Journal Entry 6. (Rolling Stone)

Okay folks ever feel as if you’re on a rollercoaster that does not let you get off?

You twist and turn; you’re up, down sideways and then some?

Just when I think I have Jon figured out, I am slowly learning that being a lead singer is more about having more than one personality in a career where only one is demanded.

The hats he wears throughout the organization are diverse to put it mildly. We start our day looking (Well he doesn’t look at them I noticed) at the reviews of the previous night’s show.

Heather, Polygram’s publicist, Doc and Paul look for anything at this point that is positive with the performance, the sound, Jon’s interaction with the crowd, etc.

According to an office staff member, the management team no longer looks at reviews that solely focus on Jon or Richie’s looks. They also refuse to look at reviewers who seem to have a personal gripe with any specific band member or the band in general.

Heather after going through the reviews, contacts Polygram to begin the promotional machine for the next set of towns. Obie and Paul will also go over the night with Jon and find out what things need to be fixed or changed in time for the next show.

Obie, the unsung hero of the “Syndicate” will then take the info and run through it with the other road crew, knowing that Jon will not only meet with them later to go over any glitches in the system, but to also meet with Paul and other staff members regarding different safety issues, insurance and ordinances and bylaws they need to adhere to.

Once that happens, (by then Jon and I were on our 2^nd cup of coffee). We were whisked away to two different radio stations for promotional purposes.

Bleary-eyed and on the way to the first radio station, Jon is quiet and reserved. He looks out the windows of the car we’re in seemingly soaking in the surroundings.

I asked him what was he looking at and he simply replied. “Pittsburgh. This is the way I see a town.”

To be honest with their schedule the way it is, I understand what he’s talking about.

At the radio station, the DJ asked him about the shows, how the rest of the guys were and how album sales were.

Another personality comes up to the surface. Rock Star. He answers the questions with a smile and ease that very few can do.

Interview #1 ended-Now, we go to Radio Station #2.

He was so tired from the previous night’s performance, that by the time we all had a bite to eat and checked into the hotel, it was very early this morning.

He attempted to shake it off, but the famous blue eyes that were noted for projecting strength and empathy, were red, framed with dark circles. He took one good look at himself in the limo’s side mirror and promptly put on his sunglasses. Instant cover-up; rock style. Crisis diverted.

This DJ also rattled off questions that were almost exactly like our first stop. Though Jon handled it with a charm and a sense of humor, now after having listened to both interviews, “Rock Star” managed to set a tone for each interview that made them seem like two very different interviews.

When speaking to Obie about all of this, he explained to me that it astonishes him and the band on how well Jon handles nearly every aspect of his career.

At the in-store appearance this afternoon, one last personality came out. Fan.

Besides the typical teenage girls throwing themselves at Jon and the rest of the band members praying for marriage or just simply to say hi, there were teenage boys with a dream in their heart, itching to give Jon their own “Runaway.” Tape after tape was given to him. He smiled and seemed to be genuinely excited to talk shop with them for a bit before signing an autograph.

I asked him afterwards if he minded those kids giving him those tapes. He replied,

“Nope. Their tapes from their bands could be the next big thing. When the tour is over, I’ll listen to all of them. And if I can, I’ll help point them in the right direction.”

I couldn’t help but to be skeptical about him listening to the pile of at least 50 audiocassettes waiting for him in a duffle bag. He laughed and insisted that he would.

“Why?” I had to ask.

“Because I want to hear what could be next. Some of those tapes will be bad, but there will be others who easily can be here with us next tour. If that happens, I’ll be the first to help and support them.” He said.

Jon went on to tell me that he wished someone did that for him.

“Just one listen, one comment. A sign that as an artist I’m going in either the right or wrong direction. Should I stop or move forward? Recognition.” He said.

- More from the road soon….Trina.