Paddy is Alive and Well!!

[FAVEHOUR]

Just wanted to say that one of the highlights of the Beacon shows was seeing Paddy alive and well, and obviously enjoying himself!!

For those of you who don't know, Paddy has been Elvis' bodyguard, security guy, backstage minder, forever. He has always been a really nice guy and, in those days when I used to go backstage or to soundchecks, was always kind and patient. I have not seen him on tour for a while, and feared for his health, as I seem to recall he was having some problems.

In 1986, on the first tour featuring the Songbook, it was Paddy who was billed as Xavier Valentine, and escorted fans up to the stage. When the Revolver tour was announced with his "niece" taking his place, I had to assume Paddy was at least retired, and I feared it might be more serious than that.

So it was a great kick to see him back as Xavier in NYC, and looking quite well. On night 3, he was even dancing in the go-go cage!!

Wonderful to know he is well and having fun. We love ya, Paddy!

Dave

[bronxapostle]

i would be remiss to not chime in here with Dave on this one. Paddy is a legend and i too was fearful as i had not seen him since i believe the River in Reverse Toussaint tour (i could be wrong). he is a pleasure to annoy and i too was quite relieved to see him on stage this past monday and tuesday despite him NOT being in the usual spot on 75th street before shows where he would faux snarl at me!!! i most especially loved his spastic dance on STRICT TIME monday, but also dug seeing him whoop it up in the cage on PLU tuesday night. anybody got strict time monday or PLU tuesday on video? cheers and many more tours to Paddy/Xavier!!!

[verbal gymnastics]

I'm also glad to hear it. I last saw him in 2007 although we don't see Elvis as much as you do bronx.

I might have mentioned that before

[johnfoyle]

I've had my encounters with Paddy over the years , usually involving him giving me a glare and making me feel like a errant schoolboy. After the Picket gig in Liverpool back along Elvis' Ma was being ushered out to a car. We'd all sung her Happy Birthday earlier on so it seemed only right to repeat the greeting as she passed me. Clearly I had crossed some line as the ever lurking Paddy gave me such a dirty look. I found myself stuttering and turning red... he was of course right but , hey, we were all in great form after a fab. gig - I guess you just had to be there! It's good to hear he's well.

[FAVEHOUR]

Well yes, there was some snarling and some glaring. But I always felt like he was a softie underneath. And I tell you, he had to put up with a lot from us back then.

Dave

[MOJO]

Ah, Paddy. I remember when he yelled at the top of his lungs and told me to "GET OUT"! I guess he didn't find my comment about looking for green M&Ms and free drinks to be very funny. This was back stage at House of Blues in New Orleans. I left. It was classic. I'm cracking up just thinking about it. Glad to hear that he is alive and well!

[docinwestchester]

anybody got strict time monday or PLU tuesday on video? cheers and many more tours to Paddy/Xavier!!!

I caught him on video in the cage on Tuesday night. It'll be on YouTube eventually. I'm trying to finish the audio upload first, but real life keeps getting in the way (it's not just a rumour...).

[sulky lad]

God bless Paddy who in 2002 when he saw VG and myself at yet another UK show, said "Not you lot again !!"

[bronxapostle]

Well yes, there was some snarling and some glaring. But I always felt like he was a softie underneath. And I tell you, he had to put up with a lot from us back then.

Dave

exactly favedave why i use the term "faux snarl". you could always tell he was only "fake" hating us! brotherapostle and i were particularly daring one night asking him if he would take a picture with me. he said something i've forgotten now along the lines of the CIA or FBI trying to get that shot for years as he IMPOLITELY declined. but obviously pleased that we asked as we saw that smile breaking through his beer tan!!! GREAT to see all the LOVE for Paddy. hope he gets to read this thread! and hope to see you one day soon sir at some stage door and BREAK YOUR CHOPS AGAIN!!! xoxox, benny

[Dr. Luther]

I had front-row seats for the 2nd night of Costello's solo gigs at the Warfield Theater, San Francisco, in 1984.
At the time, I was dating this rather tempestuous girl -- and took her to the show.
For reasons I don't recall specifically, she was rather angry with me by the time the show started.
After the show, I intended to go by the hotel bar where the band was staying and have a few drinks.
She had no intention, at this point, of playing along, so I took her home and went to the hotel.
When I got there, only Paddy was yet in the bar.

I said: "Hey Paddy -- how are you? Can I buy you a drink?"
"Absolutely", he replied.
"So", he says, "You were at the show tonight."
"I was. It was a great one".
"You were in the front row".
"Yup."
"With a beautiful girl".
"Yeah -- she certainly is".
He says: "Man -- she was extremely pissed-off at you."


I've always appreciated that memory.

[bronxapostle]

great story Chris! thanks!!!

[pumpmeup]

Thanks for the positive ID. He was recognizable to me but I wasn't sure.

[verbal gymnastics]

great story Chris! thanks!!!

Absolutely!

I had wondered if he was ok as he'd not been seen - most noticeably to me on last year's tour. But I wonder if he's only around on the band tours rather than the solo shows when it's usually just Jill.

Was Paddy around for the Sugarcanes shows?

Anyway I'm glad he's back and dancing!

[docinwestchester]

May 22, 2011

[pjc1031]

I told Paddy after the May 23rd Beacon show that I liked his dancing during 'Strict Time' and he replied, "That's show business!"