Fan Tales - I’ll Wait For You At Dawn
Some forty years ago, the face of David Cassidy wallpapered my bedroom. Now, in the sultry darkness of a hot summer’s 5 am, I drove to the studio, scheduled for an interview with that very same, David Cassidy.
Lack of sleep over the past few nights interfered with my thoughts. Why do all the ideas as well as stresses, hit at 3 ams, like a torchlight penetrating straight into my head. Sheer determination and adrenalin became my two crutches – the only things keeping me going.
A cruisy Dire Straits tune on the radio soothed the churns in my stomach. Often during times of tension, David's velvety crooning has helped. But this was one time I simply could not put a Cassidy CD into my Harman Kardon. I had a date with destiny; with my first love.
Am I really going to pull this off without sounding like the awkward girl I used to be? I reassured myself that I had enough radio and public speaking training under my belt to not sound like Goofy. Haw, haw.
The other concern for me grew over whether he would be nice, or hard to please. Would he be difficult or demanding? Heaven forbid he'd have a dummy spit. My professional persona could deal with it but could the twelve year old girl within? Would she be crushed that the most perfect man in the world showed some imperfection, even rejection? Hmm, the thought occurred that poor David himself must have a lot of pressure on him to not fall off his pedestal, to not show his humanness.
Being first to arrive, I sipped my service station ‘C’ coffee and contemplated life. This day, this opportunity, would mark itself as a milestone. The planets must have aligned. How on earth did a community radio station presenter like me come to interview this big name? My mother had always told me I'd been born under a lucky star. Looking over my life, I certainly did feel blessed.
Before long, my co-host Norm Tongue, our panel operator Sherina Winton, and I, donned our headphones and settled into our studio chairs. We indulged in a little chatter but anxiety hung in our midst. We each stole glimpses at the commanding clock on the wall. Eight minutes to seven. At seven, He would call. Seven felt years away.
However seven passed, as did ten past, as did half past. Our excitement drained from our pounding chests. Just when we began to discuss how much longer we would give it, a guardian angel appeared – in the form Jane Reaburn. A good friend of David’s and an IT wiz, she came to the rescue and connected us. Within minutes we heard ringing on the line. And the voice so familiar to me for over many, many years answered with a cheery, ‘Hello’.
Upon reflection, the waiting had drowned our nerves. Now the happy factor kicked in. I just jumped straight into it with him without thinking too much about it – except making sure that he was happy too. But he assured me that I could ask him anything I liked. I knew damn well what the fans wanted to hear but I behaved.
At one point, I looked over at Norm, pointed to the mic and mouthed, ‘This is David Cassidy!’
It’s a huge understatement to say that Mr Cassidy was a delight to interview. That man can talk. What I found especially delightful was the heartfelt manner with which he spoke. His depth and soulfulness became evident rather swiftly. And what pleasure of having that voice fully in my headphones, almost caressing my ears.
The interview seemed to take on distinct energy of its own. Apart from the few laughs along the way, I really would describe it as ‘soulful’. Then again, doesn’t laughter come from the soul as well?
I’ve heard others comment on David’s laughter. Perspectives such as when he laughs, it is pure joy to hear, as his laugh comes straight from the gut, almost despite himself; it makes you feel happy that he is so happy. I certainly found this to be true. Each time his infectious laughter sprung forth, we all felt the elation. And David talked with admirable love about his music, his life, his career, his guitar and his father so dear to him.
My personal journey that had brought me to this place is one of quitting a high-level corporate role a few years ago, as my own soul had suffered for it. I craved the creativity I’d once held in my life; in the form of music, acting, writing, photography… too many aspects to mention. So I took a chance. I jumped into the abyss of the unknown. I explored all those creative urges within me and gave up a more than sufficient income. Was I crazy, or what?
I had planned to take one year off from work. This would be the ultimate test to see whether the theory of following one’s dreams turned out to be a worthy pursuit. One year grew into two. I still didn’t know what I wanted to do ‘when I grew up’. But I couldn’t live off my savings forever. After two years, I felt fulfilled again creatively, but began sliding into a broke existence. Had this been the right thing to do after all? What was I meant to be in life?
Not long into my interview with David, he said, ‘You know, in life you’ve got to find a way to have fun. There are just so many people… like yeah… we’re all working our butts off, we’re doing this and doing that. It’s not a lot of fun. Get out there and do something you love to do. I don’t care what it is. You don’t have to make money.’
Wow. Seriously, wow. Goose bumps charged over me. It’s like he possessed a sixth sense into the core of my being. This man who I had always held in high esteem, due to his talent, (and let’s face it, his sexiness), just became my guru. Words of wisdom, streamed into my consciousness from the guy whose face had adorned my bedroom. He was perfectly right. You don’t have to be anything in the sense of paid employment. I already am the true me. And I am lucky in having a knack for making things happen. Yes, that is who I am.
Many have asked me how I ‘kept cool’ during the interview. But luckily that wasn’t an issue for me. Of course this was a big deal. But my concern related much more to ensuring David’s comfort. The young girl with the raging hormones had long gone, and I endeavoured the mindset of talking to a good friend.
Now, I simply feel incredibly honoured. Honoured that I could chat to him about the deep things of his life, and exceptionally honoured that he enjoyed the experience. That’s how I felt at the end of the interview and that’s how I still feel now. It’s not at all like the teen rush of hysteria – it’s… well, it’s like being all grown up, and being grown up with David Cassidy. Yeah, that’s a good feeling.
by Léa Rebane
