Last Updated 20th October 2008
(When you click on the red/green below you will be taken to a page with more detailed information. If you click on the song titles mentioned, you will be taken to a list of Paul Williams albums/singles/TV shows where that song appears.)
INTRODUCTION
Last Updated
14th November 2001 This page is a record of accounts from Paul Williams 'fans' of their experiences of seeing Paul 'live' or meeting him in person.
So if anyone would like to share any experiences they have had of seeing or meeting Paul, let me know and I will add it to this Web page. Thanks.
Email me, David Chamberlayne, at:
Meeting with Paul Williams In 1967/68 At The Start Of His Career
"Paul had just gotten the
song " We've Only Just Begun" as the music for a Bank of America
commercial." See full report below. Last Updated 14th June 1998
Paul Williams In Concert In Honolulu in 1971
"It was the first time I ever heard 'I WON'T LAST A DAY WITHOUT YOU'..., I felt like he was singing just to me."
See full report below. Last Updated 27th June 1998
Lori Van Ekeren Experience Of Meeting Paul Williams In The Late 70's.
"Unfortunately, both of us being so young, we couldn't do much more than gush at him, get him to sign my book and give him a quick peck on the cheek. He was so nice and gracious. Its a memory I will never lose."
See full report below. Last Updated 12th September 1999
Analia's Experiences Of Paul's Trip To Montevideo, Uruguay in 1980.
"Paul surely never knew that he was always referred to as “el pequeño gran genio” (“the little great genius”). Paul spoke Spanish most of the time; if he couldn’t find the accurate words he would ask for assistance, but he really made the effort to speak our language, and that attitude gives a good idea of the kind of man Paul Williams is"
See full report here along with some of Paul's personal memories of the trip. Last Updated 6th September 2000
John Lee Sanders Experiences Of Working With Paul Williams In The Late 80's And Early 90's.
"I love "Old Souls" from "Phantom of the Paradise". Paul rewrote the score to that show, when Brian DePalma told him he wanted to put it on Broadway. We went into the studio and cut about 12 new songs, and did a few of them live, but somehow the show was shelved and never done."
See full report below. Last Updated 28th August 1998
Meeting With Paul Williams For "DEXTER'S LABORATORY".
"Holy Cow! What an Honor to have Paul Williams sing my song!"
See full report here. (This includes a link to where you can buy a CD with Paul singing the song "Breathe In The Good Sunshine" from Dexters. You can also hear a short extract of the song on Quick Time.) Last Updated 15th October 2000
Tornado Disrupts Paul Williams April 1998 Appearance In Nashville.
"Jon (Vezner) said he just got off the phone with Paul and said that Paul had water dripping on his head from the open window that the tornado had ripped through and that he and his wife was huddled in the bathtub with a towel over their head because there was glass splattering everywhere."
Excerpt from an eye witness report of Paul Williams Bluebird appearance that never was. See full report here. Last Updated 24th April 1998
Paul Williams Appearance At The Angel Ball - Long Island May 1998
"Paul sat down across from me and we started talking as if we were old friends. He mentioned that he had great looking children and that he would show me pictures of them."
See full report and a picture of the event here. Last Updated 6th June 1998
Paul Williams Tribute Concert - 15th August 1998 - at Spaceland in Silver Lake, Los Angeles, California
"The initial idea for the show came from Stew from the incredible Los Angeles band, The Negro Problem. Stew was really inspired after hearing "To Put Up With You" for the first time on my KCRW radio show,The Nice Age, and asked me if I'd be interested in putting on a Paul Williams tribute show.....TNP's manager, Brian Bullen, came up with the idea of it being a benefit for MAP (Musicians' Assistance Program), a great organization that helps music industry people cope with drug and alcohol addiction..... Last Updated 12th October August 1998
Paul Williams At 'The Gig', West Los Angeles, California,
- 6th February 1999
"After Being introduced by Mr. Ponak to an enthusiastic crowd, Williams stated that he was nervous before coming on stage. He added that his "brain was fried" during most of his previous appearances in Los Angeles. Consequently, he cannot remember them. He remarked that it
was nice to perform sober-minded so that he could remember the
performance for a change!" See Ross Plesset's account and pictures of the event here.
Last Updated 22nd February 1999
My Own Wonderful Experience Of Meeting Paul Williams In Dublin, Ireland
My knees were shaking as I walked through the door. Waiting in the foyer was a smiling Paul. As Paul gave me a welcoming hug my first impression was that he was not as small as I had imagined. (I did not wrench my back having to bend down from my 6ft 4in!!). As we settled into our meal it soon became obvious that Paul was everything I had hoped. He was open and friendly and very gracious.
See my account and pictures of the event here. Last Updated 27th November 1999
- November 1999
The Day I Acted As 'Tour Guide' To Paul Williams And Richard Roundtree I think what I find so wonderful about being around Paul is his open-ness and willingness to show his feelings whether in talking in a one to one setting, or in the words he writes for those wonderful songs of his.
See my account of our meeting here and a Gallery of pictures here
Last Updated 7th October 2000
- November 1999
PAUL WILLIAMS CONCERTS
IN ARGENTINA - NOVEMBER 2000
Are you happy...
Yes, I was practicing with the band and I returned to feeling that everything is easier now. I do not have expectations nor as much pressure. Of course, I want people to come and the production to go well. But what matters to me most is the music.
See many articles and accounts of Paul's
concerts in Argentina here.
Last Updated 23rd November 2000
PAUL WILLIAMS IN BUGSY
MALONE - CANTON, OHIO - MARCH 2001
"We had a cast of 52 (25% of which had a
disability). These 25% were not buried in the chorus - most had lead
roles."
"It is so warming to watch these handicapped individuals walk up to my son and hug him because they enjoy working with him so much."
Last Updated 18th March 2001
PAUL WILLIAMS IN NEW YORK -
JULY 2001
- Read HERE
all about the wonderful evening that was had by all at THE LOSER'S LOUNGE. See the Picture Gallery of the artists who appeared, and see what Paul had to say on the evening
- Read HERE
all about Paul's induction into THE SONGWRITERS HALL OF FAME. See the Picture Gallery of the stars and download an MP3 file of Paul's wonderful acceptance speech
- In June 2001 Two Wonderful Events Happened in New York....and I was lucky enough to be there...see
HERE
for full details. Norma, Ann, Sandy and Analia were also there...go HERE
to read their accounts of their time in New York
Last Updated 3rd August 2001
PAUL WILLIAMS IN TOLEDO, OHIO - MARCH 2001
"Paul is such a down-to-earth guy.
He needed
no hoopla to announce his presence. It was pure Paul Williams. He looked so
handsome and confident on stage in his black tuxedo and portrayed the feeling of look out
world, I'm back!"
"
What can I say? Paul was great, the music (orchestra) was great, and I don't guess us guys in the rhythm section sounded too bad"Last Updated 11th November 2001
JIMMY WEBB AND PAUL WILLIAMS SING WEBB AND WILLIAMS - NOVEMBER 2001
"Of course Paul was wonderful. Liz is a great vocalist as well as Jim, and Chris was superior on the keyboard."
See here what else Hannah had to say about seeing Paul at Feinstein's. Also read what Paul had to say.
Last Updated 30th November 2001
'SAVE ME A DREAM' FESTIVAL - MAY 2002
"The concert was out of site. Watching Kaz on the keyboard was awesome. He really gets into his playing. Of course, no words can explain how charismatic Paul always
is."
See here for a Norma's and Marjorie's accounts of the festival.
Last Updated 25th June 2002
PAUL WILLIAMS IN CONCERT WITH KRIS KRISTOFFERSON - JULY 2002
"Meeting backstage at the theatre in San Francisco for our recent gig
we were amazed that 26 years had passed since we'd spoken. We talked about kids, our health and having survived the wars together.
"
See here what else Paul has to say about working with Kris Kristofferson
Last Updated 4th August 2002
PAUL
WILLIAMS LIVE IN ONTARIO IN 2003
- FAN'S VIEWS
"I can't properly put into words how sweet and charming and humble Paul is in person. He has a way of making you feel that there really is nothing he'd rather do than talk with you."
See here for Judy
's and Arlene's reviews of Paul live.Last Updated 4th February 2003
PAUL WILLIAMS LIVE IN CALIFORNIA IN JAN / FEB 2003 - PAUL'S REFLECTIONS
"
Read here what else Paul has to say about his California shows on 25th January and 1st February 2003
Last Updated 4th February 2003
PAUL
WILLIAMS LIVE IN NEW YORK IN 2003
- RADIO INTERVIEW, FAN'S VIEWS, AND PAUL'S REFLECTIONS
"Feinstein's is a wonderfully intimate experience
for both the performer and audience. It's a living room ambiance."
Read all about the event here.
Last Updated 26th May 2003
PAUL WILLIAMS LIVE IN CALIFORNIA IN JUNE 2003 - MARIAM'S REFLECTIONS
Read all about the event here.
Last Updated 8th July 2003
MY
MEETING WITH PAUL WILLIAMS IN DUBLIN - AUGUST 2003
"It had been a lovely day and great
to be able to catch up with my 'little' friend again :)"
Read all about it here.
Last Updated 15th September 2003
PAUL WILLIAMS LIVE IN CALIFORNIA IN SEPTEMBER 2003 - DEANNA'S REFLECTIONS
Read all about the event here.
Last Updated 14th September 2003
SONGS & STORIES TOUR - ARIZONA, OCTOBER 2003
"Melissa and Paul were in top form and sounded marvelous together.
If the tour is coming near you (or even not so near as it was in my case), I highly
recommend going"
Read all about it here.
Last Updated 22nd October 2003
SONGS & STORIES TOUR - TEXAS, OCTOBER 2003
"Melissa was very gracious and like Paul, kind to each person who expressed thanks
for "coming to Texarkana""
Read all about it here.
Last Updated 25th October 2003
SONGS & STORIES TOUR - KANSAS, OCTOBER 2003
"I was able to talk to Paul for a few minutes after the show. He was very gracious and gave
me a hug. I told Melissa she had a great gig - she got to hang out with Paul every night."
Read all about it here.
Last Updated 13th November 2003
BREA SHOW, CALIFORNIA, FEBRUARY 2004
"On Valentine’s Day 2004, Paul performed two shows at the Curtis Theatre in Brea,
California. These shows were taped for a DVD that should be coming out this summer (See
below). The theatre was fairly small, holding about 200 people. It made the show feel very
personal."
Read all about it here.
Last Updated 8th March 2004
SONGS & STORIES TOUR - PENNSYLVANIA, MARCH 2004
"The best part about the show was that these two seasoned pros were as fresh and energetic
as they were when we first heard them. It had the reassuring feel of catching up with some
old friends, and finding out that they’re better than fine."
Read all about it here.
Last Updated 4th April 2004
SONGS & STORIES TOUR - PENNSYLVANIA, MARCH 2004
"Paul
is a nice person who remembered me by name from when I met him in January of last year. He
even remembered that we talked about Phantom of the Paradise. I really enjoyed talking to
him. It all added up to a great time."
Read all about it here.
Last Updated 4th April 2004
SONGS & STORIES TOUR - FLORIDA, APRIL 2004
"My husband and I were so thrilled to have the
opportunity to see the show again and have the chance to meet up with Paul afterwards."
Read all about it here.
"My husband, daughter, son-in-law and I are at the Cinema Paradiso to view a showing of “Phantom of the Paradise” and see Paul receive the “Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival’s 2004 Renaissance Award for Composing, Acting and Writing”
Read all about it here.
Last Updated 25th June 2004
PAUL WILLIAMS LIVE AT FEINSTEIN'S, NEW YORK - MAY 2004
"In
the middle of singing, he jumped down off the stage and came over and gave me a big hug
and kiss, and the audience went "Awwwww!" Needless to say, I was in heaven! :-)"
See here for Rosanne's account of seeing Paul that night, here for Claire's account and here for Steve's account.
Last Updated 23rd June 2004
PAUL WILLIAMS LIVE IN LAS VEGAS - JUNE 2004
"He's
BETTER THAN EVER!! An excellent performance. And as he said, this was the first time he's
ever done a show on a Las Vegas stage SOBER"
See here for Elaine's account of seeing Paul that night.
Last Updated 23rd June 2004
PAUL WILLIAMS LIVE AT CINEGRILL, HOLYWOOD - OCTOBER 2004
"At
the end of the show, he said that working with Kermit and the Muppets was wonderful, and
recommended it whenever possible, and sang "Rainbow Connection," which he dedicated to Jim
Henson"
Hi David
The shows at the Cinegrill were among my favorite ever. It's a fabulous little club and we
played to packed houses. Too much fun.
God bless.. Paul
See three accounts of the series of great shows here
.Last Updated 15th October 2004
PAUL WILLIAMS LIVE AT MOHEGAN SUN CASINO, UNCASVILLE, CONNECTICUT, FEBRUARY 2005
"There’s
nothing like hearing Paul sing his own songs. So much emotion and feeling that
goes into his performance he’s so genuine."
Read all about it here.
"I thought you might like to see some photos from Paul's instore you so graciously publicized for us on the site. It was a blast!”
See picture of Paul signing autographs at Spin Street Music Store here.
Last Updated 19th March 2005
PAUL WILLIAMS LIVE IN LAS VEGAS - JUNE 2005
"He
left the stage to a standing ovation. And after the show was kind
enough to come out to sign autographs and take photos with audience members"
See Elaine's account of a great show here.
"It
was so great seeing Paul and Mariana again, and hearing him introduce her as his
wife during the show! It was also a special treat to meet Paul's son Cole and
our own David Chamberlayne and his lovely wife Ann from Wales"
See Rosanne's account of a great show here.
Last Updated 10th July 2005
MY TRIP TO SEE
PAUL WILLIAMS IN LAS VEGAS -
JUNE 2005
"The highlight for me was Paul
dedicating a song to me which I had requested when I first knew I would be going
to Vegas."
Read all about it here.
Last Updated 10th July 2005
PAUL WILLIAMS LIVE IN SANTA MONICA - JULY 2005
"We never do figure out why Phantom was such a huge, and isolated hit in the city of Winnipeg, but I suspect it is largely due to the talents of Paul Williams and his remarkable work on the soundtrack
". Read all about it here. (This link is not working at present - 27th May 2006)
PAUL WILLIAMS ON WHAT'S MY
LINE - NOVEMBER 2005
"Paul
appeared in a live show called "What's My Line? - Live On Stage" at the Acme Comedy Theatre on Wed.
Nov. 2nd. He was the
Mystery Guest and the audience went wild when he walked out and signed in."
Read all about it here.
Last Updated 28th November 2005
PAUL WILLIAMS AT PHANTOMPALOOZA 2 - APRIL 2006
"Paul graciously shared the stage with Jessica Harper, who sang "Old Souls" with his band...beautifully, I might
add.".
Read all about it
here.
Last Updated 27th May 2006
"The
show was absolutely fantastic! Paul did an absolutely masterful job with the
music and lyrics, but then again, he always does. I thought that the acting,
singing and dancing was sensational"
See Rosanne's account of a great show here.
Last Updated 10th July 2006
PAUL WILLIAMS AT SOUTH POINT HOTEL CASINO, VEGAS - MARCH 2008
"Believe
me, this is not a moment that I would have given up for all the wealth in the
world! I could not contain my excitement in meeting him again. I was overjoyed.".
Read
Sharon's account of a great experience here.
Last Updated 6th April 2008
PAUL WILLIAMS AT SOUTH POINT HOTEL CASINO, VEGAS - MARCH 2008
"God
bless you Paul and in everything you do! Keep up the excellent work! The whole
world loves you!".
Read Sharon's account of a great experience here.
Last Updated 20th April 2008
MEETING WITH PAUL WILLIAMS IN 1967/68 AT THE START OF PAUL'S CAREER
Last Updated 14th June 1998
Pat Briley
Pat Briley met Paul at the start of Paul's career and recently sent me an account of his meeting
He was a very generous consversationalist and had a kind and humble attitude. I had just been produced on a session by the Addrisi's and thats how I happened to be invited to the party. The party as I recall was in the Hollywood Hills. I would be curious to know if Paul recalls the party, and if he knows what ever happened to the Addrisi Brothers?
Talk to you later, good luck with your personal meetings page."
14th June 1998
Does anyone out there know what happened to the Addrisi Brothers?
PAUL WILLIAMS IN CONCERT IN HONOLULU IN 1971
Last Updated 27th June 1998
The concert lasted about 3 hours and it seems like it was yesterday, rather than 27 years ago!
I was thrilled to find your web page. I hadn't heard anything about him for a very long time. Every so often I would "surf the web" to see if there was anything about him. Last night when I found your page I couldn't believe it!
On a comic note, I also saw 'PHANTOM OF THE PARADISE' the first day it was released. I (a grown woman) skipped work in order to see it. As it turned out, I was just one of about 30 people in the theater! Thank goodness I beat the crowds! Mr.Williams should make a special point to visit the UK and you personally."
24th June 1998
LORI VAN EKEREN'S EXPERIENCE OF MEETING PAUL WILLIAMS IN TORONTO IN 1976/77
Last Updated 12th September 1999
Last week I received the following e-mail from Lori Van Ekeren (formerly Whitfield) about her meeting with Paul Williams:
Just happened to surf into your site. I really enjoy reading all the latest news, etc. It brings back alot of memories from the 70's.
I'm now 37, so I believe it must be about 22-24 years ago that I met Paul Williams in Toronto. He was playing at the Imperial Room, a very "posh" venue at the Royal York Hotel. I begged my parents to take me (I had a major obsession after seeing Phantom of the Paradise a couple of dozen times!) and to my surprise, they did. My younger sister also came with us.
The seating was not reserved, and I believe placement of people was done at the discretion of the staff there. Being the youngest people there, they sat us at a table right along the stage---I was in heaven.
From what I remember, he sang all his hits, told some great stories and was quite the charmer. I'll never forget what happened at the end of the show---I, of course, had brought my autograph book, and my mom and dad wanted me to get it signed. When PW was finishing his show, I stood up, autograph book in hand, and held it out to him as he walked off the stage.
To my mortification , the spot light was on me and he didn't see me! He just went backstage. I could've died! Well, a band member saw all of this and must have felt sorry for me. He asked my sister and I to go backstage and meet PW.
Unfortunately, both of us being so young, we couldn't do much more than gush at him, get him to sign my book and give him a quick peck on the cheek. He was so nice and gracious. Its a memory I will never lose.
Thanks for letting me tell it to you!
Lori Van Ekeren (formerly Whitfield!)"
John and Paul get to grips with an Admirer
I started with Paul Williams in the Spring of 1988, having got the gig with no audition and no rehearsal. It was due to a referral from Paul's drummer Rick Alegria. I had met Chris Caswel, the music director a few years back when he had checked out my band "Uncle Rainbow" in the San Francisco Bay Area. Chris was on Grand Piano and conducting, and I was hired as 2nd Keyboard, sax and Background vocals. Before I got the gig, Paul did a lot of the Vegas type showrooms, with a large string and horn section, and I had to create that type of sound with a smaller group.
My first gig was a Delta Airlines convention in Boston, my first real gig with a famous celebrity, and I was so nervous. I knew most of the songs already because they were all hits, and it was such a gas to be playing them with the guy who wrote them. He had the crowd in stitches with stories about making films with Jackie Gleason, Barbara Streisand, and the list goes on. They were mostly one nighters, good paying gigs, and occasionally a 2 week run in places like Reno, in one of the Showrooms. I could tell you many stories here, some good and some a bit crazy.
Paul spent this time recovering from drugs and alcohol, and it was a long hard climb for him. We did a gig for the alumni of his drug treatment center in LA, along with Dr. John. I had to get on the Grand Piano and play after Dr John had just wailed, and if I ever felt like "Wayne's World" we're not worthy, that was the time.
My favorite Paul Williams song in the show, that we seldom played was called "Ordinary Fool". I also liked the one he wrote with John Williams, from "Cinderella Liberty" called "Nice To Be Around". I love "Old Souls" from "Phantom of the Paradise". Paul rewrote the score to that show, when Brian DePalma told him he wanted to put it on Broadway. We went into the studio and cut about 12 new songs, and did a few of them live, but somehow the show was shelved and never done.
I heard that recently, about 40 acts (It was 22 actually but whose counting!!) in LA did a Paul Williams tribute, each act doing a different one of his songs. I couldn't be there, because I was touring in Canada. Paul did a set with Chris Caswell on piano at the end of the night. It just goes to show you that people still recognize a brilliant songwriter, no matter how the market taste in music will change. I hope I will get to perform with him or just be a part of some new projects. Paul has a hit on the country charts at the moment and now has a role in "The Bold And The Beautiful". I'm glad things are moving for him again, he is such a wonderful talent, and I'm glad I was a small part of his career. I'll keep you posted when I will record some of his work someday."
John Lee Sanders
28th August 1998
(Thanks to John for taking time out during your busy touring schedule to tell us about some of your memorable experiences of working with Paul. John has his own "The World Blue Web" site. Take a look at all the wonderful people John has had the privilege of working with.)
Go to Paul Williams Live in 2005
Go to Paul Williams Live in 2004
Go to Songs & Stories Tour Reports - 2004
Go to Songs & Stories Tour Reports - 2003
Go to Meeting Paul Williams in Dublin - August 2003
Live in 2003Go to Paul Williams and Kris Kristofferson - July 2002
Go to 'Save Me a Dream' Festival - May 2002
Go to Paul Williams and Jimmy Webb in Concert - November 2001
Go to Paul Williams In Toledo, Ohio - October 2001
Go to Paul Williams At The Loser's Lounge - June 2001
Go to Paul Williams Songwriter Hall Of Fame Induction - June 2001
Go to Paul Williams In New York - June 2001
Go to Paul Williams In Bugsy Malone - March 2001
Go to Paul Williams In Argentina - November 2000
Go to Paul Williams In Montevideo, Uruguary - 1980
Go to Paul Williams - Personal Experiences (Page Two)
Go to Paul Williams - Personal Experiences (Page Three) - When I met Paul Williams
Go to Paul Williams - Personal Experiences - The Los Angles Tribute Concert (Part One)
Go to Paul Williams - Personal Experiences - The Los Angles Tribute Concert (Part Two)
Go to Paul Williams - Personal Experiences - The Los Angles Tribute Concert (Part Three)
Return to Paul Williams' Music and Acting Home Page
Email me, David Chamberlayne, at:
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