[Slowhand] Grumpier old men

[Ken Maksin]

The closest I've ever come to meeting EC was meeting some band members
and Lee Dickson. My brief meeting with Lee was similar to Simon's. Lee
wandered into the Beverly Hill's Christies' auction showroom and I
thought, hmmm, that dude looks familiar.
Lee was approachable, courteous,  and addressed questions he's probably
been asked a thousand times.  Hopefully he'll consider writing a book,
including some of his boss' grumpy moments. 

ken
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Date: Sun, 11 Sep 2011 10:31:33 +0100
From: Simon George <simon.george5 at ntlworld.com>
Subject: [Slowhand] My thoughts on Lee Dickson

I too noticed the absence of Lee on the last tour. At first I was taken
by the fact that the new guy (shoot me down I didn't get his name) was
smiling. Then I was saddened, Lee had a reputation as the grumpy guy who
flicked out a couple of plectrums but didn't bother with fans. But this
I feel was unfair. I met him at the first auction preview and found him
to be a really nice guy with a deep affection for both Eric and guitars.
On several occasions in the 90's I found myself in 'bad' seats in gigs
with a better view of Lee's workstation than of the band and found it
absolutely fascinating to watch him work - especially on one occasion
which I read his account of later, at the     joint headliner with Joe
Cocker where Lee had to fix some frets on Billy gibbons guitar during
EC's set. (zz top were the 'support act')
Also bear in mind that Lee had a very responsible job in looking after
all that kit ensuring EC's sound was perfect and caring for ?'000's
worth of equipment.(how many of us wouldn't have jumped on stage and had
a little strum after the show given even the tiniest opportunity ?)
In short I think Lee did his job for the love of the music and the
instrument and didn't care for the reflected glory. So good luck to him
wherever he may be. I for one would be glad to see him back at the edge
of that stage.
Simon
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