Beetlejuice

Back when we first released our album, World War Two Point Five (Capitol, 1989)Jeff was proudly performing in a series of grandiloquent custom made suits which he had commissioned from the infamous Atlanta tailor, "Gentleman Jim."

These suits were made from bolts of satin-like materials that Jeff would find on endless excursions to local fabric stores, and, when completed, featured both bold stripes, rich colors and odd Mandarin collars. One thing they did not have were pockets, as Jeff would explain, "Pockets are really expensive, man..  So is a zippered fly..." (his were the more economical Velcro).

At any rate, upon the release of WW 2.5, we headed down to Orlando for a big "record release" gig -- at which employees of the local Capitol Records office showed up with a retinue of our "target demographic":  local college kids who were enticed into attending our show with promises of both "cutting edge new music and limitless free beer." Somehow a few of these coed Dolts made it back to the dressing room for the pre-show party, and one of them started talking to Jeff -- who was happily "holding court" with the label reps in his latest silken-striped-suit.

What follows is a rough recreation of the conversation which ensued:
Rube:  (eyeing Jeff's suit) "You know man, you look just like that guy in the film..."
Jeff:  "Really?  Which guy is that?"   

Now, it was clear from Jeff's bemused reaction (and indefatigable optimism concerning his countenance) that he assumed The Hick was inferring a resemblance to such Hollywood icons as Robert Redford, Mel Gibson or Harrison Ford...
Rube:  (continuing)  "C'mon dude, you know... that GUY in the movie... You look just like him!"
Jeff:  (flattered) "Who do you mean... a Movie Star? A leading man?? Which one?"
Rube: (excited) "Yeah, yeah, you know, him, him... uh, uh,... BEETLEJUICE!"

(Ouch.)

Anyway, twenty minutes later -- we recover our composure and go out to begin our big new-record-release-the-label-guys-are-here-pretty-good-crowd-its-Orlando-performance.   

The lights dim, the crowd cheers, and we take the stage.

Jeff slings his guitar on, flips his amp on and strides confidently to microphone. The lights come up and Jeff prepares to address the crowd with the big, "Hello, Cleveland" style Rock greeting...

As he opens his mouth to begin, he's interrupted by a chorus of Fraternity boys who yell out from the back of the club...

"...BEETLEJUICE, BEETLEJUICE, BEETLEJUICE!"

We all collapsed laughing on stage -- Jeff included.

It is a sign of great humor and spirit that Jeff took the events of that evening so well. Although in truth, he never wore a matching striped coat and pants in combination again....

Bill Burton / Swimming Pool Q