Obama, when he was an IL politician. I was at a Chicago White Sox baseball game with my son and we left a little early because my son was small and the crush to get on the L is about 10x worse than Wembley Park.
Hurrying out of the stadium when I see Obama, with one bodyguard, going to speak to an old black fella in a wheelchair. We change direction and run over to him.
It was right when there was talk he was going to run for President. I tell my son, “Do you see this man, he’s going to be the first black President of the United States!” Obama turned to look at us, flashed a gleaming white grin, and we went on our way.
Other than that, Muhammad Ali, Gordon Brown (his son, Alistair is a Blue), the real Rainman (who carries his well-worn Oscar everywhere and will do his schtick for everyone), Blondie (the whole group), had a little chat with Shirley Manson (was with the whole band, Garbage) the morning after they’d played Saturday Night Live in NYC, LOTS of old City players (I used to go to training at Maine Road & Platt Lane as a kid), played against Kaz Deyna (San Diego Sockers) & Rodney Marsh (Tampa Bay Rowdies) here in the States, Ken & Peter Barnes (Ken was a mate of my Dad’s and Peter did a charity gig at our old pub), Denis Law (old mate of my Dad’s) and Freddie Pye (he’s my brother’s Godfather, and my bro is called Fred!) Gave me a ride in his PYE 1F Roller when he wanted me to play for Wigan! I went and had a game but I missed 2 sitters and a half chance and drove back in silence!). Quite a few more, but don’t want to be too twattish! Too late???!
Good memories, but I’ve always found that so-called “famous people” are just like you and me, some with perhaps a few airs and graces. Most are solid people who just happen to have made good through their own hard work or a stroke of good fortune.
Even though I’m sure it’s through blue-tinted specs, I thought the biggest twat was Bobby Charlton, who I saw push a kid away who was looking for an autograph and the kid ended up falling down a few stairs. Never batted an eyelid. Ran into him later in life at Manchester Airport with my Dad, who was friends with him, and he seemed the perfect gentleman!?!
My Dad could tell a few stories…he met a fair few people in his time, including the Kray Twins. Even now, I don’t repeat stories he told!!!