Hollywood Walk of Fame
Star Ceremony ~ April 12, 2010

~ Fan Reports ~

Tamara's Report of the Day's Events

Our posse arrived at the Kodak Theater on Hollywood Boulevard Monday morning grateful to find that the predicted showers had come and gone in the night. A quick look around and we knew that we were way too early. Stalker early, some might say.

Short attention spans in need of coffee found the Starbucks on the second level. Sitting at the coffee bar sipping my quad venti cinnamon dolce latte I spotted the man with the black Souths cap and jacket and recognized him at once. I credit my perceptive powers to caffeine. As soon as he introduced himself as "Ray" (as in "Di Pietro") I hopped off my stool and as he invited us to follow him outside. Ray seemed quite happy to regale us with stories of working with Russell and the band and we were pretty darned delighted with him. At nearly an hour I thought we'd monopolized him long enough, shook his hand and thanked him sincerely for sharing his memories, but he stopped us with, "Wait! I have another!"

He does the best and funniest Russell impression I've ever seen.

After reluctantly tearing ourselves away we went back down to the street to begin that old, familiar dance: fans vs. autograph hounds, sparring for position along the barricade.

We won. Boo ya!

And I was so glad too because Danielle and the boys sat right in front of us. We well mannered types were all that separated them from that baying pack. Well, we and a large metal barricade, Kevin Durrand, Scott Grimes, Alan Doyle and Mickey. The Merry Men came in first but made way for the family. I very much enjoyed the brief moment the boys began to bop each other on the head after Charlie stole Tenny's sucker. Dani had it under control at once. Kevin ended up standing right in front of tiny Sue, which was funny to probably everyone but Sue. The press was in the section to our immediate left so we had up close visits from Jay Leno and Ron Howard prior to the ceremony. We also saw Kym Wilson (Brides of Christ), Jeffrey Katzenberg, Brian Grazer, and Sam Worthington who showed up almost as early as us. Marcy was by my side, snapping photos with her giant lens. Mary Anne and I both used our point and shoots which will likely be interesting for perspective more than for high quality photos.

It was wonderful to see so many come to pay tribute and offer good words in praise of Russell, wonderful to see and hear him and the family looking so gorgeous together. A very satisfying experience.

Over at the NBC studios we lucked out again and it was time to go inside just as the rain started in earnest. The redesigned Tonight Show studio offers an improved viewing experience. The audience is more spread out and does not go up as high. We had a little wave and a peace sign flash from Russell at the first commercial break. We're easy to thrill and appreciate it very much. Russell clowned with Jenna Elfman as they filmed the announcement spots after the show by standing on his tip toes, as she had some height on him in her four inch heels. Other than that, you saw it all at home. Didn't he look marvelous?

As in the morning, the sun came out when it was time for Russell to appear so we decided to wait and see if he would be stopping to have a word with the fans as he has often done in the past. It was not long before the black SUV pulled up and the window came down. Keith and Terry directed the crowd to line up single file and Russell stayed until he signed, took a picture or spoke to every person there. I told him years ago I had enough autographs thanks, so I like to ask a question instead. I'm fine until he says, "Hello Ta mah ra. How is your life going?"

How is my life? Oh it's going pretty good right now, thanks. I tell him it was such fun to see him get his star, how beautiful the family looks and it sounds like I am babbling in my own head but I keep going, thinking how what I really want to do is hug him, I'm so ridiculously proud of him at this moment, like he's family when he's not, and suddenly I realize that I'm patting the arm he's left leaning along the window and I can't seem to make myself stop. He listens very patiently.

I ask "So what are you doing with Alan?"

Russell purses his lips and says, "Oh - I'm always up to something with Alan. You realize that we now have a body of 22 songs that we have written together? (God please let me have got that number right!)"

"You do?" I ask.

"Yes. You subtract all the songs on My Hand, My Heart," he starts to explain.

"Oh. You are counting those," I say. (Yes, okay, so I am a little greedy.)

"Yes. Company of Fools, Hit the Ground and Run - and you see that you still have several songs left over?"

"Yes," I say, beginning to feel a bit giddy. "So what are you going to do with all of those?"

He smiles. "Here's something that might interest you," and pauses to make sure he's got my attention.

He tells me that they are thinking of doing a three week tour in August (THIS August - I asked). I think he said to kick off in Austin. I asked if it was okay to share this information and he said yes, provided we all understand that "at this time, it's a big question mark."

I walked back to find Ruth and Marcy leaning against the guard rail where they had been watching and enjoying Russell interact with everyone. Marcy told me that even though they didn't get in the line, Russell looked over and mugged for them as well. Gotta love such a generous man.

So there you have it, start saving your vacation time and your nickels just in case the big question mark turns into the big TOFOG freakout exclamation point!

~ Tamara



Bea's account of the Walk of Fame ceremony

Preface:

I was lucky enough to be on the balcony in Stubbs for one of the TOFOG concerts in Austin in 2001. And I've told the story of what happened that night before, but the pertinent part is that Russell came up to see the opening acts (as he is wont to do) and ended up standing right behind me, while I was at the railing. I urged him to take my place, partly because he couldn't see much from where he was and partly so I could see him too. As he was leaving to go down for the show, I asked him if anyone had offered him a star on the Walk of Fame. He said no.

A while later I looked into the "Star" mechanism and was told by the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce that both fans and studios had offered to purchase a star for him, but he'd declined. (One of the conditions for awarding them is that the honoree has to accept or the star cannot be awarded.) So, I promised myself that if he ever did get a star, I'd be there!

April 12, 2010:

As others have noted, we got to the Kodak Theater early to assure ourselves of viewpoints - and that we really got lucky that the predicted rain storm arrived early and cleared out by ceremony time. The caffeine addicts among us headed for the Starbucks up on the second level of the "Hollywood-Highland" mall that is part of the Kodak complex. As we were getting our drinks, a man walked in wearing a Rabbitohs cap - I approached him and told him his 'rabbit' matched mine (I have a lapel pin) - turns out he's 'Artemis Ray' from the record company (that was). Ray was a delightful raconteur and gave us anecdotes about his time producing the 'My Hand My Heart' cd. It's always great to hear how much others enjoy working with Russell and Ray is certainly his champion. We even talked about watches - what is it with these guys? LOL

When we got back down to street level, they were constructing the 3 canopies to provide rain shelter. It's really too bad that storm made them do it, because otherwise there would have been spectacular views from the Kodak's balconies. As it was, the entire ceremony was in the shade - you can see that the backlighting made many photos pretty dark.

As it turned out, Security kept moving us around and I got pushed away from the rail - so I ended up behind lots of tall people, however I got an eye view for most of it. I had a flip cam and attempted to capture video, but the crowd and the sun glare did a job on that plan. I may have a good shot when Russell came near me briefly to greet fans.

There certainly was media frenzy around the area and lots of local broadcasters were trolling the crowd for the spectator viewpoint. I spoke with a host from REELZ cable channel - I watch it off and on - and I gave him a pretty long interview about being a fan - we'll see if any of it shows up on "Hollywood Dailies". I also met a lot of people that were casually passing by and discovered that a star ceremony was happening. Lots of Aussie accents around me, so it was fun to chat with them about Oz. Russell and the family looked wonderful and it was fun to see Alan and the 'merry men' sharing the occasion. The tributes were heartfelt and Russell sounded touched by them.

Our group trekked out to Burbank for the Tonight Show and eating lunch off a "Dim Sum" vendor - we certainly weren't in Missouri anymore! I'd been to the old NBC studio when TOFOG performed and the new Studio 11 is really spacious and comfortable. Our view was excellent and I think we did our part in clapping & cheering. I hadn't realized that Sade was the musical guest and, as I'm a big fan, I was delighted. I enjoyed Jenna and she and Russell had a long chat during commercials.

The last time I was there, we'd not seen the stars leave, but this time Russell's exit was organized to allow everyone waiting to visit with him. I was very happy to offer my congratulations on this recognition - he was kind enough to remember my moment with him years ago. And up close, the charisma is still potent - just love the great smile!

I'd say this whirlwind trip to LA - Huntington Gardens, lots of Asian food and good friends to visit with - was a real joy. Being a Crowe fan is always interesting and this time, a true pleasure. I felt that this day made my fandom come full circle from that moment in 2001.

~Bea



Ruth's account of her Walk of Fame weekend

Our hotel was so close to the airport that I figured I couldn't possibly get lost so Cat and I took off with our Google map. We hadn't gone two blocks before I realized this wouldn't do and I pulled over and got out the GPS unit I had prepared before leaving home. Within minutes we were at the hotel.

Our posse scoped out the Kodak Sunday evening to make sure we would know what to do the next day. We saw what we thought was Russell's star because it was covered with plastic and a caution-type barrier thingy to keep people from walking on it. I took a picture through the plastic for fear I wouldn't get a chance the next day and I wanted to be able to show people at home that I was there.

After an enjoyable dinner with friends and creating an itinerary fit for a presidential motorcade we walked outside into what we in the Northwest call "liquid sunshine" and a forecast for the next day of more of the same.

The next day began early with a slight drizzle but as has been mentioned Russell must have called on the weather god's because we saw a rainbow on the way to the star ceremony. Once there we realized there was time to look for a bit of sustenance and with my sharply honed sleuthing skills I zeroed in on a fellow with a white cup with that familiar green emblem emblazoned on its side. The rainbow had been the first sign the day would be auspicious and the aroma of Starbucks was the second. I had just picked up my triple-grande two-pump no- whip mocha when I saw a guy wearing a Rabbitoh's hat. I told him he must be there for the same reason as I and I turned to show him the back of my hoodie with the large white bunny on the back. It was a pleasant surprise to learn who he was and I enjoyed Ray's stories as much as everyone else.

Back downstairs we headed for what we figured was a prime spot and lined up along the fence barrier but unfortunately because we were shuffled back and forth by the security guys some of us weren't able to maintain our spots. Oddly enough when I realized I would be behind the press guys and their ladders my mood changed from "gotta see" to a sense of contentment. I was lucky enough to have a Russell encounter in Jacksonville and realized I was okay with being on the sidelines. This mind switch was a surprise but I was able to actually enjoy myself watching the watchers because I wasn't so anxious and when things started happening I was able to get a few pictures by holding my camera above my head. Other than that the only things I was able to see where glimpses between camera tripods and under other people's arms. I asked a couple of the pros to take a few photos with my camera so I lucked out.

Another hurried strategy meeting and a dash across Hollywood (I think) to Burbank and with the help of "Our Lady of the GPS" we arrived at NBC studios were we were able to wait inside. The taping was fun. Russell was fun to watch and his interaction with Jay and Jenna seemed genuine. Then we were outside by the gate doing what we do best ... waiting, this time behind a police car. When the black SUV pulled up those waiting were asked to make a line and they were allowed one at a time go up to Russell and get their pictures, autographs or simply a handshake and for some, a quiet conversation. I was contented to stand on the sidelines but this time with a prime viewing spot and so Marcy and I watched as Russell graciously waited for each fan to get their moment. I've always loved to watch people and for the first time I was able to observe the patience he must have. You can hide a lot behind dark glasses but I saw several interesting changes in expression, especially when the person stepping up to him was obviously there to get an autograph to sale. He looked over at us a couple times and smiled or raised his eyebrows and I felt like he knew we knew and I smiled in recognition. I didn't get an autograph or a handshake or even a picture but I was happy to stand there and watch my friend's encounters with him, some for the first time and some as old friends.

We shared experiences over dinner and like Mara, I think this was one of the best days I've had with my fellow Russell fans. Maybe it was because I didn't feel the need to be in the middle and then again maybe it's because it was spent with people who have become real friends and that fella with brown hair and a scruffy chin has become one of them.

~Ruth/Isis