& so, flushed with the success of my first foray into Blogdom, I have decided on an account of my first meeting with Jerry Lewis at Crown for my second.
As the notion of Blogging settles into my psyche, ideas are flooding in for many inside stories, musings & the odd rant. I hope the reader finds them stimulating & entertaining, cos that’s what I like to do J Bobby V
I had a stellar Year or so when Crown Casino first opened in Melbourne. The old millennium was drawing to a close & (Victorian Premier) Jeff Kennett had Melbourne jumping. Times were good for Melbourne’s entertainers with The Williams regime, in particular, supporting our industry & Lloyd’s commitment to make Crown a true entertainment complex. After catching Mr.Williams’ eye whilst working a couple of shows at the temporary Casino in the World Trade Centre, I enjoyed the status of having letters after my name – ‘Bobby Valentine C.P.E.!’ This stood for ‘Chairman’s Preferred Entertainment’. Not exactly the Queen’s Birthday honours list, but still mighty prestigious for a humble ex Westy schlepper just trying to make a living.
During that year, ’97, I shared the Bill with Mega stars, Ray Charles, Kylie, Anthony Warlow & Farnham (that was just opening night!) Witney Houston (a whole ‘nother blog) Rod Stewart & the most memorable Musical experience of my career – 5 nights with Stevie Wonder! On top of this we played many private & corporate functions & I was working 2 or 3 nights in the Casino bars – making great money I might add (where did it all go – don’t answer that!). Lloyd truly kept his promise that Crown would be much more than just a gambling den. It’s a shame that the new owners have reduced it to just that – but I won’t go there. Anyway I practically lived in the place &, although I rarely played the tables (wish I could say the same for some of my band members J), I thrived on the atmosphere & excitement that was Crown back then.
I think I’m safe in saying THE most famous person I’ve ever met is Mr. Jerry Lewis & despite a lot of talk to the contrary, I found him to be a fabulous bloke. I’m sure my story will speak for itself.
We were booked to play 5 nights @ Crown with Jerry Lewis & to say myself & band were excited would be a monumental understatement. The first record I ever owned was a Jerry Lewis 78 rpm called ‘Sunday Driving’ Backed with ‘I love a murder mystery (upon the radio)’. I can still recite them both almost in their entirety! Who hasn’t seen every Martin & Lewis film shown every Saturday matinee on TV or the countless specials & appearances? The familiarity & fame of Jerry’s routines transcended normal media as it was back then (before the days of youtube) & his show was packed with his ‘Greatest hits’ I watched every show, despite them being carefully scripted, awestruck at his mastery - as one young punter in the audience put it; “ he invented that stuff”.
I’d been invited up to Jerry’s suite a couple of nights before the first show to meet him & watch a live cross to The Vizard Show. Things didn’t go well, I can’t remember why, but he wasn’t in a great mood after the interview so our meeting was ‘postponed’. I have to say I was very nervous &, given the atmosphere, wasn’t disappointed with this outcome.
So, we do the first show, Jerry was fantastic but the production left a bit to be desired – among other things, several missed lighting cues - for instance, his classic ‘typewriter concerto’ sketch ends with a total blackout – which the lighting director totally missed, leaving Jerry sitting there with egg on his face,eventually having to resort to making the throat-cutting gesture & far from pleased. He soldiered on & put in a great performance, like the true showman he is.
Several people were invited to meet him backstage afterwards & we were lined up outside his dressing room door (a bit like a Royal Command Performance) – he was at the other end of the corridor tearing strips off the lighting guy! I was getting a bit of a déjà vu vibe from the previous encounter & the butterflies were stirring again. To make matters worse some Bimbo had evaded security & got backstage. As Jerry approached our group she grabbed him to try to kiss him! I was ready to cancel the meet & greet myself!
Anyway I was about 4th in line & Jerry was still noticibly shaken by the time he got to me. I was introduced to him as; “This is Bobby Valentine, your support for the night!” I held out my hand & Jerry just looked at me (ooh those penetrating eyes!!!)
He said, “What!”
I knew what was happening but was too nervous to speak. The host compounded matters when he reiterated, “ He’s supporting you for all the shows here at Crown”.
Jerry just looked at me & I finally summoned the courage, shook his hand & said “I’m sorry Mr.Lewis, he means I opened for you”.
Jerry burst out laughing & said “Oh thank God Bobby, I thought you were some kinda Jock strap”
You see folks, in Vegas you open for an act you don’t support.
From that night on every show he put his head into our dressing room & said “Hi Bobby, how’d you go tonight, did you get ‘em warmed up for me?”
The boys in the band took great delight in mimicking his greeting to me – to which I answered – “he knows my name”.(Thanks to John Farnham more on that another time)
Jerry requested my Band as his ‘opener’ on his next trip to Crown, an enormous honour for me & when we met for the first show we were like Ol’ pals.
Unfortunately I never had the presence of mind to get a photo with him, but I did get an autograph & a personal autographed photo for my Mum (despite the fact that she gave away that first record!!!)