Continued from part I. With a new book of photos of some famous rock n’ roll friends, special events (including a tour with Ringo), and more to come, Rob reveals what it is like to live in the Octopus’ Garden of collective connection with the Stars of rock n’ roll, philanthropy, and philosophy. Here, among other things, he introduces the one and only Billy Shears:
W.E. The event at the House of Blues is for a such a great cause ("Autism Speaks") with multiple appealing aspects including a performance from the sensational Sarah McLachlan. Please share your thoughts about how you envision the role of social activism in music and art?
R.S. I think it's a great idea to get musicians together to entertain a group of people ready and willing to support such an amazing organization as Autism Speaks.
W.E. You have worked extensively with, among many others, Ringo Starr, who wrote the foreword for your book. What is the most surprising and endearing thing about him you saw or heard him say that readers would enjoy learning.
R.S. Ringo is one of the funniest and smartest guys you will ever meet. His sense of comedic timing is impeccable, and he comes up with these outrageously funny one liners. I enjoy spending time with him. I'm also a drummer (since I was 10) and Ringo loves photography, so we have these mutual interests that formed the foundation of our relationship. I've played drums with him and the All Starrs a couple of times, and he shares his photography with me, so we've moved beyond "photographer/subject." When he's working on a new record, he'll invite me over to sit and listen to the tracks and discuss the drum parts, or artwork for the record. Or he'll call me up to discuss pictures/ideas for the next tour book, or magazine cover, or PR shot, etc… I realize that I am in a unique situation with the most famous drummer on the planet. He's a dear friend, and I'm glad he likes my work.
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