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Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #33 - January, 1974

Hi Fans!

Many thanks for the jillion cards and gift we all received, truly fantastic. We have the greatest fan club members in the world, and we all wish you a very happy new year.

For A LIMITED TIME ARE HAVING A PATCH AND POSTER SALE. The beautiful orange & yellow patches sporting the Carpenter logo & silhouette are made by Lion Bros; who makes all the very attractive Apollo patches. For those of you who play bridge or other card games requiring two decks, we now have decks in orange with white logo in contrast to the original white with orange logo to complete your set.

Now let's go back to last June and pick up Richard & Karen in Shreveport Louisiana. Fans soon discovered our duo were staying at the Sheraton motor Inn, and were waiting patiently for autographs etc. Time did not permit this before the concert, but they graciously obliged on their return where the crowd welcomed them, and posed for pictures, autographs etc. They were both delighted to hear from members how much they enjoyed being in the fan club. Dinner was enjoyed at the Inside Out Club in Old Town and the food was yummmmmmy. The group changed their concert format that evening, and were rewarded with a standing ovation. While waiting for their limos at the airport, the group practiced baseball in the airport field to limber up for the big 4th July game. The gig was performed at the Shower of Stars where they had played in 1970 when they flew in from Hawaii, and were fitted for tuxedos right there at the airport. On their way to eat, they got caught in a thunder & lightning storm and as Karen ran to avoid the torrential rain, she tripped over her baggy pants, and fell on her wrist which caused a lot of pain and discomfort.

The flight to Chattanooga was a real bummer. Besides being very bumpy, someone had failed to fasten a valve, so there was no air conditioning, and they had to fly at a very low altitude. They had arranged to dine at the Black Angus Cafe, which they envisaged would have a ranch style decor, but were surprised to find it resembled a Roman Temple. The boys decided to check out the hotel kitchen, and though it was officially closed, the chef treated them to a delicious complimentary meal. More heavy rain greeted them at Knoxville, Tennessee. They particularly enjoyed the meal they had in a super plush sky dining room there.

Excitement in Roanoke, Virginia was created when the guys set off a rocket in the court of the Holiday Inn at 3:00 a.m. Needless to say, they were reprimanded by Sherwin, father figure of the group. On their way to the Gras Keys Inn from the Friendship International Airport, they ran into rain cloud burst. It was just a little cloud and as they were driving in the rain they could see that part of the road was completely dry. They were right on the edge of the downpour.

Tickets for all the Columbia, Maryland concerts were sold out. It was an outdoor theater with a convertible, sectioned, canvas top. Immediately after their version of Help, lightning lit the sky, thunder shook the stage, and a strong wind blew rain down between the canvas sections filling the entire orchestra pit with water. Lawn patrons were forced to seek shelter under the canvas top and everyone became very friendly inside the rain which was so loud they couldn't hear themselves talk. The crowd went wild and gave them a standing ovation, in fact, several. Beyond the call of duty, Burkhart removed his shirt to place over Eventide to protect it from the rain. The Eventide is a $4500.00 piece of sound equipment, smaller than their amplifier.

After the gig, Richard made a phone call to Tony (The Bone) Peluso, who was still recovering from infectious hepatitis. He was recovering more speedily than the doctors had predicted. Their 3 day stay in Columbia afforded them time for shopping which they enjoyed plus a crab feast at Bear's home.

Rap next month. EV.

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #34 - February, 1974

Hi Fans!

In reply to your inquiries concerning Karen & Richard's romance rumors, let me assure you they are completely unfounded. The more famous people become, the more vulnerable they are to rumors, criticism etc. They have numerous friends and date frequently, but neither are involved in a serious romance. If ever positive romance entered their lives you would be advised via the newsletters.

We have the 1974 schedule, but please keep in mind it is only TENTATIVE.

I will do my best to keep you posted regarding alterations etc.

Feb. 1st - Phoenix, Arizona
Feb. 2nd- Tucson, Arizona
Feb. 3rd - El Paso, Texas
Feb. 7-26th - European tour
March 2nd - Grammy Awards. LA
April 4th - Bowling Green, KY
April 5th - Pittsburgh. PA
April 6th - Philadelphia. PA
April 7th - Utica, NY
April 8-14th - Westbury Music Fair, NY
April 15th - Danville, VA
April 16th - Richmond, VA
April 17th - Beckley, West VA
April 18th - Wheeling, West VA
April 19th - Hershey, PA
April 20th - Syracuse. NY
April 21st - Niagara Falls, NY.
May 8-21st Riviera, Las Vegas
May 27-June 12th - Japanese tour
June 14-15th - Honolulu, Hawaii
July 12th - Portland. OR
July 13th - Seattle, WA
July 14th - Spokane. WA
July 16-24th - Sahara, Tahoe
July 26th - Red Rocks, CO
July 27th - Tulsa, OK
July 28th - St. Louis, MO
July 29-Aug.4th - Indianapolis. IN
Aug. 5-11th - Warwick, RI
Aug. 12-13th - Columbia, MD
Aug. 14th - Cuyahoga Falls,
Aug. 15th - Pine Knob, MI
Oct. 8-21st - Riviera. Las Vegas
Oct. 25th - Minneapolis, EN
Oct. 26th - Champagne, IL
Oct. 30-31st - Milwaukee, WI
Nov. 1-3rd - Chicago, IL
Nov. 14th - Boise, ID
Nov. 27th - Dec.1 Circle Star, San Carlos, CA

Backtracking in time to June 1973, we return to Columbia, Maryland where the weather was ideal. Mom & Dad had arrived from California & joined Bear & family for breakfast at their home. This was the first day of baseball practice, and Karen (wouldn't you know) got hit in the face by a flying ball. She wasn't seriously hurt however. On Sunday, the whole group enjoyed a rare treat - the movies! Returning to Bear's home, a magnificent crab feast greeted them. Tables were spread with layers of newspapers to receive the dozen hard-shell crabs which were 'laughed down' by the antics of Bill Skiles. Bill, speaking for the crab, would say "No, no Not the Legs". And then replying for himself would say "Yes, the legs, CRUNCH!" According to Richard, the fun way to eat crab is barbaric style. Just rip them apart. and use fingernails to scoop out the spicy meat which leaves your lips burning for 2 days. The group were looking forward to their first baseball game with WCAY personnel and though they knew they in fact were outnumbered & out practiced they were determined to 'cream' them. Alas, in spite of their determination and colorful new uniforms, they lost 12-2. In Richard's words they were 'murderlized'. Due to his recently broken arm he could only offer his moral support. Danny managed to sprain his hand, and Doug sprained both legs when he tripped in a gopher hole.

On Tuesday, Bear, Burkie and a new roadie left to set up the equipment for the next gig in Philadelphia. They absent mindedly left every bit of luggage behind so the trunks of 3 Plymouth's and the Ferrari were jam packed with the abandoned luggage, and the guys rode '3 up front' as they journeyed in the pouring rain.. The Valley Forge first night gig - was very well received in spite of the creaks and groans that erupted from the small overloaded revolving stage.

We have a Patch & Poster offer for a limited time. For just $XX.XX you will receive a sew-on-patch and a Song For You poster.

Rap next month. EV.

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #35 - March, 1974

Hi Fans:

By the time you read this, Richard and Karen will have completed their European tour, and will be back home in sunny California. March will be devoted to recording a new single but no information pertaining to same is available to-date.

You were previously warned that the schedule published in the last newsletter was tentative.

Please note these changes:

April 15 scratch Danville, Virginia and substitute Raleigh, North Carolina.
July 13 & 14 gigs in Portland, Organ and Seattle Washington have been reversed.

The Sahara. Tahoe appearances for July 18-24 have been canceled. and so have the Following:
Redrocks, Colorado July 28.
Tulsa, Oklahoma - July 27.
St. Louis, Missouri - July 28.

The revised dates now confirmed are:
July 18-21 Pine Knob, Michigan,
July 23-28 Cleveland, Ohio
July 29 through Aug. 4 Warwick, Rhode Island instead of Indianapolis, Indiana.
Aug. s/a Merriweather Post Pavilion, Maryland.
Aug. 15 at Pine Knob, Michigan-canceled

Last month we left Richard and Karen in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, where they'd just played their first baseball game. Next day Karen's throat was inflamed, so Sherwin (their manager) drove her to Philadelphia for treatment. The rest of the group enjoyed a game or volley ball beside the pool, and Richard managed to join in the run playing one handed. The trip to Now Haven, Connecticut was very hot, with temperature 100 degrees. Their day off was spent with cousin Joan who served them a much appreciated home cooked meal. Note too, Danny rang, this was the day he shaved off his beard. The theater was not air conditioned, so the temperature on stage was higher, but cold towels enabled them to cool off periodically. In spite or the heat, they got in some baseball practice, and later enjoyed huge delicious lobsters and prime rib at the Yankee Silversmith restaurant. Richard's song-writing partner John Bettis joined them later in Wallingford for a brief visit.

Thursday's ball game was a super production, the beautiful ball park with immaculately mown lawn, P.A. system, dug-out, and a police escort to the game. Fortunately the weather changed from hot to cold. They won the game 14-3, and the opposing team's 3 runs were scored when Curt tripped as he chased the ball and had to be taken to hospital with an injured arm. Danny scored a home run, and Dave (a roadie) scored 2. Mom and Dad left to return home on Friday. The gang were invited to a friend's pizza parlor to celebrate Cubby's birthday on Saturday. A huge pizza in the shape of Mickey Mouse (complete with candles) was specially made for Cubby, and a fun time was enjoyed by all.

Richard and Maria took a 'Grand Tour' of New Haven in his Ferrari, which included a cruise past the original family homestead in Hall St. Richard used to day dream about this very thing when he was in elementary school there! His collection of old 78's which had been left behind with friends when they moved to California was boxed and packed into the trunk or the Ferrari, along with a 1937 Zenith radio (which still works). Concert business in Holmdel, New Jersey was incredible. They played to over 47,000 spectators, breaking the attendance record there, in spite of all the rain. The theater was a setting with plush red carpets and seats. Richard said the theater dome resembled a flying saucer. Karen enjoyed a little shopping spree in the area.

The last ball game was played in Roosevelt Park against the DJs from New York stations. A brass band played before 6,000 spectators who donated $5,000.00 to the cancer society to which Richard & Karen added $5,000.00. Danny injured his leg in the baseball practice game, and a staph infection caused him so much pain, he was forced to play the last two numbers of the concert seated. The doctor ordered him off his feet for the next two weeks.

Everyone was happy to see Tony (the bone) back with the group Sunday night, after a long absence due to his illness since last June.

More next month. EV.

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #36 - April, 1974

Hi Fans!

Many thanks from Karen & Mom for the wonderful cards & letters that poured in for their birthdays. Your thoughtfulness was much appreciated.

We regret some summer cancellations due to a new recording schedule.

SCRATCH ALL CONCERTS FROM JULY 15th through AUGUST 13th.
They will appear at Sahara/Tahoe Aug. 14 through 27.
The Riviera, Las Vegas has bean changed to Oct. 9 through 22.
ADD: Davenport/Iowa - Oct.24.
Carbondale/Illinois - Oct. 27.
Indianapolis/Indiana - Oct. 28.
Muskegon/Michigan - Oct. 29.
Naperville/Illinois - Oct. 31.

The Carpenters recent European tour was a great success. The 10 hour flight took them from 80 degree Downey to a snowy 30 degree London, but Richard & Karen admit the welcome they received from the tremendous crowds and dignitaries was very warm. The famous Inn On The Park was reserved for them and Karen was assigned Howard Hughes' elegant suite which was a blaze of color with flowers, telegrams and baskets of fruit.

After ten interviews, they were the guests of friend & English record producer Nicky Chinn for dinner at Burke's restaurant (the place to go in London). Five more interviews, plus taping a radio show filled most of the 2nd day. Although a press luncheon was given in their honor, not a bite was eaten, as they were too busy answering questions.

More interviews and a t.v. talk show followed the luncheon, winding up the evening at a party given for them by Neil Sedaka. There they met many English music celebrities including The New Seekers & Gary Glitter. Next day more interviews & a photo session, plus a 2 hour radio interview show with Tony Blackburn - on BBC! At day's end, Nicky took them to the Tramp, another famous restaurant.

The following day they were guests of Del Artusa for lunch, after which they strolled along King's Rd, browsing through shops where they found the prices very high, example; Levis selling for $9.00 here were selling at $17.00 there.

Dinner that evening was reserved at Annabelle's, which Paul Bloch (their PR man) described as a very elegant, extremely conservative, charming discotheque with superb food and service. Karen & Richard met Olivia Newton-John there & thoroughly enjoyed the evening.

Sunday they left for Frankfurt, Germany in their chartered DC9 named The Martinaire, and Karen enjoyed riding in the cockpit. They were very surprised to find no customs officials at the airport, and later learned of a pending strike. This proved very costly to them next day when they were preparing to leave for Stockholm. The strike was then in progress, so their equipment had to be transported by van to another airport 150 miles away. The loaded plane then flew back to Frankfurt to pick up the group, only to discover it could not land, due to another plane being in the way on the ground, and no one could move it. The Martinaire circled the airport for hours while long distance calls were made, red tape cut and finally permission to land was granted.

Arriving in Stockholm, the concert had been canceled due to the group's late arrival. No show is allowed to start there after 7:30p.m. and it was impossible to set up all the equipment in less than two hours. Tony Peluso was a victim of food poisoning which left him feeling so weak he could hardly stand, so he performed his part of the show seated.

Karen & Richard enjoyed the audiences in Copenhagen, Denmark, where their unusual way of applauding was reminiscent of a high school or college yell. A limo met the group in Brussels next day for a 2 hour ride to Hessalt, and joined in the celebrations of Radio Belgium's 50th anniversary. As they drove around the countryside, cars with TV cameras escorted them, taping their arrival. The group left by car for Amsterdam, Holland immediately after the Hessalt gig, and we'll pick them up there next month.

So long til then. Ev

Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #37 - June, 1974

Hi Fans!

Back again. PLEASE NOTE: Due to increased postal charges, we regret newsletters (two sides) will, in future be mailed at two month intervals. Some keepsake items will also be affected by these increases.

Leaving beautiful California weather behind, the group were greeted with violent thunderstorms and tornadoes in Detroit, Michigan. This did not deter the concert-goers who loyally braved the bad weather.

In Bowling Green, Ohio, misfortune struck Rick, the equipment manager who sustained a broken wrist while trying to save Curt's luggage from falling off the stage. Friend Dave Connelly, a roadie who has helped them on past tours, was flown in to help out. Rick's cast is a duplicate of the one Richard had to wear so many months last year.

In Pennsylvania, the Pittsburgh audiences had the first chance to see the group's new act, which turned out well in spite of a sick piano. The next day in Philadelphia, a Wurlitzer man was called in to 'doctor' the ailing ivories, but it gave out completely, ironically in the middle of Help! This was the first time Richard had to change the piano in the middle of the act.

Dinner in Philadelphia was a return visit to the BOOKBINDERS, where they had met Jim Croce a couple of years earlier.

In Utica, New York, the new act had shaped up nicely, but a slight mistake put Tony's guitar out of commission momentarily. When they left Utica, the equipment truck broke down, and it was doubtful if they would reach the opening concert in Westbury on time. Pete and Bill extended their opening a 15 minutes, by which time the truck had arrived. The stage was set up during a prolonged intermission, and the concert proceeded without a soundcheck.

The changeable weather produced sore throats and fevers among the group but no show was canceled.

A new grand piano was placed in Richard's room at the Holiday Inn to enable him to practice for his upcoming Boston concert. Richard and Karen treated the group to Easter dinner at Burt Bacharach's restaurant, located next to the Holiday Inn. They were joined by cousin Joan and husband Hank.

It was very hot in Raleigh, North Carolina, where the American Cancer Society promoted the concert and arranged dining facilities for the group.

Sherwin (their manager) had to leave them in Richmond, Virginia to fly back to Tahoe to help Herb Alpert who was opening there.

In Beckley they were hassled by a union representative who wanted proof of their membership, and demanded to see their union cards. Beckley is a small mining town in the hills of West Virginia. The town slogan "Beckley-the town with a mine of it's own". They had hoped to stay in Hershey Inn during their stay in the area, but conventioneers had filled the place to overflowing, so they guested the Host Inn instead. Richard referred to Hershey as a dream town with street lights that resemble Hershey kisses, and a main street named CHOCOLATE AVENUE. For Sherwin's birthday, they presented him with a 10 pound Hershey bar with HAPPY BIRTHDAY stamped on it.

In Boston, Richard played his first professional classical concert under the baton of Arthur Feidler with the Boston Pops. His flawless rendition of the Warsaw Concerto delighted the audience, as did Karen's unique vocals. Mom and Dad were very proud to be in the audience who responded with a standing ovation.

Homeward bound, they flew over Niagara Falls to view the dazzling spectacle of one of nature's wonders. They headed for a few days rest in sunny California, before leaving for a three week engagement in Las Vegas.

We extend congratulations to all students graduating this semester, and hope you all enjoy happy and safe vacations.

Rap again in 2 months. Ev