Marianne Faithfull and Me
RIP Angel. I Found My Interview with Marianne from 2009
Outtake from my blog, I Mean…What?!? | March 21,2009
THURSDAY: What fun. Marianne Faithfull is in New York City for a couple of weeks and it’s been a flurry of meals followed by long meaningful chats overlooking the Hudson River from The Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District.
We met in 2000 when she was staying at Carrie Fisher’s house, where I used to be under employ. When people asked me what I did for Carrie, my retort was, “I’m Leia’s Slave.” Carrie was hosting a party that evening, then again there was a party every evening in “the good ol’ days”. Everyone who was anyone was there, milling around the house in celebrity clusters. Angelica Huston, Robin Williams, Lorraine Bracco, Ben Affleck, Nicole Kidman, Barbra Streisand, you name it, they were there.
I noticed Marianne sitting alone and couldn’t resist going over to and introducing myself. It was before her album Kissin’ Time was released, and the song Sex with Strangers was playing in the background. There she was singing along with herself and I fell in love. Even more so from originally seeing her sing the Rolling Stones’ rendition of As Tears Go By, which had been etched in my childhood brain. We formed—what I am beyond pleased to say—a lasting friendship.
We kept in touch over the years, though Marianne lived in Paris, and it was great to see her again. It was her first night in town, we went to dinner at Morimoto along with Francois, her manager/great friend/romantic relationship.
Marianne: I am going to be on the CBS Sunday Morning.
Abe: Fantastic. I love that show.
Marianne: I hope they don’t ask me things that will overshadow the new record. Like about The Stones and Kate Moss, you know.
Abe: Just be yourself. People have always loved that about you. It’s part of who you are, honest, irreverent.
Marianne: Really? Oh, I don’t see that.
Abe: You need to spend a few days with me, I’ll remind you who you are.
Marianne: Oh, good.
Somehow the conversation shifts to blow jobs.
Abe: It’s been way too long.
Marianne: Allen Ginsberg tried teaching me how to give a blow job. He said it was like prayer.
Abe: That’s hilarious. Maybe you can talk about that on the Sunday Morning Show. How many people can say that?
FRIDAY: We met again to run errands. Exciting things like cashing checks and buying nail brushes and moisturizer. You know all that very exciting celebrity stuff that everyone imagines is riveting. First, we went to lunch at Fig and Olive (also in the Meatpacking District). The waiter came over and graciously or gratuitously went into a long, meaningful rendition of olive oil (the movie).
Waiter: This olive oil comes from the bla bla region of Greece, and the bla bla bla with a nose of flora…
Marianne and Francois are looking at each other avoiding eye contact with the waiter. Marianne holds back a smirk.
Waiter: And finally, this olive oil comes from Italy, and has bla bla bla bla, hint of seasoning. I’ll be right back with your Pellegrino.
Marianne: What was that, that poor dear boy. (Burst into laughter.)
Francois (is his beautiful French accent): Marianne, this is how he makes his 20% tip. In America they have to put on a show.
Abe: It’s sad.
Marianne: I mean, come on. (Snickering) These olives were picked by moonlight in Tuscany at midnight. I thought I was going to laugh in his face.
Somehow the conversation shifts to blow jobs.
Marianne: I hear Carrie gives a mean blow job. I don’t know how I heard that. But I did hear it.
Abe: I am sure Carrie told you.
Marianne: Yes, you’re quite right. She did tell me.
SATURDAY: We’re due to meet later today for manis and petties and a bit of shopping. Can’t wait. Surely our favorite topic—blow jobs—will come up again.
Watch the music video with Marianne and Kate Moss, SEX WITH STRANGERS.
Then please order my audiobook!
Wow. Beautiful. Thanks for that, and sorry for your loss.