I have just met McCartney, held the Hofner, 59 LP, Epi

[paul_yan]

Very cool, Ilan.
Thanks for the report.

[jakeox]

You know, I'm usually pretty cool around celebrities, but when it comes to their gear, I get a little giddy.

For example, I was super impressed being 10 feet away from Slash's Les Paul, but when Slash came out, it was like, hey, there's Slash.

I know the magic isn't really in the instrument ... but if it were, then by holding/playing the instrument you could harness it. I think that's why I geek out over the gear more than the person.

[rickaddict]

If I were lucky enough to find myself in the same situation I'd also pick up the Hofner, but I think the fear of dropping such an important instrument would have me a little geeked out about the whole thing.

[kiramdear]

I'd have played it for him! Leftie or not, I would have thumped out "All My Loving", "Rain", "Day Tripper", or as much thereof as posible before security arrived I wouldn't miss my only chance to audition for Macca!

[phlemmy]

Yngwie did let me play his vintage Strats a few years ago. It was pretty incredible.

[jingle_jangle]

Great story, Ilan, and the memory of a lifetime, I'm sure.

I've been guilty of Macca-bashing on this Forum in the past, and when bandmate George found me a copy of Barry Miles' Many Years From Now, I took several weeks to read it. I just finished this past Tuesday, and it's given me a better perspective on Sir Paul and the depth and breadth of his life's arc. I've read (and own) most of the "major" Beatles' biographies, and this one is one of the better-written ones.

I've got a good deal more respect and affection for the man now, although I wish that John and George were still around. It would have been greatly enlightening to watch them age, separately and together.

[rikk]

Ilan, next time you see him invite him to the RRF. I loved reading your post.

[headbanger]

Ilan, you lucky guy.
A once in a life time moment that we all dream of.

[marc61]

Thanks for sharing that experience with us Ilan. WOW

[cjj]

Very cool story!

Over the years I've had occasion to meet several celebrities and it always seems that the nicest, most "real people" ones are musicians. I would have had a hard time with the guitars though, I'd be too afraid of dropping one or some other silly thing...

-cj

[jakeox]

Over the years I've had occasion to meet several celebrities and it always seems that the nicest, most "real people" ones are musicians. I would have had a hard time with the guitars though, I'd be too afraid of dropping one or some other silly thing...

You know, there was a study similar to this about a year ago, where a group of researchers asked a bunch of celebrities questions that resulted in a measure of how narcissistic they were. Musicians were one of the least narcissistic groups (reality TV stars were the worst). The researchers' theory is that people who became famous for a skill that they honed through years and years of practice are more likely to be humble than people who became famous for some other reason (good looks, being in the right place at the right time, etc.). The musicians and other hard-working celebrities know that their hard work is what allowed them to become famous, and that natural talent is almost never enough.

[12stringbassist]

Wonderful!

It's great when you meet someone who you've always admired and they DON'T disappoint you.

[paologregorio]

Congratulations on the interview Ilan, and thank you very much for sharing it with us!

[kiramdear]

Wonderful!

It's great when you meet someone who you've always admired and they DON'T disappoint you.

I hate it when my heroes turn out to be bums!

[shamustwin]

Fanastic story, Ilan, you are very lucky. Every Beatle book I've read (lots and lots) always at some point say how nice Macca is (I'd recommend Tony Bramwell's and the new one about the Beatles' money, both I've just finished).

I met George in a shopping mall, and he was super sweet and nice and patient, too. I did get an autograph.

But to pick up THE Hofner, OMG! THE Epiphone!