If your local classic rock radio station is like mine they are currently in the throws of what they call Mad Marchness, a take-off on the NCAA basketball tournament where they pit different musicians against one another and the one with the most votes advances. Well, much to my chagrin Phil Collins was entered into the bracket for drummers. He beat Ginger Baker in the first round & now he’s up against Keith Moon. I had to intervene.
“Hello, you’re on the Bus.”
“Hey J.B. this is J.S. again.”
“Okay…”
“I’m calling to prevent a gross injustice.”
Nervous chuckle, “And what would that be?”
“Well, you know the Mad Marchness thing going on?”
“I do.”
“Well, Phil Collins is in the drummers bracket. Can you believe that?”
Now he starts laughing. “Were you the guy that called a few week back about Su-su-sudio.”
“Yes! That’s me.”
More laughter. “What can I do for you?”
“Well, Phil Collins made it to the second round. He’s up against maybe the all-time greatest drummer ever, Keith Moon. We need to play a Who song on the ten-till-tune so people vote for Keith. We got to stop this madness.”
Lots of chuckles. “Madness?”
“Yes, Phil Collins. He’s my arch nemesis.”
“Are you a drummer?”
“No. What’s that got to do with it?”
“Well, I thought..What song do you want me to play?”
“5:15.”
“That’s a great song but don’t you want to pick something that really showcases Keith Moon’s skills?”
“What? Why? I want to hear 5:15. I used to listen to that song riding the subway back in Philly. I used to get high & ride the trains all day.”
(It was then when I think I lost hope of getting on the air.)
“Okay.”
“Did you ever do that?”
“What? No.”
“Tell you what. One day after the show I’ll come pick you up & we’ll head to Philly.”
“No, that’s alright.”
“No problem. I’ll drive.”
“Look, I gotta go. I’ll see if I can get your song on.”
“Okay, thanks. Hey, have you read my blog yet?
“Um…no.”
“You should check it out. It’s huge.”
“Alright, I will.”
“And think about going to Philly. Let me know.”
“Bye and thanks for calling The Bus.”
Phil Collins must be stopped.
I have a friend from Boston, Marty, who is smart, witty, sharp as a tack. I was lamenting to him this morning that there were no others like him out there. You reminded me however, that indeed, there is at least one other out there. This is a delightful little gem. Thank you for the wit. It’s much appreciated.