On the Occasion of the 10th Anniversary of EC.Com

[Eric Carmen]

I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank each and every one of you for your continued support, through good times and bad. I've had the pleasure of meeting many of you, but I feel like I know you all through your posts on this message board. You are truly a remarkable group. And I can never thank Bernie enough for starting up this amazing enterprise. When I think back to May 11, 1997, I could never have imagined 1,555,000+ messages, a Raspberries Reunion Tour and book, a hard cover, beautifully written biography, a live CD and DVD about to be released, new reissues of all the Raspberries and my solo albums or any of the other incredible events that have transpired over the past ten years. And as I look back over this list of not insignificant achievements, I can't help but think that without Bernie, and you, it might have never happened at all...

[ira]

And Thank YOU for the music that got us through the good days and the dog days.

And Thank YOU for sharing with us your thoughts and feelings.

If ever I meet you one day...Here is my speech...

"In the words of Ralph Kramden...Hominah,Hominah,...Thanks".

-Ira.

[hollies65]

A thank you in return for your music of course...but esp for your contributions and insights on this board.It so happens there are a bunch of great people here and plenty of folks who know their stuff...I post on another board like that but...what puts this one over the top is your participation. Thanks again to you and everyone one else here.

[hollies65]

Don't want to forget Bernie either. Thanks Bernie.

[Eric Carmen]

I look forward to sharing all of the great things to come with you. I can't wait to read the first comments when you get your CD's. Next week I'll be meeting with Jim and Wally ( and Dave by phone ) to discuss further plans for the band. Whatever transpires, I promise you'll be the first to know. It's been a great decade. Thanks again for all your encouragement. And to Bernie, who has done so much more than you'll ever know—a very, special thank you for everything, but most of all, for your friendship. You are truly the best.

xoxox

Eric

[Kirk]

Feelin' the Love Eric. It's actually beyond words to describe how a first listen to "Go All The Way" on the radio in 1972 could have evolved into this! Unbelievable!! Kirk.

[LC]

I love the sound of that sentence: "meeting with Jim and Wally (and Dave by phone) to discuss further plans for the band."

Eric, that's awesome news. I hope you guys have a productive meeting and get fired up to move with celerity (as my journalism prof, the late, great Russ Jandoli, used to say). Naturally, we're all hoping your get-together will result in A) the commitment to write a fresh batch of compositions, a recording session, C) a new release of new material (hey, a lot of us are still buying CDs!), D) a tour to support, and E) a hit record or two. Nothing's impossible....

No matter what happens, though, all the developments of the past 10 years --- as cited in your first post on this thread --- are more than a lot of us (you included, it seems) ever expected 20 or 25 years ago.

Heck, when I think back to my college days (late 1970/early 1980s), Raspberries seemed like ancient history --- they'd been disbanded since 1975, and it was hard to foresee a reunion. Yet I just kept spinning those original four records. "Go All the Way" and "I Can Remember" and "Let's Pretend" and "If You Change Your Mind" and "Should I Wait" and "Money Down" and "Overnight Sensation" helped get me through my teens and 20-something years, and today they sound better than ever. They're like a life's soundtrack for those of us who just missed out on Beatlemania.

So, yes, thanks to Bernie, and thanks to you. And having your presence back on the board is a kick, as always.

[danmichel]

EC.com has attracted a wonderful group of people to populate it...I was brought here by the music that has meant so much to me...I keep coming back because of the almost party-like atmosphere...It's like experiencing the conversations of a really great party that never ends...The site is well run and full of great features...Plus the participation of Eric Carmen was a welcome and very unexpected bonus...Thank you Bernie for the site...and thank you Eric...for the music that brought all of us together.

[Paulie Mississippi]

Eric, thank you for being more than just "the untouchable star" that is the focus of a website. Your participation here is more special than I think some of us realize. There are few websites devoted to anyone in the entertainment field... to a person who has had your level of success that is... where the object of the affection actually chimes in.

Bernie... thank you for having the dream to start this. The willingness to carry it for as long as you did and the desire to see that Eric (and Raspberries) fans have a place where we can have a family "reunion" day in and day out. A place where we can not only look for an update, but a place where we can discuss Eric, Raspberries, music in general, sports, movies, kids, family... the things of life in general that we seem to have in common with one another above and beyond our joint love for Eric and his music.

Here's "crossing my fingers" for great news to come from next weeks Raspberries meeting... news that will give us reason to anticipate the coming months as much as we have the pending release of "Live".

Thanks again, and happy 10th anniversary.

[darlene]

Congratulations, Eric! The magic in the music spoke to us all and sparked a magnificent fire! How wonderful to come here and find so many who love it as much as I do!

I truly believe things unfold the way they're supposed to, and that everything had to happen the way it did to get where we are now and to pave the way for the great things to come. Somewhere in all that, destiny made Bernie "the expeditor."

I feel absolutely blessed and honored to be a part of this miracle that is still unfolding. What an exciting, amazing time--the very best time to be an Eric Carmen and Raspberries fan! Thank you (and Wally, Dave and Jim) for the music, for just being you, and for being here for us! And thank you Bernie, for nurturing the dream for all of us.

The best is yet to come...

--Love, Darlene

[frankenberrie]

Thank you Eric, and of course Bernie, who has always been a gentleman since our first emails! This band has a great community feeling which totally showed at the AC gig with the smaller turnout, where most of the posters were going around getting introduced by their nicknames! Unlike some other boards I visit, when someone says something stupid, it doesnt really start a flame war and most are quick to come to their senses and apologize. Keeping my fingers crossed for some future dates & I know the news will be here ASAP! Thanks again for the music, Eric, Wally, Dave & Jim, and thanks for this home for misfit toys, Bernie!

[Raspyrock]

A big thanks to Eric and all involved in this forum. I also look forward to a continued Raspberries re-union, more concerts, more justly due recognition for all members and more good times to rock 'n roll on!

[Paul Davie]

Eric, I have always admired your talent & songwriting, but never more than when I joined this board in 2005, and saw that you actually posted here. Your personal involvement speaks volumes on your character.

One of the most beautiful things in this world is when someone expresses sincere gratitude...especially when directed to another person. I have never 'met' Bernie except for a couple of e-mails, but I agree...he, too is a class act who provides so much joy for others. Cheers to you and Bernie and Kathie....all good spirits.

[Kumiko]

Thank you for Eric, Bernie and all of those who involved in this wonderful site! I am very happy to get in this site every day since I have been a member though I sometimes have a difficulty in non-mother's tongue.

Eric's music influenced to my life a lot....If I hadn't listened to his music I wouldn't have been interested in foreign language,country....Diffinitely I'm not in Canada now!!!Huge thanks to all!!!

[Silly Old Bear]

Wow, Ericcarmen.com is already celebrating its' 10th anniversary...when I can only imagine that it seemed like just yesterday to Bernie that it became an "Overnight Sensation"! Thank you so much Bernie for all of the love and the time you have put into this amazing web site these many years! You certainly have been "Making It Easy" for those of us Eric Carmen & Raspberries' fans to keep updated on the 'berry best information available on the greatest influence in the world of music. Additionally, my deepest appreciation to Eric Carmen, who has entertained & influenced many of us with his musical poetry for over thirty five years...which has resulted in so many precious & magical memories!

It has certainly been awhile since I last posted a message or created a musical parody, but it seems like I picked a perfect time for "Starting Over" with all of you!

Jeff

[EricH]

Thank you, Bernie for all you have done.... Congrats on the 10 years of exemplary work; and of course thank you, thank you, thank you to Eric and the rest of the 'Berries! ROCK ON!

[Angloberry]

Hi Eric,

It's dull and raining here in England today (no surprises there) but whenever we need brightening up its great to know EC.Com is there for us.

Those could be dark days before 1997 trying to find out what you were up to, but now thanks to Bernie and Kathy it's great to see you and the band getting the credit you deserve at last.

I can't wait for the CD/DVD - it will be a "religous" experience sitting down to listen/watch it for the first time!

Keep rockin'

Gary

[HT from Mo]

Eric and Bernie,

I am personally grateful that this website was started out of pure love and gratitude by Bernie and Kathy as a thank you to Eric for making music that had touched their lives.

I really enjoy reading the posts by the wonderful, caring and knowledgable members here and especially reading Eric's posts(which I was at first really surprised to see).

Thank you Eric for all of the wonderful music that has touched my life since I was 16. You are truly a talented musician and a genuinely gracious man.

Hope to see you all at the next Eric/Berries concert!

Beth(HT from Mo)

[snazz123]

Congratulations Eric! Although I'm fairly new here I am a veteran when it comes to following your career over the years. It must warm your heart that so many people still care about you, personally, and the music you've created. My only regret is I arrived to the party a wee bit too late to get one of the 300 CD/DVD packages you had for sale. I'm still bummin' about that one!

Looking forward to being on board for the next 10 years Eric. So glad that Bernie and Kathy (thanks folks!) gave you a foundation on the internet "back in the day".

Thanks, Eric, for sharing so much with us here. It is a constant education you give us into the music business and the stresses and strains and the joy, too, of the journey. When you tour again with your mates make sure you make it to the New Hampshire area. The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom (not a gambling establishment just a 2,000 seat venue) in Hampton, NH would be a great place for a gig. John Fogerty, Collective Soul, Lindsey Buckingham, Steve Winwood and others we've seen in the last year LOVE this venue.

God bless and keep on rockin'!

SNazz123

[AnniekNY]

Right back atcha, Eric. You know, the first time we met at the first meet and greet, when you realized who I was (which stunned me into uncharacteristic momentary silence!)the first thing you said was about the content and emotions of my posts.

Then you kissed me and gave me a hug to thank me for the ribbons and told the boys who i was.(Then Dave REAALLLYY kissed me but that's another thread )

It was a very meaningful and special meeting for me and you didn't have to say any of it. But you took the time and shared yourself with us, something you have continued to do. I am fairly confident in saying that it probably isn't easy for you to do.

That was the first time I met you and Bernie and Kathy - total strangers brought together by a passion and love of music - people who have put a tremendous amount of resources into this EC.COM world. Then I got to meet Marlene, Harry, Diane, Lew, Tommy, Gene, Darlene, Julia and Steve, Julie, Dave, Ira, Jen, Gina and Anthony, Steve and Cindy...I could go on and on and on...some of the nicest people i have had the good fortune to meet. We've shared losses and joys and frustration and advice and a lot of laughs.

Over the years, I have discovered that EC.COM is not just a joyful enterprise. It has brought in some headaches and some major disturbances and still, through it all, Bernie and Kathy have weathered it and stayed strong.

Thank you ever so much.

So, raise your glasses high and join me in a toast: May your good deeds continue on and may fortune fall upon your shoulders as love and sunshine...EC.COM forever.

I love you guys.

Annie

[seattlesteve]

It goes without saying this is an exceptional well designed and run site, and I think so many of us have gravitated to and stayed with this site as we have so many years loving music performed by so many people who weren't sure who they were. We all thought we were on of the few and biggest fans. It became so fun to learn there were so many others through this site.

EG: Would be a whole different set of dynamics say on a Beatles forum.

What makes it truly special and keeps it alive, is artist participation. Thanks Eric.

[Ecstasy]

The music is what brings us in and gives us something to anticipate in the future. But it's the friendship and sense of family that keeps us here every day in each other's lives.

Almost a year ago, my grandson was headed into brain surgery. Many of you were so gracious in praying for him and giving my family support. Then came the real shocker. Eric (who was having his on-again-off-again difficulties posting) got a message out with Bernie's gracious help. He wanted to say that he knew that several of us (and he named us by name!) were going through some real difficulties and wanted us to know that he and his family were keeping us in their thoughts and prayers! He not only shared his musical/business experiences with us and his thoughts on current events but he KNEW what was going on in our lives and it mattered! (You should never wonder why we support YOU in good times or in bad!) You can't convince me that there are other "celebrities" out there who carry on this kind of a relationship with their fans. A good man draws good people to him... and here we all are, Eric.

To Bernie and Kathy, you've created something special. The internet isn't know for having many safe places to "play" and get to know people. It's not known for people who open their home and welcome strangers in as friends. You keep this place a respectable, kind, thoughtful place to be where each day is a pure joy. Thanks for giving us a home away from home each day. Congratulations to this entire group!

[Tim From Wisconsin]

You are most welcome Eric!

If someone would have told me 30+ years ago "Watch out for the year 2007 because a lot of Eric Carmen / Raspberries events will be taking place.", I would have suggested that they were crazy. But look at all that has happened the last couple of years, and what will be coming up later this year - WOW!

Let's keep the positive momentum going...!

Tim

[Brian Mac]

All we had before EC com was fruitless trips to the record store where we’d find an empty separator card right behind Belinda Carlisle. Our internet searches brought us Opera Singers and sites that would instruct us on the fine art of growing fruit. We never knew why we missed you on the second half of the Dirty Dancing Tour, or why you are the only artist in history to follow up two top 3 smashes with… silence. We have those answers now and many more thanks to this little place. Most of all, we got to find out what a good person you are. The partnership you and Bernie forged here is beautiful. Some things are just meant to be and this is one of them. I’m proud to be a member of this community.

MAC

[Raspberry Rick]

Eric

Thank YOU for all the great music over the past 3 plus decades!!!! Meeting you and the band at the House of Blues in Hollywood was such a thrill...and seeing the Raspberries LIVE was one of the most amazing shows I've EVER seen!!! Can't wait for the CD. Thanks to Bernie for giving us all a forum in which to express our undying appreciation for you and all things Raspberry. Please keep up sharing your wonderful talent with us....We'll all be here listening.....!!!

Thanks!!

Rick