Thirty or Better!

     It was during the year that I got the new stereo, 1978, my brother, Eric, found out that Gary Lewis and the Playboys were going to play at the Hilton Hotel in downtown Buffalo! He asked if I wanted to see them. How could I pass up a chance like that? I took the Greatest Hits album with me on the off chance that Mr. Lewis would autograph it.

     The venue at the Hilton was a small lounge – the group sang all the old songs, and it was a wonderful evening.

     The story about that night that Eric likes to tell is that at some point during the Playboys' set, Gary asked the audience, “Is anyone here 30 or better?” Well, I raised my hand! Eric nudged me with concern and said, “you aren't thirty years old!” and I replied, “no, but I'm better!”

     Anyway, when the band announced that they were going to take a break, I approached the stage with my album and asked Gary Lewis if he would autograph it. The album cover is

the swirls on the left say Love Gary, really!

a dark green color – any signature is unlikely to show up, but I would know it was there, and that's all that mattered. Gary was very amused to see the album, and he showed it to the drummer – apparently the drummer was the only original Playboy left in the band. Gary Lewis gave me his autograph.

     And now, many many years past 30, (and still better!) I still have that album; and I still sing along with all the songs – yes, including the skip.

15 20150115 Thirty or Better