UPDATE October 18, 1997
Thousands of letters come to the Rockinfreakapotamus mailbox and every once in a while one of them is special enough that we feel compelled to share it with you. The following is verbatim from the letter followed by pictures. If you 've got any extra chili pepper photos or stuff you want to send Robbie's way that would be great.
Address: Denise or Robbie McManus, 214 Oriole Dr.,
Slidell, LA 70458 USA
October 1, 1997
My name is Denise McManus and I'm writing to you in complete desperation. My son Robbie (see photos) was involved in a near-fatal car accident in June. At the time of his surgery his doctors said that he wouldn't make it through the night. As you can see he has beaten the odds thusfar, but he is not out-of-the-woods just yet. He's constantly battling blood clots and infections. Unfortunately, Robbie's injuries are so severe that he is unable to walk, talk, or take care of himself. His doctors have said that he'll probably have severe brain damage when everything is said and done.
As of a week ago, I had no clue what a Red Hot Chili Pepper was. What I did know was that his bedroom is covered in RHCP posters, magazine pictures, stickers, and t-shirts. I can safely say that he probably has every CD they have ever released.
Let me tell you why I'm writing. My son's brain was so severely damaged in the accident that he cannot, or will not respond to anything or anyone. The doctors have tried everything, or so they thought. One day while I was taking care of Robbie's day-to-day needs, I turned on his CD player to let him listen to some music. I thought that it would be good for him. As the first song began, I noticed a smile radiated from his blank face and a sparkle that came to his lifeless eyes. Robbie had finally responded to something... the music. I checked his CD player and discovered the music was the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Not knowing who the RHCP were, I asked his friends who told me that they were his all-time favorite group. This would explain why his bedroom is dedicated to the RHCP and why he wore RHCP t-shirts day-in and day-out. Most importantly, this explains why a smile came to his face when he heard their music. I can never repay the RHCP for the joy they have brought to my son and the joy they have brought to me.
I'm sure that this is unusual, but is there anyway I can get an autographed picture of the RHCP so that I can give it to my son. I would hang it on the ceiling above his bed where he constantly stares. I know that this would make him extremely happy. I know that you are not in the business to make my son happy or to give out pictures to critically ill or dying children. You see, I love my son with all my heart and soul and I'd do anything for him including decorating my entire house with RHCP posters and pictures. You may think that I'm silly, and maybe I am, but you'd know what I'm talking about if you have ever lost a child or loved one. I have never asked anything from anyone but I beg for your help today.
I really don't know what else to say other than I have come to appreciate and enjoy the Red Hot Chili Peppers' music. I also appreciate the joy that they, and their music, have given to a very sick fan.
Sincerely, (signed) Denise
Latest Jane's Addiction Tour Dates:
The band is also scheduled to make a still-unannounced appearance on
Saturday Night Live at some point during the tour. (Best guess November 8th)
Oct. 30-31; New York, N.Y.; Hammerstein Ballroom
Nov. 3; Chicago, Ill.; Aragon Ballroom
Nov. 4; Detroit, Mich.; Michigan State Fairgrounds
Nov. 7; Boston, Mass.; Gosman Center (Brandeis University)
Nov. 10; Philadelphia, Pa.; CoreStates Spectrum Theater
Nov. 13; Miami, Fla.; Bayfront Park
Nov. 15; Atlanta, Ga.; International Ballroom
Nov. 17; Houston, Texas; Theater At Bayou Place
Nov. 18; Dallas, Texas; Fair Park Coliseum
Nov. 21; Sacramento, Calif.; Memorial Auditorium
Nov. 22; San Francisco, Calif.; Bill Graham Civic Center
Nov. 24; Las Vegas, Nev.; Aladdin Theater
Nov. 28; Los Angeles, Calif.; Universal Amphitheater
Dec. 1; Los Angeles, Calif.; Universal Amphitheater
Dec. 2; San Diego, Calif.; (RIMAC Arena)
Dec. 4; Phoenix, Ariz.; Mesa Amphitheater
Dec. 7; Portland, Ore.; Rose Garden Theater
Dec. 8; Seattle, Wash.; Mercer Arena