That was one amazing Kid Rock adventure and all of us at Sixthman are blown away by the family that has formed over the past three years. As the CEO of Sixthman, I have had the privilege to get to know Bob over the years. For those of you that don’t know, we met with Bob for the first time on June 28, 2009 right before he took the stage in Atlanta during his tour with Lynyrd Skynyrd. We were a little nervous at first but he made us feel right at home. We introduced ourselves, told him a little about what we had been up to at Sixthman, and asked him if we could earn the opportunity to bring his vision of a music festival at sea to life for his fans. We pitched Redneck Yacht Club for a name and he immediately said, “we’ve got to call it Chillin’ the Most.”
He went on to share his vision that he wanted the cruise to be a place where he could be himself and just hang with his best fans. A place where he wouldn’t be spending the entire time taking photos and signing autographs. He imagined this place to be the most chill, and because of that he wanted to extend an offer to have his photo with guests when they walked on the ship and give it to them for free. His vision was to meet everyone and to rock the lido deck with them as the ship sailed away. His goal was to give everybody something before they went to bed the very first night in the hopes that everybody would understand the vibe he was trying to create. We were impressed that he was willing to make that commitment and gladly accepted his challenge.
Since then he has more than delivered on his promise to throw the best party on the ocean, and we have been honored to be a part of it.
Here’s a little something we learned this year. Some of you saw me being very firm about asking for an additional photo and/or an autograph, and it’s important for you to know that we are only trying to help Bob achieve his goal. We understand how hard it is to resist the urge to take advantage of a big chance to get something like that from Bob. However, I think we owe it to him to show him the respect that he is giving to us.
I witnessed two examples that stand out to me from this year that I want to share. One is the wrong way to do it and one is the right way to do it.
The first story is about a young lady who caught Bob as he was leaving the deck Sunday night after sharing the “Redneck Paradise” video (which he had his team bust their ass to edit in time for us all to see). She pushed her way through the crowd and demanded a picture. Then after Bob hesitantly agreed to do it, she had the nerve to ask him to wait until she could see the picture to make sure it was a good one. She wasn’t happy with the first picture so she demanded he stay for a second one. Believe it or not, she wasn’t happy with the second picture and asked for a third. I finally stepped in front of her and let her know that she must stop. I felt horrible for Bob because I know how proud he was to make everyone a part of that video and this guest was very disrespectful.
The second story happened on Friday at the beach. Bob was walking onto a tender boat and I was in front of him. A male guest was with his wife and another couple and he went to grab his camera. I politely asked the man to put the camera away and resist asking for a photo. He did not put up a fight and I thanked him for it. A few seconds later Bob walked up and asked if he can sit next to the man. They sat and talked the entire way back to the ship.
Artists live to give and share. They just like to do it on their terms. Almost every time we respect them, they acknowledge it by giving something back. We blogged about this effect called “The Take” after the KISS KRUISE last year. Please check it out if you can.
We realize it’s very hard no to seize the moment. We only ask that as a family, we work together to make our four days a year together a pure place to demonstrate respect for each other and our hero.
If it makes you feel better, the entire Sixthman team walks the walk with you. Our team has never asked for a photo or an autograph with any artist. We want the artist to see us coming and know that we are coming to give, not take. This includes me, and I think it’s one of the reasons Bob and I have the friendship we have.
Thank you for giving us the best job in the world and thank you for showing Bob that we were coming as guests to his party. This is the most amazing, big, dysfunctional family anyone could ever ask for.
thanks for posting this Roxy,
thanks for posting this Roxy, it's an interesting read. and needs to be said. what is sad is that there are people out there that will never get it. I hear over and over again some fan saying "oh yes, we should leave him alone but I have this special exception..." blah blah blah.
he doesn't owe us dick except for good music and good shows in exchange for me buying CDs and tickets. period. I swear if any dumbass came up to me and licked my face or grabbed my ass I'd fucking punch them. I've had people try to do similar things to me, and I absolutely do not allow it (I once had a guy at a dance club try and lick my stomach. true story. He ended up knocked on his ass. I was totally disgusted.) I've had people come up to me and *insist* I talk to them and don't take no for an answer. and I tell them to go fuck themselves I can't even imagine what its like for a famous person... ugh. why in the world people would think a celebrity owes them any of these things just because they are a "real" fan is beyond me. its insane, plain and simple.
It's amazingly simple. ~
It's amazingly simple. ~"Treat Others As You Want To Be Treated"~
I only hope my request made
I only hope my request made it to Bob, I handed an envelope with a photo of Kirsty Hough, for those who do not know Kirsty she is the girl with "9" yes nine tat's of Bob on her. She could not make it this year 2012 for the 3rd Chillin the Most Cruise, I asked that Bob and TBT acknowledge her and sign a photo I gave in the envelope with a self address'd envelope- stamped to send to Kirsty. So many Fans could not make it this year for one reason or not and I tried my best by posting to Face Book those names and gave a "We will miss you" gesture to those peeps. I hope Kid understands that this was just not another faint request-- a die hard fan who gets "9" tats of the Man himself deserves to be recognized whether attendee of this years cruise or not. God Bless TBT and dah "KID" for giving us who did make it on the Ship a HELL YEAH to the Good Times ~ !!!!!! and a THANK YOU ALL for makeing it happen!!!!!!!
Exactly Cheryl. In a public
Exactly Cheryl. In a public setting, He must expect pics to be taken. Like at shows, etc.. In a private area like VIP or in his suite. Absolutely not. And Im sick of hearing oh he didnt mind, or he should be glad we even want his pic.. OH FUCK OFF... He isnt gonna be rude, no matter how much he hates it.. And women throwing themselves in his lap or touching intimately show big disrespect to his relationship and to him. In my humble opinion.
I have over 300 pictures from
I have over 300 pictures from the cruise 95% are of Kid. I did not run him down or chase him all over. Just had a great camera gives me an opportunity to look at and enjoy. All were taken at both concerts and a couple in the casino while he attended the John Stone concert. It can be done without ever bothering the man. There are almost 3000 cruisers. Does he need the aggravation? I think not.
There were pics from last
There were pics from last year of him being swarmed by people (pool) Who prolly all just wanted to say thank You. LEAVE HIM ALONE... If he wants to talk to you , he will come find you..lol admire him from afar.. Dont get in his face.. No autographs and no personal pic requests. Thats the rule. If everyone would just chill, everyone would have fun, including Bob.
LMAO... that dude made me
LMAO... that dude made me laugh too, Margo.... adds to the element. It's like watching the offspring of the soggy bottom boys take the stage...lol I did see some other video where he was actually playing the washboard... but from what I understand that guy ain't in the band anymore... it's just the other three.
I just got done talking to my mom on the phone... as she has been wanting to go over to Philly to see a girlfriend that she hasn't seen in over 15 years.. and wants me to drive her and take care of her while there.. and I kinda threw this show on her.. even tho it's way past her bed time to see it.. and she'll need a place to sit... but I'm hoping to take her to this show :)
Hey Beckxy I saw your pic on
Hey Beckxy I saw your pic on the blog link from LK, cool:) I've never heard these guys before & watched your YouTube link, they were good, but that dude playin' the washboard thing around his neck with the spoons Ha! I don't think I've seen one of those since maybe Hee Haw lol. I had to watch it twice 'cause I didn't see him playing it, I thought he was just standing there with a cigg hanging outta his mouth, then I saw him moving his lower hand...man, I think I'm gonna get me one a those Ha! just kidding :))
Not to change up the thread..
Not to change up the thread.. because I really enjoyed reading Andy's blog.. and what a crazy job that man had to endure.. I have much respect for this guy and Bob n the band.
But.....
Oh wow !! Thanks for posting that Lisa.. I would of totally missed seeing it. Great picture of him and Rock. These guys can truly throw down. I'm trying really hard to gather some friends and get to Philly to see them at the end of June.. not sure in ticket prices yet.. but it may only be a few bucks at the door or something... and they have tour dates all over posted on their facebook page. If ya haven't seen them yet.. they ARE a must see !!
I remember researching them, seeing this video, and falling in love with them before we even stepped foot on the boat:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37MNIeq-V7c&feature=related
Here's my hometown boy Leroy
Here's my hometown boy Leroy Virgil of Hellbound Glory and Kid. This picture must have been taken right before or after my conversations with these extraordinarily talented artists. It was short, but sweet. Could have been longer and sweeter if it weren't for the guy who, ironically, brought us all together in the first place. Oh well, c'est la vie. Check out the shout out to this site with Beckxy's video post too.
http://rustyknuckles.blogspot.com/2012/05/hellbound-glory-featurd-on-kidrockcom.html
Yeah, Margo, I imagine the
Yeah, Margo, I imagine the stress level on something like this is off the charts; especially when it was on an island for the first time and rain forecasts looming. Some people perform better under pressure, some crack. No doubt Andy is a great person on a personal level; and, I even told him I thought he was a genius for thinking this adventure up and making it happen. So, yeah, he sure misunderstood my intentions since apparently that conversation made him think I wanted to "to get to Kid" through him.
While in the bar (that I entered for the sole purpose of getting a drink) I ended up, instead, having a private conversation with Kid himself. I, of course, did get in my thanks and mentioned the stellar two hour acoustic private show I enjoyed 10 years prior, but had no recording of the live radio broadcast and said, "I have great memories tho." Kid said, "I think memories are better anyway." (and, living his "life opposite the flash of a camera all the time" I can see why he would think that way).
Then, the third encounter with Andy happened. He literally walked up and started pushing me away; and, Kid said, "Sixthman are assholes" and made the point that they were kicking me out, not him. I told Andy I had no idea Kid was in the bar and that I went in for a drink. "I don't know if I trust you enough yet to believe you." he said. And, then the fatal sentence, that ended with the threat of being banned from future cruises. "Oh REALLY?!! !!! !!! Do you know this is my third cruise?" I asked. I saw his body language and I'm sure he may have felt like an ass at that moment. "Have you ever had a problem with me before?" And, of course, his answer was no. Perhaps that would have been a good time to reverse the ugly conversation. Every action has a reaction. And, speaking of stress levels and cracking, I must go deal with my current hard knock life at the moment, so wish me luck my dysfunctional family. ; )
It is so hard to resist...
It is so hard to resist... but Sixthman has a terrific point..... I get it...... but sometimes your heart asks for the picture, before your brain can catch up... :)
Imho, I think Kid would
Imho, I think Kid would probably accommodate any of us and take a pic or autograph even if he really doesn't want to, just 'cause he's a good guy and appreciates our excitement but, that's exactly why he has people in place to stop those who would take advantage of his good heart. I can't imagine living my life opposite the flash of a camera all the time. I would much rather have a couple of minutes to give him a hug and just say hey!
Hi LK, sounds like Andy
Hi LK, sounds like Andy misunderstood your intentions? Maybe he could have handled it in a different way. I try to to put myself in someone else's shoe's...I'm sure it's probably stressful trying to make sure the cruise doesn't turn in to a 4 day fan photo op for Kid & Andy reacted rudely towards you maybe because of that? Reading Andy's statement above it sounds like Kid would much rather shoot the shit with a fan than get another pic taken, even though I know that wasn't your intention for another pic, Andy probably misunderstood you. Hope that doesn't stop ya from going on future KR cruises.
"They also say that a picture
"They also say that a picture is worth a thousand words so feast your eyes on this right here you bunch of Scumbags and listen good as it spins the yarn that only a picture can do."
http://rustyknuckles.blogspot.com/2012/05/hellbound-glory-will-be-conquering.html
Two out of the three videos are mine, glad Hellbound Glory considers my videos worth a thousand words on their blog and don't see them as an intrusion.
So, Andy, must now consider
So, Andy, must now consider GIVING thanks as "taking" too? I went on all three cruises, yet there is no photos of me and Kid -- besides the usually horrifying one at boarding -- and, no, never got an autograph either.
"Here’s a little something we learned this year. Some of you saw me being very firm about asking for an additional photo and/or an autograph, and it’s important for you to know that we are only trying to help Bob achieve his goal. We understand how hard it is to resist the urge to take advantage of a big chance to get something like that from Bob. However, I think we owe it to him to show him the respect that he is giving to us."
As most know, when you ASSUME, you make an ASS out of U and ME. Andy assumed I wanted a photo. "I just want to say thanks to him." I said to Andy. So, what's his reason behind not letting me do that when Kid is literally standing next to me? Maybe Andy's delusional statement, "You've been trying to get to Kid through me from day one." is a clue?
"If I see you near him again . . ." is nowhere near "firm" (and certainly isn't catering to the "fan's experience with the artists" that's for sure) -- it's fucking out of line rude and Andy Levine, clearly -- for me, lacks RESPECT for HIS guests. So, put that in your pipe and smoke it!!
I met everyone in the band
I met everyone in the band but Marlon and Shannon and I do not have one picture to prove it. I wouldn't ask for a picture because I was honored that they all took the time to talk to me. But, I did get a hug and kiss from Aaron! It's enough for me that they all know I am a fan and I respect them. I don't need a picture...I have the memories indelibly marked.
I haven't been on the boat
I haven't been on the boat yet, but when I finally do I will not ask for an additional pic with him if the opportunity came up...the dude spent what 4 plus hours taking pics with every person that boarded, that's very cool that he does that for the fans...just seems a little greedy of the man's time to ask for more...in my opinion.
Amen.........................
Amen..........................................Here’s a little something we learned this year. Some of you saw me being very firm about asking for an additional photo and/or an autograph, and it’s important for you to know that we are only trying to help Bob achieve his goal. We understand how hard it is to resist the urge to take advantage of a big chance to get something like that from Bob. However, I think we owe it to him to show him the respect that he is giving to us.