"No Friends Ever Are"
Joined: Sep 2008
Salt Lake City, UT
Saturday, November 7, 2009 - 19:24
"No Friends Ever Are"
That's a reference to Simon's comment from David's AI audition.
The first time I saw the audition clip was about halfway thru Idol, when I was just starting to think I wouldn't mind if DC won. Even though I pretty much knew nothing about DC at that point, I still thought Simon's comments about friends were kind of odd. And over the past 18 months they seem odder and odder. Or ironic. Or a bizarre coincidence. Or funny.
It's interesting to think about what those comments, and the past 18 months, say about DC, about Simon, maybe about society as a whole.
I've been meaning to post my random thoughts on this for ages now, but I think this unbelievable performance pushed me to finally do it.
Comments for this Forum Topic
Gingerly:
I think Simon judged David based on his looks not being the typical American Idol contestant. Simon had no clue who David was let alone who his friends were. Simon has never (that I know of) said anything similar to anybody else. I honestly believe it was David's appearance that caused Simon to be stupid.
I find it awesome that Simon later ate so many words about our BB. I find it even more awesome that David has been able to take some of his friends on this amazing ride they're on. It was obvious to me from very early on that David values friendships. He's done or said absolutely nothing to make me think differently.
What you say is so true, Gingerly....I saw it on BGT with Susan Boyle...people judge by looks..then did you see Simon literally fall in love with her when she opened her mouth and that first pure, crystal note came out!! LOL!! "Fame" is all about superficial garbage...but talent is what is on the inside..everyone has something that they are good at..it's just a matter of finding it...Simon ate some crow several times. But the man is shrewd enough to know when to admit a mistake.. I will give him that.
--
wn#518
I think getting Andy And Neal in the band from the getgo, having Neal out there almost the moment he started DCTR and Andy was in some of those photos, too, was one of David's big achievements in this beyond winning AI, and making DCTR, and being stellar live in concert.
I've always thought Neal and Andy represented normalcy and sanity joining him in his new adventure. Guys he really knows, who will tell him what they think, give him their honest opinion. Neal's musicianship and guitarwork is something David really admires and has respect for, too. The whole adventure is probably ten times more fun, and not nearly as lonely with them. I can imagine DC feels the pressure of this whole thing, but those guys are always there. Friends no matter what. Especially with the loss of his brother this year, I am glad Neal and Andy and now Monty are with him. They have all worked hard on this tour, and they are so good as a band. No one has worked harder than David.
I would love to hear Neal, Andy, and David talk about what went on when they found out he was really going on AI. I am sure they have teased him from Day 1. But I am sure they all respect him, and what he's accomplished, too.
The best part is, they know him, and he can just be around them. Doesn't have to fix his hair, etc. Just be.
I have always thought that all these guys add personality to the band. And David is the king of personality. David clearly the best at talking and bantering in the whole group of them.
I've been hoping some interviewer would ask David about that first exchange with Simon. More about his question, "what would your friends say about entering Idol?" (sic).
What DID they say when he first told them he was going to be on Idol?
C'mon Dave, while experience shows that your friends absolutely want the best for you, I bet there was some real razzing going on. American Idol??WTF?
Phil Marshall in a Youtube excerpt talked about that, "so what, ya wanna be a Pop star now?".
I agree I think Simon saw DC as someone who takes himself seriously in a grunge/rock venue that wouldn't translate into Idol. Simon is smart enough to know there are Idol snobs out there that won't give an artist the time of day if they've associated themselves with the show...let alone win it! It was a forewarning of the risk David was taking with the image he had built up for himself. Simon probably saw David's confidence too, hence all the "egotistical, pompous" etc comments.
But after the razzing, I envision weekly calls during Idol to Neal et al for advice and help choosing songs and arrangements. And I envision them being there for him 100%. Love your friends and they'll love you.
--
~K
I think Simon judged David based on his looks not being the typical American Idol contestant. Simon had no clue who David was let alone who his friends were. Simon has never (that I know of) said anything similar to anybody else. I honestly believe it was David's appearance that caused Simon to be stupid.
I find it awesome that Simon later ate so many words about our BB. I find it even more awesome that David has been able to take some of his friends on this amazing ride they're on. It was obvious to me from very early on that David values friendships. He's done or said absolutely nothing to make me think differently.
--
Gingerly ~ Illegitimi non carborundum ~
Personally, I think that Simon was just fooling with him. I didn't take it seriously at all.
Jeannine
I think this is the one thing that keeps David so grounded. Is the fact that he does have his good friends out on the road with him. and that he surronds himself with good people. it's the people around you that infuence so much of what you do sometimes. & he has his family & people that really care for him & his best intrest at heart. At least I'd like to think they do. And Only want the best for him. Thats why Im so glad that the label allowed him to have Neal & Andy and now Monty on the road with him. Not only good for him but for all of them.
What you are seeing in action...isn't just friendship, but brotherhood. And regionally speaking, it's something quite important to Midwesterners. David and the guys prove that it isn't "Every man for himself", but "Brother, I've got your back." I respect them and am so glad for their tight-knit family atmosphere...I think it proves that even though in the "Celeb World" can be an ocean of sharks...the Real World CAN be a rescue boat of friends...makes no sense! LOL!!! But you get the idea.
--
wn#518
Cowell's years and breadth of experience in the music industry are such that I wouldn't dismiss his statements. If anyone knows what's involved in a field where fame is a perquisite of survival, it's he.
Cook's bringing his former bandmates along with him on the ride has rather elegantly dodged the question of whether his friends' wish for him to succeed in the music biz was prudent or sincere. Up side or down, they get to enjoy the fruits of their own wishes for him.
It also was the right thing to do in a practical sense; I can't imagine the stress of spending nine months on the road entirely surrounded by strangers.
I remember this remark......and David laughing.....Of course, true friends would be happy for the success of their friend....just like I am happy for my friends who get front row seats at concerts most of the time...I am happy for them...and happy for them when they meet David..
--
karen <3 ~ david
"I feel alive beside you and all at once I am whole again.."
Perhaps Simon was speaking from his own experience with folks he called "friends." If that's the case, then I feel sorry for him.
But yeah, I often think about that Simon/David moment when David starts talking about how long he's been friends with Neal and Andy and how much he likes having them with him on tour. David and his friends have certainly proved Simon wrong.
--
Rolling Out Across the Desert Word Hero #293
"If I was in a band competing with Andy, I'd quit." -- Neal Tiemann
I think if you are true friends which all of these gentleman are, then they'll celebrate your triumphs and comfort you in times of trouble. At least that is what my experience has shown me. I am blessed with good friends and some new ones I have made here. I cannot fathom why Simon said that to David until this day. Perhaps he wanted him to push harder; focus more? IDK. It is obvious David and his bandmates care about each other deeply and it is touchingly evident in this video.
--
"Hold on to anything at all."