Tiger Beat Spectacular - Spring 1970

Bobby's Concert Life!

Have you ever wondered how he does it?  Just think, at work all week on the "Brides" show...then off on an airplane for parts unknown to perform just for you!  What gives Bobby the energy and drive to keep up with all of this?   Read on and find out just what it's like.

It was just a quarter after twelve one evening when Bobby's phone rang to awaken him from a sound sleep.  The voice on the other end sounded happy, but Bobby didn't begin to wake up until he heard the words, "Are you ready to give your first concert?"

The voice belonged to Ward Sylvester, Bobby's good friend and manager.  And the news was sensational enough to wake anyone up in the middle of the night!  Bobby was going to perform once again in front of an audience and this was something he hadn't done since the days at "Shindig."  He had missed it and now Bobby was looking forward to it once again.

What he hadn't figured on was the additional work involved.  Bobby has always loved singing to a live audience, but in the days of "Shindig," he was not called upon to work every day in front of the TV cameras as he is now on "Brides."

But, to Bobby, no matter how much additional work was added to his schedule, he wanted to be up there on that stage singing just for you.  So, the contracts were signed and Bobby began appearing at small concerts around the country on the weekends.  From the very beginning, Bobby was amazed at the fans who turned up to see him.

"I remember what it felt like just before I went on stage for my first concert," Bobby reveals.  "It was the most unusual feeling I'd ever had.   It was just as if I'd never sung in public before because this time was really the first time I'd performed since I became Jeremy to so many people.

"Though I'd never suffered from stage fright before, this time it was different.   I'd waited all through the first half of the concert while another group entertained.  The crowd was enthusiastic, but as the time grew closer for me to step out on the stage, my nervousness increased.  I remember putting my hand up to my throat just to feel if it was still there.  I was that scared.

"Then, suddenly, I heard my name and the next thing I knew I was out there on stage with those lights beaming in on me.  There was noise from the crowd but it was really all sort of blacked out.  I was going through the movements and I guess I was singing, but now that I think back on it, I can't remember a thing that was happening.

"Eventually I loosened up and things became much more fun.  I was part of my audience again, actually enjoying myself and not working at all.  That's how I look upon the concerts today.  They're really a big relief from filming five days in a row.  They put me back where I want to be...with my friends who are my fans."

D.J.'s - In every city where Bobby does a concert, he gets to meet the local DJ who MC's the show and usually, when time permits, Bobby visits the radio station and does an on-the-spot interview.  Naturally, he is often met by fans who know where he'll be, and Bobby good-naturedly signs as many autographs as he can.

REST TIME - Bobby stays in a nice hotel or motel in whatever city he performs.  When his reservations are made, the managers of the hotel try hard not to let anyone know where Bobby is staying.  When the word leaks out, Bobby is besieged by fans who attempt to see him at all hours of the night.

As much as he loves the attention, it is important for him to have some time alone because he studies his lines for the "Brides" show that begins shooting early the following Monday morning.

FUN TIME - Sometimes there is an opportunity for Bobby to "go out on the town' after his concert is over and when this happens he prefers going to a very nice restaurant or to a small club where good music is played.  Often, he is invited to private homes, but rarely can accept such an invitation.

"The most rewarding part of a concert tour," Bobby believes, "is seeing the kids who come to the concerts and sometimes getting to talk to him.  Girls in every state have certain groovy things about them that are unique to their area only.   I'm not saying that girls in South Carolina are any different from girls in Denver, Colorado, but there are special things about each area of the country that does show up in the girls themselves.

"To me, this is very exciting because I love girls and I like to get to know them from all parts of the world.  Maybe soon I'll do some overseas."

But, for the time being, we're all very happy Bobby is sticking around the United States so that everyone can get a chance to see him perform in person!