74 DAYS
LEGEND…LEG-END(lej’end) n. A notable person or the stories told about his exploits.
LEGENDARY… LEG-END-ARY(lej’en der’e) adj. Famous or Remarkable
On June 28th 2010, the world lost Bill Aucoin. As a Kiss fan, you knew him as the manager, mastermind and 5th member. As a band manager, you were in awe of his ability, talent and success. As a person who just met him, you were left with a lasting impression. As a friend, you were honored to know and love him. Although I knew Bill for a very short 74 days, the impact he made on my life is something I will never forget. With that said, I would like to share my story.
After many years in the music business, I decided in 2006 to start a new career. Unfortunately, the new career was acting and standup comedy. I know I’m a glutton for punishment, but I can’t imagine doing anything other than entertaining people in some capacity. How hard was it to start a new career? Well let’s just say, I’m glad I didn’t know then, what I know now. So Cliché, yet so appropriate.
As I approached 2010, I found myself saying the same thing I’ve said every year, “This is my year.” I also would say, “If someone finally says yes, they will be very happy they did”. Up until the day I met Bill, everyone said no. Oh wait, they actually said “We love Phil, we just don’t know what to do with him”.
SIDE NOTE: “We love Phil, we just don’t know what to do with him” actually means NO!! It’s what fake, gutless, unoriginal, Hollywood assholes say when they’re trying to be nice. Frankly is offensive.
On April 16th 2010, everything changed in one 10 minute call from Bill. I listened to his every word, occasionally pinching myself to make sure I wasn’t in a dream. He had just listened to me on the radio promoting my comedy show and had the most amazing, uplifting, positive things to say. I hung up the phone and felt like screaming. I had new found confidence and drive, something I’d been lacking from many years of disappointment.
My next encounter with Bill was in NY. I finally met him in person and we talked for an hour about me. I must have looked like a star struck fan as this GIANT started mapping out my career plan. He told me things that had never crossed my mind. I was in school for an hour and the master was teaching the student. At one point, I think I heard the Rocky theme in my subconscious as Bill continued to talk about the future. Like that, the meeting was over and after a warm embrace, Bill left. My head was spinning as thoughts of success finally flooded my brain after 4 long years. My excitement was quickly brought to sadness as I learned of Bill’s battle with cancer. In my mind he was superman and if anyone could beat it, Bill could.
On June 28th 2010, I received the call I did not want to hear. At the very young age of 66, Bill lost his battle with cancer. I was honored to be invited to his memorial and hear wonderful stories from his friends and family. It was apparent that Bill was, and always will be respected, adored, loved and truly missed by so many people. I only wish I had more time to get to know this great man.
Bill, I will cherish the 74 days you were in my life. I was going to say, I wish you could be here to see my success, but I have a feeling you can see it clearly.
