Jian Ghomeshi Visits London

When someone famous visits London, take note because from what I can tell, it doesn’t happen often. However, CBC host Jian Ghomeshi visited the Forest City today to promote his new memoir 1982. Rather than telling his life story “from womb to tomb,” Jian chose to share coming of age stories about fitting in as a young immigrant to Canada, focusing on the awkward year that was grade nine. His fan base immediately bought the book  – enough to ensure it debuted as the nation’s #1 bestselling non-fiction book, which is a huge accomplishment.

Taking a break from Western Homecoming festivities, I went to Chapters South London for Jian’s book signing. Delighted by the chance to have a seat without waiting hours beforehand, I eagerly waited for him to come out of the green room. Once on stage, Jian talked about 1982 and his memories of London, such as performing with Moxy Fruvous at Western Fair and drinking at the Spoke. Then he read aloud 2 stories about men watching sprinklers in Thornhill and his parents’ disapproval of his fashion sense inspired by David Bowie.

The Q&A that followed covered Q interviews such as Billy Bob Thornton and Harrison Ford, his transition from musician to broadcaster and tips for preparing for interviews. Jian emphasized the importance of doing in-depth research about guests, adding that he insists on knowing his guests’ work well before doing a ‘dance’ with them, as that’s how he metaphorically described the routine between interviewer-interviewee. I found it interesting when he talked about how his show disproves that listeners and viewers suffering from attention defecits are uninterested in longer content. People don’t tend to turn off Q 3 minutes in to the show!

When it was my turn to chat with Jian while he signed my book, we discussed how much we both love Kelly Cutrone, who he first met when she was a guest on Q. Prominent positions in the media isn’t the only thing they have in common; they both wear super cool black shoes to book signings too.

Meeting Jian brought back memories of meeting fellow CBC broadcaster George Stroumboulopoulos, but I’m glad that my conversation with Jian didn’t feel as rushed. He’s also the second Moxy Fruvous band member I’ve met. Mike Ford visited my high school and I remember him singing ‘I’ve Been Everywhere’. Jian and Mike both made me think of Centauri of course, where ‘King of Spain’ was played on repeat in the dining hall.

[youtuber youtube=’http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-00zjEq9PNs’]