“I Mean…What?!?” – Abe Gurko

What fun. Marianne Faithfull is in New York City for a couple of weeks and its been a flurry of meals followed by long meaningful chats overlooking the Hudson River from The Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District. Pinch me. We met in 2000 when she was staying at Carrie Fisher’s house, where I used to be under employ. There was a party that evening, then again there was a party every evening in “the good ol’ days”, and I noticed Marianne sitting alone in a room filed with people. I couldn’t resist going over to her and introducing myself. It was before her album Kissin’ Time was released, and the album began playing. She started singing the lyrics to Sex With Strangers and that was it. I was bit. We formed (what I am beyond pleased to say) a lasting friendship. We have kept in touch over the years, though Marianne lives in Paris, and seeing her after so many years, felt like it was just the other day that we sat alone in a room full of celebrities, un-bothered by our surroundings and speaking from the heart and sharing a moment that would last forever.

Thursday: The first night we went to dinner with Francois, her manager/great friend (the latter portion being what evolved after a long, romantic relationship… but who hasn’t been there) to Morimoto.

Marianne: I am going to be on the CBS Sunday Morning.

Abe: Fantastic. I love that show.

Marianne: I hope they don’t ask me things that will overshadow the new record. Like about The Stones and Kate Moss, you know.

Abe: Just be yourself. People have always loved that about you. It’s part of who you are, honest, irreverent.

Marianne: Really? Oh, I don’t see that.

Abe: You need to spend a few days with me, I’ll remind you who you are.

Marianne: Oh, good.

Somehow the conversation shifts to blow jobs.

Abe: It’s been way too long.

Marianne: Allen Ginsberg tried teaching me how to give a blow job. He said it was like prayer.

Abe: That’s hilarious. Maybe you can talk about that on the Sunday Morning Show. How many people can say that?

Friday: We met again to run errands. Exciting things like cashing checks and buying nail brushes and moisturizer. You know all that very exciting celebrity stuff that everyone imagines is riveting. First we went to lunch at Fig and Olive (also in the Meatpacking District). The waiter came over and graciously or gratuitously went into a long, meaningful rendition of olive oil (the movie).

Waiter: This olive oil comes from the bla bla region of Greece, and the bla bla bla with a nose of flora…

Marianne and Francois are looking at each other avoiding eye contact with the waiter. Marianne holds back a smirk.

Waiter: And finally, this olive oil comes from Italy, and has bla bla bla bla, hint of seasoning. I’ll be right back with your Pellgrino.

Marianne: What was that, that poor dear boy. (Burst into laughter.)

Francois (is his beautiful French accent): Marianne, this is how he makes his 20% tip. In America they have to put on a show.

Abe: It’s sad.

Marianne: I mean, come on. (Snickering) These olives were picked by moonlight in Tuscany at mindight. I thought I was going to laugh in his face.

Somehow the conversation shifts to blow jobs.

Marianne: I hear Carrie gives a mean blow job. I don’t know how I heard that. But I did hear it.

Abe: I am sure Carrie told you.

Marianne: Yes, you’re quite right. She did tell me.

Saturday: We’re due to meet later today for manis and petis and a bit of shopping. Can’t wait. Surely our favorite topic, blow jobs, will come up again.

Marianne’s new album is fantastic and getting great reviews. Check it out. xoxo

http://www.easycomeeasygothealbum.com/english/music.html