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Crashing the Gate

reetpleat

Call Me a Cab
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Seattle
tonyb said:
It could be argued that this Jerry the Gate Crasher fellow engages in a form of performance art. A low form, perhaps, but still ...

He's a bit reminiscent of a character who is now all but lost to history. Rock 'n' Rollen, is what he was called. This white guy with a multi-colored afro wig and handlebar mustache had his Warholian 15 minutes back in the late 1970s or early '80s (maybe it was more like a half hour), when he would appear in front of the cameras at televised sporting events. I recall coming upon him unexpectedly while he was combing out his 'stache and adjusting his wig, gazing at his visage in the sideview mirror of a vehicle in the parking lot at the King County Multi-Purpose Stadium, aka the Kingdome (since demolished, thank God). He had a knack for positioning his bewigged self in clear view of the cameras at high-profile events. There was no apparent purpose to his appearances, other than just to be seen, although I think I recall his displaying a sign reading "John 3:16." Fame (such as it was) for its own sake, I suppose.


I remember him. he made the John 3:16 sign famous. Often spoofed on shows such as Married with Children.

I guess my True Seattlite cred is safe there.

I was a little dissapointed to see what a shlub larry the Gate Crasher was, sneaking into ball games. I had hoped he was a dashing, charming, elegantly dressed dandy who mysteriously managed to show up at any event that is worth being at, and being so fun and charming that no one seems to really mind, although they still try to keep him out, lest he lose his gate crasher cred.
 
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My mother's basement
reetpleat said:
I remember him. he made the John 3:16 sign famous. Often spoofed on shows such as Married with Children.

I guess my True Seattlite cred is safe there.

I was a little dissapointed to see what a shlub larry the Gate Crasher was, sneaking into ball games. I had hoped he was a dashing, charming, elegantly dressed dandy who mysteriously managed to show up at any event that is worth being at, and being so fun and charming that no one seems to really mind, although they still try to keep him out, lest he lose his gate crasher cred.


Yeah. At least Rollen's shtick was entertaining. Initially, anyway. (Although even that's arguable.)

Things turned out badly for him. (Google "Rock 'n' Rollen" and read all about it.) When he found it increasingly difficult to get the cameras on him, which apparently coincided with the public's tiring of his quite limited repertoire, he resorted to desperate (and criminal) acts, which earned him a lengthy prison term. I believe he's still in the joint.

I can imagine circumstances under which a gate-crasher might be a not-entirely unwelcome presence, but I can't say I've ever witnessed any.
 

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