I went to the concert in Asheville, NC last night and was so looking forward to the meet and greet afterward but was really disappointed. For the last month I've been trying to think of what to say to Chris so that I wouldn't sound like a complete idiot or a crazy person, but they were pushing people through so fast I didn't get to do anything more than shake his hand and have him sign my CD. None of the other band members were there either.

From what I had heard from others the meet and greets are supposed to be more personal but he didn't even ask my name when he signed my CD. He just signed his name and put a halo over his head.

I don't know, I was just kind of bummed out that there wasn't more interaction with Chris and with the other band members. It was a great concert though.

Amy Sue

oh don't feel bad Amy. Many times they rush through the M&Gs. I am sure it had to do w/the fact that they have a concert in Memphis, TN tonight. Sometimes, when they have a gig for a couple nights in a place, they are a little more relaxed and the guys come out to visit. But... when they have to get on the bus and head out for a show the next night, they have to hurry and things are rushed.

Meet and Greet is completely the wrong words for what happens. "Signing Autographs" is what really happens. It's a long line that is wisked through at lightening speed! Chris can sign autographs fast as lightening! You might have all of 5 seconds to say something. People should really stop calling them Meet and Greets because when people come to the board for the first time, it certainly does leave the wrong mpression of what really happens.

I'm also getting tired of hearing how the guys have to rush off to their next show. Thats a load of hooey! All major touring bands have concerts the next night in other cities, but they don't use it as an excuse to cut their shows short. If they really are doing 1 hour shows because they have to jump on their tour bus to the next show, the their tour manager should be fired!

The reality is the band plays exactly as long as their contract for the evening stipulates. Then, the "meet and greet" is rushed so Chris doesn't get stuck talking to wacko stalkers!! If he keeps moving lightning fast, people can't engage him in bizarre conversations. It's an easy technique used by politcicans all the time for effective crowd control. You simply keep moving quickly past everyone, and no one gets offended. That way, you don't get stuk talking to people for hours and hours, and at the same time, the fans are happy cause they got to shake your hand.

I've read enough about Chris to know he used to be very approachable and talkative with his fans, but over the years, he's become a lot more guarded from experience!

I agree. I've wondered why he doesn't sit but stands and leans so far down over the table to sign and I realize it's so he doesn't appear to be too comfortable or inviting. If he keeps moving it discourages people from saying too much.

The other simple reality is they sell more product if Chris is out there signing. That's why they stipulate he won't sign tickets, etc.

It's not the best system and people feel slighted and rushed through. Especially people that paid $100 a ticket. If someone is supporting your live performances and buying your cds, should they really be obligated to buy something else just to shake the artist's hand?

I was first in line at the Asheville show, and he swooped in and started signing without even looking up. We stood on the stairs and watched for a while, and noticed that as he got a little further down the line, he was talking a little more, shaking hands, etc. He especially seemed to talk to kids. So, my advice is not to be first in line, more like 7th, and bring a kid!

BTW, Chris signed a shirt and a CD cover for me. On the CD, he wrote his name, put a halo over his head, and then at the bottom wrote FLOYD with a few music notes. Can anyone tell me what Floyd means? (It is not "to Floyd"). Thanks.....

I think it has also to do with how much security is pushing you to move....because my stepdaughter and I got to interact with him briefly...and he shook my hand and made a joke with my stepdaughter about Kenney....but..yeah...I can see why the "greet" part seems too short.

I still say the meet and greet I had with Chris was short (yes), but VERY sweet! I LOVED that he made a joke to my stepdaughter and shook my hand and I LOVE that when my stepdaughter said "I got your guitar pick" [that he leaned down and personally handed her mid-way throught the show...that was HOT!!!]....he said back to her (as he was signing it) "Good catch" (since he threw some out at the end of the show), but we excitedly reminded him that "No!...You handed it to me (her)" ...[we both spoke at the same time]....and he said "I know, I know...you were right up front: first row" (SO...he remembered us from stage front and center! WooT Woot! ), and then when she showed Chris... Kenney's drumsticks that he signed and gave her....he joked: "He'll want them back after tonight....Kenney's an indian giver"....LOL!

So...yeah...it was quick....but I thought that it was NOT his fault. I think that if the crowd was MUCH smaller....he'd spend more time with us.

Also, the rest of the band was NOT behind the tables signing autographs.....and that sucked. BUT....we saw them in the same room (which was the lobby that was selling the CD's and T-shirts) and approached them just the same...and Kenney was the COOLEST!!!! Many of you already know that he was SOOOOO nice to us (esp. my stepdaughter, when he signed AND gave her his drumsticks), so, unless the other band members are hanging out in the lobby, I guess it would suck not to meet them too!

And...as someone mentioned above me....YEAH....he talked more to kids. There was only one other youngster (besides my stepdaughter) who was in the meet and greet line....and we noticed the same thing. I think he paid more attention to my stepdaughter (both during...AND after the show)....because he sure did look down at her and smile more to her, than me or anyone else! LOL!
I wonder if he took note of her young age and thought to himself that he still appeals to a young generation too! I'm so glad I took my stepdaughter!!

Amy Sue,

The times that I had Chris sign my picture and T-shirt. I asked him nicely if he could write my name on it as well... and he did. All you have to do is ask. Kenney also wrote my name on the drumstick that he handed to me at one show. Kenney asked what my name was, how to spell it correctly and wrote it down.

I simply cant believe the comments above!

Good grief, Chris is one of the only performers I know who bothers to hang about afterwards even to sign autographs. At the Auckland show we were advised on purchasing out tee shirts prior to the show that if we wished Chris would appear afterwards to sign any purchased merchandise...there was no mention of anything more.

The line was enormous and hey again if you dont like whats on offer dont bother lining up.

We stood and watched from the stairs above him, as he worked his way through the crowd, mostly signing, a quick word or hand shake here and there, and a hug for an old dear ( looked late 70's)

Please remember he's just finished performing on stage, giving us appreciative folk his all...it's a wonder he can even speak afterwards! No time for a shower just a quick change of clothes and out the front to give more to his fans.

This was an added bonus to my night...I didnt join the queue, which I later regretted, but enjoyed watching the interaction for 20 minutes or so afterwards. Sure it was quick, but to everyone there they loved it!

Well done Chris for going the extra mile!

Awwww c'mon, give the guy a break. Paranoia will destroya. I think there's one reason, and one reason only why he keeps on the move like that when he's signing autographs, and that's 'cause he has to because there's a sh*tload of people to get through at those things. He's just trying to cover as many people as possible in the time that he has...it's just the nature of the beast, you know? As lovely as it would be for us, if he stopped and chatted for several minutes to every single person in that autograph line and gave us the chance to chat with him about whatever we wanted, not only would it take him several hours to get through everybody, but can you imagine how impatient the people at the back of the line would be by the end of the night? He also needs some time to himself after the show after he's already worked so hard on stage. The earlier he can get away, the more he can rest up and relax. He wouldn't get to bed until 6 am or thereabouts otherwise. Also, if he did it night after night, after being on tour for months not only would his voice probably give out, but he'd be physically exhausted as well. As Suzie says above, *waves to Suzie across the Tasman* he already puts in so much effort and energy into his shows and that meet and greet line. Knowing what I know now after to being to one and understanding how it all works, I think we're damn lucky to get what we already get. It's either that or nothing, and can you imagine the flak the poor guy would cop if he suddenly decided to stop doing them altogether? Poor old Chris, I think it's a case of he's damned if he does, and damned if he doesn't. At least he puts in the effort and tries his damndest to do the best he can with the set up that he's got - and we should be grateful for that much.

Why? No one is saying anything negative about Chris signing autographs. All were saying is call it that - an autograph session. "Meet and Greet" is misleading. If you've ever been to a real Meet and Greet, you would know what Chris does is not that.

Personally, I've never understood the desire to meet a performer. They are people, no different than you or I. I have no desire to get their autograph, no desire to shake their hand, and no deisre to say Hi. All I want to do is sit back and enjoy a great evening of music. I suppose if I ran into him somewhere, I'd say "Hey, love your music - great work - keep it up". But I'd never ask for an autograph. I just don't get that.

Well, that's just YOU...not a majority of us here on the board.
Uh...okay...I could say the same for your desire NOT to meet your favorite musician....I don't understand your desire NOT to meet a musician in which you are a fan of. Hmm...oh well. Just don't diss those of us who do want to meet our favorite musician.

You may not "get it" but there are fans who appreciated an artists work and like to show their aprreciation by saying "hello, shaking their hand or even getting their favorite artist to sign a scrap of paper. It's just a way to let an artist know that your work touch me. Beside that when ever I wear my shirt that Chris signed I will always think about the night I met him and how wonderful he was to me. It not about thinking he's different from any other human being..it's about me appreciating his talent(ok...his looks to).

Pretty sure the announcement made at all shows is that Chris will 'sign' merchandise after the show. So it's always really only been an autograph session, BUT if you're able to have your wits about you, stop drooling, control the palpitations, wipe the sweaty hands and get out a 'hello' then you'll get the meet/greet part too and maybe even one of those handshakes! And if you're really quick off the mark - to sneak a few photos.
You can't expect him to sign everyone's name, as he'd be stuck there for a month of Sundays! Just
appreciate what he does, and the fact that he's been doing it for so long!
From experience I find it's better to hang around towards the end of the line ... as he wants to make sure everyone goes home on a good note!
p.s. I don't think the tour manager can be blamed for the length of a show, or rushing off to the next city. Those plans must come from above.

What...God is now a tour manager?!? Wow.....EVERYBODY wants to get in on the act nowadays!

Yikes, what have I started? I'm sorry. I wasn't trying to say that I didn't appreciate the autograph and handshake because it was amazing. And when I think that I have actually touched Chris Isaak, I actually can't believe it. I was just saying that from the comments I had read before it seemed like he talked to people more than he did the other night.

Believe me, even if he had talked to me I'm not sure what would have come out of my mouth other than a strange squeak and some drool. So, I guess in a way it's better he didn't say much because I'd rather remember him shaking my hand and smiling at me than me making a total fool out of myself and always thinking "I can't believe I said that."

Sorry again to have started such a stink. It wasn't my intention.

I do appreciate Chris and the band and all that they do. They are wonderful.

It is GREAT to meet the artist. Nothing wrong with that at all. It is a chance (if you can get something to come out of your mouth ) to tell them that you love the show, their music, say hi, etc...

I have been to quite a few concerts over the years and the M&Gs are easier all the time. I do think that Isaak and the guys remember fans that have been to many concerts and it becomes easier to get a conversation going.

Since you seem so upset by my comments, would please quote exactly where I "dissed" anyone for standing in the line to get an autograph? Your attempting to put a spin on my words that isn't there. I never dissed anyone, nor would I for wanting his autograph. I know I am in the vast minority of not caring about meeting an artist.

If you want to meet Chris and shake his hand, great. Then I'm sure you appreciate the effort he makes.

I on the other hand would much prefer he took that time and put on a normal length concert instead!

Well, the most embarrassing scenario is if you've thought of something to say, which seems like a reasonable thing to say, and in your nervousness you manage to blurt it out in a normal sounding voice but he ignores it completely and is already signing the next item fot the next in line. Sigh...footprints in my mouth again

Well, I remember during last summer's concert tour, he addressed at least one fan and wrote some others' names on T-shirts he was signing as "Floyd", just to tease. So perhaps he just decided to take on the name himself because there's a chance he just likes the name a lot and Floyd Tilman is one of his musical heroes.

I just felt like you were making us all feel silly for wanting to meet the artist...like everyone else in this thread has mentioned how much they LOVE meeting Chris...so, making us feel silly like you don't understand us....and I never said you DID "diss" us...I said "DON't diss us"....meaning....don't do it...not that you DID do it. (although...I have to admit....I felt a bit dissed when you made me, and possibly others, feel silly for wanting to meet our favorite artist....because you could have left that opinion to yourself...but you posted it...and that..to me is a bit "diss" in a forum like this one...don't you think?)

I'm not interested in meeting most of the artists after a concert. I've only talked to a few over the years because their music really made and continues to make, an impact on me. I think I'm like most people as well, in that I am more likely to approach an artist that I've heard good things about and that I am going to get a nice, friendly reaction from. Chris has been one of those people from the very first concert I was at. He has ALWAYS been polite and tries to say even a line or two when he is obviously under a time crunch, because, as Cheryl said,

He's just trying to cover as many people as possible in the time that he has...it's just the nature of the beast, you know? As lovely as it would be for us, if he stopped and chatted for several minutes to every single person in that autograph line and gave us the chance to chat with him about whatever we wanted, not only would it take him several hours to get through everybody, but can you imagine how impatient the people at the back of the line would be by the end of the night?

Exactly....for starters, the line is usually quite long. Some people look at it and may think it will be too much of a wait. In fact, in line several times, I've heard people say that and I set them straight and tell them it moves very fast. Haven't you ever stood in a line and give it 5 minutes to see how fast it moves? If it doesn't move and you get nowhere, you give up. Chris' lines move very fast, so even if you are at the end, you won't be there for 2 hours. Chris has to keep as many people happy as possible. He doesn't cut the line off! That happens, you know, with other signings. They say "that's it......sorry.......bla bla bla". I have never seen Chris do this. Has anyone? I've seen him do a gruelling show -- close to 2 hours but I never really count -- and then stand around for 1.5 hours to shake hands and sign. If he was just signing autographs, he'd come out for 5 minutes, sign what people thrust in front of him and leave. That's what an autograph signing is to me.

Sure, I'd LOVE to talk to Chris for more than the brief time I get but hey -- I'll take it. He's kind enough to do it AT ALL and he doesn't need the money from the t-shirts. Seriously...

I was at one show where everyone who wanted to go through HAD gone through the line and a couple of people were still trying to get a word in at the end, which he was nice enough to try to listen to, while all the time the security was saying "we have to close the theatre", at which point, he had to leave. I'm surprised he does the meet and greet or whatever you want to call it at all.

Na, I think he was just stating how he feels. Cheryl Crazy4, not cutting us down. He is entitled to his opinion like the rest of us, ya know. I do have to agree, I wish the show was longer. But still, enjoy that M&G too. Just never enough time to enjoy Chris and the guys. Always a fun time.

Sorry...As you say he "was just stating how he feels".....I, too, was just saying how it made me (and possibly others) feel. That's all. I felt a bit silly....like "why would I want to meet an artist and get thier autograph??"...so if I interpreted that wrong....my appologies.

It's all good. Believe me, I know I am in the VERY minority of having no desire to meet an artist. I meant no disrespect to anyone that choses to say hi to Chris in the Meet and Greet line - there's obviously a huge demand for that (at least from the line ups I've seen). I know the overwhelming majority of people appreciate that he does sign autographs after the show.

One thing I am curious about though. Do you have to buy something from the merch booth to go through the line?

I always feel just plain silly, but I keep going to Chris Isaak concerts and I stand in line every single time. If you say something to Chris he will reply briefly. If you reach out to shake his hand he will always reach out too. If you ask him to sign your name, he will, but I'll admit I almost always forget. It does go by very quickly, but it is such a lot of fun!!

Kenney is ALWAYS hanging around and will talk to fans. Last week he said, "Long time no see" to me." Maybe he remembered seeing and talking to me in June. That was cool. In fact, last weekend, everyone was hanging around talking after the show while Chris signed, even Sheryl and Rodney. She was nice too - let me pet the cute little dog!

Come on now, if you are a regular on this board, we all know we share something in common. We all can't wait for that next concert and the chance to touch Chris Isaak again!!! Hee hee

Yes, he did that to me twice last year. He signed "Floyd" for me.

LOL - nah, pretty sure they still call her Sheryl!

[b]My meet and greet with chris isaak at the house of blues, Atlantic City was just terrific.
My daughter announced to him that " My mother loves you". Embarrased , I said: Enjoy your show tonight , it was terrific. He then proceeded to talk to us about how wonderful Nicole was and to watch out for her , she will be a star some day . Actually, we had arrived after she sang , so I really dont know how good she is.
I was surprised that he just started talking to us like if he had all the time in the world. As he signed my cd. Daughter says " When are you going to get a new album. He said it is in works,
It was the best meet and greet because it wasnt rushed. I was impressed with his humble attitude and down to earth chit chat. I guess it was the right atmosphere because he is always running around from here to there. Actually, he needs to take a breather and get some rest. I dont know how he gets his energy. Does anyone know if he is recording a new album soon?

Love this board , all the pictures and information on such a talented guy and Silvertone.

Ahhh...like Amy Sue, I wondered how this worked. I actually introduced myself when I briefly chatted to Roly and Kenney (well, it was more a quick request for them to sign my CD cover, rather than a real chinwag, lol) because I thought that's what you did if you wanted a personalised autograph, but in the end neither of them used my name anyway. But that's cool, because both their sigs. are very artistic anyway (Kenney did drumsticks, and Roly drew a staff, which are probably their stock autograph thingies, but very much appreciated anyway). I took some ribbing over it from the other people I was with, like, "You don't go introducing yourself to them like that." but I honestly thought that's what you did because otherwise how would they know your name to sign it?

Holy crap - I go away for a few days and come back to a really
interesting fricken topic. Nice work kids! Good to see some
discussion going on for a change.

I've always managed to get a comment off Isaak during
a M&G but the queue does move pretty fast. At least he
comes out and signs merchandise in front of us and
doesn't just sell pre autographed stuff hey!

Anyway, keep up the good work .... carry on discussing!

Hey Jac, you are totally correct about the announcement and it is much better to hang around at the end of the line. As for your name, all you have to do is ASK.

Hey, that's my trick!! We can't ALL be at the end of the line!!

I wouldn't hang out at the end of the line.

Maybe if I was one of the last few people to meet Chris he might have had more time to open the present I gave him. Then I would have been so much more .

Suzie,

I couldn't agree with you more. I have never heard of another perfomer taking the time to sign autographs and shake hands, and I mean the hand of every person standing in line, after performing for over one hour and forty-five minutes. Geez, you'd be lucky to get one if you bumped into a performer in a non-performance setting. All things considered, having his attention on you for five seconds isn't bad. Plus, he looks you right in the eye and shakes your hand. Just think of all the other performers for whom we are considered the "little people" and who wouldn't give us the time of day and make every effort to avoid us, not that I'd want their attention in the first place. Perhaps our expections shouldn't be so high. I'm not expecting a heart-felt discussion on World Peace. Just an autograph, a "thank you" for the good show and a reciprocal "thank you" for coming. As I always say, "It's the little things...."

I guess I was lucky, Chris signed my shirt, then Looked up & told me "You look damn good" in what I was wearing, and shook my hand, which I wasn't expecting. The next morning, I saw Kenny as I was leaving the hotel & told him how much I enjoyed the show, then I went outside to the valet to wait for my car. Kenny came out & told me "I'm following you", and met up with a guy who was putting stuff in an SUV.Kenny was waiting to leave too, and we talked for awhile, he showed me his tour calendar book, where they were going next, what he was going to do on his 5 days off, showed me the book he was reading, asked where I was from, talked about all kindsof stuff...very friendly & nice guy!

i don't know of any other stars of chris' standing that would even do signing let alone a meet and greet to the extent he does after such wonderful shows. I certainly didnt feel like he was just signing. my advice is to be patient and wait till the end. read my experience in chris meets the devil child as evidence he makes such a great effort even with weirdos like me so long as they are polite and appreciate the music x x x

Amen to all you have said, Suzie

I must be one lucky Goddess because every concert I have been to in Oz has had a Special M&G attached at the end. Chris gives so much during the show, and is great afterwards.

I am also pleased to say that I have had some fabulous conversations with the band after the shows also.

As far as I am concerned, these guys are the best there is in Showbiz.