By Matt Elias
If you’ve ever wondered how the Hard Rock gets all that cool stuff in their restaurants, then let me introduce you to Don Bernstine, the Hard Rock’s official ambassador of cool. Technically his title is manager of acquisitions/artist relations, but Don just might have the coolest job out there.
Don’s in charge of traveling around the world, hanging out with rock stars and scoring priceless memorabilia for the Hard Rock. Tough job, right? So how does one qualify for such a position? Try working for Deep Purple for a decade for starters. Don is a living witness to rock 'n' roll history, and he has countless stories to back it up.
My favorite story of Don’s involves a “dream” come true. After dinner at Steven Tyler’s house, the Aerosmith frontman sat down at a white grand piano and began playing “Dream On.” Don got goose bumps. After the song, Steven turned to Don and said, “You know, I really should do something with this piano for you guys.”
“Why?” Don asked.
“Because I wrote the song on this piano,” Steven replied.
To hear some more amazing stories, check out Don’s backstage tour at the Hard Rock Calling festival in London, where he and his team set up a VIP tent that displayed some of the Hard Rock’s rarest items.