Over the years Paul and I have written many eulogies and dedications together. Paul would call me up and say, Ive heard some bad news and we need to write something special for my good friend _____. Can you help me dot some is and cross some ts? Paul would tell me all about his relationship with the person, his feelings about him and share some personal stories. Id help him fashion his statement and release it to the world. I got to know a lot about Paul and his feelings about others this way. His kindness, insight and generosity towards people was a life lesson. Writing this is one of the hardest things Ive ever had to do in my life, and I keep asking Paul for help. I hope hes helping, I would never want to disappoint him. I need to talk to him right now. I could call Paul up any time of the day and have a great conversation about anything and everything. He was so great to just sit around and talk to. Some of my best memories are sitting in rocking chairs in Branson, the Bahamas and on a boat going down the Ohio river. Just talking for hours. Paul Revere was not only my boss, he was a wonderful, very dear friend, and one of the most unique, fun and special people Ive ever known. Ive never met anyone who loved life like Paul did, and Ive never met anyone who lived for performing like Paul did. When the doctors told him he was sick he said, I cant be, Im booked!! He continued to perform, despite all sorts of challenges and discomfort. He never, ever complained and spent vast amounts of money just to be able to make each show. Paul often said he was going to live forever, and perform until he was 100, and I believed him. Anyone who knew Paul wouldnt have any doubts. Even though Paul has almost 20 years on me, I always thought hed outlive me by a long shot. And Im serious. Every moment on stage with Paul was unique, full of energy and fun. And I mean every single performance, bar none. Paul liked things loose and free form, yet there was a formality to each show because we had paying customers who deserved the very best we could deliver. We walked a broad line between chaos and slick professionalism, with the final goal being a top notch show of the highest caliber. Every show was an event to be taken seriously, but with a throw all caution to the wind and lets see where it takes us attitude that made it a bit of a high wire act. Backstage was a special experience too. He always made us feel talented and special, as if he were the one lucky to be performing with us. He always used his pet names for us while we got ready, which made us feel all the more close to him. While he always very relaxed and fun, Paul had a nervous energy as well that showed how much he cared. Always the first to arrive for a show, he prepared everything, from his personal set list to his uniform, with fastidious care. His personal set list would include all of the songs along with his own hieroglyphics containing notes about comedy bits he wanted to do. Once, when I was looking for something in his garage, I kept coming across old set lists. I told him about it. Paul, youve got 50 set lists out there and theyre all exactly the same! He said, Seemingly, to the untrained eye. There are subtle differences in each and every one, depending on my mood. To be honest, I really think they were each identical. But that didnt mean any two shows were alike. Never. Each show was unique and special. In the wings in the minutes before wed hit the stage Paul always made us feel like every show was the biggest performance of our careers. And we always knew we were going to have a blast, and kill the crowd. We knew that Paul was going to surprise us, and surprise himself. I was always so proud to share the stage with the amazing Paul Revere. We have to put Paul to rest, and its one of the hardest things well ever have to do. All of this, it doesnt seem real, it cant be. But it is. There may be a better example of an outstanding human living on this planet today, but Ive never met him or her. Hes the best there is. I love him so much and miss him so terribly already. Ill see you soon Paul. Thank you for everything, youve enriched my life beyond words. Tom Tom
Posted on: Sun, 05 Oct 2014 04:21:25 +0000
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