Any Original Scruffs Out Here???

One of the best Beatle books I've EVER read is "Waiting For the Beatles" by Carol Bedford. It's the story of the original Scruffs, the ones who camped outside of Apple, Abbey Road and Paul's house in the last two years or so of the band's existence. This book is a great read, but it's only told from the author's point of view, and it makes me think that a book about all the Scruffs would be fab. The book is long out of print, so my copy is gold to me...wonder if anyone here is an original Scruff, or knows someone? Failing that, wonder if I should try a Google search???

I've read that book, and you're right, it's great. I've never been in the position to be a true Scruff, although I did tend to go by the Dakota more than I would have if a certain Beatle didn't live there. I also knew where thier apartment was on Bank Street and I walked by there a few times, but I never camped out. I did have one 'close encounter', but that was accidental. I also talked to a couple of women in front of the Dakota once that were there every day, day in-day out for months. I don't think I have it in me! I did camp out for over 30 hours for McCartney tickets though, back when you could still do that (before Ticketmaster ruled the world!)

That sounds really cool! Sadly, I am not even old enough to be an original Scruff. I probably would've been if I were around back then, though! (If only there were time travel- I would be able to fill this void...)

What was your close encounter, Patti? Do tell!!!!

I was raised in NYC, not born there, just raised there, in of all places, Greenwich Village. I'm also a musician. In the early 70's, when I was about 15, I was walking down the street, carrying my guitar on my way to a friends house when I noticed a couple walking down the same sidewalk coming towards me. When they got closer, I realized it was John and Yoko. This would have been the same time they lived on Bank Street and they were headed in that general direction. As they got closer, I started to think of something to say and came up with nothing. Anyway, as they passed me, John gave a little smile and said "good morning" and they just kept walking. Yoko smiled also but didn't say anything. I stood there watching them walking away and I finally did say good morning back, but they were already pretty far away. I, of course, felt like an idiot. I just kept watching them as they turned the corner. In retrospect, I think maybe John was acknowledging a fellow guitar player...who knows. It also didn't occur to me until later that it was actually the middle of the day when he said "good morning". Maybe they had just gotten up LOL. I still remember it like it was yesterday! It was one of the greatest 10 seconds of my life!

Best story ever! hehe I probably would have done the same thing. I always freeze in moments like that. But anyhow, that is amazing!!!! I can't even imagine what you could have been feeling in those few moments. How cool...John knew that you existed! That's my goal in life, for a Beatle to know that I exist! hahaaa I must make that happen!

wow that's great!! I probably would've been gaping like an idiot, though.

HOLYCRAP!

Pattie, that was the coolest thing ever! wow. i cant even imagine....being near john like that....man, why was i born so freakin late!!! arg!!


thats so cool....

I have no doubt that I probably WAS gaping like an idiot! LOL

I'd have held up me guitar and said "fancy a jam, Johnny?"

That's very neat.
You're a very lucky person!
But I'm sure you've realized that. :]
I think it's best you didn't ask him for anything.
No telling what he thought would happen. :D
Gosh, you're so lucky. Imagining it, it must have been quite neat?
One of those best feelings ever.

I know. I've always felt lucky that he said anything at all!

Wow that's amazing. I wouldn't have been able to say good morning at all. I give you credit for being able to function afterwards. I would have made a complete idiot out of myself.

I wish i'd been born earlier! You're lucky, well that's obvious but sitll you are. I probably would've just stood there and gaped like an idiot and then said something completely out of content...