A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of seeing Arlo perform at Bethel Woods (the site of the original Woodstock) with Richie Havens for the first time in my life. Before the show, it was announced that Mr. Havens would be signing autographs during the intermission until Mr. Guthrie came on stage.

As Mr Havens neared the end of his set I ran towards the tables where they said he would be signing, knowing that there would be little time before Arlo came on and was disheartened to see about 100 people in line before me. Fingers crossed, I got in line and held my breath as the wind began to pick up and blow picnic table umbrellas across the courtyard. I thought for sure that Mr. Havens would pack up and head for the hills. I was shocked at the fact that not only did he brave the winds and continue signing, but he stayed and shook every persons hand and signed whatever they wanted signed until the line was gone. Nearly to the end of Arlos set! I have never in my life witnessed a comittment to ones fans as he showed that evening. The memory of meeting Mr Havens will stay with me for the rest of my life.

A Couple of nights ago I returned to Bethel Woods to see Peter, Paul and Mary. Sadly, Mary recently underwent a bone marrow transplant and is in too poor health to tour. The show went on without her, but she was sorely missed. This is the only reason I can fathom that Bethel Woods decided to offer all attendees a free ticket to see Boston Pops with guest Arlo Guthrie later in the month. I wasn't aware he was coming to Bethel Woods this year. I was hoping he would be, being that this month marks the 40th anniversary of Woodstock. Needless to say, I will be seeing Arlo perform for the second time in my life. WOOHOO!

My question is, does anyone know if Mr. Guthrie ever signs autographs at his shows? I would be amazed if he did, but could die a happy man if I ever got the opportunity to meet him. I'm just wondering if I should bring my Solo Reunion Tour T-shirt in hopes of getting an autograph. I haven't the foggiest idea if Richie Havens doing a signing at a show is the norm for him (as I had never seen him live before either) or if it was just a fluke or if Arlo ever indulges in similar acts of generocity.

Also, while I'm here I have another question regarding Mr Guthrie and autographs. I found an eBay auction selling a letter that is supposed to be from Arlo. I have to question it tho because of two things:

1. the letter is Signed A. B. Guthrie Jr. - I don't claim to know a lot about Arlo. I am just a fan of his music. But browsing this site, I noticed that he signs all his posts as ADG. I'm guessing that D is his middle initial. Could someone shed any light on this?

2. the letter is signed A. B. Guthrie JR - I know Arlos father was Woodie Guthrie. I've never heard anyone call him Arlo Sr. Any light on THIS?

I would almost think this is a letter from some OTHER Arlo Guthrie, but the auction specifically says it is the Arlo Guthrie of Alice's Restaurant fame.

For anyone interested, the auction can be found here:

http://cgi.ebay.com/Arlo-B-Guthrie-Jr-Autograph-Letter-Signed-1976_W0QQitemZ250436132316QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item3a4f281ddc&_trksid=p3286.m20.l1116

In case you don't want to visit the link, and I don't blame you if you don't, I stole a pic of the letter and have attached it here:



Thanks for taking the time to read,

- Bill Lee

I've been to a few shows where Arlo signed autographs afterward, but not recently -- then again, I haven't tried recently.

I don't think that letter is from Arlo. I think it's this guy:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A._B._Guthrie

That makes more sense if you actually read the letter it is regarding signing a book?? Did Arlo write a book in 1976 or earlier?

I'm going to contact that seller and send him that link.

Thanks for your input,

- Bill

A.B. Guthrie Jr. is an author, and is not Arlo D. Guthrie, the folkslinger

Now, adg signing autographs?? Sorry, that doesn't happen.



However, he has been known to give an arlograph to those who are patient and wait after a show, as long as he's up to it, he tries to oblige. Of course there are times the venue won't allow it, or he's pressed for time, or feelin' a little under the weather... ya' know the expression, shit happens.

So bring your shirt and your patience, and after a show that can't be beat, stick around and see if the folkslinger doesn't come out and give out some handshakes and smiles for the cameras...

just don't ask him to sign ABGjr!

Thanks for the info! I will be sure to wear my patience cap and keep an eye out for him after he plays.

Wantaugh NY huh? I'm originally from Long Island myself. I grew up in Uniondale. Not far from you. I'm in the Poconos these days.

Thanks again!

- Bill

Arlo is a sweetheart & I bet he'll take the time for ya. I saw him with Ritchie Havens once in concert & both signed after the show & were sweet to everyone. Such nice folks!

Just a quick note:

I contacted the seller of that eBay auction and informed him of the mistake along with giving him that Wikipedia link referring to A.B. Guthrie Jr.

I just received a reply stating that they removed the auction.

Thanks for the heads up guys!

- Bill

Guess that means Arlo is famouser than that writer dude...

LOL I suppose so. Makes me wonder how many times, if ever, our beloved Mr. Guthrie has encountered this confusion with others.

arlo?

confused???

welcome to blunderland!!!!

The first Arlo concert I went to, I drove by the venue hours before the show and saw him talking to some people outside his bus, and I got out and asked for a picture with him and he said sure thing, and I got that taken care of. Then after the show, I waited outside his bus again and got my Running Down the Road album signed. So I would just say try to figure out where the bus is, and wait there after the show. It may taken an hour or two for him to come out, but he's such a nice guy I doubt he would turn anyone down.

And he's a sweet guy & a wonderful person.

oh wow i had no idea that arlo signing autographs after a show was somewhat rare.
at my 2nd arlo show (a couple yrs ago) at fairfield univ., 10 mins after the show arlo was already sitting at a table in the lobby with a line of people in front of it to get stuff signed etc.
i got in the line and got my washington county cd-liner signed

i didn't stick around last night to see if he was mingling in the lobby at uconn though. i did see sarah lee signing an album that somebody had just bought. she and johnny were out in the lobby right away.

good luck to all seeking to meet him at a show!

I had no idea either, Zany. The first two times I saw Arlo (Epcot in 2002 and Tiffin, OH in 2006) he was signing autographs after the show. I was very confident that he'd be around last weekend at Mt. Pleasant, and very surprised when he was only part of a selective meet and greet. After about an hour of stalking--er, I mean waiting-- we ended up at least getting autographs from Abe and Krishna, as well as the rest of the Guthries. Hopefully next time!