THE ATLANTA RHYTHM SECTION

Mary, the waitress at the Skokie Hilton, knows how to handle her rock star clientele. For Roger Daltrey, she was shy and elusive, far too cool to ask for an autograph (she saved his signed dinner check instead). Jackson Browne, looking tired and morose, was rewarded with a cheery smile and sunny disposition, earning Mary a pair of backstage passes to the night's show. She steered clear of Lou Reed completely. There are limits to even the most devoted fan's endurance...

The Atlanta Rhythm Section, tethered for the moment in the darkest periphery of the rock pantheon, enjoyed more open adulation. Less recognizable (Mary first took them for a road crew) they were also less threatening. Mary could be more demonstrative—more demanding—while courting her new-found heroes' favor. The less of a star you are, the auburn-haired waitress figured, the more you should act like one.