On the first night at Anaheim Stadium, the start of the show began with a plane flying over the stadium with computerized lights, on its belly blinking WELCOME PINK FLOYD. Animals had become more theatrical. The Floyd were mere puppets it seemed, on the stage and in the distance. I admired this, for it gave an opportunity to listen instead of adulating upon our stars. Taken on a journey, because that was the Floyd they loved. Admittedly, I wished that there was less tragedy, less angst. It was as if Beauty had become a whisper. The music was just about audible amongst the props and the click track.
It was Alice's first birthday on the 8 May and we gave her a party the day before because we had to get to the next gig on her real birthday. Many friends came to celebrate the day she was born in our hotel room. Cyndy Shirley and Aaron, her son, were a delight to share time together as always. Over the years, we often took care of him at Woodley when Cyndy was away. We felt he was our son in a way, so we were close. We have watched him grow up to be a fine man and now we are watching his children grow up. For me, they are still one of our extended families across the ocean.
I always marvel how backstage in California, especially in Los Angeles, it is like a film set of faces one thinks you know, but don't. People you see in movies or on telly become like friends, but you really don't know them. Madonna came one evening and received a rather curt comment from Roger which shook hera bit. He was like that, i.e., he wasn't playing the Hollywood game.
Fame is a weird paradox for me. On one hand, the artist loves what they are doing, wanting to be adored, wanting to be heard but when it gets too large of numbers wanting you, it becomes a challenge. So many people needing, feeding, depending, idolizing can make it difficult to know who your friends are. And perhaps, even to know who you are amongst all the screaming voices in your head?
CHAPTER 23
SAVING THE HOGS
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA
My sister Donna had flown in from Wyoming to see the show, but really, she came to see Alice and me. It had been a long time between visits. We went in our limousine to the gig. Both Dick Perry, saxophone player, and Snowy White, guitarist came with us. It was special to share this aspect of my life with my sister. It felt like Star Trek as we went up the ramp and the metal gates lifted allowing us to enter. My sister was casually dressed. I was wearing all white lace, but not for long. As we got out of the limo, I was appalled at what I saw.
Oakland Coliseum was a huge American venue with a large passageway that went completely around the building under the seats above. These passageways were wide enough for several cars and lorries to be there. We had entered just behind the stage, which made us feel very small in front of its majesty. However, to my surprise, there in that area was a pen filled with lots of hogs. Tied below their bellies, were white canvas labels with each band members name inscribed.
Along either side of the pen were ramps leading up on both sides with a thick long rope over the top reaching the floor. There were several very large men standing there as security guards. I approached them and asked, "What is this all about?" They laughed, placing their hands on their hips and said, "Well, we are gonna Whup the Floyd in a tug of war before the show!" The "We" was Billy Graham's team who was the promoter, a very powerful promoter in the San Francisco Bay Area. They were big dudes and the thought of anyone falling onto these animals set me on fire. No way would this happen! I asked Dick and Snowy if they had a pocket knife, which they did. I took it and in a swirl of white lace, I took flight. I jumped into the pen and started to remove the labels with the Floyd's names on them shouting, "I'll be damned if you will!" My sister stood there in awe of what was happening. Her angelic sister had become a tigress. I said to Snowy and Dick, "Go get Steve!" when one of Graham's roadies jumped into the pen and lifted me out kicking. I then stood there addressing them rather forcefully, "How could you even think of doing such a thing! It's CRUEL!" Steve eventually arrived and sorted it out with some of the Floyd following. Fortunately, the farmer and his lorry were still there. I think he was hoping for a publicity shot because he wasn't too happy being sent away. I have no idea what or if he was even paid. All I cared about was that it didn't happen. Later, someone told me that hogs could be very aggressive. I never felt that was the case. I think they knew that I was there to save them. I was their friend.
Ever since, I definitely knew, I had an affinity with animals. I had become a vegetarian and with it an awareness of the plight of the animal kingdom. In fact, it has expanded to include the human kingdom and Mother Earth. In fact, before children, I had a strong desire to have a wildlife park in the UK. I spent time looking for property and getting the information necessary to put it in place. I fell in love with white peacocks and other exotic animals. But with my deeper dream to have children with David blossoming, the dear animals had to wait.
CHAPTER 24
TIME OFF IN PARADISE
KAUAI, HAWAII
May-June 1977
The "In the Flesh" tour came with a much needed and welcomed break. A month off between the middle of May and the middle of June was scheduled. Therefore, David, Alice and I went to Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. As we landed in Lihue Airport and walked into the terminal, the Hawaiian women greeted us and placed their traditional Pikake Lei around our necks. The air filled with the scent of Tropical Flowers mixed with a warm touch of humidity. Immediately, my body relaxed and a simple smile warmed my heart with joy. This was my first experience of Aloha as the land spoke to me with a deep feeling of coming home.
We had rented a condominium on the north shore in Hanalei Bay, approximately an hour taxi journey away. As we drove down the island, we passed waterfalls and green jungle to find beaches, hidden underneath trees sculpted by the winds. Alice and I looked out the window in wonder as the soft breeze blew her golden curls around her face. I held her hand as she pressed her face against the half opened window jumping up and down on my lap giggling.
The song "Puff the Magic Dragon,"by Peter, Paul & Mary, played in my head as we drove along the coast towards Hanalei Bay. It definitely was a time of magic. I felt so at one within each moment and rejoiced each day as Alice played in the sand next to David with triple rainbows overhead. We often met up with Graham and Susan Nash of Crosby, Stills & Nash who had a house there. I felt very at home with them for they had such heart. They collected shells from different beaches, which inspired me to begin my own collection. In fact, the children to this day bring me some as a present from their journeys around the world. During our stay, I remember getting up early to go to the beach, combing for shells with Billy, one of their friends, so that I could have a necklace made in the Hawaiian tradition. As it turned out, he made me a pair of large hair combs with shells and turquoise. I still have them safe in my jewelry box and every once in a while I take them out to feel the sun and the ocean breeze of Kauai.
We fell so in Love with the island that we nearly didn't return. There is a myth that the Goddess Pele, known for her creative power, passion, purpose, and profound love will wrap you in the magic of Aloha if your hearts are pure. And if not, she spits you out, they say. Upon reflection, I am sure she was with us making our stay a blessed one. She had us in the palm of her hand.
One day Graham told us of a special house that might be for sale. He hooked us up with the agent and at first sight, we were sold. It was a pyramidal shape on stilts, in the middle of a valley with a stream running along the side. Although still under construction, we knew its potential. Paradise filled our being as we gazed out from the platform and listened to the sound of the clear crystal water rippling by.
There were Avocado trees the size of Oaks with Plumeria and Orchids in the underbrush. The unexpected sight of a Red-crested Cardinal totally took my breath away, for as a child this was a bird I loved. It turned out the homeowner was currently in jail, arrested on marijuana charges. We waited many years wondering if he would ever sell. Unfortunately, that day never came.
Nancy was the house cleaner in our co
ndo. She was born and raised on Kauai and told us stories of her life. She shared with us how she had lost her whole family in the Tsunami of 1964. It is amazing how each country we visit has its own trial with nature. She pointed out the posts that had markings telling you how high you needed to reach to be safe when and if it came again.
The indigenous Hawaiians lived in this fear of its return. Her eyes teared up as she told us how the first wave came catching her, her children and husband. But it was the second one that returned and dragged them all away. She had one child in her arms and her husband had the other. He lost his balance as the force of the wave withdrawing took them. She reached out grabbing his shirt trying to hold on to the ones she loved. She fell, losing her grip on her family and the child she was holding. As she rolled in the mud on the ocean floor, her family swept out. She struggled in her heartache to get to her feet. Somehow, she had survived. She thanks God for saving her life, but still mourns her husband and two children. She did go on to have another family, but ensured me that they live in a safer zone, safe from the storm.
During our month stay, we heard of an old Hawaiian trail that linked the North and the South shore. Many people went on walks and camping trips into the jungle along that trail. There was nothing but nature: No restaurants, No electricity, No smoothie bars. David and I decided to go. He carried Alice in our baby sling on the front of his chest and I carried our minimal supplies for the day. We set off early so we could get back in time for sunset, as we did not plan to stay the night on the beach with a wee one unprepared. We walked and walked in the rising sun. There were flowers everywhere and running streams that we had to traverse. It was Beauty at our finger tips. The growing friction of the Floyd left far behind.
Graham told us that we should try washing with the ginger shampoo, which we would find along the way. They resembled red pine cones at the end of a stick of green leaves. Their cones are full of water and if you squeeze them, a clear, slimy-sudsy, ginger- scented fluid comes out. The indigenous people still use the plant to wash, and to condition their hair and the skin. So we had a go. It was slimy for sure.
Along the way there were walkers going back in the opposite direction. They asked how long we had been in. "A few hours,"we replied. LOL. It seems that many stay there for months. Eventually we got to a beach and it was time for Alice to eat. We have the best photo of the moment when she dropped her carrot stick in the sand and proceeded to eat it. She spit and spluttered passing it to me as I rescued her from her dilemma. We played on the edge of the waves for there was an undertow, which made it difficult to swim especially with a toddler.
The trail was full of colorful people seeking time out from the spinning world they left behind. Each finding their own refuge within the Beauty of the tropical jungle. And we too, found our refuge in the tropical jungle-quite opposite from the jungle of Rock 'n' Roll. We were able to relax and laugh again.
Just before we left, we went to a kiddie birthday party. We found the house hidden away off the main road under the trees. There were many children dressed in floating outfits of different colors, barefoot and tan. What was most remarkable was the stillness in their sounds of laughter and joyful play. It touched me very deeply. I saw that life could be different and wanted this for our family.
While on the island, it was easy to eat healthy and organic. There were fresh fruit smoothie huts on almost every corner. In addition, the essence of Kauai empowered the vision that life was sacred and beautiful. The Oneness of Life was there. We felt the unity amongst men and nature-Paradise on Earth. Even the fresh pineapples were divine. This holiday planted another seed, which later would bring an inner change for me. When we returned to the road, I had decided to stop participating in Mood Enhancers, including alcohol. This put me in a different camp. I was an outsider (at least that is how I felt). No longer did I go to the ladies room for a smoke or a line. No longer did I mingle with the same high or take part in the same conversations. Another aspect of alienation crept into my life on the road.
The tension was growing backstage as Roger grew more unsettled. He was finding it more and more difficult to bridge the growing gap between him and the audience below. He was finding it more and more difficult to continue to work creatively with the band as before. As the days passed, it became more obvious.
As I relive those moments writing, I feel, Roger had a deep inner vision trying to get out. Perhaps it was his soul calling him. Perhaps it was his paradisiacal heart. Everything seemed a conflict, a confrontation. It was evident that he had to make a choice, which was challenging him down to his bones. Anger and frustration were often his way to deal with it. And it would continue that way until he resolved his inner turmoil. Again, quiet desperation was the English way, comes to mind as we were unconsciously drawn into the entanglement.
CHAPTER 25
A WORLD SERIES ROCK 'N' ROLL SHOW
CLEVELAND, OHIO
25 June 1977
The band was playing to bigger and bigger audiences. Their "Animals in the Flesh" Gig, in Cleveland, has gone down in the Guinness Book of Records as one of the largest Rock 'n' Roll concerts in history. It certainly is One that has stayed in my memory as a testimony of how Beauty can arise out of Chaos. That from the mire of sweat and tears something special can become.
The day was hot and sunny. We took our little Alice with us during the sound check. She had just turned one in May and was learning to walk. We took many photos of her toddling in the middle of the field in her little red and white polka-dot summer dress with matching pantaloons, her nappy peeking out the side. Occasionally she would teeter and fall over with a giggle. She was such a happy little thing.
As she grew older, she was like David's shadow following along after him. Whenever I think of this time, the song lyrics from Me and my Shadow, come to mind. I just loved the bond she had with him even when she was a baby. My favorite photo was when she was bending over touching her toes with the inflatables behind floating above the stage. The contrast between her dinky innocence standing in the middle of this enormous patch of green and the majesty of the stage was special and yet surreal. Crowds were building up outside the stadium. We could hear them getting a bit impatient in the sweltering heat, exposed to the blazing sun, squashed up against each other. Some had waited for seven hours. Some had stayed overnight. I heard later that it had been one confrontation after another between the cops and the punters. (Ohio had passed a decriminalization law the previous year, so they couldn't bust anybody). Instead, they walked amongst them, harassing one person after another who was smoking weed, grabbing the bag of marijuana and dumping it on the ground. How appropriate the theme of the concert was in addressing this situation.
I had decided to sit at the mixer in the middle of the crowd that evening. Normally, the mixer area sat at ground level, but tonight it was raised up high. David suggested that I had better make my way out there before the audience arrived. Mark Brickman showed me the way, as he had to be there at lighting control. We went early and I waited for the show to begin with all the engineers and the setting sun.
Unfortunately, when the gates opened, the tension came into the stadium. Apart from the seats on the side of the stadium, the gig was what they called GENERAL ADMISSION, which meant that it was all for one and one for all, to get a spot on the grass. As the audience came in it was evident that a lot of them had had a grueling day, waiting for hours in the sun to see the concert. Reports vary. Somewhere between 83,000-93,000 people came to this show. They came to see a "World Series of Rock show,"described by a fan. They scrambled in desperation to get a spot pushing each other aside. The smell of beer and reefer was in the air. The anticipation mixed with frustration became very noticeable as we were beginning to be surrounded close up and personal with them at the mixer. At one point, I was concerned that they might just push the platform over in their stupor, as they were getting a bit aggressive.
Someone let go of a smoke bomb into the crowd. I really couldn't understa
nd how anyone could do that at a concert meant to feel Beauty and Wisdom. It might have hurt someone. Where had all the Love and Peace gone? My own fears started to build, as I could not escape. Everyone was counting the minutes until dusk when the concert would start at 8:30 p.m.
At the back of the stage were large signs of advertisements for Marlboro, Coco Cola and Winston. The sun was setting and from a distance came flashing lights towards us. It was our Tour Plane. This was even a surprise for me. The pilot broke the federal air safety regulations and flew right over the stadium at 500 ft. The sound and the unexpected rush that occurred when it flew over us shocked the audience into silence. Thank God.
The colors of the day faded into the night and became subtle hues of lilac blue as "Sheep" began to gently fill the stadium. The sounds of "Grand Chester Meadows" and the ringing of church bells took us on a Sunday walk in the English Countryside at dusk. Then from the stage came puffs of smoke, adding to the ambience of the early morning mist, which carried out into the night twilight on the evening breeze. The crowd settled and were held in its wonder. One after another, what seemed to be puffs of smoke filled the air to open like miniature parachutes in the form of sheep.
For me this has to be my favorite concert ever! It exemplified how the Floyd could transform chaos into Beauty and in that moment, it united us all. The album Animals theme was mainly "Sheep"(people) followed into "Dogs"(police) and then into "Pigs"(masters/politicians) inspired by George Orwell's book Animal Farm. I read the book during college and it was one that got me thinking deeply when I first read it. It was interesting to see how the Floyd interpreted it. The evening faithfully followed through the story created. It was dark by now and the stillness of the evening took over as we were all further carried into the drama of Animals. I could relax for a moment and sat down, allowing myself to take in the music and the sound of David's guitar. During "Dogs,"large inflatables began to appear above the band in their shapes of the great American Nuclear Family. Mother, Father and 2.5 children and all our toys: Telly, a Cadillac, a Fridge with phallic sausages hanging out. They deflated right on cue as all sang the lyrics we knew so well.
Memoirs of the Brightside of the Moon Page 12