George Carlin 1937 - 2008

Posted by Coral Andrews Jun 23, 2008

It says “Hi Coral, Thanks George Carlin.” Underneath "Hi Coral" “Carol” is scratched out.

When I was 26, I contributed to the arts sections of two weekly newspapers.

Carlin’s New York publicists Rogers and Cowan granted my interview request. But the day of the scheduled chat, they said my fave counter culture guru had “escaped” from his office!

What the F%$####.K???? and Those Other Seven Words You Can Now Say!

I had two excited editors holding the presses for my story which was not to be.

The day of Carlin’s concert, backstage, I screwed up my courage armed only with tiny AIWA cassette recorder, determined to get an autograph and a radio station ID.

Pre show, Carlin who has been watching a ball game in the green room, clad in black and ball cap came up to me. “Hey, sorry about that interview stuff,” he said as I shook his hand. I said “That’s okay. But now you owe me. Would you do a station ID for me.”?

“Yeah, I guess so, gimme the call letters…”

Carlin did the ID, said his speedy goodbyes and left anxious to return to his game and smoke a pre-show joint. When I went to play my little audio gem there was NOTHING there. I frantically asked Front of House to find Carlin again.

He came back a little puzzled. “Hmmm... Lemme give this one more try.” ….

Apre sound bite, I boldly informed Carlin about my chats with comics Graham Chapman, Billy Connolly, and Dan Ackroyd.

“Wow, that’s a real rogue’s gallery. Listen, the next time I’m through here, call my office, tell them who you are, and I’ll chat with ya okay? Anytime…"

I never did get that second chat but I got TWO Station IDs.

Rant in Peace George Carlin, ever part of My Effing Rogue's Gallery Comic Wall.

Signed “Carol”