BillP
Bill Pierson’s Cowsill Experience in Newport
WOW!! That one word sums up the weekend with the Cowsills at the "Taste of
Rhode Island" in Newport, RI. But, I want to expound on that because many of you
don’t know me well enough to know what that word means to me.
Please allow me to digress, because without some background, you may not understand
what I felt in Newport. I would not classify myself as a Hairhead. I don’t know all
the words to Cowsill songs, but I do enjoy listening to many of them. I knew that Tracy
was a huge fan, and this became even more evident after she got involved with the website.
She has been sharing the Cowsill experience with me over the last few years, which
included listening to old tapes, watching old videos, and introducing me to
"Global." Even after I was armed with all this Cowsill memorabilia, I still had
the view of many other unknowing people: "The Cowsills are "has beens",
they can’t perform anymore. They are nothing more than a late sixties Bubble Gum
Band."
Boy, was I ever wrong! I finally found this out when Tracy took me to California for my
first visit to watch Bob play at Pickwick’s Pub. Bob is one of the best musicians and
performers I have ever seen. I could not believe the sound he created with just his voice
and a guitar. And he is just one of the Cowsills! How good must these people sound as a
group?!
I got my chance to hear Bob, Paul, John, Susan, and Robby at the Ballona Festival.
Their voices sounded so good together and their timing was excellent. This, as I
understand, was accomplished with very little, if any, rehearsal and Bob was also trying
to get over a cold. Needless to say, I was very impressed.
Several months later, Tracy asked me if I would like to go to the "Taste of Rhode
Island" in Newport to watch the Cowsills. I answered her with a resounding
"YES!" even before I learned that Bill would be there as well. I’m sure
that the anticipation I felt was not nearly as great as Tracy’s was or any other
Hairhead’s for that matter. But, I knew it would be an experience I would not forget
and one I didn’t want to miss.
Finally, the time had come for the show. We were in the tent greeting everyone and
watching the set-up. I could not believe how cool Bill looked, as if he had ice water in
his veins. He approached it like something he had done a million times before, yet I knew
he must have some butterflies. The crowd’s anticipation continued to build, now to a
point where you could almost cut it with a knife.
Then the Cowsills started with "The Rain, the Park, and Other Things". I was
in awe! I couldn’t believe my ears! It was as if the years hadn’t past at all.
Bill’s voice was so strong. Bill and Bob’s voices melded together just as I had
remembered them in earlier recordings. And the entire group’s timing, what can I say?
Once the song was over, I hesitated to applaud as I picked up the bottom of my jaw from
the floor.
After each song I waited in anticipation for the next. How could this get any better?
That was about the time they started playing "Poor Baby." I got goose bumps
because I knew this was Tracy’s favorite song. I felt so much happiness and
excitement for her that my eyes started to pool up. I held this excitement and happiness
until the Cowsills started "We Can Fly." I couldn’t hold it anymore. My
smile squinted my eyes and the tears started rolling. The power, passion, and emotion in
that song overwhelmed me! Before I knew it, the first show was over.
Even though most of the anticipation was gone, the rest of the sets were just as
exciting and impressive. I also enjoyed meeting the Cowsills’ family, friends, and
fans who had shared this experience with Tracy and me.
Now that I have gone on forever, I will finally close. Tracy, I love you so much. Thank
you for letting me share the Cowsill experience with you. And Bob, almost every time I see
you, you say, "Bill, I can’t believe you let Tracy drag you to these
things." Well, let me tell you Bob, she may be leading the way, but she doesn’t
have to pull me very hard.
Sincerely with Love,
Bill Pierson
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