Iron Maiden (Not the Band) You Asked for It

Art Baker was a producer for Truth or Consequences and an actor who hosted the show "You Asked For It". I assume he was a friend of my father's because he used my parents in several episodes of the Television show.

We had this prop stored in one of our garages for many years. I believe that it was in the material that went to the Paris Magic Museum that later folded. I was told that it was at one time on display at a Magic Museum on the Las Vegas Strip in one of the old Casinos that is probably long gone. I was also told that this clip was used at the museum as a information display.

I can't say where the prop is now, but I suspect that like many historical illusions, it ended up in the private collection of a famous Magician.  If You know, be sure to tell me.

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Ozzy Throne Chair

Over the years my Pop found his way into the Rock and Roll world occasionally. He was hired to do a close up gig at Berry Gordy's house for a party that Diana Ross was hosting. It turned out that it was a kids party and the little ones were very young. He had planned an evening doing the pick pocket act for music and film people and was instead entertaining five year olds. He improvised and did what Ms. Ross said was a great show. Dad said she was very sweet sitting with the kids and watching.

I mentioned that the giant Will Rock Guillotine was used by Alice Cooper. Dad did not supply it directly, but James Randi who apparently did, asked Pop to come and make some adjustments when Alice was in L.A. in 1973 I think.

We had an unfortunate experience with Grace Slick. She was doing an album cover using a levitation, but they wanted a large hoop to use rather than the slim version that most magicians carry. Pop improvised a mylar covered hoop that was not practical for stage use but might work for a photo shoot. The photographer did not like it so they used an artist rendering instead. I think Pop got stiffed on that job.

The one easily remembered and documented piece of equipment that he provided for a Rock Show was a Throne Chair for Ozzy Osbourne. 

The chair was originally made for the Ice Capades segment he manufactured in 1976. Some of the props reverted back to him after the run of the show, including the Throne Chair Production. We refurbished it for Ozzy's Speak of the Devil Tour. I  personally tested the chair out to see that it would work for an adult male. We saw Ozzy using it in a clip on "Entertainment Tonight" and I think Dad contacted them to make some suggestions because as he was performing it, it simply looks like he runs through the chair rather than appearing in it.

Ozzy Fans will know the chair from the album cover of that record. It is only partially seen but it is clearly the Chair we built.

My brother owned a poster with a much better image of the chair and Ozzy at the same time. I wish I still had it but I did find an image on line that you will be able to see.

Here is a second image that has another figure in the foreground. 

Finally, I found a few clips that show the prop being used on stage.

The first one is the "Entertainment Tonight" Segment.

The second is the opening of the show in San Antonio. This may have been when he got in trouble urinating on the Alamo.

The Third clip is not very well shot but the impact of the illusion is easier to appreciate. The last clip is the shortest but the lighting and laser show make it hard to see. 

Broken Wand Obituary

I did not see this particular remembrance when it came out shortly after his death. This was written by Bev Bergeron, a friend of my fathers's and a well know author and figure in the magic world. I believe he is still active, and I have enjoyed receiving a Christmas Time Newsletter from his family for many years. The copy of the Linking Ring was sent to me by Pat Slusher, a name I don't automatically recognize but he appears to know who my Pop was and he was kind enough to ship it to me. Thanks so much for that treasure.

This is a largely accurate memory of my father. The controversies that swirled around him are long forgotten or completely unknown. There are a couple of stories concerning the Magic Castle brouhaha that would be interesting to hear. I know that he took no small amount of pleasure spending as much time as he liked there, without ever paying dues. He had dozens of friends who were regular performers at the Castle and I think he also knew every entrance to the place better than the staff did. Old grudges are the silliest kinds.