Memory:Strider
I was a GG fan shortly after the 3rd album, (which was the first American release, as I'm sure you know) which I first heard in 1972. After hearing "Three Friends" I acquired the first 2 album in the import bin or my local record shop. GG played a small concert in Dallas, TX in 1974 (if I remember correctly) which was attended by almost no one! They had an opening act whose name I can't remember, but they were kind of an English folk-rock band with a female vocalist. After the show my friends and myself went behind the theatre and asked if we could meet the band (actually, I asked if we could meet Kerry). All the band members came out to meet us except Kerry and John Weathers whom we learned was ill although he had played very well. Later, Kerry came out and we had a very interesting musical discussion with him for about 45 minutes! I remember distinctly the very moment when he realized that we weren't just the "average fan" but were accomplished musicians and understood very well the fundamental complexity of their music. He looked at me with a piercing gaze like he suddenly realized these were the people for whom he was writing and playing music. I later saw the band at 2 large concerts in Dallas and they seemed to enjoy a fairly large cult following in the Dallas area. They guys I was with when we first met The Giant were my fellow band members at the time. Later, after I had left the group they were the opening act for GG at one of the concerts!