In early / mid 2000 John French called on Radar Station visitors for some help writing his book, Beefheart: Through The Eyes Of Magic…
From: Basil Storey
Sent: Saturday, January 15, 2000 7:47 PM
When the Trout Mask Replica music was played on stage, did the fans dance?
Hardly ever.
It seems like most folks would sit down and observe, but I’d be busting the damn bloody insanest body contortions. Were there any fans that made a particular impression on you?
I rarely interacted with fans on tours. We were usually whisked in and out and seldom were able to actually talk with fans after shows. As far as individual fans making impressions, I have to say that I categorised them in two ways, overly exuberant and extremely intelligent. Sometimes, they were both. I was a little uncomfortable with the more “worshipful” element because, after all, we were only human. It seemed this star-struck stuff was a little unhealthy. I have had more contact with fans in recent years and more often than not it has been a pleasant experience.
– John French