I did not get his autograph, but I bought Andrew Bird a drink. He was walking down my street, and I was sitting at the wine bar downstairs from my apartment. I would have to say it was a highlight of 2007 for me.

Sent by Angela | 5:02 PM ET | 03-26-2008

In the late 90s, my good friends and I stayed after a Pinkerton-era Weezer show and met the band. Among the autographs that we plundered, my then-girlfriend-now-wife and sister got a picture with Rivers giving him a kissing sandwich. They were really nice--even though, as I remember it, Matt Sharp had a terrible toothache and had a swollen jaw something fierce.

Those were good times.

Sent by Jon | 5:23 PM ET | 03-26-2008

At Bumbershoot 2000 (2001?), Grant Lee Phillips was a last minute substitution for a cancelled act, and I didn't mind at all; it just made the festival that much better (especially since I was traveling from Oklahoma). Afterwards, he signed autographs and posed for pictures. He was as unassuming and warm as you might expect. It made my year.

Sent by todd | 5:56 PM ET | 03-26-2008

I've never asked for an autograph, but have been able to meet a few musicians over the years. Most friendly was Mike Watt. I actually hung out with him and his drummer at the time for about an hour before a show. They were super cool and funny. I also got the chance to meet Mick Turner of the Dirty Three because he was a friend of a friend. Again very laid back and super nice. I met Will Oldham once, and I was a little star struck and wasn't very good at making convo. He didn't seem to be in the mood for small talk anyway. Also remember meeting Jazz guitarist Stanly Jordan who popped in to play and amazing set at an open mike in a very small bar a while ago. My friends and I bought him a beer and chatted with him for a while. Super nice and kind of shy I remember. Those memories are better to me than their name on a piece of paper. But I agree, they were mostly pretty normal people.

Sent by dk | 6:05 PM ET | 03-26-2008

I got Michael Jackson's autograph. Twice. I had cancer, and my Make-A-Wish was to meet MJ. My mom set the whole thing up. I was eight - it was 1988. He sent me a letter with a signed photo. The letter was of the "go get 'em tiger" sort. He used titles of his songs throughout - I know you can "Beat It." I'm sure you're "Working All Day and Night" to get healthy. Et Cetera. I met him a few months later - in Washington, DC, backstage at a concert. What was great was that our limo pulled up behind the old Caps Center. All these groupies were waiting outside, hoping to catch sight of the man. I had a white glove and a black fedora on. I put the fedora through the moon roof (in the gloved hand, of course) and the women went crazy. Of course, when some skinny white kid, 8 years old and cancer stricken, stepped out they we're pretty disappointed.

Sent by Josh | 6:22 PM ET | 03-26-2008

Even when I did interviews with musicians for our college radio station, I usually asked for autographs afterwards. From what I can tell artists feel better in an interview situation when they know the guy who asks them questions is actually into what they're doing.

The funniest situation I ever experienced was when I asked Nina Persson of Swedish band The Cardigans for an autograph on a festival in Germany. I gave her the sleeve of their very old single "Lovefool" to sign it and when she saw the picture of the band ten years younger, she took the sleeve and ran to her fellow band members who were doing an interview at that time just to show them how funny they all had looked once.

Sent by Lukas | 6:41 PM ET | 03-26-2008

Most of the concerts I attend are in smaller venues where the artist is usually around to mingle after the set. For some reason I have this weird phobia of talking to musicians (even though I am one!). I think it's because I never really know what to say in the post show fleeting moment besides the cliche "hey your music is great, I'm a big fan!" in effect I've never asked for an autograph. Maybe I should though.

Sent by Maddie | 9:11 PM ET | 03-26-2008

I was in love with Thievery Corporation when they first appeared on the scene. To this day, their DJ Kicks album is one of my all time favorites. I knew it by heart. A few friends of mine and I went to see them at Axis in Boston where they were dj-ing. The club was empty, and although I was one of maybe 8 people on the dance floor, I absolutely danced my heart out.

A friend approached a body guard to ask if we could be let into the DJ booth, and at the same time, another friend approached a guy climbing the ladder to climb to the DJ booth - he happened to be Rob Garza.

All I remember is my friend pointing at me on the dance floor and Rob nodding. When I got up there, I was a bit tipsy, and I gushed to them how much I loved them and loved the album.

They said, "We know. We saw you dancing."

That story goes down in history for me!

Sent by Jen | 10:32 PM ET | 03-26-2008

Pop musicians are not like you and me. They live in a realm of pure light and unspeakable beauty. Their pen and ink squiggles carry powerful, life-sustaining magic auras which are plainly visible to the fan who is sufficently pure of heart.
Except David Thomas, of Pere Ubu. When I asked him to autograph my copy of "The Modern Dance" he grudgingly, with eyes closed, defaced the cover with an illegible scrawl that I think may carry a low-grade curse. Not a nice guy.

I gave up my bed for David Thomas back in the Modern Dance days. He never said thanks, but I think he just didn't have the everyday chit chat down very well. Maybe it was bad home training! But he was a music god for me so I let it pass.

bob boilen

Sent by schlep | 9:16 AM ET | 03-27-2008

Like Maddie, I normally see concerts in smaller venues. But I'm the exact opposite. If I want to say something nice about the concert, I feel like I have to buy the CD and get it signed. And I feel especially awkward if they know I work for a radio station, so I don't usually mention it (every time I do say something about the station or our streaming web service, I feel particularly PR whorish - even if I don't really mean it that way). And, I had Grant Lee Phillips sign CDs for me and my brother and he was a really swell guy. Richard Shindell, however, was a humiliation I won't live down for awhile.

tell us more of Richard Shindell
bb

Sent by Ann V. | 10:27 AM ET | 03-27-2008

Ted Nugent spoke at his son's high school in Naples Florida about five years ago. I was living in Tampa at the time, and could not make it down. I solicited the help of a high school girl from the Internet (a small town just outside of Naples, I believe) to get me Ted's autograph at any cost.

I never did learn of the series of events leading up to her encounter with the Motor City Madman, but to this day I've got a scrap of legal paper tacked to my wall with "Rock 'em all, Robb. -Ted Nugent" emblazoned upon it in black sharpie.

This is one of my most prized posessions, and I will take it with me when I die.

Sent by Robb Hohmann | 12:23 PM ET | 03-27-2008

Interesting to read the comments about David Thomas. A few years ago, when I was living in Atlanta, on a whim I went to see a show by the reconstituted Rocket From The Tombs. Never heard of the band before, didn't know anything about them except that the members that night included David Thomas, Richard Lloyd, and Cheetah Chrome from the Dead Boys. It was one of the best shows I've ever seen -- I was completely blown away. Afterwards, David Thomas was selling CDs on stage and I went up to buy one. He was exceedingly gracious and polite. I was too embarrassed to ask for an autograph, but the CD (Rocket Redux) and the show were killer.

Sent by Gary | 1:07 PM ET | 03-27-2008

I met Margo Timmins, lead singer of the Cowboy Junkies, after a show in Houston. She was gracious and warm, and stayed until every last autograph was signed. She told a wonderful story about getting bird droppings in her hair before a show, and that story made it onto the '200 More Miles' live album.

Sent by Sanjit | 1:35 PM ET | 03-27-2008

I always feel a little uncomfortable and fanboyish approaching musicians. At the Pitchfork Festival a couple years ago I saw Matt Berninger, singer of the National, sitting on the grass during Spoon's set. I wanted to say something, even just a "Thanks for making 'Alligator' ", my favorite record at the time (which I had purchased on vinyl from one of the vendors at the festival and was holding in my hand). But the fear of awkwardness consumed me and I didn't do it. I regret it now.

Sent by Kevin | 2:39 PM ET | 03-27-2008

When I was 17, I waited to get Suzanne Vega's autograph. It was the last stop on her tour and the band was making noises on the bus about leaving. She walked into the bus and told them to chill out. Very Cool!

Recently my son and I got Dan Zanes' autograph after his recent concert in Ithaca, NY. I got the chance to interview him for the local weekly.

You can reed it here:

http://dynamicmeter.blogspot.com/2008/02/dan-zanes-going-where-fun-is.html

Sent by Dynamic Meter | 4:29 PM ET | 03-27-2008

death cab for cutie was my favorite band several years ago, and they came to my university to perform. i was thrilled! i had a backstage pass and talked for a while with chris walla, my favorite member of the group. unfortunately, he started off our conversation by saying "yeah, i actually really hate it here; it's so fake and elitist" after i told him that was where i went to school. so...yeah. he was no longer my favorite after that, haha.

the best was meeting john vanderslice last year - he has to be the nicest man in indie rock.

John is a sweetheart. I'll help restore your faith in Chris Walla, we just finished a Project Song with Chris. He was in our studios for 2 days writing a song. You couldn't imagine a kinder more professional soul in your studio. He is an ace in my book.
bob boilen

Sent by rachel | 6:35 PM ET | 03-27-2008

I scored two hugs from Vienna Teng when she played a house concert here in SLC. Much better than a measly autograph (though I got one of those, and a picture with, too)!

I also got a hug and autograph from from Charlotte Martin.

Angie Aparo didn't hug me, but he did thank me for coming out as he signed a CD.

One of the first autographs I ever got was from Heather Nova in 2002, and I was so nervous that I blurted something inane, and then bolted as soon as she had signed the shirt I had. I think that might have been one of her last U.S. shows.

Sent by racerabbit | 6:46 PM ET | 03-27-2008

After an extremely euphoric My Morning Jacket show at a small club in Salt Lake City, where Jim James called the band back for an extended encore and then stepped off the stage and hugged everyone in reach (me included), a friend and I hung out for awhile in the hopes of snagging an autograph or two from the man himself.
Usually I don't go in for that, but my friend was insistent that his newly purchased MMJ shirt needed to be signed. After the band regrouped and came out for a beer or two, we ended up back by the pool table hanging out with Mr. James. My friend got his shirt signed, we drank a few cold ones, chatted a bit, and with the sharpie lying forgotten in my pocket, I left the club with no sig but a great story to tell about being hugged and hanging out with one of the nicest guys in rock n' roll.

Sent by Talin | 8:49 PM ET | 03-27-2008

I once urinated next to Ira of Yo La Tengo (in a public restroom of course, but I figured that wasn't really the right setting to start gushing about how emotional I get listening to his music. So I held my tongue. Besides I was about to see them play so cheering them on was the best way to show my appreciation.

And no I don't usually go for autographs. Although if I ran into Doug Martsch, Jeff Lynne, or Pete Townshend I'd consider it.

Sent by Stuart | 9:14 PM ET | 03-27-2008

I met the guys from Guster after a show in 2002. They were quite nice and gladly gave autographs/posed for pictures. John Mayer was also there; he was very gracious and chatty.

Tom Morello was very polite and happily gave an autograph.

Ted Nugent wished me a Merry Christmas at a Target in Waco, TX. He looked and smelled like he'd been out hunting.

Kyle from Tenacious D was very pleasant and talkative until I mentioned that I was married, then he abruptly ended the conversation. Weird. Especially since I'm a man.

Sent by Shapiro | 10:07 PM ET | 03-27-2008

I completely agree. I honestly don't understand the big fuss made over autographs, especially among musicians. I would never ask anybody for an autograph cuz it's kind of awkward I would say. They have to deal with that probably every day.

It'd be definitely cool to talk to some of my fav musicians but I wouldn't bother anybody.

Sent by Lenka Bliss | 10:30 AM ET | 03-28-2008

in 1975 i was a student at Bristol University working on the college newspaper. i got to interview most of the bands playing at the uni. i did it with my friend who took the pictures. he was big on debunking stars. i started to interview Ray Davies in the dressing room. Ray says to my friend "I think i recognise you". my friend replies " Yes, I think you remind me of someone too. " Result ? Interviews ends, Ray walks off in a huff... to the ladies toilet. the gig was good though!

Sent by miles martin | 4:34 PM ET | 03-28-2008

I've met the band Travis twice. Once in July 2007, and another time in Nov. 2007. They are the nicest band you'll ever meet. The first time, it was singer Fran Healy's birthday and me and my best friend Kassy waited outside the venue for a chance to get a picture. Fran and Dougie appeared from the basement of the venue and invited us inside for birthday cake! The whole band was incredibly sweet, and talked to my friend and I and offered to take pictures with us. The bassist, Dougie, is married to actress Kelly McDonald. When I told him I was a fan of her's he got excited and proceeded to tell me about her upcoming project, No Country for Old Men. The highlight of the evening was meeting their producer, NIGEL GODRICH, who had gone on holiday with the boys.

Sent by Lauren | 12:43 AM ET | 03-29-2008

I got autographs from Snow Patrol and Laura Veirs a few years back, but both of those instances were artists hanging around after shows specifically to sign stuff for fans. I don't think I'd ever make a big fuss over getting an autograph...with two exceptions: Morrissey and Josh Ritter.

Morrissey because the only tattoo I think I could ever commit to is one of his autograph (obviously, I love him). Josh Ritter because I did a phone interview and wrote a feature story on him for my university's newspaper last month. I'm such a big fan, and it sounds so terribly groupie-like, but I will pass out if I one day actually meet him and have him sign my article! As dorky as it sounds, if it happens I will definitely get it framed and hang it in my living room.

Sent by Tamara Vallejos | 1:41 AM ET | 03-29-2008

The first time I went to SXSW (in 2002, I think) Mike Gordon (bassist from Phish) had a movie that was showing there. My wife and I were eating lunch at some fancy hotel (I have no idea why we were there - the rest of the trip I remember eating only cheap food) and I look over and there's Mike. I was just nearing the end of my infatuation with Phish, and I just had to say hello. So I interrupted his meal and said "Hi. Sorry to bother you, but I had to tell you I'm a really big fan." He shook my hand and was very polite, and then I went away. It was surreal.

Sent by Jordan | 10:11 PM ET | 03-30-2008

I would like to second John Vanderslice's nomination as Nicest Man in Rock. I have seen him perform five times now (the fifth was a few nights ago when he opened for Malkmus in DC), and have managed to accidentally chat with him four of those times. He usually heads to the merch table after the show and he usually initiates conversation with fans, and has even come up and put his arm around me. I sent him an email once that I figured would go unnoticed, but he personally responded. I think I've seen him so many times mostly because I love how gracious and friendly he is! Definitely the best.

Sent by k | 10:25 AM ET | 03-31-2008

I still have Max Weinberg's autograph (complete with his drawing of a drum kit) from one of those late '70s Springsteen tours when Bruce & the band played the Cap Centre in Largo, MD; Max was a total mensch (i.e. super nice guy) about signing.

Sent by Betsy | 4:41 PM ET | 03-31-2008

dk, I completely agree about Watt. I've seen him twice, and both times he'd hang out after the set and just chat everyone up. The first of these was in Springfield, MO during the "Contemplating the Engine Room" tour. There were maybe twenty people in the audience, but he played his ass off anyway and talked to just about everyone there afterwards. I never got an autograph -- I don't really do that. I'd much rather have a conversation, but I only feel right doing that at their shows.

I used to live in DC and Guy Piccioto (Fugazi) was always in the audience when I'd go check out other bands. I even got behind him in line at the post office in Adams Morgan once. I really wanted to say hello, but it always felt like it would be rude, since he was really just going about his business those times. But a couple of months ago I saw the Evens and had no problem chatting up Ian -- it was his show and he also made himself available after the show for just that reason. He was quite funny and personable, despite his reputation as Mr. Serious Political Guy.

Sent by Joel | 6:57 PM ET | 03-31-2008

I had deja vu when I read Bob Boilen's account of getting the Kinks' autographs. In the mid-eighties, during that band's arena-rock days, a girlfriend and I met Ray Davies in the hotel lobby after the band had performed their sound check up the road at Pine Knob, outside of Detroit. We were beyond starry-eyed, but our hero kindly chatted with us and signed each of the tickets we had for the band's show that night. I still have that ticket; it's a little faded now, but it's priceless in that it reminds me of a truly delightful time in my life, when an innocent passion for things ruled much of what I did. I'll be seeing Ray in concert this weekend in Philly--last I saw him onstage was 15 years ago--and although getting autographs and handshakes will be the furthest thing from my mind, being at his show will be like meeting up with an old friend. And that's priceless, too.

Sent by Gena | 9:25 PM ET | 03-31-2008

I've admired Richard Shindell's music for years and I think he's a fine performer - the deadpan stories, great guitar work, and an unwillingness to be overly pushed around by an audience. Throughout the three times I've seen him (twice at the Grey Eagle in Asheville, NC and once at the Tin Angel in Philly) he's been gracious and chatty. He charmed a friend of mine with his Spanish and remembered an embarrasing sneeze I let out at the Philly show. Some people might be turned off by his dry wit but I think his integrity to his art and activism is rock solid. Full disclosure: Years after I became a fan, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mr. Shindell at a public radio station. It was a blast.

Sent by james | 1:44 PM ET | 04-02-2008

Favorite autograph: Geoge Takei. An 8 year old avid Star Trek fan waiting in line at a video store says he has to go to the bathroom. Behind the "employees only door" sat Mr. Takei eating lunch amidst his entourage. I told him how much I loved Wrath of Khan. He was awesome.

Sent by james | 1:53 PM ET | 04-02-2008

To clarify, Shindell wasn't being a jerk, it was one of my co-workers who thought it would be funny to make me out as a stalker-fan who weeps because of his music and then ask him to sign my CD. Ha, ha. I was a little gushy to Mountain Heart, I chalk it up to exhaustion, but they were very nice about it.

Sent by Ann V. | 3:41 PM ET | 04-02-2008

Eesh, gotcha. My sympathies Ann.

Sent by james | 3:01 PM ET | 04-03-2008

I have to agree with Bob about wincing at the "star" system. I have had opportunities to ask for autographs from some great musicians (Ben Harper, Dave Grisman, Isaac Brock), but only choose to pursue two.

In high school (mid 90's) I interrupted Robert Pollard (of Guided by Voices)"talking" with a female fan in a small closest back stage to have him sign Bee Thousand. Not my proudest day.

Last year, I had the Seth and Scott Avett sign a photo I had taken at a previous show. It felt very awkward, don't plan on seeking any autographs in the future (well unless Paul McCartney or Dylan walks by).

Sent by Wayne | 11:47 AM ET | 04-04-2008

One more, from a friend.

I have a friend who habitually visits second hand stores looking for unique items. He does this mainly for personal interest, but if he finds things he has or can not use he will sell them on ebay. He found a pare of mint 1980's Nike high tops size 10.5, unfortunately he wares size 12. Up they went. The winner signed an email Guy-Manuel and the shipping address was Paris. As an avid Daft-Punk listener, he thought could it really be? He sent an email which read - If you are who I think you are, You can have the shoes for free. I love your work. The winner paid for the shoes and a few weeks later he receive a signed "Human After All" vinyl in the mail.

Sent by Wayne | 3:33 PM ET | 04-04-2008

My wife and I spent our honeymoon in Spain, and on our last night in Barcelona, we were checking into our hotel. My wife was discussing some minutiae with the desk staff, and - tired from the long haul from Marbella - headed to the elevator bank. There was a really familiar-looking guy standing there. I said, "do I know you?" He said, "I don't think so." I said, "holy shit, you're Greg Dulli." He said that he was.

I completely nerded out. I've never done that before, but this guy more or less wrote the soundtrack to a couple of years of my life.

Contrary to all reports, he was gracious and kind, even though he was obviously jet-lagged. My wife finally joined me and I introduced them, and even though she's not an Afghan Whigs/Twilight Singers fan, she immediately knew who he was and was keenly aware that I was acting like a dork. She took over and thanked him for making such great music and commented that we had our first dance as a married couple to "Feeling of Gaze," which the Twilight Singers covered. He posed for a couple of pictures, and as we walked out of the elevator, he wished us health and happiness in our marriage.

Pretty cool, even though I wasn't.

Sent by Doug | 1:09 AM ET | 04-07-2008