April 4, 2009 8:08 pm

Rock Fans Go Autograph Hunting

With so many rock legends in town for the big Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony this weekend, you’d think that bumping into a star would be simple. It turns out there is a science to getting that autograph or picture.

Down at Tower City near the indoor exit for the Ritz Carlton Hotel, some of the professional paparazzi and autograph hunters were on the lookout all day.

Rule #1: Patience

Autograph hunter, Craig Crow, says that too many people don’t wait long enough.

“So far nothing because nobody is walking around yet,” said Crow. “But I am going to wait for a couple more hours, at least. You have to be patient.”

Rule #2: Location

The Hard Rock Cafe always seems to attract the rock stars, but timing is everything. Mine was terrible, according to cafe manager, David Grace. We just missed Led Zepplin legend, Jimmy Page.

“He just walked in and looked at some of the guitars and walked out,” said Grace. “And we had the O’Jays walking around the mall yesterday.”

Added Grace, “yeah we’ve seen a bunch. They are all over downtown.”

Rule #3: Pure Luck

Joe Bowen had incredible luck meeting the stars and didn’t mind showing off his digital pictures for me. “There I am with Darryl McDaniels from “Run DMC”. “Here I am with Jason Newsted the former bass player with “Metallica.”

And then rubbing it in further, Bowen kept flashing pictures. “Here’s another one with me and Ernest Wright who sang the great tune “Goin’ out of My Head” with Little Anthony and the Imperials.”

Inspired from my meeting with Bowen, I tried the Renaissance Hotel, but again no luck.

Sales Director John Zangas smiled when I asked him which rock stars were staying at his hotel. “Well, of course I wouldn’t tell you if there were here,” said Zangas.

I pulled out two crisp bills, but Zangas stayed resolute. “That wouldn’t help at all,” said Zangas, “but good luck in your mission.”

Over at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame we were told we had just missed DMC.

Paul Greene, teacher from Collinwood High School was giving students a guided tour when he spotted Darryl “D.M.C.” Matthews McDaniels.

“I was like, hey guys look! “That’s D.M.C. So cool because when I was growing up that’s who I really liked.”

Just before we were resigned to a fruitless star quest, we struck gold with Rule #3: Pure Luck.

As we stood near the administrative office in the basement of the Rock Hall, in walked “Rockabilly Queen”, Wanda Jackson, one of this years Rock Hall of Fame inductees.

“It is so nice to meet you,” said Jackson with a charming smile as she gently shook my hand.

And just as I started to chat with her about Cleveland weather, somebody with a clipboard rushed in. “Sorry, but she’s on a very tight schedule,” said Mr. Clipboard. And away drifted Jackson with her small entourage.

That’s ok. Beside I didn’t want to seem uncool by asking for an autograph anyway. It’s not like I spent the day trying to meet a rock star. Ha!