When I started interviewing musicians, I knew the chats could take place in any number of places. We could be backstage at a concert venue, or in a recording studio, maybe even the musician’s home. In fact, home interviews seem to be the norm, since our chats take place online.

But if you told me I’d be talking to someone while they were in a hospital bed, I would’ve said you’re insane.

Until it actually happened.

I had been chasing after drummer extraordinaire Pat Mastelotto for quite some time, hoping we could chat. Pat was open to the idea, but we never seemed to be able to get our schedules to line up. Finally, the stars aligned and we were able to find time to chat.

Or so we thought.

The night before our chat, I got a text from Pat. “Something’s come up,” he said. “We need to reschedule.” I was disappointed, but these things happen. I told Pat it was no problem and we could try again later.

The next morning, I got a text from my friend Kathy. What she sent shocked me. “Pat is undergoing a heart procedure,” she told me. I was flabbergasted! Quickly, I texted Pat’s wife Deborah to see what was going on. She verified the news, but added that the procedure was complete and Pat was doing fine.

THIS? Are you kidding?! THIS is the “something came up”?!

I’ll say this for Pat: he has a gift for understatement. ^

I thanked Deborah for the information, wished everyone well, and said I’d be in touch in a few days, just before they pulled into Chicago with Stick Men, where I would see them in person.

A few hours later, I got another text. This time, it was from Pat. “Are you ready to do this?” he asked. Do what? “Let’s do the interview!” Aren’t you in the hospital? “Yeah, but I can do it.”

Far be it from me to take advantage of the ailing (to say nothing of being bored and medicated), but if he was in then so was I!+

So, here’s my chat with Pat Mastelotto, whom I sincerely thank for being such a good sport.

^ Come to think of it, my mom used to say the same thing about me. You’d think I’d recognize it when I hear it.

+ I did feel guilty about the circumstances, but Deborah kept saying, “It’s (Pat’s) idea! It’s his idea!” So, I felt a little better anyway.

#cirdecsongs

If you would like to have your music reviewed, please contact me at cirdecsongs@gmail.com