Thanks to a mutual friend (hi Fred!), last night I had the pleasure of hearing, meeting and dining with Sir Gary Brooker, singer and co-writer of “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” and leader of the criminally underrated British band Procol Harum. He was in outstanding voice, which was remarkable given not only his age (67), but the fact that he fractured his skull in late May (on his birthday!), was in critical condition for a while, and almost had to cancel this entire tour. He was a total mensch and keen to chat about the Olympics and the ridiculous things the games have , exploits from days of yore, science fiction, and anything else. He and his wife of 44 years, Franky, could not have been more charming. Clearly he didn’t get the memo that rock stars are supposed to be self-absorbed and stand-offish. Thanks and godspeed, Sir G.
Having nearly five years on Sir Gary, I well remember when Procol Harum first came around. Had you called, I would have gladly joined you for dinner and afters. It was no doubt an enjoyable evening.