Orland Park resident Sean Kennedy considered himself a lifelong Bill Murrayfan until he witnessed the actor’s outburst at a sold-out VIP reception after his Tuesday performance with cellist Jan Vogler at Symphony Center.
Kennedy and others shelled out $150 a ticket for an event billed as a “special VIP experience that includes pizza, beer and the opportunity to take a photo with the legendary actor.” The meet-and-greet took place shortly after Murray recited literature, sang and danced during his “New Worlds: Bill Murray, Jan Vogler and Friends” show. Reception proceeds were slated to go to Chicago Symphony Orchestra Association programs.
“It was an unfortunate end to a wonderful evening. We planned the VIP reception as well as we could, and our staff did a terrific job ensuring our patrons were accommodated appropriately,” Dana Navarro, CSO Association manager for communications and public relations, said in a statement provided to the Tribune on Thursday. James Fahey, programming director of Symphony Center Presents, which presented the “New Worlds” concert, did not return a request for comment. Murray, 67, was not made available for comment.
Dozens of fans were waiting for Murray when he arrived at the reception in Buntrock Hall after the show, Kennedy said. Murray was amiably chatting with the crowd, Kennedy said, until a few reception attendees including himself snapped Murray’s photo with their cellphones while they waited to meet him.
Kennedy said the Wilmette-raised actor admonished him for taking the photo, and security escorted a woman out of the event for snapping a picture of Murray while he was eating a slice of pizza.
Kennedy said he was not told he couldn’t take pictures of Murray with his phone. Navarro said attendees were allowed to take photos during the reception except at the moment when the CSO’s photographer was taking their photo with Murray.
As the night wore on, Murray shifted to taking photos with groups, instead of with individuals and couples, in front of the CSO backdrop. Kennedy said a woman said she preferred to be photographed with only Murray and her husband instead of with a group of strangers.
“(Murray) yells at her, ‘We don’t want your sour puss in our group picture. Get out of here. Get out of here,’” said Kennedy, 35. “Everybody was like, is he just trying to be funny or is he for real right now? It was pretty uncomfortable to watch this.”
“(Murray is) a good entertainer, he’s very good at what he does, apparently doesn’t think enough of his fans to not be a jerk for an hour and a half,” Kennedy said.
This is not the first time Murray has been frustrated by cellphone camera use. He threw three phones that belonged to other people last year while he was at a California rooftop bar but did not face charges after he said he would replace the damaged phones. TMZ reported that Murray hurled the phones after the bar patrons tried to take his picture.
