Saturday, August 1, 2020
Mom. Me, Regis and Kathie Lee --The Moody Blues --in SF, 1999 (Video)
Regis and Kathie Lee --Live from SF --October, 1999 I remember it vividly because I took my mom to see the show --it was a makeshift stage on the Marina Green and I was able to snap a pair of "VIP" tickets from a KGO-TV friend, (thanks Don Sanchez) and my mom was so joyful to see the show in person in SF.
I bring this up because Regis Philbin died recently. My mom swore by him. She was never into any celebrity kissing and frankly didn't care one way or another. In 1986, I was able to do a sit-down interview at Fairmont Hotel roon of Joel Grey --he was performing at the Venetian Room and I was free-lancing for USA Today. I took mom and she loved it but Joel Grey is no Regis Philbin.
We got to SF early that beautiful October morning. I took her to lunch at Perry's on Union Street and we headed later to the marina to watch the show. It was a terrific time. And mom was really juiced up to see Regis --which is tough for a Brooklyn-born Jewish mother because, as I sad, she was never impressed about anybody, save one, Regis Philbin.
I think of Regis as a very decent man who happened to be in show business. He was, as my mother would say, a "mensch" --in Yiddish, that's a good guy. Regis was a good guy. I don't why I'm still sad that he's gone because I never met him and he was 88; I'm sure he lived a good life. I just know that mom had a nice day that afternoon in SF back in 1999. And to top it off with The "Moody Blues?" Wow oh wow.
I miss that day and I miss mom too. And you too, Mr. Regis Philbin.
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Nice recollection and tribute, Rich.
ReplyDeleteThanks Rich, I needed that. Very Cool!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the story.
ReplyDeleteMoody Blues has always had an almost magnetic power on those who appreciate their music for what it was and is.
One of their first hits "Go Now", is still memorable today.
I have always loved "Tuesday Afternoon". That song transports my soul to parts both known and unknown. Same with that (Knights In White Satin) entire album.
Yup. The Irish Catholic Notre Dame kid did well.
ReplyDeleteRegis worshipped another Irish Catholic, Bing Crosby. Regis, however, was smart enough not to beat the shit out of his kids as Der Bingle did.
DeleteI worked with him when both of us were at KOGO-TV in San Diego (now KGTV). He was a great guy to work with. He treated everyone well--from his co-anchors all the way down to the janitors.
ReplyDeleteSF was the 'it' city then - I also went to visit the taping that week. Classic warm October day - I think this was also when the then mysterious Payne Stewart learjet tragedy happened.
ReplyDeleteI second 10:14 on the Days of Future Passed album known for Nights In White Satin and Tuesday Afternoon. After the Reege's passing, the Moodies may have been sequestered practicing I Know You're Out There Somewhere.
ReplyDeleteIn reference to 7:51's post, Payne Stewart's plane crash capped off a nightmare October sports death month, first with Walter Payton, then Wilt Chamberlain, then Payne. Only a month and a half before, Stewart, Justin Leonard, Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, etc helped Captain Ben Crenshaw break the U.S.' losing streak in the Ryder Cup with a memorable comeback win near Boston.