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  • From: David Menconi <dmenconi AT newsobserver.com>
  • To: ch-scene AT lists.ibiblio.org
  • Subject: Re: Hunter S. Thompson
  • Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2005 12:11:12 -0500

> As someone raised by a hard-drinkin', big-game-shootin' journalist born
> in the 1930's, I can tell you that the shadow of Hemingway looms large
> for the alpha-males of that generation. Kerouac too. This one seemed as
> predictable as Spaulding Grey, in retrospect.
>
> Saw him speak around 1987. Showed up for the gig two hours late, sat
> down with a bottle of cognac on the table in front of him. He didn't
> read anything, just fielded questions. He wasn't particularly witty in
> his responses. Started ranting about the apathy of the younger
> generation. All and all, a pretty sad show.
>
> Bendy



I saw him that same year (in Boulder, Colo.), & had an identical experience;
except I think he was drinking whiskey rather than cognac that night. anyway,
I left after about a half-hour, it was so depressing.

I had also tried to interview HST in advance of the event for the daily paper
in Boulder, a bewildering experience. never actually got him on the phone,
but had a series of increasingly weird conversations w/his flack (now *that*
was a thankless job). first he would, then he wouldn't, then he wanted to
take questions in writing & finally he asked if he could just
interview himself. my editor said no & that was that.


David Menconi/Raleigh (NC) News & Observer
919/829-4759
http://www.OffTheRecordBook.com





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