Friday, June 1st 2007
Feeling A Little Grabby
Last weekend I participated in an event in Chicago known as IML, International Mr. Leather, a pageant of sorts for the leather community. It also happens to be the weekend that the Grabbys are held, an awards show for the gay adult film industry hosted by Gay Chicago Magazine.
For the first time I was honored to be one of the co-hosts this year along with Chi Chi LaRue, Honey West, Matthew Rush and the charming Kent North. Public speaking is not something that I do very often so I was very nervous for weeks right up until my first walk out on stage. I was lucky enough to have two very seasoned pros along side me guiding the stream of conversation at all times except for the two times that I was left to fend for myself with either Kent or Matt.
Upon arrival I found out that I was up for two and a half awards, Best Supporting Actor for Delinquents, Best Duo with Benjamin Bradley for our scene in Delinquents and Best Cock. I did not win any awards, but Doug Jeffries, the director of Delinquents walked away with three!
All things considered, I think I did pretty well as a host. As soon as we were introduced and brought out to the crowd we were left on stage for a bit to mingle together in front of the audience. There were three of us and only two microphones - both of which were been given to Matt and Kent by Honey and Chi Chi. I naturally assumed that because there were only two mikes that perhaps I had read something wrong and was not supposed to be up there, so I left. I began to walk off and I heard Matt say to Kent “Why did he leave?” so I returned to the front of the stage knowing that there had been some sort of error and pretended to speak into an imaginary microphone. The audience got the joke and I was relieved, but still without a microphone. This made the dialog between us somewhat difficult, luckily that was the only time that the three of us were on stage sharing the microphone.
As you may have guessed, I decided to make a shirt specifically for the event. Due to time restraints and plain old procrastination I had to put the finishing touches on the shirt at the hotel. Tyler Riggz called from upstairs when I was in the middle of studding my shirt with my Bedazzler. He asked me what I was doing and when he found out I had my Bedazzler he about creamed his pants. He makes jokes constantly about my tye-dyed wardrobe and things I make with my Bedazzler so to actually see the infamous machine was a treat. He asked me if there were more rhinestones and when I told him that there were 500, he was at my door dressed in a smile from ear to ear. This is what porn stars really do during their off time at gigs.
Here in France “not stringing pearls” is used as a euphemism for… Well, as in the sentence “whatever these two pornstars are doing behind that locked door, they sure aren’t stringing pearls.”
BTW, does the new t-shirt display a rhinestone mike?
Firstly, I cannot believe you didn’t win any awards. Robbery, I tell you.
To my knowledge, only two porn stars that I am fans of were at IML…you and Francesco D’Macho….so I’ve heard a lot less about that then the Grabby’s. What I have heard though, sounds like it was a huge blast!
(Well, Matthew Rush was there too, wasn’t he? I don’t think he has a blog though….)
I’m sure the other cohosts were honored to have you there as well, and I bet you were great. And what a great way to cover for yourself with a little invisi-mic humor!
Tyler Riggz came out to Rhode Island a while ago, and while I wasn’t able to meet him, friends of mine who did tell me he’s “amazing” and “hotter in real life” and “such a sweetheart”. Apparently he’s a Bedazzler fan too. He sure looks enthused about using it. If I had a Bedazzler, I don’t think I’d let anyone else use it, so I’m admiring your generosity Johnny!
The shirt you’re wearing in the picture with Blake Riley and Tyler Riggz, is that the one you made? I really like it!
Frog - You tell me, click on the photo to see the larger version. I don’t think so and I forgot to ask Johnny.
Graham - Johnny always wears his shirts to events. I suspect that Adam Faust did the design, though I’m not certain.
Hey fellas… I did not win, but I did have a great time.
My shirt is a print of a coy fish that was designed by Adam Faust and studded with rhinestones the day before.
I am on his ass to do more because the man is truly gifted with the pen.
BW, I love you for adding that picture of Johnny and Francesco. :)
I think I’ve heard good things about Adam Faust before (maybe it was on here?) Anyways, from the looks of it I would love to wear his clothes too! The rhinestones are definitely a nice touch though.
Guys (& Gals)
I have to say that Johnny is totally correct with everything that he has stated about Adam Faust. I am so proud to be able to say that Adam and I were fairly good friends and that he was always there to be the voice of reason - besides that he was/is sure one hot mother, um well fister! To both Johnny & Boy Wonder - and to all who have posted here I have to thank you for helping me out and giving me a smile for times have been daunting here in NY, but life goes on. Keep blogging and keep sharing!
Oh Johnny - have you ever thought about doing a cookbook? I bet you would be able to get a best seller - maybe we could speak more on this if you would like…
Cool t-shirt and Francesco D’macho is uber hot.
Actually, do you sell any of your designs in shops etc? I actually really dig your taste in clothes, very pseudo punk, which is totally me. If you ever bring any of your designs to the land of Oz, I’d be keen to buy ‘em.
Hey there piglet, I have not seen you here before, welcome.
Adam truly is a gr8 guy and I hope that our forces join soon and we create something gr8.
I will be selling my stuff at some point….I promise…I have invested too much $ and time not to.
Johnny - is it more complicated than take a pic of the shirts and put them in your on-line shop? our hot bodies cannot help waiting for…
or are you preparing a high style worldwide fashion market launch? We might get very old in the meantime and not be able to use our credit cards on-line anymore… :o)