Photo by Michael O'Brien.
The enigmatic Tom Waits, who rarely grants interviews, has conducted a conversation with himself. It arrived this afternoon in my inbox via his publicist. The lone Florida date of Waits' "Glitter and Doom Tour" is July 1, Times Union Center, Jacksonville. For more info click here.
TOM WAITS’
TRUE CONFESSIONS
(A conversation with himself)
I must admit, before meeting Tom, I had heard so many rumors and so much gossip that I was afraid. Frankly, his gambling debts, his animal magnetism, coupled with his disregard for the feelings of others… His elaborate gun collection, his mad shopping sprees, the face lifts, the ski trips, the drug busts and the hundreds of rooms in his home. The tax shelters, the public urination…I was nervous to meet the real man himself. Baggage and all. But I found him to be gentle, intelligent, open, bright, helpful, humorous, brave, audacious, loquacious, clean, and reverent. A Boy Scout, really (and a giant of a man). Join me now for a rare glimpse into the heart of Tom Waits. Remove your shoes and no smoking, please.
Q: What’s the most curious record in your collection?
A: In the seventies a record company in LA issued a record called “The best of Marcel Marceau.” It had forty minutes of silence followed by applause and it sold really well. I like to put it on for company. It really bothers me, though, when people talk through it.
This article appears in May 14-20, 2008.