Carey Driscoll


Meet Carey Driscoll from San Diego, California.

Thanks to a friend, I just discovered this web site. Since you asked, I have a pretty neat story of my early days as a fan of America.

On what I'm sure was their first tour, I had front row seats for their concert in San Diego. Early in the concert, the guys and I were making a lot of eye contact. I was taking a lot of photos, and they were being very accomodating, even "posing". NOTE: I'm a GUY, so don't take this wrong;-). We were even talking between songs -- a LOT:-).

They were really friendly, and eventually they invited me backstage, where we talked a bit. Not that many months later -- remember the days of frequent album releases and frequent touring? -- they were back. I again had front row seats, and -- I SWEAR this is true -- when they walked out on stage and looked over the audience, they spotted me, and immediately recopgnized me!

They pointed and waved at me, and we quickly renewed our "acquaintance", talking thruout the concert, and again going backstage.

A while later -- at least a year, probably longer -- they came back again. I have NO recollection of how I knew this, but they were travelling by private charter -- an old silver prop job classic, like the ones from the old movies. I think the plane is shown on an insert that came with the album of that time, either the 3rd or 4th. Somehow, I also knew when they were arriving, so my then-wife and I went down to the area adjoining the airport where the private planes come in.

When they arrived, there were a dozen or so people waiting, and the guys came down the stairs and came over to where we were on the other side of a cyclone fence. They immediately recognized me -- amazing, and real flattering! -- and we talked for a while. They asked my wife and I what we were doing, and we said "Just killing time for the afternoon".

So they said "See that limo? We're going to The TraveLodge on Harbor Island. Follow us.". Which, of course, we did! And spent all afternoon hanging out with them, bouncing from room to room, spending most of the time in the room of Henry Diltz.

All of this was just really cool to me, because I was not only a guitar player who did a lot of America songs, but a photographer who loved Henry's work.

Unfortunately, within a few years, my guitar playing and photography fell by the wayside, victims to work and family. The good news, for me, is that I began playing guitar again 4 years ago, and now do it "professionally", gigging regularly.

And, of course, we do a few songs by America:-)

Feel free to send your comments or questions to Carey.



Written: 16 October 1999