Sorry - no hi-jack intended, I just want to share this with Salty...
What was really cool was; before they came to where I worked, (Jaylor Color Lithographers) Ray called and asked to speak to me. When I got on the phone, he introduced himself and asked me; Who is your favorite band or artist? I was a little stunned at the question, I wasn't sure if I should respond, The Kinks! But I have always been a die-hard Jimi Hendrix fan and I told him so. He thanked me for the job on the cover, told me everybody loved it because it was 'just what we wanted,' and he told me he'd stop by the shop in a couple of days to thank me personally. I didn't know what to say, I think I squeaked out that I was looking forward to it.
Three days later I'm bent over my light table working on some film when I hear somebody come into my office. I look up and there's Ray and Dave Davies. I wanted to be cool, but to tell you the truth when I saw them both standing in front of me, I didn't know whether to $hit or go blind. Ray stuck out his hand and put five cassettes/tapes on my light table. Jimi Hendrix studio tapes he tells me. From Electric Ladyland, nobody else has them, you'll have to sign an agreement. The guy from the record company that was with them handed me a contract that stated; I could never makes copies, reproduce in any way. or distribute copies of the tapes Ray & Dave had given me. Dude, the tapes were private tapes Jimi had made in the studio. One of them was Jimi jamming blues with Johnny Winter and his bass player who just stopped by Electriclady Land to hang out. Tons of stuff, Jimi jamming by himself, working out songs, talking back and forth with Ed Kramer in the booth. Mitch mitchell and Jimi, several Mitch tracks of drums alone, tape after tape of the best stuff you could imagine. I was completely blown away by the gift.
I signed and Dave asked me if I could break away for lunch. We ate at a local 'Greasy-Spoon' restaurant and I had the time of my life with those guys. When I told them I was a drummer, Dave said; "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that!" Like he felt sorry for me. LOL They mostly talked about New York and what they were doing and they were both very complimentary and thankful for the job I'd done for them. It was all done under tremendous time pressure. I had to pull an all-nighter to get it done for them in time to make the presses which had been booked way in advance. It was an amazing experience meeting those guys. Very sharp, well-read, intelligent men and funny as Hell.
Tell your friend I got Kink sweat on me! It was hotter than hell that day and when Dave sat down in the booth next to me at the restaurant, a few drops of his sweat hit my arm. I remember thinking; Kink sweat! Don't wipe! lol
Let your guitar player friend read this post so he can poop himself with envy!!!
John