HAWAI'I LIFEFormer Guns-N-Roses Manager Now Rock-N-Roll Realtor at Hawaii Life Shares Stories of Legendary Musicians (Part One)
My name is Doug Goldstein. I’ve been with Hawaii Life Real Estate Brokers for 5 months. Before I became involved in real estate, I managed Guns-N-Roses. Over the next few months, I’ll be sharing stories about W. Axl Rose, Slash, and the rest of the guys.
Meeting Music Legends
One of the most surreal events happened in London at the Freddie Mercury tribute at the famous Wembley Stadium. It seemed like every entertainer was in attendance. I walked into the catering area (which was put on by the Hard Rock) and saw Elton John standing in one corner – I had met him a number of times as he and Axl were friends. He motioned me over and as I approached, I noticed he was talking to Mick Jagger.
Mick Jagger
Now, I had worked close to 30 Rolling Stones concerts, I had never actually met the MAN!!! Elton said, “Mick, I’d love to introduce you to Guns-N-Roses manager, Doug Goldstein.” My heart was pounding in my throat.
He was VERY pleasant and shook my hand. I told him that I was impressed with his business acumen, the way he handled his bands business. He laughed and said that he, “just sings with a couple other guys”, obviously down playing his bands merits.
Cat Stevens
All of a sudden, there was this silence in the tent, as thousands of us watched Cat Stevens walk into the tent. You see, all the musicians envy Cat for walking away when he was at the height of his career.
He had 3 back to back to back successful albums in Tea For The Tillerman, Teaser And The Firecat, and Buddha and the Chocolate Box. He followed his religion and left the music industry, and all of his riches went to the needs of others.
No one had seen this behavior before, and they (the musicians) asked themselves why they weren’t doing the same thing. No one spoke for about 5 minutes. It was an awesome experience and I was very humbled by this day.
I had quite a day…meeting Mick Jagger, seeing Cat Stevens, and watching my band play in front of 120,000 people. I loved my job and got to travel all over the world. Thank you to Axl Rose, Slash, Duff, and the rest of the members for allowing me the opportunity to handle your business affairs.
Your Rock-N-Roll Realtor
Wow, what a life style switch up (down)! I know your going to love the extreme difference of Big Island life!! Thanks Doug, for giving me a glimps of your exciting past! You have what it takes to do well at what ever you do! Warm aloha, Heidi
Heidi,
I take that as quite a compliment coming from the “Queen of the Coastline”!!
Welcome aboard Doug! We’re big GNR fans :)
Thank you Very much David!!
Your the bomb Doug, and thanks for the complement too!
I have always been a big fan of Mick Jagger. However meeting Cat Stevens would be the icing on the cake! Thanks for sharing Doug.
“Welcome to the Jungle”
Doug, “we’re not worthy”, but very happy you are part of the team!
Next time Jimmy Buffett is in town – let’s go fishing. :-)
I love the way the world goes round…..Gee, I feel like I know you from somewhere :). So happy you joined HL, we’ve got “fun and games” for ya! Look forward to more Rock-n-Roll blogs. Rock on Doug!
I just read the “I Want My MTV” book, the stories about the videos were interesting, but was amused by how you first met Stephanie.
How did you wind up working with Guns N’ Roses, and did you get to the point where you felt it was just time to move on to greener (and more beautiful) pastures? Hope you still keep in touch with them, it seems like there’s such mystery about why Axl took years to work on new music, and kind of sad he didn’t go to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Love the Freddie Mercury Tribute. It was Elton’s starting point for his AIDS foundation, wasn’t it?
It’s great to read that you are doing something that’s local and not having to travel away from your paradise. I hope someday to end up on the big island and when I do, I know who to call.
Hi Doug. On Maui with my family for a vacation and thought of looking you up. Happy for your new career. I wish you success
Alex Guerrero
Hey Doug,
Just wondering if you still are on good terms with Axl? Have you been to any of the shows?
Cheers.
Doug,
Great ready about your past…got a bit of it in Greece while we met, both on our honeymoon, in Santorini Greece in June of 1990. Jane and I still talk about those great memories of hangin out with you floating in the pool listening to “Volare” on the motel radio every five minutes. If we come to Hawaii…I’m looking you up!
Ted Samuelsen
Hey Doug. I’ve often wondered what you were up to since the last time Jill and I talked to you. Good luck with the new gig. PS – I’m living on the Big Island.
Aloha Doug… Welcome on board ! Live Rock-n-Roll is one of my BIGGEST passions . Just saw Mick and the boys @ 121212 concert in NYC. Looking forward to meeting you and sharing more stories. Long live ROCK !!!