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Burton Cummings



Last Updated: 11/22/2009

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City: Winnipeg
State: Manitoba
Country: CA
Signup Date: 4/9/2007
Friday, August 01, 2008 

Current mood:  fascinated
IT WAS 1969 AND THE GW WERE IN LOS ANGELES TO PLAY A COUPLE OF SHOWS AND PROMOTE "CANNED WHEAT" WHICH HAD JUST BEEN RELEASED ON RCA...WE WERE STAYING AT THE HYATT HOUSE (RIOT HOUSE) ON SUNSET. THERE ARE STILL BILLBOARDS ALL OVER LOS ANGELES TODAY FOR ENTERTAINMENT FUNCTIONS AND PERSONALITIES, BUT BACK IN 69, THEY WERE ALMOST ALL MUSIC BILLBOARDS. AND THE ONES ALONG SUNSET WERE THE MOST PRIZED IN THE INDUSTRY.
I KNOW WE HAVE A DAY OFF, SO I'VE POPPED A SMALL BLOTTER OF ACID THAT MORNING, JUST WANTING TO ENJOY A DAY IN L.A. IN THE "HEADSPACE OF JM" WHO, I HAD READ, WAS IN THAT PARTICULAR MENTAL STATE QUITE OFTEN.
I CHECK INTO MY ROOM AND I HAVE A BALCONY OVERLOOKING SUNSET, DOWN UPON GENERAL L.A. (I AM 21 YEARS OLD)... I HAVE A FRONT ROW SEAT FOR THE BILLBOARD ACROSS THE STREET...MILDLY TRIPPING BY NOW, I CASUALLY STROLL OUT ONTO THE BALCONY TO GET A VIEW OF DOORS-LAND...
AND THERE'S THE BILLBOARD...RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY BALCONY...RIGHT IN FRONT OF MY EYES...
AND, I SWEAR THIS IS NO LIE, GUESS WHAT THEY'RE PAINTING ON THE BILLBOARD...
UNDER COMPLETELY NORMAL CIRCUMSTANCES THIS WOULD HAVE BLOWN ME AWAY...BUT ON ACID...GOOD LORD...
THEY'RE PAINTING A BILLBOARD FOR "CANNED WHEAT" AND THEY'RE PAINTING EACH OF OUR FACES INDIVIDUALLY, OVER 20 FEET HIGH...
THEY'VE JUST FINISHED RANDY, AND I'M ON ACID, AND THEY'RE STARTIN' ON ME...
I MUST SAY, IT WAS A SITUATION OF VARIED EMOTIONS...ONE OF SHOCK, FOR SURE, ONE OF MILD DISBELIEF, AND ONE OF "WELL, EITHER THIS IS THE BEST ACID IN THE WORLD, OR I'M IN A VERY SPECIAL PLACE RIGHT NOW IN TIME..."
AND THERE I SAT, HALUCINATING VIOLENTLY ON MY OWN FACE BEING PAINTED TWENTY FEET HIGH IN FULL COLOUR OVERLOOKING SUNSET BLVD. IT WAS ALMOST TOO MUCH...WE WERE ALWAYS TOLD BACK IN THE HIPPIE DAYS TO "STAY AWAY FROM THE MIRROR ON ACID"...TOO DEEP...WAY TOO SCARY...WELL THIS WAS FAR DEEPER THAN THE MIRROR...AND IT WAS FAST...THESE BILLBOARD GUYS DON'T FOOL AROUND...I WATCHED EVERY STROKE WITH FASCINATION AND THOUGHT ABOUT THE MEANINGS OF MANY, MANY, MANY THINGS...WHEN THEY FINISHED WITH ME, THEY STARTED ON EITHER KALE OR PETERSON, CAN'T REMEMBER WHICH BY NOW...I HAD HAD MY "TRIP" FOR THE DAY...I GOT AWAY FROM THE BALCONY AND WENT OUT WALKING. WHEN I RETURNED TO MY ROOM LATER, THERE WERE THE FOUR OF US, ALL NICE AND IN COLOUR AND TWENTY FEET HIGH ON SUNSET BLVD. MY, MY, MY...
OH WELL, JUST ANOTHER LITTLE BLOG ABOUT THE EVERYDAY GOINGS ON IN THE CARTOON LIFE OF JELLY ROLL KIRKPATRICK...

GL & GH...
LITM...
PEACE HERE...

B.C.
11:05 PM
 
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Previous Post: SANITY (LYRICS) | Back to Blog List | Next Post: WURLITZER 1
Alison

 
... and did you hapen to have a camera?
 
Posted by Alison on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 11:18 PM
[Reply to this] 
Burton Cummings

 
NOT EVEN ONE OF THOSE THROWAWAY ONES...WELL, MAYBE THEY WEREN'T INVENTED YET...NOPE...NOT A SINGLE SHOT...BUT I HAVE IT ALL IN MY HEAD...FOREVER...!!
 
Posted by Burton Cummings on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 11:20 PM
[Reply to this] 
YSS

 
I guess it doesn't get any better than that, does it?

Anyone who is "offended" by the above blog in any way: SHUT IT, RIGHT NOW.


-Steve
 
Posted by YSS on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 11:26 PM
[Reply to this] 
Cincy Mike

 
I watched my face being painted by some teen-aged artist at an amusement park one time after a couple beers.
I guess that's not quite the same, huh?

Cincy
 
Posted by Cincy Mike on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 11:27 PM
[Reply to this] 
eliz reed

 
That must have been a solid confirmation that you'd "made it." Any pics of the billboard? Would be great for one of your albums.


re: cartoon life of Jelly Roll . . . I'm getting a little image of you as an actual cartoon. The big white Steinway would looked great --->all pimped up in a comical drawing.

 
Posted by eliz reed on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 11:27 PM
[Reply to this] 
Pattie

 
Sorry Eliz - I couldn't help myself

Photobucket
 
Posted by Pattie on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 1:33 AM
[Reply to this] 
Pattie

 
My most humble apologies - what was I thinking - no arms to play and no 'stache....

Photobucket
 
Posted by Pattie on Sunday, August 03, 2008 - 5:08 AM
[Reply to this] 
Marilyn M
Marilyn M Milner

 
LOL! You forgot his "mustache" Pattie.

 
Posted by Marilyn M on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 6:16 PM
[Reply to this] 
Leona
Leona Russell

 
Oh my nerves, Pattie.....LOL Well, now I must go do some baking, maybe a jellyroll or two...in honour of the greatest "rock-n-roller" of all time.
Great job, Pattie!
 
Posted by Leona on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 6:10 PM
[Reply to this] 
eliz reed

 
"And for my first number, I'd like to do ROLL over Beethoven!"

Pattie, he's a rock 'n ROLLer, all right.

 
Posted by eliz reed on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 3:19 AM
[Reply to this] 
Sharon

 
Pattie strikes again! ROFLOL
 
Posted by Sharon on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 2:22 AM
[Reply to this] 
YSS

 
Woohoo me on the replying today hahaha

After I pictured you on the balcony tripping on acid, I too got the cartoon picture in my head, except instead of the Steinway I pictured an exaggeratedly small Y. CP keyboard and an exaggeratedly large Burton, just like Schroeder's piano on Charlie Brown. At least I think it was Schroeder.
I didn't much attention to detail as a kid :)

-Steve
 
Posted by YSS on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 11:38 PM
[Reply to this] 
Sharon

 
Most recently you were painted on a mural on the side of a building in Winnipeg. Probably as you were in 1969, or close to it.

 
Posted by Sharon on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 11:45 PM
[Reply to this] 
Russ

 
Can Imagine what the feeling was. Watching yourself as they are painting you.

 
Posted by Russ on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 11:55 PM
[Reply to this] 
Russ

 
This is a different topic and hope to get some feedback from the "clubhouse" including you too Burton.

Does anyone believe that there is such a thing as "true love"?
 
Posted by Russ on Friday, August 01, 2008 - 11:56 PM
[Reply to this] 
Leona
Leona Russell

 
YES, for sure, Russ.... Although, sadly, many of us in this world will never find it, and that's why I believe in reincarnation. I think if we "don't get it right" the first, or first few, times around, we indeed must continue to come back until we eventually do find that one great person - someone we can "like" as well as "love". And also trust (much like the description of a true friend as I mentioned in my own blog on my Page, in reply to Burton's "Enlightenment" blog). But having said all this, I do believe most of us find someone to love, someone kind and caring, etc., and that seems to be enough for most. Just my own thoughts, that's all.....from the Great Philosopher, Leona.......LOL LOL
 
Posted by Leona on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 6:09 PM
[Reply to this] 
Russ

 
Thanks for your input Leona. I have found the woman, my true love, and I screwed up and am trying to get her back. I have never had feelings for any woman as I do this one. I love her so much that it hurts, literally and figureatively. I have found mine but now need to figure out a way to get her back. I hurt her deeply and I feel so awful about it. I have tried telling her but she does not believe my feelings. My feelings are genuine, that I do know, cause i would not hurt and cry so much. If anyone can help me with any ideas on how to get her back, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.

 
Posted by Russ on Sunday, August 03, 2008 - 11:02 PM
[Reply to this] 
Nancy

 
yes
 
Posted by Nancy on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 12:57 AM
[Reply to this] 
Diane
Diane Gilmour

 
What a memory! It would have been great to have had a camera just so the rest of us could see it. Better yet would it be great if it was still intact in some Antique salvage place.
Now that would be a treasure to find!
Blessings
Diane
 
Posted by Diane on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 12:14 AM
[Reply to this] 
Branch

 
Never had my face on a billboard, but saw a sketch of my face in the post office :)
 
Posted by Branch on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 12:55 AM
[Reply to this] 
Carol*Mae

 
Very interesting life you have had...
CAROL
 
Posted by Carol*Mae on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 1:30 AM
[Reply to this] 
Graciela

 
Yes, I can imagine. Probably that was and still a nice feeling; Even though you didn't have the camera to capture the moment.

 
Posted by Graciela on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 2:39 AM
[Reply to this] 
Man Mountain Terry Tyler!!!
Manager' Wrestling champions

 
what a great thing to remember its so nice to have memories what a wonder thay are thank you mr, cummings for shareing this with us i find this and all the other memories that you share with us interesting and injoyable thanx again god bless my friend
 
Posted by Man Mountain Terry Tyler!!! on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 3:22 AM
[Reply to this] 
suzi

 
Too bad Lil wasn't around in those days....
 
Posted by suzi on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 3:23 AM
[Reply to this] 
Nashville Sneaker

 
I really like these memories of back in the days of the GW. Oh to have a picture of that now...maybe RCA got a shot of it and it's in the photo vault in industry land. We can only hope.
NS
 
Posted by Nashville Sneaker on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 5:08 AM
[Reply to this] 
Tab

 
Great story! The irony being you were dropping acid that day while I was being preached to in school that it would ruin my brain.
Who's the wiser?

And just what in the hell washed up on Montauk today???
 
Posted by Tab on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 5:30 AM
[Reply to this] 
Ron McCoy-McCoy Triplets

 
Mate, ya gotta write a book, please?
 
Posted by Ron McCoy-McCoy Triplets on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 6:10 PM
[Reply to this] 
Leona
Leona Russell

 
That's a great story, and thanks for sharing it with us.
What a thrill that was for a young guy!
Maybe Nashville Sneaker is right, and maybe they have a picture of that somewhere. Nothing's impossible, I'll work on it for you.......LOL Now, don't laugh!
 
Posted by Leona on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 6:11 PM
[Reply to this] 
Judith
Judith Penny

 
You tell such great stories - maybe along with that book of poetry you could also release a book of your memories, your stories, etc.
I think you've made a good start with a lot of your blogs - so let's hear from the clubhouse - who wants a Burton Cummings book of stories (or an autobiography of sorts)?

Thanks again for sharing - it must have been very surreal, but very reaffirming to you as to how far you had come.


Judith
 
Posted by Judith on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 6:15 PM
[Reply to this] 
*Snowy*

 
Very cool memory to have.


Snow
 
Posted by *Snowy* on Saturday, August 02, 2008 - 11:41 PM
[Reply to this] 
Anna M.

 
Dear Burton,
To SEE a twenty FOOT of YOURSELF for sure can MAKE YOU think about ALOT of things in YOUR HEAD.

And when of ACID what a TRIP that was for sure for YOURSELF to experience.

As JIM HENDERDIX use to say for sure "ARE YOU EXPERIENCED".

And this is true for YOU, BURTON for sure.

Take care,
Anna M.
*
 
Posted by Anna M. on Sunday, August 03, 2008 - 5:03 AM
[Reply to this] 
Nothing To Lose

 
So how did they fit a guy as big and bold as you into a little 20 foot billboard thats what I would like to know lolololol
 
Posted by Nothing To Lose on Sunday, August 03, 2008 - 7:13 AM
[Reply to this] 
JT!
Judy Taylor

 
Great memories Mr Cummings. Let's see in 1969 I was a senior in high school and in this sleepy little town not much went on in the way that you speak of. Sooooooo!!!!! please give us more stories. I love reading them. Thanks for sharing them. Be safe.
Judy
 
Posted by JT! on Sunday, August 03, 2008 - 9:01 AM
[Reply to this] 
~~SHARON~~

 
A good Twilight Zone moment!
 
Posted by ~~SHARON~~ on Sunday, August 03, 2008 - 5:25 PM
[Reply to this] 
Don MacIver...Poetry; One Vision
Don MacIver

 
I can't begin to imagine the number of boards, magazines, newspapers etc. that have had your image displayed over the years. It must be something to see. The closest most of us come to that is the mirror (horror!). Thanks so much for this.


Tomorrow I get to see you live in Victoria at the Parliament Buildings...am I stoked! Likely won't sleep much tonight. It will be my first time seeing you live and will surely be a memory I'll cherish forever.

 
Posted by Don MacIver...Poetry; One Vision on Monday, August 04, 2008 - 8:19 AM
[Reply to this] 
ღ♥LAURA♥ღ

 
It must have been a real awesome experience to see yourself being painted on-then to see it done...what a trip..(lol in more ways than one!!)
 
Posted by ღ♥LAURA♥ღ on Monday, August 04, 2008 - 8:20 AM
[Reply to this] 
Joyce Conroy "The Block Party"

 
Hey Burton, I also agree you should write the book. Damn, the folks on Sunset Blvd. were so lucky. I too was running from the nuns in 1969. One year later, I would hear a 45 rpm of "These Eyes" playing in the gym of Bel Air High School. Your face and music all over the place is a blessing. Be safe during this travel time and thanks for sharing the gift of yourself and your music with us. A fan for life, Joyce (Sorry, I am a sentimental fool - not drug induced).

 
Posted by Joyce Conroy "The Block Party" on Thursday, August 07, 2008 - 6:38 AM
[Reply to this] 
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