Dear Fans,
Regretfully we announce the passing at Lola Saunders, the Carpenters Personal secretary. Lois drowned in the Yosemite river on 23rd June. The Carpenter family, colleagues at the fan club, and many prominent people connected with the music world packed the chapel for the funeral service of our dear friend Lois, who was a great lady we will miss very much. I'm sure those of you who corresponded with her will miss her cheerful letters. Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to her husband Joe And their family.
Karen and Richard wish to express their sincere gratitude for all the kimonos, dolls, rang, stuffed animals, flowers etc.: they received from their rang whilst on tour in Japan. Tickets for all Japanese concerts sold out in less than an hour. In fact Richard & Karen broke two music industry records: (1) their tour sold out for 18 consecutive concerts as they performed for 85,000 fans. (2) The Singles album in England toppled Bridge Over Troubled Waters from the No.1 spot it had held for 18 consecutive weeks. More gold records also arrived from Japan for record-breaking sales of both singles and albums.
They left Los Angeles for Japan on Monday at 10:30 a.m. and because of the time difference, the 14 hour night landed them in Tokyo at 5:50 p.m. There were 25 photographers and over 5,000 fans to greet them at the airport. This was their first true mob scene they had ever experienced where they had to "fight" their way to the waiting limos which finally took them to the Tokyo Hilton. On their first day, A luncheon in their honor was given by King Records at the Chin San So, where they were each presented with a pure silk kimono valued at $5000.00 each. The lovely Japanese gardens surrounding the restaurant was the setting for picture taking and interviews which took place after the luncheon.
The second day press conference which proceeded another photo session, was also an elaborate affair. Refreshments were served, and Richard & Karen were delighted to see their Carpenter logo carved in ice. There they received five gold Japanese records: Top Of The World, Yesterday Once More, I Won't Last A Day Without You and Jambalaya, plus one gold album for Carpenters Golden Prize Vol. II.
They also won the Japanese Grand Prix award. This is a broadcasters award, and winners are selected by listeners who write in to vote for their favorite group. Another Award was the single of the year Yesterday Once More and album of the year Now And Then, and favorite group of the year.
The third day they managed to do a little shopping before doing a sound check at the concert hall, where they were to perform before 12,000 people that evening, which was also taped for t.v. a Japanese bullet train zipped them to Shizuoka, where they had rooms reserved at the Grand Hotel.
After the concert, they re-boarded the train which sped them to Kyota where some or the group became ill. Danny's staph infection reoccurred and caused an illness similar to pneumonia. Richard made a hurried trip to an eye doctor where a bothersome lash was removed. Karen had mild stomach ailment due possibly to the change or food. However, they put on a terrific show in the beautiful Kyato concert hall. At Osaka airport they were joined by Pete Henderson who remained with them for the remainder of the tour.
All six shows performed in Osaka were recorded on a 16 track machine by King Record Co. for the release of a double album "live" Japanese record. Copies of the tapes are to be sent to Richard who will listen to them all, and pick the best of each show for a possible U.S.A. release.
The shows took up most of Richard & Karen's time, but Mom & Dad who traveled with them, spent some time shopping in the beautiful arcades, and visited Osaka Castle. They all agreed the smog here was worse than any they had ever experienced in Los Angeles! The group found time for shopping in Nagoya where they discovered some of the same type 'snooty' shops that they patronize in Beverly Hills. They rode through downpour of rain en route to Yokohama, and noted the heavy industrial area and large factories all along their route. They stayed at the New Grand Hotel until show time, and later returned to Tokyo to enjoy a fabulous dinner at the Shabu Shabu restaurant. It happens in Japan too... someone did a rip off on Robert Wellborn, equipment maintenance man, and walked off with his cameras, walkie-talkie and attache case.
Their last evening in Tokyo was spent at the Cocacabana where the entire group was treated to a delicious meal. So ended another successful tour.
Richard & Karen were especially pleased with the little Japanese children who accompanied them in the Sing spots. They agreed each group sang it better than their single Sing.
Those or you residing in the Los Angeles area will be delighted to learn the Carpenters have been signed to stage concert at the Hollywood Bowl.
The tentative date is scheduled for September 6. Watch your local newspapers and Los Angeles Times for ads.
The move to the new house has been made; and Richard & Karen are quite enjoying their new surroundings. They are presently working on a new album, but no release date is available at this time.
A limited number of brass belt buckles, so very 'in' these days, are in the making for Carpenter fans. They will be 3 1/2" by 2 1/2" and will sport the famous Carpenter logo. Rather than flat, they will be convex to fit the contour of the body. We anticipate delivery in the near future.
We now have a new supply of T-shirts, information available from the fan club. Please enclose stamped, self addressed envelopes.
We have room for a short question and answer session, so here goes:
Will bring you some of the happenings at Lake Tahoe next letter. They will be playing the Sahara Hotel there August 12 through the 27th
Rap later. EV.
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Last changed: Sun Jun 12 23:45:33 EDT 2005