Q&A: Why writer/director Cameron Crowe loves San Diego
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Cameron Crowe as a teen and the cover of his book "The Uncool." Photos: Courtesy of Cameron Crowe
Cameron Crowe's San Diego roots run deep.
The big picture: He spent his teen years here, and his iconic movies "Fast Times at Ridgemont High" and "Almost Famous" are set here — with much of the latter filmed here too. Crowe's new book, "The Uncool," is also dripping with San Diego references (more on that below).
Axios emailed with Crowe about why he loves San Diego and how the city shaped his career.
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
Why do you still have such a soft spot for San Diego?
To quote Neil Young — "all my changes were there." I have the strongest memories of the streets, the air, Fiesta Island, Balboa Park, Uni High, Friar's Village, the Sports Arena. Every time I visit, it's a cavalcade of feeling and soul.
- San Diego to me is still a city that you can call your own. It's big enough to be important, and small enough to still be personal.
- One of the main reasons I wrote "The Uncool" was to write about my San Diego upbringing and spirit that was in the air in the early '70s … and today.
"The Uncool" is filled with San Diego references. How do you think spending your teens here influenced who you became?
My life and career would be so much different if I lived in Los Angeles, for example. As I've often said, San Diego was where bands usually ended a tour, and everyone was relaxed and open to letting a kid with a tape recorder in to ask questions.
- Plus, the audiences in San Diego were always so good-natured. Everyone was in a good mood when I snuck backstage to try and get interviews. I love putting San Diego Easter eggs in everything I do.
- By the way, I read Ru Paul's book recently and he had a similar affection for San Diego. It was a great read.
You wrote that bands would like to party in San Diego because it was at the end of the tour. What do you think of our music scene now?
I love it. It's always been eclectic, and San Diego artists often feel like passionate underdogs. My favorite. It's no accident that Eddie Vedder feels the same pull of San Diego and the music we've seen there. The Casbah lives!
What are your favorite San Diego places?
I have a strong connection to Fiesta Island, believe it or not. I used to go there, drive in circles, and stop and write by the side of the road.
- Also The Old Globe Theatre, where I was able to return recently for "Almost Famous: The Musical." The audiences were incredible, and we were sold out every night. I would stand in the courtyard afterward and we'd share stories and great conversations.
- Our musical was born there, and the story was set there; it was a hometown dream come true.
Anything else to add?
Just writing this makes me want to get in the car now and soak up the holiday spirit as only San Diego can deliver.
💠Claire's thought bubble: Oh, yes, please come! I will meet you at Fiesta Island.