[Question] Rod Miller

[Werner]

Coke Corner ragtime pianist extraordinaire Rod Miller was such a wonderful part of the Disneyland experience. I was always sure to spend a godo while listening to not only his terrific talent on the keys, but soaking up his delightful personality.

Does anyone know how he's doing these days? Also, I'm wondering if anyone knows how to contat him -- I'd love to send him a note letting him know how much he's missed!

[christianAdam]

Re: Rod Miller

That used to be one of the "must-do's" on every visit. He was the most entertaining and easy going cast members out there. We even had the pleasure of catching the fireworks with him, he showed us his favorite place to watch them from.

I also would like to know how to get ahold of him, as he is greatly missed.

[Druggas]

Re: Rod Miller

There's a MCer on this site that knows him pretty well.

[orbitalpunk]

Re: Rod Miller

He played at the Walt Disney Family Museum a little over a year ago.

[Werner]

Re: Rod Miller

He played at the Walt Disney Family Museum a little over a year ago.

Yes, I saw him there -- and met Tony Baxter too! What a day!

[Sparky]

Re: Rod Miller

Rod was playing at Knott's Berry Farm some awhile back. I don't know if he still is. Others may know.

[InspiredByWalt]

Re: Rod Miller

Bruce Bergman knows Rod pretty well and was able to provide us with an update on Rod when I asked a couple of years ago.

Definitely miss Rod. He was a fixture at Coke Corner and no trip to DL was complete without stopping by the piano to say hello.

[Kat95242]

Re: Rod Miller

Rod was always considered one of our E tickets / "cant' miss" attractions in the park. He's amazing. I'm going to keep my eye on this post to (hopefully) learn more about him.

[Bruce Bergman]

Re: Rod Miller

Haven't talked to him in a while, but he's been out doing little events locally. And flying up to pop in at the WDFM in Frisco (*) when they ask. Just can't play a 40-hour week anymore with the minor leg problem, so he can't be at the Park.

Last I heard, he did get officially cleared to play on property for short periods as a Guest, which is good. (Because there's always the Insurance Investigators that lurk in the bushes with a Camcorder waiting for you to pick up a basketball and shoot a single basket. Never mind that One you can do, Fifty in a row you can't...)

--<< Bruce >>--
PS: Yes, I said it. :ap: Deal with it. :lol:

[PinkiePieFan]

Re: Rod Miller

I miss seeing Rod at the Park. . . IMHO, he deserves a window on Main Street. . .

[3IAlienKid]

Re: Rod Miller

We'd always stop to watch him just before leaving the park at night.

[InspiredByWalt]

Re: Rod Miller

Thanks for the update, Bruce. If you get a chance to speak with Rod again, please tell him how much we miss him and how much a part of our family memories include seeing him at the piano. A truly class act and a wonderful man.

Would love to see him back at the keyboard again, just so I can tell him how much we've enjoyed seeing him and listening to him play. For anyone that misses Rod and still wants to listen to his music, go to fourhandpiano.com and it looks like you can still order a cd from there.

---------- Post added 09-27-2012 at 08:49 AM ----------

I miss seeing Rod at the Park. . . IMHO, he deserves a window on Main Street. . .

No argument here!

[Bruce Bergman]

Re: Rod Miller

And if you send a letter for Rod to Creative Entertainment Productions when you order a CD, he'll get it. And you'll probably get a response back in the package.

I need to get him Online so he can chat with everyone directly - He thinks getting a Fax Machine was a major concession to the 21st Century, the internet is still a stretch. He's got so much bottled up that when you call, be prepared to be there a while - I usually have to beg off after about 30 minutes when my cellphone starts (literally) burning my ear, but he'll keep going, and going, and going...

No, we need to get a place where all his old friends can gather, and there's a Piano in a back room of a restaurant somewhere that we can just hang and yak all night, and if he gets the urge, or someone else like Stan gets the urge...

--<< Bruce >>--

[smartlabelprint]

Re: Rod Miller

If he's playing other places why not at Disneyland anymore?

[Bruce Bergman]

Re: Rod Miller

I obviously don't want to get too far into it, there are both MiceChat Rules and general privacy considerations - but let me release the minimum details to get the idea across...

Rod is out on Disability Retirement, he can't come back full-time due to complications from a pinched nerve to the right foot. And there's a Far Longer Story behind that which he'll have to tell you sometime. There is material there for two or three books' worth. He can't transition to regular retirement for a few years yet.

Bottom Line: The arms are fine but he can't run the piano pedals for long stretches. They surgically relieved the pinch point, but nerves regenerate and heal v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y.

And insurance companies might be your best buddies when you're paying them premiums, but they do a "Mister Hyde" when they're paying you.

--<< Bruce >>--

[Werner]

Re: Rod Miller

Bruce, thanks so much for the update on Rod. Yes, it would be wonderful fun to get together with him and some of his old fans. Although I live in Northern California, I would jump at the chance to hang out at a "Coke-Cornerish" venue, and let Rod go at it!

[4Apples4Disney]

Re: Rod Miller

How long did he play at Disneyland?

[Werner]

Re: Rod Miller

How long did he play at Disneyland?

At least 30 years!

[Bruce Bergman]

Re: Rod Miller

He started in 1969, not long after Walt left us.

And he was there till 2006? 07? Somewhere in there.

--<< Bruce >>--

[InspiredByWalt]

Re: Rod Miller

Thanks again for the update on Rod, Bruce. Much appreciated!!