you can always email me, and we can chat about Deb, our Debbie merchandise collections, or whatever else you want to talk about. I'll be waiting. Signed....."Sleepless in Ketchikan" (well... almost, but not quite) Andrea Souders =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= INTRO BY MELISSA FOSSEEN =- Melissa Fosseen - Fargo, North Dakota (fosseen@plains.nodak.edu) September 15, 1995 I am not your typical music fan. I do not own a load of memorabilia, nor do I care to. In fact, I never owned a Debbie Gibson album until April of this year. I listened to her only when she was on the radio or on the video stations. My brother was the avid fan and that was all right with me. I did manage to see one of her shows in Minneapolis. It was her Electric Youth tour. I thought it was neat and then went back home and forgot about it...that is until this spring. I bought her first two albums at garage sales and ended up listening to them constantly. I had never heard such depth in lyrics before and was intrigued as to how I could have missed out on this for the last 6-8 years. As soon as I could I went to a music store and found the other two albums, _Anything Is Possible_ and _Body Mind Soul_. Some of the songs I heard raged through me with more power than I thought possible. I was also saddened at the fact that there were no more to buy and experience. Then to my utmost suprise, my brother told me she had a new one, and that he had bought it. I listened to it right away and have listened to nothing else since. She has created some musical masterpieces over the last 10 years, and I am grateful. I would like to share my top list of DG favorites...if it is truly possible to have favorites. From top to bottom... 1. "Let's Run Away" (_Think With Your Heart_) Debbie takes me higher than anything else could ever take me. The music and lyrics are like a wonderful journey created for every listener. She grasps all the emotion and energy that could be consumed in just a few moments and makes it last past the last strains of music. I love it! 2. "Shock Your Mama" (_Body Mind Soul_) I like the idea of giving others an impression of what you are, and then totally shocking them out of their mind. The part about this song I find the best is the rap...she can do it all and leave none wanting. 3. "Losin' Myself" (_Body Mind Soul_) This is an expression of her vocal ability that never ceases to amaze me. She begins with a sultry, sexy voice and carries it to a force of amazement in another octave. The lyrics are strong and bold and wonderfully descriptive. 4. "Electric Youth" (_Electric Youth_) This upbeat little ditty is a great pick of her greatest hits. It combines power and meaning with a catchy tune. The idea behind the song is that youth are important. This one should be a theme song for all youth out there. 5. "Foolish Beat" (_Out of the Blue_) This is a heart wrenching song about giving up something you wish you could have back. A true to life situation. But the greatest thing about this song is the sax solo. As a sax player, I appreciate this song more for the music than the lyrics...though there is absolutely nothing wrong with them either. 6. "In His Mind" (_Anything Is Possible_) How many times have I tried to figure out what someone else is thinking that they just won't say? This is true to life, imaginative, and beautiful. I love the instruments at the beginning that really set the song up as one of tragedy in the making. Debbie is one in a million and I hope she can continue to reach out to all of us who really care to hear her. I love her for her music and what that has meant to me. She has a gift for writing and singing that would be difficult to match. Even if popular opinion were against me, I would say she is one of the best artists I have ever heard or hope to hear again. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= INTRO BY BRANDON FOX =- Brandon Fox - Santa Barbara, California (ufoxb00@mcl.ucsb.edu) October 10, 1995 Hi! I guess since this is an intro, I should introduce myself. My name is Brandon Fox. I'm a 21 year old business-economics major at U.C. Santa Barbara. I've been a MAJOR Deb fan for quite awhile now. I recently got to see her live on "The Mike And Maty Show," and at the House of Blues. As you all probably know, she is beyond awesome live. Seeing how this was the first time seeing her in person, I was overwhelmed. I also got a chance to meet her after the HOB concert which was one of the biggest thrills of my life. I've always admired and looked up to Deborah. She's had a tremendous influence on my life. I've really never looked up to "superstars," (I think real heroes are all around us and go unnoticed and unappreciated) but for some reason Deborah's positive energy and attitude seemed to "click" with me. She's been a very positive role-model in my life and I feel I owe a lot to her. Not only is she such an awesome person but I feel her music is the best out there. I don't know if the critics were listening to the same album as me when they reviewed _Think With Your Heart_, by far my favorite album of all-time. I guess it's just like any other prejudice, if you have your mind made up about something, and look hard enough, you can find fault with anything. You really have to listen without prejudice and with an open mind, and I think that most people aren't willing to do that. Anyway, I don't want to get started on that subject, I could write for pages. Well, speaking of long drawn out soliloquies, this message is getting quite lengthy. If anyone would like to talk about Deborah, her music, or just anything e-mail me. If you'd like you can write me the old fashioned way at: Brandon Fox Box 12469, UCSB Santa Barbara, CA 93107 P.S. - Yes, I really am a college student, I just couldn't stay awake during English and Grammar. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= REVIEW OF D.G.I.F. VOL. VII NO. 2 =- Myra Wong - San Diego, California (mkwong@ucsd.edu) October 7, 1995 D.G.I.F. 7.2 is the first full size magazine since the fan club switched to two newsletters and two magazines per year with D.G.I.F. 6.2. Although this issue was going to coincide with the July release of _Think With Your Heart_, this full color production was well worth the wait. It barely even resembles a typical D.G.I.F. magazine. Absent are the Fan Interview/Question & Answers section, pen pal listing, photos and stories of fans meeting Deb, and most noticeably, the D.G.I.F. logo and volume/issue number on the front cover. Even the latest merchandise offer was printed on a separate white sheet. It is obvious from the quality and content of this issue that it will double as a promotional vehicle for _Think With Your Heart_. Front: Deborah, with her eyes closed and a dreamy smile, is sitting at a Cover: black grand piano, in the same position as the picture in the middle of the TWYH CD booklet. She's wearing black, with black & white striped sleeves, and the background is a soft blue. The new Debbie Gibson logo is in gold at the bottom. Page 2: A full length shot of Deborah in a sleeveless white top, and a red/ pink/white floor length skirt. She's at a white railing that's overlooking the water, with possibly a bridge overhead. She has a knowing look on her face. The text begins with a beautiful quote about music from Deborah: I feel that the word "soulful" doesn't apply to any one kind of music or the range of the singer or anything you can put your finger on. Instead it is the feeling that the performer is truly opening up, peeling back the layers and letting the audience have a glimpse of what's inside. So often in love we analyze out of fear of being hurt, this pulling back from something that is as real as we thought it was in the first place. _Think With Your Heart_'s eleven song titles are listed beneath the album title. Each song from the new album is featured on its own page with the story behind each, a lyrical excerpt, along with a photo of Deborah. Page 3: For Better or Worse Deborah talks about how the song that turned out to be the first single was recorded at the last minute. The picture of Deborah at the piano is similar to the CD booklet one, only her head is upright. Page 4: Didn't Have The Heart This was one of the earliest written songs on the album, from early 1993 when Deborah was rehearsing for Grease. She says it's written from personal experience. To me, it sounds like her struggle with maintaining a long distance relationship with Kevin Wright, her boyfriend at that time who she had met while they were both in Les Miserables. The photo is of a pensive Deborah with her arms around herself and her eyes closed. Page 5: Will You Love Me Tomorrow? Deborah explains her passion for this song, and her interpretations of it for this day and age. The photo is a close-up of a very contemplative Deborah; she's running her left hand through her hair, and looking down. (This is the picture used for the exclusive 24"x36" poster offered.) I especially love how these first four pages have perfect color matching, from Deborah's outfits, to the text, and selected backgrounds; Page 2 in pink, 3 in lavender, 4: blue on white, and page 5: earthtones. Page 6: Dancin' In My Mind This summer romance song is "about cherishing every moment... because sometimes the memories are all you're left with." She wrote this on songwriting trip in Nashville. The featured picture is of Deborah with her eyes closed (probably thinking back to that summer). Page 7: Dontcha Want Me Now Deb has said that the summer of '94 was the first summer she had off from touring, recording and performing, in 8 years. Here she says she felt like a teenager, going country line dancing and flirting with a DJ there. The accompanying picture shows Deb with a strong but playfully mysterious smile to go along with her sexy black dress --just like the song! Page 8: The center spread is a large photo of the sheet music for "Too Fancy -Page 9: For Me" as arranged by Tony Visconti. It is surrounded by 17 small color photos of Deborah from her album photo shoots. On the left is a brief discography listing her hit singles, albums and videos. There is also an extensive listing of each albums' gold and platinum certifications from many countries around the world. On the right is a listing of "Special Events, Awards & Nominations..." including her two major stage roles. The very small administrative box is at the bottom right corner of the spread. Page 10: Can't Do It Alone The full page picture seems to be taken during the FBOW video shoot. She standing, leaning against the railing singing. The short write-up says that this song "is a mixture of emotions from various scenarios." On the Howard Stern show, Diane Gibson points to this song when asked about the break-up of her recent relationship. Page 11: Think With Your Heart Another full page picture, this time of Deb in a black pantsuit, as on page 2 of the CD booklet, but this time with most of her hair under a black beret. Here, in addition to the quote that appeared at the beginning of this issue, she talks about being true to herself each and every day, as well as recording this song in an old church turned studio. Page 12: Too Fancy Deb's wearing a black leather jacket and blue jeans, sitting on the same railing as on page 10, except she's got a big grin on her face! She explains where this song came from musically and lyrically, and also gives a humorous anecdote of her literally choosing courtside seats! Page 13: You Don't Have To See This is a medium close-up, and she's got her hair up in this picture (wearing the same as the previous page). I think her expression in this photo really reflects the song--a happy, caring face yet there's a vulnerable look in her eyes. Deb goes into how inspiring Nashville is for songwriting, which is where she wrote this song too. Page 14: Two Young Kids This story-telling song is about a couple's love that still burns bright after fifty years. Deborah says it was inspired by a couple in London, and also applies to her Grandparents. The picture on this page is a black and white wedding photo of a young couple. There is a small color inset of Deb and her current boyfriend Chris Bruno from the FBOW video shoot. Page 15: Let's Run Away In this brief explanation, Deborah talks about letting go of one's fear and taking a chance on love. This photo is similar to the one on the back of the CD case; she's trying to keep the wind from blowing her hair in her face. Back: The last picture is again from the FBOW video shoot, but this time it Cover: is of Deborah singing at and playing a black Baldwin piano, outside! Also enclosed... 1. "GREASE" Debbie Gibson as Rizzo Listing of dates, cities, and theatres for the U.S. Grease tour. 2. Deluxe Membership Renewal items - A 2"x3" color button/badge of a close-up facial picture of Deb. It is the same picture used as the front cover of the 1995 calendar. - A color 5"x7" postcard of the picture featured on the back of the TWYH CD case, next to the track listing. The back has D.G.I.F.'s address in the corner and the new Debbie Gibson logo at the bottom. - Autographed, beautiful color 8.5"x11" photo of Deborah at a piano, same picture in the middle of the CD booklet. The back of this photo is a lengthy, insightful press sheet of _Think With Your Heart_. All in all, this D.G.I.F. issue, especially with the extra deluxe "stuff" was great! It's amazing how much better this issue looks because they took full advantage of the color printing. The one thing that struck me out of this entire issue is the fact that the Assistant Editor, under Editor Karen Lampiasi, is Jennifer Mussi. For those who have carefully read past D.G.I.F. and BtL issues, you already know that Jen has been a devoted fan for quite some time now. I first met her during the Caboodles contest winners' weekend in Hollywood back in 1991. We've kept in touch on and off through the years and if ever there was a fan who was qualified for this job, it's her. She was editor of her high school newspaper, and is currently studying Journalism in college (and living in New York City doesn't hurt either). Congrats to Jennifer! I already look forward to the next issue of D.G.I.F. as well as the 1996 calendar which will be offered in December. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= AN ENGLISHMAN IN L.A. =- James Minter - Lancashire, England September 17, 1995 When I first heard that Deborah would be giving her first "full" concert for a couple of years, I just knew I had to be there!! O.K., great, I thought to myself, what a wonderful thing it would be to go, but, alas, as with all great plans, there were a number of "minor" problems: i. Finding out about the show just 13 days in advance ii. Lack of funds (Fortunately, I had some savings for my November trip to the States available, and my wages for August had recently been paid in to the bank.) iii. 6000 miles between myself and the House of Blues!!! Well, after making arrangements for i & ii, and getting a week off work, and saying my farewells to my friends ("YOU'RE GOING 6000 MILES TO SEE WHO?!?!" was a fairly typical reaction. Please note - I'll bring them round eventually!), it was then time to tackle problem three with the aid of the "cheapest" air ticket I could find. Saturday, August 26th --------------------- Up at 4:30 A.M. for a taxi to the train station, for the sixty minute train journey to Manchester airport. I checked in, sat at the gate - this is when I started to get really excited. For the first time I would actually be at one of Deborah's concerts - eight years is a very long wait indeed! Well after a very relaxing (NOT!) eight hour flight to Chicago and a painless transition through this gigantic airport, it was time for flight two. An easier 3 3/4 hour flight to LAX, flying over the New Mexico and Arizona desert, with its amazing mountainous scenery was a delight. (I could feel the Airmiles mounting up already!) After 21 hours in transit, I finally arrived at my Hollywood motel, tired, yet excited. Sunday, August 27th ------------------- After 12 hours of sleep, the time difference seemed to have left me, so it was time to explore the area. Not being a car driver, I was happy to be in a reasonably compact area, just 10 minutes from Farmers Market, and fifteen to the Beverly Center, where I got lost. Despite this, I found a record store where I managed to pick up both the cassette and CD of _Think With Your Heart_ (nice cover photo!). With these in hand, complete with my lunch, it was time to get back and listen to the new purchase. (The cassette is now already suffering from overplay!) Later that afternoon, I was picked up by Ray Wong, Myra Wong and Archie Medrano, and we went to dinner at a famous Beverly Hills diner (complete with $5 shakes noless!). We met up with Jennifer Yeko, Kazuto Okayasu and Shaun Stuart, and we set about having a getting-to-know-you session, plus a little fun. Ray managed to get the manager to play the video of "For Better Or Worse," which on *first* viewing, I thought was a superb video! Myra happily confirmed for me that I would be able to be at the taping of the "The Mike & Maty Show" the following morning. I was overjoyed, seeing Deborah perform twice within the space of a couple of days, when in the last eight years, I hadn't seen her in concert once!! After dinner we went back to our respective hotels, and arranged pick up times for the following day. Monday, August 28th ------------------- 8:00 A.M. - "D" day had arrived! Ray and I drove down to the Hollywood Center, had a bit of fun trying to park, then went to the audience entrance, where a few fans had started to gather. Myra, Shaun, Jennifer and Kazuto followed, and we all waited patiently. At around 9:25, Kaz and I noticed through the gate, the arrival of a black limo, and outstepped a blonde haired young woman in a red body length dress -- me and Kaz asking each other if this was who we thought it was. (We would find out later that it was!) Anyway, time passed, then at around 10:15 we were ushered in to the studio -- "we" being the fan club members who numbered around, 50 or so and we were seated over towards a black grand piano, and even better, I was in the front row! After introductions of everybody, and a very bad impersonation of an English accent by the "warm-up" guy, Deborah was introduced. She looked stunning in that red dress, and she seemed totally aware where the fan club members sat -- (were the extra-loud cheers and applause a big give-away? I think so!). She had a good length interview with Mike and Maty, often pertaining to her past career achievements, and some time regarding her visit to Asia. Then she was seated at the piano with Diane, a few questions with Diane regarding Deb's new boyfriend (one of the better picks), and next she played "You Don't Have To See." Now, having only heard the song for the very first time only 24 hours earlier, I was needless to say, thoroughly delighted with the live, acoustic rendition; it is such an emotive song to me, and is in my top three favourites on the album. To play the show out to the credits, she performed "For Better Or Worse"; WOW! I LOVE THIS SONG! - live, it even surpasses the album version. (Well, what did you expect? Criticism?) This, again, is up in my top three off the disc - the emotion and love which positively emulates from both Deborah, and the song, almost brought tears to my eyes. Well, after the credits had finished on the monitor, Deb looked around, shrugged her shoulders and played the song to its end, when some artists may well have cut it short. Much cheering and applause followed of course, and I thought to myself, "Well that is that, today was wonderful, can't get any better, etc., etc.," but in five minutes flat it did. Who reappears with a big smile, walks across the studio to where we all sat - but, of course Deborah! She crouched on the floor and set about signing items and chatting with everyone in the process; all this two feet from my own feet! The guy with Deb, who I presumed was a publicist for SBK (I think) noticed what I was holding. I was waiting to have signed a yellow picture sleeve 7" of OIMD, which is a German edition. The man remarked that he hadn't seen this before, then I explained where it was from, in my best Northern England accent, which received a look up to me from Deborah, with the expression of "You're not American are you?" So, pictures taken, records & photos signed, off Deb went and left us all suitably pleased, myself especially! The next four, yes, four hours of tapings, and applause were a little bit tortuous, but by the end of it all, I just didn't care! After all this, we all went off for food. Ray drove me back to my hotel, and we looked forward to Wednesday night. Tuesday, August 29th -------------------- Today I was just a tourist, a tour of Hollywood in the evening, with the day just being too hot (99 degrees constantly). I simply ate, drank a lot of water, and slept. Wednesday, August 30th ---------------------- Okay, so this was the day! Up around 8:00 A.M. was I hungry (should I really have had six, yes six bagels with cream cheese for breakfast?!). Time for a stroll around Farmer's Market, buy a paper: the notion of buying a U.K. daily paper printed in Florida, was certainly unusual! Then, back to the hotel to cool down a little (99F again!). After two hours of television viewing (I think I should contact talk show addicts anonymous!) at 1:45 Ray and Jeff from Long Beach arrived. We then took the short drive up to their hotel, the Mondrian, which was next door to the House of Blues. After checking on formalities and finding the room, it was back to the lobby to meet up with Myra and Tammie with Kaz and Archie joining us also. Off we headed to the House of Blues restaurant for an early dinner, now the "posse" numbering 12. Whilst waiting to be shown to our table, we could hear a certain Long Island star doing a soundcheck in the club below, with the impetuous star of our group Ray Wong, marching through a door in the dividing wall to sneak a peek! After a good 90 seconds, he was dutifully ushered away by an employee of the club (never mind Ray!). We were shown to our table after this little piece of action, only when we reached our table, there were only around six of us! Then one of the group came over and informed us that we could watch from the balcony overlooking the stage. "Thanks" to this unknown member of the staff. Anyway, we stood, we watched, we enjoyed, and applauded. Deborah practiced little pieces of "Too Fancy," and a few pieces of other album tracks, although, not surprisingly, it was mainly for checking sound levels and the like. She did actually notice this "audience" for a second, she waved and said "hello," which I thought was a nice touch! After a good quarter hour or so, we were politely ushered away, and we went back to our table, complete with astounded looking British waitress! (The whole table left me?!!) We settled in for our dinner, well almost all of us (yes, I shouldn't have had six bagels for breakfast!). During the meal, we could hear little bits of Deb's soundcheck in the background ("On My Own" and "Anything Is Possible" to name just two). Afterwards, it was back to the Mondrian, with just time to relax a while, watch T.V., more talk shows - I really need to talk to someone about this!), and soon enough, it was time for us to head back to the club, Archie and myself claimed our tickets, and we then joined the smallish queue down the hill, alongside the club. (For those who haven't been to L.A., the club was kind of split-level on Sunset Boulevard, with the entrance to the souvenir store on the main strip, whilst the club entrance was off a side street, a short way down a steep hill off Sunset.) At around 6:45 P.M. we were let in, and told that no cameras would be allowed, so Ray took his and mine back to the hotel desk (although there were enough pictures being taken inside later). We stood there, in front of the curtain shielded stage, the crowd building up on the floor gradually, until there were around 3-4 hundred, with plenty of people in the bar/restaurant areas behind us. Ray was on the "lookout" to try and encourage some members of the crowd to get onto the BtL mailing list, and as I understand it, he did well! Anyway, Deborah came on stage a little late at 7:55, but I didn't mind! She opened up the set with CDIA beautifully performed (of course!). After this, she stood up from her piano and came to the front of the stage to talk to the crowd a little. Wow! Did she look stunning or what? Guys, if you weren't there, you missed a treat! She was wearing a very short skirt, with a jacket, and a short cut top, which made her look absolutely drop-dead gorgeous! (Deborah, I am not being chauvinistic, it's just that last time I saw you looking this GOOD was on stage in Grease! Apart from at the T.V. studios of course!) she was greeted with huge cheers and the rather crass wolf-whistles, but I don't think she minded. She said how good it was to be back on stage performing after a month in Asia. This done, we were treated to an incredibly funky, audience backed version of OIMD, which was so cool! Anyways, after this, my memory was a little jaded with the running order of songs but DWMN? was marvelous live (my #1 off the album), eventually by 9:15, all the new album had been performed with wonderful charm and emotion, and I was doing my best to sing along to everything I could (not bad seeing as I only heard the album for the first time just 72 hours previously), and I wholeheartedly apologise to anyone who endured my attempts to sing along with Deb! She also performed SYL/OOTB as a medley, LIYE and FB not as a medley, but in their entirety, also during the set was a hysterical attack on a low-flying bug which had the nerve to land on her set-notes, then THWACK! The poor bug was smacked into the piano, right in the middle of a song! (This as she noted shortly afterwards was the cruel side of Debbie Gibson!) At around 9:20, she left the stage reappearing around 10 minutes later, changed, and ready to continue! She came back on stage in white jeans, a white blazer, with a short-cut black top underneath, with a tartan-type coloured baseball cap. The last 40 minutes of the set were just as enjoyable as the first 80. This was the "show" part of the set, with performances of "On My Own" (no matter how much I hear this song, I just love it, and this being my first live show as such, I was very much impressed with this powerful, beautiful song), followed by "A Little Fall Of Rain" sung in duet with "her" Marius, who starred with Deborah on Broadway, this song also wonderfully performed by both. We were then treated to, personally, my favourite song of the whole show, "Hopelessly Devoted To You." I just adore this song after hearing Deborah perform this in Grease four times, I just cannot hear it enough. It was as ever performed with such feeling and emotion. I really shouted out the lyrics for this one. (I apologise again to whom it may concern (Shaun)!!! But so what? If I was coming this far, I was going to make sure I enjoyed this to the maximum! We were then treated to a very spontaneous rendition of "Summer Nights," complete with the actor who plays Danny Zucko in the Broadway production of Grease! This was done complete with T-Birds and Pink Ladies; audience members invited on stage by Deb. I sang loud and proud on this one as well, with Deborah seemingly forgetting (almost) the ending, but I would like to think I gave her a little prompt! Finally, to wrap up the show, we had superb performances of AIP, EY and last but certainly not least, WCBT, again complete as always with full audience percussion, as ever! Well after some two hours, around 24/25 songs and one hell of a good time, the show was over. By now I think I was floating on a cloud of happiness, somewhere over Malibu beach! I soon came down to Earth when I seemed to get separated from Ray, Myra, Archie and co. whilst moving out from the club, to the front of the House of Blues, to where the meet and greet was to be, but after just a couple of minutes, we were all happily reunited. After waiting for a while, the queue for the meet and greet was being reduced in groups of 7-10, so as not to swamp Deborah. Anyway, time went by, but at around 11:15 it was my turn! I marched tentatively up to the table where Deb was passing my camera to a guy who seemed to be taking everyone's photo. We said "hi" and I mentioned how great it was to hear her own material after all these years. She said, "thanks," and asked me where I was from after noticing my accent, I told her from England, and she signed my TWYH CD cover "Glad to see you from my other home!" which I thought was a wonderful touch. She told me that when she was in Grease, she called England her "other home," after all, she was over there for about a year. Diane picked up, asking if I had seen Grease to which I replied, "Yes, four times," and I enjoyed it every time. Deborah mentioned again that it was nice to see someone from the "other home". Then it was time for the typical arm-round-the-waist cheesy photo, and that was that. I said my thank yous, and walked away, almost forgetting my camera in the process. (Back to the Malibu cloud I think!) So with all this excitement over with, it was time to say my goodbyes to everyone, then thanks to Ray (again!) it was back to my hotel, via a trip to Long Beach, returning Jeff home. Finally, by around 2:00 A.M. it was time for a late snack with Ray and Archie then to bed. A late and tiring end to a wonderful, memorable evening. The following two days were used for last minute sightseeing and thrill- seeking (if you get a chance, you must go on Batman-The Ride at Six Flags. It is terrifying!). Finally, alas, Saturday arrived, and it was time to leave. The 12 hours flying time home didn't really bother me as I still had Wednesday evening's memories, which I probably won't forget for many years. Arriving home around 7:30 A.M. on Sunday, then starting work again at 7:30 on Monday morning was a bit hard, as you many well imagine, but the 30th August got me through a small case of jet lag. THANX - Felix and Karim for the information so I could contact Myra in San Diego. Myra for being my first contact regarding my mad, disorganised preparations for going out to California, and for not minding a phone call from the U.K. at 7:00 A.M. Pacific time (see you in November). Ray "Taxi-cab" Wong for the service. I am sorry for the $20 parking ticket, but I had to clean my teeth! (And where the heck is Norm's diner again?!) To Archie, Kaz, Marshall, Jeff, Jennifer (Ha Ha someone traveled further than you!! :) ), and everyone else I met, thank you all for making me feel welcome, all the time when I was so far away from home! Finally, to Deborah, coming all the way to California to see you was a truly wonderful experience. Meeting you twice in two days was, for me, phenomenal! The look you gave me in the studio when you heard my accent was one of surprise and a little puzzlement (do you really think I am worth traveling thousands of miles for?). Anyone who travelled from the U.S./Canada, and all other parts of the world, to see you in Grease will know the answer to that one - OF COURSE YOU ARE!! The whole whirlwind week was one of seeing new places, meeting and making new friends, but most of all, seeing you twice, and the cheesy photo outside the House of Blues. As for the show, I have seen quite a number of concerts over the years, but I never saw anyone work so hard on stage, yet still have enormous fun! O.K. it was my first time seeing you perform your own material, but first impressions last, and boy will they last!! I would hope to see maybe a similar event in Europe/U.K. later this year--it has been 6 long years! Although, knowing my luck, when I am in the U.S. in November, you will be in Europe promoting TWYH!! On my return, people did ask why would I go so far for someone they hadn't heard of--I could probably fill a whole BtL issue answering that one! Deborah, you are an inspiration to us all, your dedication and devotion to your career are amazing. Your friendly and outgoing personality is truly uplifting, and your openness to fans is a shining example to many people in the music industry. Thank you for giving me a mind full of memories which will truly last for years to come, good luck for the next 25 years! >From "the other home", Love and laughter, James Minter =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= DEBWATCH =- Here's a summary of significant television appearances shown since that last issue of BtL. 10/04/95 : RICKI LAKE On the show "Slap Me, I'm About To Meet My Favorite Star," long- time fan Heather Coughlin talked about being a fan of Deb and got a chance to tell Debbie why she's a fan. Debbie also did some "catching up" with Ricki, explaining how they used to sing at Something Different, a dessert parlor and young performers' showcase, more than 10 years ago. 10/11/95 : HOWARD STERN E! televised a portion of Debbie and Diane Gibson's appearance on Howard's morning radio show. Howard mainly interrogated Deb and her mom about their individual sex lives. He also took a look (and listen) to Deb's new album. 10/17/95 : STEPHANIE MILLER Deb appeared on this new late night talk show. She talked about her new album, the upcoming Grease tour, sang some of "Summer Nights" and even hula-hooped a little. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= -= CLOSING REMARKS =- On October 13th, the Usenet newsgroup rec.music.artist.debbie-gibson passed its vote with 292 YES votes and 70 NO votes. It has since been created. Many thanks to Richard Evans the proponent of the newsgroup for bringing this idea to reality. Two Debbie Gibson interviews (late 1990, summer 1995) are featured on Talkline, an "Internet Talk Show" hosted by Boston radio personality Matthew Coombs. These clips are in RealAudio format on the World Wide Web at http://www.dmc.net/talkline/debbie.html According to Dance Music Authority magazine, GMI Entertainment has started a new independent record label, Substance Records. As primarily a dance label, their first release will be by Brenda K. Starr. D.G.I.F. wants fans to check their local music stores; if a store does not have Debbie Gibson's new album in stock, please notify D.G.I.F. with the name, location, city and state of the store. Either leave a message on the hotline (212-803-5425) or e-mail DGIF@aol.com with Subject: PRODUCT STATUS Deb will be filming an episode of the ABC situation comedy "Step By Step" on October 20th (today) that will air during "sweeps week" in November. According to D.G.I.F., Deborah and The Broadway Kids will be making an in-store appearance (performance and meet-and-greet/autograph signing) at SPEC'S (501 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach, Florida 33126; phone 305-534-3667) on Friday, October 27th at 5:30 P.M. They will be in Florida to do a benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. They will be performing that evening at The Intercontinental Hotel to raise money for charity. According to both EMI and D.G.I.F., the next single "Didn't Have The Heart" will be released to Adult Contemporary radio stations on October 30th. Debbie Gibson will be playing "Rizzo" in the U.S. Touring Production of "Grease." According to D.G.I.F., "Deborah will greet all fans at the stage door approximately 1/2 hour following the performance." The following is the tour schedule as announced by D.G.I.F. and individual theatres. All dates are subject to change. Call individual theatres for tickets. Oct 31 - Nov 1 Erie, Pennsylvania Warner Theatre Nov 3 - Nov 5 Knoxville, Tennessee Civic Auditorium Nov 7 - Nov 12 Columbus, Ohio The Ohio Theatre Nov 14 - Nov 19 Wilmington, Delaware Playhouse Theatre Nov 21 - Nov 26 St. Louis, Missouri Fox Theatre Nov 28 - Nov 30 Huntsville, Alabama Von Braun Civic Center Dec 1 - Dec 3 Birmingham, Alabama Birmingham Civic Center Dec 5 - Dec 7 Davenport, Iowa The Adler Theatre (tentative) Dec 8 - Dec 10 South Bend, Indiana Morris Civic Auditorium Dec 12 - Jan 7 Chicago, Illinois Shubert Theatre Jan 9 - Jan 14 Vancouver, B.C. Queen Elizabeth Theatre Jan 16 - Jan 21 Portland, Oregon Portland Civic Auditorium Jan 23 - Jan 28 Cerritos, California Cerritos Center Jan 30 - Feb 4 Palm Desert, California McCallum Theatre Feb 6 - Feb 11 San Diego, California Copley Symphony Hall Feb 13 - Feb 18 Tempe, Arizona Gammage Auditorium Feb 20 - Feb 25 San Antonio, Texas Majestic Theatre Feb 27 - Feb 29 TO BE ANNOUNCED Mar 1 - Mar 3 Minneapolis, Minnesota Orpheum Theatre In closing, we'd like to celebrate BtL's first issue number 16! The previous record was 15 issues in one year (Volume 5). With Deb touring with Grease well into the new year, we don't predict any letting up with this year's issues.