How do I begin to tell the story of how great a love can be -- oops
-- wrong person. I first met Eric in passing at a Larry Weeks' Convention in the mid-70s.
We were introduced through a mutual friend -- one of my students -- and that was
that. At the next convention, when Eric was working a magic booth, he introduced
himself again, but I did not remember who he was. I was, though, very flattered that
someone knew who I was -- gee, my reputation was getting so big -- I was a legend in my
own mind.
Anyway, despite my mightier than thou attitude, Eric and I
eventually hooked up so I could show him my original effects and he could show me his
renditions of popular packet tricks -- he was a walking tribute to Emerson & West and
Phil Goldstein ("Hey, Steve, do you want to see my Peanut Trick Finesse or the
real work on Las Vegas Pulse Reading?"). Suffice to say, we were on two
totally different planets at the time, and it is a wonder we ever became such close
friends. Despite our magical differences, we formed a very deep -- brotherly -- bond, or
as his Aunt says, we were -- and still are -- "simpatico."
Eric and I have seen each other through a lot over these past 27
years, magic being only one aspect of our relationship. I was lucky enough to have Eric be
my best man when I got married in 1995. On my wedding video, you see us walking down the
aisle together, suddenly realizing we were supposed to be on opposite sides, stopping,
crossing in front of each other diagonally, and then continuing down the aisle. No matter
what we do, we always wind up laughing.
One of my funniest and fondest moments with Eric was back in the
late 1970s when a friend of ours was campaigning for presidency at a country club. To help
promote our friend, Eric offered to risk "life and limb" by jumping into the
club swimming pool after being shackled.
I can't begin to tell you how much work went into the preparation
of this Houdini-like exhibition. Eric was actually scared and practiced his breathing just
in case something went wrong. It was a ten-foot pool. He was using a stage version of the
Siberian Chain Escape -- yes, the same EZ-Magic effect that sells for $1.99 at your
favorite shop. But rehearse we did, and I wrote the script and acted as the melodramatic
announcer for the event -- I actually have it on audio tape somewhere. It's a riot.
After taking several deep breaths, Eric was shackled and thrown
into the pool. He quickly rose to the top because the pool had salt water in it, and he
could not stay submerged. He escaped in about 15 seconds. Surely a record for the Siberian
Chain Escape, and I am sure Eric would challenge anyone to beat it. Even Erdnase could not
touch this record.
Luckily, my friend left the world of escapology behind him, and
developed his skills as a close-up magician extraordinaire. Working hard at his craft, he
has won multiple awards around the world and has been recognized for not only being a
talented magical performer, but for also being a wonderful guy. It looks like the secret
is finally out.
