I first stumbled upon Al outside Modern Pinball just before Christmas of 2014. It was SantaCon in NYC that day/night. My buddy pre-ordered a Big Lebowski at Expo a few weeks prior and Modern was hosting a VIP, Early Achiever party. We struck up a conversation outside, while I was smoking a cigarette. My first impression was literally WTF is this guys deal.
While talking, a “Drunken Santa” dropped his pants and began to relieve himself a few feet from where we were standing. Al and I just looked at each other and were dumbfounded. Little did I know that this chance encounter with this guy with a cane, who had no “filter” would turn into a friendship.
In the years to come, as we attended many of the shows, the first thing on my mind was finding Alan, above anything else. He was always the highlight of our “pinball” trips. What truly amazed me was the fact that it didn’t matter if you brokered million dollar deals or shoveled shit for a living, Al was your friend. As long as you were talking pinball, nothing else mattered.
Rest In Peace my dear friend, I will find you on the other side, you can count on it !!
Danny