Memory:Edward Carus
I have been listening to Gentle Giant since 1975. The first time I saw them live was in a small concert hall (I think it was a converted old movie theater), named The Calderone in Hempsted, Long Island. It held about 1,000 to 1,500 people. My older brother Frank and I were driving past the hall and convinced our Mom to stop so we could check out the upcoming shows. Much to our surprise and delight, GG was listed. We purchased 20 tickets (Mom lent us the money - how cool is that?) and had the entire 5th row and two seats on each side from rows 1-5. Needless to say we were very popular in high school that week. There was a very big following of Gentle Giant in the towns of Williston Park and Mineola, where I was raised. GG was on the Interview tour, which was later released as "Playing the Fool" live album. I was an aspiring artist at the time and drew the covers of Power and the Glory and Free Hand. I handed the drawing to John Weathers and upon urging him, he read the note on the drawing to the crowd. He then placed the drawing on the cover of his bass drum where it stayed there for the rest of the show. If we weren't hooked before seeing the show, we certainly were afterwards. They were brilliant, the best musicians I have ever seen perform. I was fortunate enough to catch them several more times before they broke up. I share great memories of their music to this day with many friends from the old days.