Don Rickles 

I am so very sad to hear of the passing of Mr. Don Rickles. The legendary comedian had the nickname Mr. Warmth because of his sharp witted insult style of comedy. It was meant to be sarcastic…however in my one experience with Mr. Rickles he was nothing but warm and gracious.

I had the honor to book Don Rickles at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH a number of years back. The show became infamous on Greg and the Morning Buzz when I had a last minute opportunity to bring Greg to the side of stage for a quick picture with Mr. Rickles. I knew Greg was a big fan. The reason it became infamous is because Andy Blacksmith (unbeknownst to me) was sitting next to Greg when I grabbed him for the photo op. Andy, on a number of occasions let it be known he was unhappy with me for not bringing him back stage, too. Greg got a picture and a handshake (from a guy that shook Sinatra’s hand). I got grief from Andy. Oh, well…

Speaking of Sinatra, Don’s road manager, Tony was formerly Frank Sinatra’s road manager. Tony was such a cool guy. We hung out all day and he regaled me with Frank Stories. There is the famous story about Don Rickles and Frank having dinner in the same restaurant. This was before Don was married and he was on a date with a very pretty young lady. He wanted to impress her. Rickles went over to Frank’s table and told Frank he was on a date with this young lady and asked if Frank would mind dropping by their table to say hello. Frank said he would be happy to. After Sinatra finished his meal, on the way out he went over to Don’s table. Being the generous guy he was, Frank wanted to help his friend Don. Frank got to the table as Don was leaning in talking to the young lady. Frank said, “Hello Don!” Don looked up and replied “For goodness sake, Frank, can’t you see I’m busy!?”

That afternoon at the Palace I was getting excited because Mr. Rickles would be there soon. Tony got the call they were on their way and we went to the stage door to greet Mr. Rickles and his party. The black Cadillac Escalade pull up in the alley.   The front passenger door opened and a leg slid out. I could see the person was wearing bath robe, long black socks and very expensive slippers with a crown logo on them….ah, and no pants.

There is another Sinatra story that Frank never put his pants on until he was ready to go on stage. That way the pants would not be wrinkled. Apparently, Mr. Rickles subscribed to the same theory.

In the alley, I hear my name being called but I was not sure who was calling me. “Jim, Jim, come here.” I thought it was Tony calling me. I looked over at him and he pointed to the guy in the fancy bathrobe. I ran to the car. “Yes, Mr. Rickles! What can I do for you, Sir?” He looked me dead in the eye and asked, “Did you book this place?” “Yes, Mr. Rickles, yes, I did!”, I replied, thrilled he knew my name! He pulled that half naked leg back in the Cadillac and said, “I’m not playing this dump!” and proceeded to slam the door in my face!!! The look of horror on my face was exactly what Rickles wanted! He reopened the door and said, “Happy to be here, Kid” Where we going?”

After the show, Tony came up to me and said, “Mr. Rickles would like to invite you and you wife to dinner. Would you join us?” I’m pretty sure that is the coolest thing anyone has ever asked me. We met Mr. Rickles, Tony and Mr. Rickles’ Musical director at the hotel restaurant. That is where I met Mr. Warmth. Don Rickles was the sweetest, kindest, warmest person. He was the complete opposite of this stage persona. He was so sweet to my wife and even invited her to California. Come to think of it, I don’t think he invited me, LOL. That night was a gift. Thank you Mr. Rickles for the laughs but more importantly, the Warmth! RIP