Bobby Vee and Bob Celli

On this page we encourage Bobby's Fans to e-mail us and tell your Bobby Vee stories and information about his concert appearances around the world. If you have a digital camera or can scan your photos, include those. We hope to update this every week or so.
E-mail us at Tri-Com.

Subject: Flandreau SD Concert
From: Bob and Wanda Moline
Date: 9/1/2010 9:40 PM

I have sent you a few pictures from the fun time at Flandreau SD concert. What a fun time and to see Robbie perform along with his dad was awesome. We enjoyed the whole evening. What a way to close out the weekend.

We hope to see you in Virginia. We will see if we are harvesting the crop but are going to try and make it.

Thanks for a wonderful time.
Bob and Wanda Moline
South West Minnesota fans.

Subject: Bobby Vee
From: Shari Brazil
Date: 9/1/2010 3:44 AM

Just e-mailed, but here are some photos too!  Hope you enjoy cuz they are fabulous!!

Shari

Subject: Des Moines, IA
From: Regan
Date: 8/28/2010 9:43 PM

Hey I hear you are touring in November. When do think you will be Des Moines, IA?

Regan

Regan,

As soon as we have a firm date I will post it on this website.

Subject: Bobby Vee
From: Janet Weikert
Date: 8/17/2010 3:38 PM

Hi Bobby, 

It's been a great summer seeing you in so many places. Austin, St.Joseph, Faremont, Minitonka and now coming up Flandreau. It will be great to see Robby again also. It was nice to see and talk to Karen in Minitonka. I'm glad she's doing much beyyer.Tell her I enjoyed the conversation and Hi ! I looked up the article she told us about. I've had so much fun this year coming to see you because I have someone to go with me now and we'll get to wherever we can because you are always FANTASTIC!   Love all you'e music and am always listening. See you Aug 28th.          

A HUGE FAN   
Janet Weikert

Subject: Joe Toown Rocks with Bobby Vee
From: Ruth Johnson
Date: 8/11/2010 7:20 PM

The Yorkshire Vee-I-Ps trip to Joe Town Rocks – July 2010

  Well, the Johnson family from England have taken another trip to America to see the wonderful Bobby Vee and family and friends. Sorry it is so late – took me a while to draft out, and had a lot on recently. We went to Bob’s home town of St Joseph, MN for the Joe Town Rocks Festival for the 4th July weekend. We flew from London Heathrow Airport on Thurs 1st July at 09:30 (should have been 08:30, but had to wait for a group of passengers to be removed from the plane due to fraudulent credit cards). We did catch up on time in the air though. We had to change at Toronto airport on the way, and we arrived at St Paul’s/Minneapolis Airport at 15:45 (MN time). Hello America – my 2nd home! To get better, we were met by 2 wonderful friends of ours from Walla Walla, in Washington State – Gene and Carol Funk. We 1st met them at The Clovis Music Festival in 2008, and this was the 1st time we had seen them since then. It was a great reunion. We drove in convoy to our hotel (we even had a walkie talkie as it was the 1st time my dad and I had driven in America, and it felt strange driving on the other side. We both did really well during the holiday).
   Friday morning - we drove to St Joseph to check out the area and the venue for the concert the next night. We stopped at a car park where we saw people setting up, and we thought we would have a word with them. By chance, we went up to the M.C. As soon as we started speaking, the man said “You must be The Johnson’s”. We couldn’t believe a complete stranger knew of us! He had heard about us, so as we know Bobby, Jeff and Tommy, I can only assume that one of them had mentioned us. I had also sent an E-Mail a while back to The St Joseph Church, so maybe it was them. We felt so welcome, and there was just 1 other couple from England, but the wife used to live in St Joseph.
  We then walked to The Vees Rockhouse Productions studio – I have written to there several times, so it was nice to see it in real life! After we had eaten lunch, we decided to drive to nearby St Cloud. It was a nice place to go, and by The Mississippi River. We walked by the river, and walked in some gorgeous gardens called Munsinger Gardens.
 That night, we had a meal out, and then drove back to St Joseph to greet 2 more friends of ours at their hotel – Paula and Hutch from Iowa. We 1st met them at The Surf Ballroom in Iowa for the 50 Winters Later. It was wonderful to see them again, and we had a great night.
  Sat 3rd July – This was the day we were waiting for – to see Bobby again (we last saw him in November 2009 in Worcester, MA). I started off the day be painting my mum and my nails with 6 USA flags, and 4 British flags. Then we went to our friends – The Funks – room, and Gene played his guitar and sung. He is great! About 11am, we drove to St Joseph. We saw The Vees (not Bobby) practising on stage, sound checks etc, so it was nice to say hi to them. We also met up with 2 more friends – Renee Harris and her sister Wanda. We all sat in the sun in a group after lunch, in our chairs we needed for the concert later. The festivities started at 4pm with outdoor Mass for 1 hour. A little while before this, a local reporter the The St Cloud Times, interviewed me and my mum on why we came all the way from England, what made us become big fans of Bobby, and she admired our USA and GB painted nails. After Mass, we got a cold drink from a café. As we were in there, we saw one of Bobby’s daughter’s in law – Kathy, with her 2 sons – Bennett and Liam – outside so we greeted them (great family!). We left the café a few minutes after Kathy and the boys, and who was by Rockhouse Productions – a certain Mr Bobby Vee! We had a great catch up and friendly chat to him, had photos, and we had a tour round the inside of Rockhouse Studios – felt honoured, and it was an awesome feeling to actually be there! There was our group of 6, and a handful of others. It was really nice of Bobby, but with Bobby, would you expect anything less? That is partly why he has so many devoted fans.
   At about 18:10, we left the Studios, as my dad was getting a live interview on a local radio station (my dad is the most confident, as me, my mum and brother are fairly shy). After this, me and my mum got changed into our costumes – polka dot skirts, with matching neck scarves, little white lacy socks, and little flowers for our hair. Cool 50s/60s Dancers! We then went back to our seats at the front, and enjoyed the opening Acts before Bobby. We sat down to Collective Unconscious (including Jeff Engholm, who we have seen him in the UK with Bobby). They did a great range of Crosby/Stills Nash songs.
   Then, at 8:45…. BOBBY and The Vees!!! (The M.C introduced him, and he also said we have fans from England, so we cheered)! Bobby was as wonderful as ever, and we were at the front quite a lot dancing. This is his song list:
“Well All Right”, “Let The Four Winds Blow”, “I Gotta Know”, “Come Back When You Grow Up”, “Run To Him”, “Walking With My Angel” (me and my mum ‘Bunny-Hopped’ to this. If you don’t know the Bunny Hop, it is on Bobby’s DVD – Rock ‘N’ Roll Legends. Picture this – put your right foot out right, and back, and the same again. Do the same with the left foot. Then take 1 jump forwards, 1 jump back, and then 3 quick little jumps forwards. It’s good fun. The songs continue now:
  “(What A) Wonderful World”, “Crying Game”, “One Last Kiss”, “Staying In”, Charms, Sharing You, Take Good Care Of My Baby (after this, me and my mum presented Bob with some artificial, 4th July flowers that were very pretty), “No Expectations” led by The Vees, “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore” (my fave Buddy song), “That’ll Be The Day”, “Since I Met You Baby”, “The Night Has A Thousand Eyes”, “Rubber Ball”, “You're So Square (Baby I Don't Care)”, “More Than I Can Say”, “Duelling Banjo’s”, “Little Queenie”, and a short bit of “Take Good Care……”  Don’t you agree that is an awesome selection!! The nice thing for us as well was that there were 3 songs we haven’t seen him perform live before – “Let The Four Winds Blow”, “I Gotta Know”, and “Since I Met You Baby”
  The concert finished at about 10pm, and then there was nearly 20 minutes of fireworks – it was amazing! We felt honoured to be there. After this, we met up with our group, and went to get some of our Bobby pictures signed and a chat. We couldn’t hear well as the music was loud, and we were quite close to the speakers, but we arranged to meet for coffee the next day. The sad thing now was to say goodbye to the other Vee’s, Paula, Hutch, Renee and Wanda.
   4th July – Independence day! Drove into St Joseph for 10am and saw a spectacular parade. Couldn’t believe how big it was. We had to leave at 11:15 to meet Bobby for coffee, and the parade was still going strong. The Americans sure know how to have a great time, and so patriotic! We don’t get this much in England. My family, and our friends Gene and Carol spent a wonderful 30 mins with Bobby – we really appreciate him taking that time out to meet up with us. Not many huge stars would do that I don’t think! He then left as he was going on vacation that day with the rest of the family. What a great guy! It was sad having to say goodbye again, especially we don’t know when we will see him again. After this, we went back to St Joseph to stalls, bingo, Joe Burgers, and just hung out. In the evening back at the hotel, Gene played his guitar, and we talked and ‘jammed’ until midnight!
  5th July – Today was the day Gene and Carol were heading back home to Washington State. We drove with them as we wanted to go to Fargo, North Dakota, and they had to drive that way. We ate at a Denny’s there, and it was nice knowing we were visiting the town that Bobby grew up in. Part of Bobby history! It was very sad saying goodbye to The Funks. Including Clovis, we have seen each other for al of 9 days, but we are all such good buddies, it’s nice. We then drove back to our hotel and packed L. 6th July – our last day. We drove to a gorgeous local lake and enjoyed the scenery, before making our way back to the airport. Of all our America trips, this was the worst! Went onto the wrong Interstate but realised quickly we were wrong. We got stuck in very slow moving traffic for about 1 hour. We asked for directions in a gas station, and they told us to take 2 rights, but the 2nd direction should have been to the left, so we were heading away from the Airport without realising. When we realised, we turned round and just made the flight. At the airport, we were told to collect our bags at Toronto, and then check them in for London. Our bags weren’t at Toronto! They told us we just collect them back in London. Hope we hadn’t lost the bags at London. Fortunately, they were at London. We landed in the rain, which normally happens to us when we fly or land in England. We then had a coach ride back home, got home Weds evening (UK time) and up at 6am for work the next day! The things we do for Bobby…….!
   I worked how much time of our trip was spent travelling (including flight lengths, waits at Airports, getting from home to London, and getting to and from the hotel). We left home UK time late Weds Evening, and got back home the following Weds evening. The travel time was 53 hours, 19 minutes, which converts to 2 days, 5 hours and 19 mins! A lot of time during a holiday! Bobby and our other friends make it so worthwhile though. Yes – it’s tiring, but it means we can do these trips, which we love doing!

   Special thanks go to Bobby, family and friends – for a wonderful time, Gene and Carol for driving all those miles to see us, and having us a convoy, Paula and Hutch for being wonderful and helpful and providing chairs and popcorn, and a trip diary (perfect for me as I love writing about our Bobby trips etc), Renee and Wanda for spending time with us. We had the best time, and we would love to go back next year if possible. Can’t wait to see you all again. We miss all our American friends so much!  I hope you enjoyed my report. I’ll finish off by saying:

Joe Town Rocks!!!!!!!!!

PS - Photos to follow soon

Subject: Summer Fun (July) Bobby Vee
From: Duane
Date: 8/7/2010 5:57 PM

It was HOT HOT HOT and a bit breezy,but that did not wilt the enthusiasm of the crowds attending the Bobby Vee benefit concert in St. Joseph Mn. on July 3rd. We have spent the last three years attending  this special event and the crowds of fans keep increasing. This year fans from England made the 4th of July event one of their special events for the year. The Johnson's are enthusiastic fans of Bobby's----like so many of us are!  We spent some time visiting with them and also met some friends we have made attending Bobby's concerts this past year--Renee and Wanda--great gals. The concert was awesome and such a fitting way to spend the 4th.  Summer Fun--Bobby Vee--Good Friends--Bobby Vee-- Great Music--Bobby Vee--Fireworks--Bobby Vee------Bobby Vee goes with just about everything!!!!  Great job Bobby and the Vee's and the community of St. Joe--well done!!  The next day on the way home we picked up a copy of the St. Cloud Times and there was an outstanding article about Bobby Jeff and Tommy putting together a new CD.  We were excited to hear that we may be listening to some of his music that we should or could have heard 50 years ago--imagine that!!  Thanks Bobby,Jeff and Tommy for all the hard work and time you have put into this new venture!!!!!!   Thanks also to Bob Celli for being so persistant----there isn't any of Bobby's music we wouldn't want to hear!!  We are all anxiously awaiting the arrival of "Bobby Vee Rarities"  Unreleased Gems from the Capitol Vaults----can't wait!!   The following weekend we were off to Fairmont Mn. to the Fairmont Opera House.  The Opera House in earlier days was the towns thearter we use to frequent as teenagers---so it brought back special memories for us----old stomping grounds.  The concert that evening was electric--you could feel it in the air!!  Bobby has a real connection with his fans--they love him--because he is so genuine--and people just know that!!   To top off the month we were off to "The General Store" in Minnetonka MN.to see Bobby and Fabian. A true blast! It was an all 50's/60's weekend --car show--sockhop--and the music of two greats of the 60's!  Another magical evening enjoyed by all.  Hats off to you guys--Bobby--Fabian--The Vee's--Cristina--and all envolved--you keep us Rock n' Roll fans wanting more!!!    Oh,by the way,we truly enjoy our copy of "The Last of the Great Rythum Guitar Players"  (thanks to Thomas) it goes everywhere with us. New sounds from Bobby and the Vee's---where has this been hiding?   See you all down the line!!  xxxooo  Hutch and Paula       Hi to the Johnson's--we enjoyed our time spent with you!!      Will send Summer Fun photo's at a later date

Duane

Subject: Scopiotones
From: Michael H.
Date: 8/6/2010 5:59 PM

Just thought you would like to know I attend a film festival where they show scopiotones. They have Bobby Vee"Pretty Girls Everywhere" & "The Night Has A Thousand Eyes" (What year were those 2 released?) and the audience LAUGHS not at Bobby but at the production value's.

Released in 1963 I think.

Subject: Bobby Vee on Hy Lit
From: M Visco
Date: 8/6/2010 3:30 PM

I'm trying to find photos or a video clip of Bobby Vee on the Hy Lit Show in 1965, '66 or '67 pulling a girl out of the middle of a circle of other girls & singing the rest of the song to her.  I can't remember the exact year but it was in the spring or early summer of one of those years.

That was me & I'd love to show my daughters their mom as a young girl on the Hy Lit Show with Bobby Vee.  I've contacted the Hy Lit archives but they said they used to tape over shows to save money.  I'm hoping someone in Bobby Vee's family or entourage photographed or taped it.

Staying hopeful.

I received this e-Mail back on 7/18/2010 and I have checked with Bob Celli, Jeff Vee and Bobby Vee and none of them can help. Can you?

Bill Woods

Subject: General Store of Minnetonka Concert and Car Show Pictures
From: Gail Bollis
Date: 8/6/2010 2:31 PM

Bobby and family,

Thanks for the great time at the General Store of Minnetonka car show and concert last weekend. The concert was fantastic!!! Everyone had a blast and felt like they were 16 again!
Here are some photos from the day…hope you enjoy!

 Gail Bollis
General Store of Minnetonka

Subject: Wouldn't this be great!
From: Sue Williams
Date: 8/6/2010 4:54 AM

Just heard on our local radio station that Bobby will be touring in November to promote the latest CD - rumour has it it will be with Johnny Preston and Chris Montez.  That would be amazing  ...... any news please?! .... its been such a long wait for us over here!!!

Sue Williams

Subject: Music
From: Bill and Alice Rappe
Date: 7/25/2010 10:57 AM

Thanks, Bobby, for all the wonderful music, I have never stopped listening to all of your great songs, have went through a couple of cds of yours always carry them in my truck or car.  My Wife and I saw You at Diamond Jo's Casino here a while back and have been trying to catch your other concerts, as many as possible.  Your songs have and will stick with me forever, reminds me of good days, wonderful days of the past. 

Thanks,
Bill and Alice Rappe,
Clear Lake, IA

Subject:Birthday Party
From: Bill W.
Date: 7/21/2010 8:01 AM

Recently my wife and I had the incredible opportunity to attend a birthday celebration.  This was not a typical “sing happy birthday and blow out the candles” party.  As described by the honoree herself, this was a sharing of joy.  In honor of her 65th birthday, she wanted to invite family, friends and high school classmates to share in her joy of life.

She chose a rock ‘n’ roll party featuring the Original Stars at Bandstand including Fabian, Bobby Vee, the Chiffons, Brian Hyland and Chris Montez.  What an evening of joy this was.  For a few hours, the room was filled with great music, smiling faces and many wonderful teenage memories.  I can hardly wait to see what she does for her next milestone birthday! 

Bill W.

Subject: A Fan
From: Janet Weikert
Date: 7/20/2010 10:38 AM

Hi Bobby,

After seeing you several times already in the past month we figured we'd keep on going. So on our drive home from your awesome show in Fairmont, we decided to see about a few others. We just got tickets and t-shirts for Virginia show and we're still trying for SD. but they don't seem to know anything yet.   We'll be seeing you in Minnetonka, MN the end of the month.  I'm so excited.

See you soon, a huge fan
Janet W.   Independence, Iowa

Subject: Some photos of me and my family with Bobby, from Joe Town Rocks
From: Ruth Johnson
Date: 7/17/2010 8:24 PM

Hi,

Just thought you may like to see some of our Bobby photos from this month. He takes a great picture. Don't you think he is very handsome (this is aimed at the girls). I do have more pics to send at various times, of other things - these Bobby ones are some of the most important! Will send more when I can,
 
Love Ruth xx 

Subject: Niagara Falls
From: Elizabeth Johnstone
Date: 7/10/2010 8:47 PM

I hope this is not a 2nd e-mail from me. I did send one last week but it came back as undeliverable. We saw Booby and the family at the Fallsview on July 1st. It was a great show but as always it is the way Bobby gives of his time that is so remarkable. What a generous man he is. The apple does not fall from the tree as we also met Jeff and Tommy and again such approachable men and willing to talk when I'm sure they are tired and just want some down time. Great family!

We will look forward to another show in our area.
Elizabeth Johnstone

Subject: Fairmont Opera House
From: Janet Weikert
Date: 7/10/2010 10:58 AM

Hi Bobby, 

AWESOME, AWESOME show at Fairmont Opera House last night! We had so much fun and we seem to be making new friends wth the  Bobby followers. We have a group that is really interested in a cruise. I've told them how much fun I had on the 3 I got to go on! Remember how I told you the July 3rd show was extra special for me. Thank you for making my day better. See you in Minnitonka. Remember the Posters!!! Thanks!!   A HUGE FAN      

Janet W            

Subject: Bobby Vee
From: Brian Hepke
Date: 7/8/2010 2:16 AM

Just been reading the fan mail on Bobby's latest tour...........seems like it was/is a gas.  Needless to say I am green with envy at all those rave revues posted by his regular supporters.  Maybe next year I will be able to see for myself.
I gather Bobby is a very personable guy and takes time out to get to know his fans...that is quite something in this day and age.
It would be amazing to meet him.  Long may he continue.

All the best
Brian Hepke

Johannesburg
South Africa

Subject: Back home
From: Ruth Johnson
Date: 7/7/2010 7:14 PM

Hi,

   Just to say that me and family got back home from America earlier on tonight. Had the best time, with great company and music. Joe Town rocks, and Bobby Vee and The Vees and the others were amazing!!!!!!!!!

Full report and photos to follow when I can,

Ruth xx

Subject: Bobby show - wow
From: Ruth Johnson
Date: 7/4/2010 12:46 AM

Hi. It is nearly midnight and just got back to the hotel. The Bobby Vee concert? Heaven. It was heaven. I'm in heaven. he was truly wonderful! What more can I say? Full report to follow when I can. Fireworks, atmosphere, music, friends - awesome!

Ruth and family xx

Subject: Bobby Vee later today! Wow
From: Ruth Johnson
Date: 7/3/2010 12:29 PM

Me and my family and friends are so excited - seeing the one and only Bobby Vee later tonight. Expect to 1st see him about 5:30pm, Minnesota time, then the actual concert later in the night, fireworks, his family, other fab music. I'll update you when we are back (not expected to finish until midnight!!!

Ruth and family xx

Subject: Summer Fun and Bobby Vee!!!!
From: Hutch and Paula
Date: 6/27/2010 7:27 PM

Can't think of a better way to kick-off the summer than spending a weekend rock'n and roll'n with Bobby and The Vee's,can you?  It was good to see all of you again!  The concerts were awsome!!!  We began in Austin,MN. at the Paramont Theater on Fri. the 18th and than off to Watertown S.D. to the Goss Opera House on Sat. the 19th. We met Renee Harris and her sister Wanda----had a great weekend!!  We are now looking forward to St.Joe on July 3rd.  This will be our 3rd year there--always exceeds our expectations!!!!!  We will meet up with Renee and Wanda and also with Ruth Johnson and her family from the U.K.---can't wait!!!   We have met some real avid BV fans through these concerts!!  Thanks Bobby,for being the person you are and for all you put into your music. Thanks to The Vee's and to Thomas for all you give----you all are much appreciated----Very Special People.  See you all on the 3rd.    

Hutch and Paula  xxxooo

Janice & Bobby 1973/2007

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