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Are
you a real pirate?
Yes, but not so
much by actual definition; which is to steal from those at sea. I am a
pirate to those that believe me to be, and belief is often reality to
many. Who am I to argue? In other ways I do carry letters of Marque from
various kingdoms. Though technically that makes me a privateer as
opposed to an outright pirate. It all really depends on who you ask. In
Hollygrove There’s King Phillip II of
Spain,
I mean, “Tim”…, ask him! Graybeard may have a few things to say as
well…
Acts
of Piracy?
Probably, well
certainly the biggest and most fun one, was the boarding and taking of a
commercial ship on
Lake Michigan
. On a late Sunday evening, I was a
part of a team of pirates that were actually responsible for having our
“Jolly Roger” hoisted on the rear flag pole and sailing into port. I
do believe that is considered an actual act of piracy by law…
As for other
acts, well, just watch your step when near me. I’ve been know to steal
handbags as well as hearts with equal ease… “There’s more to
treasure than silver and gold mate”. Deception is favorite of mine as
well. It’s not always what acts I commit, it’s what acts people
think I commit…
Deception?
Sure. Pirates
weren’t always gung-ho swashbucklers looking for a fight. A pirates
goal was to gain by whatever means. Often they would fly the Jolly Roger
to intimidate another ship into surrendering before a shot is fired.
They would also take on disguises or engage in sly acts in order to
complete whatever task they were set about to on shore. I’m no
different…
How
did you become a pirate?
You know, I think
a pirate’s life has been in my cards for years without realizing it.
Long story short, there have been many instances in my life that
indicated or have contributed to me being where I am today. I think one
of the most ironic incidents is the fact that back when I was a touring
metal musician in the 1980’s, my first album was distributed by a
record company in
New York
called “Dutch East India Trading
Company”. Coincidence or fate?
It was Captain
Morgan though (not the governor Henry Morgan, his daughter) that got me
into it. She would be at faire doing her thing and just completely
having a ball entertaining pirate and patron alike. Never have I met a
truer pirate! And she is so much fun to watch and interact with! In
fact, I remember the first time that I saw “Pirates of the
Caribbean
– Curse of the Black Pearl” in the
theatre. Here’s Jack Sparrow (“Captain” Jack Sparrow, sorry…)
stepping from the mast of his sinking boat onto the dock in the opening
scene. He walks past the dockmaster, spins about when challenged about
berthing his boat, and does his thing. I pointed at the screen and told
my friend that he was acting like our Captain Morgan!
Do
you have a ship; are you a Captain?
At first, like
most, I did not have a ship; I didn’t really want one. I was first
signed on to the “Scarlet Harlot” by Captain Red Ceilidh. I would
later (and somewhat secretly) captain a ship called the “Marie
Griffon” as part of a fleet of ships under the mysterious shipping
magnate, Count Daniel of Derbyshire. While still sailing the Marie
Griffon, I would leave my berth on the Scarlet Harlot and take up with
Captain Morgan and the “Sea Queen”. Quite a situation arose
resulting from that, I was able to work it out to where I now maintain a
berth for occasional use aboard both ships.
Photos:
Captain Red Ceilidh, Captain Morgan
As of right now
though, I sail independently as captain of the Marie
Griffon, a French built frigate registered in the English Admiralty
offices. In reality, I like to think of my ship as a “club” of
sorts, with an actual roster of members, and I plan events and the like
where the members of my crew can get together and do fun and engaging
things.
What’s
it like being a pirate?
Fun! Great loads
of fun! I meet so many people, and get to steal from them! Really! One
of my greatest joys is the Merchant Parade in Hollygrove. I’ll walk
around with all of the others, just looking for my marks! A patron with
a full plate or cup! I’ll get so many tips into my mug that by the end
of parade I’m feeling pretty good! And the hugs and admiration are
good also!
But just knowing
that I made someone’s day a little more fun is the greatest joy for
me. I remember once, a couple of years ago, I had just left my faire
booth for a stroll and came upon a lone lass. Of course, I did the
piratey thing with her, offering her a life of luxury and deceit on the
open seas, etc etc. Had her laughing and having fun before we parted
ways. Hours later, she would walk by the booth to find me. “I’m on
my way out” she said, “but I wanted to find you first to tell you
that you were one of the most enjoyable parts of my day today. You
really made it fun, and I just wanted to thank you!” She was truly
sincere, and it touched me.
What’s
the biggest misconception about Black Roger?
Though it doesn’t
happen as much to me as it does to one such as Count D’Booty; I’m
often told that I look like Captain Barbossa from Disney’s “Pirates
of the
Caribbean
”. Though I drew some inspiration
from the look of the character, i.e. a coat and large hat, I’ve made
no attempt and portraying Barbossa. I’ve put a lot of work into
developing my own personae, which I’ve found to be quite easy since
“Black Roger” is very much an alter ego of mine.
Do I really look
like Barbossa?
 
What
do you like least about being a pirate?
You know, right
now I can’t think of anything.
What’s
your favorite thing about being a pirate?
Entertaining
people. Perhaps it’s the respect that I’ve earned from people.
Apparently I’m a good enough pirate to be sought after (I don’t
think there’s a price on my head at least!). I’m not like so many
that just put on a costume and say “Today I’m a pirate”. I do kind
of live and breathe it in my own ways. I am somewhat of a student of
history, and I’ve always been interested in expanding my experiences
and including the willing with me as I do. Getting back to entertaining;
I do that in several ways. Making people laugh, putting a spark of
adventure in a child’s eye, making an unsuspecting lady blush, and
being able to impart just a touch of history to those that take it in.
And I get to do
this everywhere! I’ve never set out to be an entertainer, but I’ve
been invited along and participated in several events; some happy and
some sad. I’m a leather vendor by trade of course making lots of
piratey products. I was a part of the Pirate Invasion at the Port
Washington Pirate Festival, I’ve done movie theatre release parties,
ferry boat open houses, faire promo gatherings, and other spur of the
moment events. I've even been asked to consider doing an education thing
for a grade school class. On the sad side, I’ve even recently been
part of a pirate honor guard for a fallen friend during his funeral at
the request of his wife.
If I had to nail
down a more specific event, probably the most fun I have is when I and a
pirate friend or two decide to just unexpectedly go somewhere as pirates
and have fun, perhaps to dinner or a bar or something. I remember a
place called Captain Jacks on the
beach
of Lake Michigan. Count D’Booty
and I simply walked in unannounced, literally planted our flag on a
table, and had drinks. People were like “what’s going on?” and
started asking questions and buying us drinks! We had a great time with
all of the interaction with staff and patron alike. There’s a rumor
that D’Booty even collected some gate fees before the night was over!
And then there was this lass on the beach… The night was truly ours!
(Don’t worry, it wasn’t as naughty as you’re thinking!)
Who
is your favorite pirate?
In history or in
fiction? It’s probably typical to say, but in fiction I am quite fond
of the Jack Sparrow character. His actions and mannerisms I just love!
Historically, you know there are so many that I really don’t have one
favorite. There are bits and pieces about many of them that I equally
like and dislike.
My truly favorite
pirates though are those nearest me – Count D’Booty, Captain Morgan,
and Cutter Deeply to name a few.
Pirates
of the
Caribbean
?
In history? The
Spanish and what they did to the native peoples of the new world are
whom I consider to be some of the most dreadful people, though they
weren’t actually pirates. Otherwise, I love the films that bear the
name.
“Curse of
the Black Pearl” was a good film. Incorporating a lot of
historical settings and situations, yet still a fantasy film, being a
ghost story and all, it had wonderful characters, actors, and story!
“Dead Man’s
Chest” at first struck me a little odd. I wasn’t sure how I felt
about it when I first saw it. It seemed to me that they cheapened the
Jack Sparrow character, but it has grown on me.
“At World's
End” started out a bit confusing. Everyone was in Singapore, and
it became apparent that quite some time had passed since the end of the
last film. But overall I found it very enjoyable, even if it was a
little over the top in places. Leading us to think that Elizabeth could
be Calypso was annoying, but obviously that wasn't so. Of course she
became the pirate king (it figures), but that worked out as well. I also
have a new appreciation for peanuts! And then there was Keith Richards
as Captain Teage! I'm not a fan of the Rolling Stones, nor do I really
care for Keith Richards. I've known that Richards was going to be in the
film as Jack's Dad, but I expected an older version of Jack - teetering
slurred speech type. But actually, when he appeared on the screen he was
so majestic and commanding! And when he spoke - I got a chill down my
spine! Talk about the ultimate pirate! In the end, I was glad to have
experienced the film, and it has now recently been given a home in my
collection!
What’s
next?
I'm looking
forward to new adventures with the Brethren of the Great Lakes as the
Pirate Lord of Lake Erie. But as with any sailor, my destiny lies with
the wind. You can be sure that there are more adventures of many kinds
ahead!
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