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Mark Knopfler Discussion Forum / Re: happy 84th birthday to our hero (nudge nudge)
« Last post by hunter on August 17, 2022, 08:48:31 am »The year was 1994. I was a fresh faced 16 year old and despite my tender years I was something of an old head on young shoulders. As such it was with some excitement when I saw that Hank was coming to play locally, at the much missed Capitol Theatre here in Aberdeen.
I secured tickets for me, and my mum, the only person who wanted to come with me, and counted down the days before I could enjoy a performance by the guitar twangin’, rhyme slangin’ maestro.
I went to note the date on my calendar – this was a freebie given away by Q Magazine and included various bits of “on this day” trivia throughout the year. I was amazed to notice that the date of the gig – 28th October – was Hank’s birthday – surely a good omen for a fantastic show.
The show itself was a great affair but I was surprised when no one in Hank’s band made reference to the occasion – who wouldn’t want 2,000 Aberdonians giving them a chorus of Happy Birthday To You? But I resolved to make sure the occasion didn’t go unmarked. You see, I had brought along my copy of The Shadows 20 Golden Greats with a view to catching Hank at the stage door for an autograph, and this was a great chance to wish him many happy returns.
I dutifully lined up with a small band of fellow autograph hunters and was amazed when someone actually came to the door and let us back IN to the venue to meet the great man. Inside they had lined up trestle tables and there sat the man himself, cheerfully signing everything put in front of him with his famous toothy smile in full force.
I got to the front and as he was signing I took my opportunity. “Happy Birthday Hank” I said with youthful enthusiasm. Hank looked at me. Actually it was more of a stare. The smile had disappeared. Time seemed to stand still. He thrust the signed album back at me. “Thanks” he replied, completely deadpan.
I walked out, tail somewhat between my legs, wondering how I could have possibly upset him. After all, I had remembered his birthday – no one in his own band had for god’s sake!
It was only years later I learned that Hank is in fact a devout Jehova’s Witness.
Now, I respect any person’s personal faith, but couldn’t he have forced a smile and some appreciation for a sincere gesture from a young kid?
Don’t talk to me about Hank B Marvin.
Wow, that's weird behavior by Marvin. You'd think he'd be more generous to someone who clearly isn't familiar with the rules of his religion.
