The musical adventure continues…
Another day, another star as the song Get Back can be heard from my house. It’s an audio invitation to watch a legend and I replace my lunchbox with a camera and head over to Heartland for another round of something musical. I could hear the music but it’s not until I arrive, I find out it’s Mr. Billy Preston. The legendary Fifth Beatle is performing today.
Through a doorway on Maple Street, I appear. The Star’s Winnebagos are parked over here, meaning this street won’t be used for filming-it’s the Rockstar Basecamp. I secure a foothold that overlooks both the filming set and the star’s trailers. I make myself comfortable in a building we named long ago-2 chimneys, because of two side by side fake chimneys. Often my head peeks out the top of one while Jimmy’s head peeks out the other. Like private boxes you can sit inside of, best done at night since you could be seen up here in daylight. I occupy the second floor with multiple windows to observe all things going on in all directions- this fine afternoon.
Billy is dressed in a yellow suit and has a trumpet in hand. He happens to be attached to a crane by a cable and harness. He sings “Get Back” while pointing at various locations in an effort to eliminate the mean-Mr Mustard. I’ve got a feeling Billy never performed by the end of a cable hoisted high in the sky before.
“Welcome to MGM Billy Preston”
The Bee Gees are riding around the lot on bicycles, they seem bored. Women come and go to the star’s trailers below. Peter Frampton walks by so I snap a picture, snap is the word as my camera shutter clicks so loud that Peter and his small group turn to look where it came from. This reaction moment would be the better picture, but I have to take cover, immediately. Cameras on big movie sets are a no-no as is trespassing in general.
My camera has photographed a lot of movie history in the short time it has been my sidekick. It’s been in all the studios, once saving me from potential death or injury on Laramie Street at Warner Brothers. It has a dent from that event, and a broken strap from getting caught up in a section of barb wire in a very hectic escape from Disney Studios. A security guard ended up with this Minolta SRT 102. I had to surrender to get it back- minus the film inside. What fun times we’ve had together…
Peter is probably used to cameras and paparazzi, 180 degrees away, another Rock Star is flying in the air. uninhibited, I’m located in the middle of this musical.
I have to guess that many scenes will be added to what is taking place above the Town Hall that Mr. George Burns is the mayor of. Each time Billy points, some other scene will be added as the effect, but for now it’s just Billy spinning, turning, and pointing like a whirling dervish. He lip syncs to the recorded sound of Get Back. It’s all a bit incredible. I’ll never be able to fully describe the scene to my friends. Hopefully, my camera will tell the story.
Will it go ‘round in circles? Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky? -A Harbinger to today
Surrounded by Band Performers...
Everyone in this picture, including Peter himself in his famous Purple Jacket, turned and looked when the shutter of my camera snapped loudly as I shot this picture. Peter and The Bee Gees were behind me, while Billy Preston was dangling by a wire in mid-air, in front of me.
Peter Frampton and Barry Gibb with female visitors while Billy Preston performs…
Pete Drake, George Harrison, Ringo Star, Billy Preston, and Peter Frampton. Sessions-All Things Must Pass.
All Things Must Pass…
Written and lived by…Donnie Norden
