Story

Meeting Jools Holland gave me a great rush of excitement, knowing that almost all the bands and musicians I admire had met him at some point or peformed on his tv show, “Later with Jools” I respect Jools both musically and simply for his sheer passion and knowledge on music, I like to think that bands that make it to his show must feel they really have made it and have talent, it must great to list on your resume that you’ve peformed on Jool’s show.

I had hopes and felt he would be really polite in real life and he was very true to my belief. I met him in April 2010 whilst he was on tour with his band. I had been standing alone for several hours waiting for his arrival at the venue, when he arrived I was cold, wet from the constant showers of rain, it was dark and I was very hungry. A tour bus had dropped Jools and several members of his band off at the top of the street leaving them to walk to the venues stage door, this was good for me as it gave me a chance to approach. Rain was still falling and from experience knowing these situations are often rushed I presented my painting after saying “Hi” to Jools and asked for an autograph, to my pleasure, he invited me into the venue suggesting we step out of the rain, I was so pleased to not have the door slammed on me.

We stepped inside and Jools was intrigued with my work, he asked me about what I do and was very interested, I felt like I was in my own mini interview with Jools, it was great. He even asked what he should write when he signed as in addressing it to someone or whatever I wanted. I really like how he wrote the date out complete, no one has ever done that for me.

Jools made me feel very at ease so I was comfortable enough to ask for the photograph after he signed, the guy taking the picture struggled to work the camera yet Jools had all the patience and time for me, so much so that he even looked at the photo to make sure it turned out well incase we had to do another after telling him of my work and what I do, I gave him a business card which he glady took, and so, Jools if your reading, I thank you once again, I hope you’ve found my stories amusing and interesting to read, meeting you has been one of my highlights, if only everyone was this kind. Thanks.