In our business, we are fortunate to spend lots of time with both artists & guests. We have been pleasantly surprised to see 95% of our guests take more pride in showing respect for the artists while they are on vacation than ambushing them for photos and autographs. I witnessed something this past weekend on our 1st Annual KISS KRUISE that brought it all together for me. I call it “The Take”.
Gene Simmons from KISS and Shannon Tweed (his wife) were preparing to leave the ship and a family had stationed themselves near the elevators hoping to get one last photo. I happened to be there to witness this and before the elevator made it down to the lower decks, I introduced myself and asked the family to consider a different approach.
I explained to them that artists like to give themselves to their fans on the artists’s terms and it’s important to respect their space so they don’t feel like their autograph or photo is being taken from them. Then I requested that the family put the camera and sharpie away and simply wave goodbye & say thank you when the elevator doors opened. The dad was not buying it at first claiming he really wanted a photo for his kids but I begged him to trust me.
A few seconds later, the elevator door opened and Gene & Shannon exited and approached the ship’s gangway. At that moment, the mom, dad, son and daughter all waved goodbye and thanked Gene & Shannon for sharing their vacation with the fans. It was perfect. I was so proud of them for trusting me.
The best part is that after Gene & Shannon had passed by and right before they took their last step off the ship, Shannon turned around and motioned for the kids to come to her asking them if they wanted a picture. The dad looked over at me and smiled, pulled out his camera and captured a great moment.
The next day I saw the family walking around the ship and the dad came up to me to say thanks for sharing that insight and he promised to spread the word.
It has to be so hard to be in a space with your hero and fight the urge to take something for yourself to remember the moment and prove that you were there for your friends. For most of us, it might be a once in a lifetime moment, however, please know that the artist is usually aware of what you are thinking. If we respect their space and give it a second, they will almost always acknowledge the respect you have shown them in a genuine & memorable way.
When we don’t exercise the moment of patience around our heros, we are “Taking” something that they would much rather give.
Andy



















