Despite Liquor Planet’s other-worldly title, the Hollywood star who attracted hundreds of fans to the Langford store Saturday couldn’t have been more down to earth.
Planet Hollywood was more like it as Dan Aykroyd proved he’s still a wild and crazy guy — joking, posing for photographs and signing autographs and bottles as part of a charity fundraiser.
The Ottawa-born actor, Saturday Night Live alumnus and Ghostbusters and The Blues Brothers star started the day by mounting a Harley Davidson at Steve Drane Harley Davidson, joining 150 other bikers for a fundraising ride to the liquor emporium for the local launch of Crystal Head Vodka, his award-winning spirit.
Money raised through the charity ride, auction, donation boxes and Loghouse Pub’s beer-and-burger special will go to 17-year-old baseball player Zack Downey, who is battling non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
Six-hundred fans lined up to see Aykroyd at a three-hour appearance that ran into overtime because of the mob scene.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t enjoy having the full mass of humanity and full array of individuals across my desk,” said Aykroyd, wearing a black tuque, slacks, shirt and tie, his sleeves rolled up, as he signed autographs.
“This is a real retrospective. It’s quite entertaining really,” said the actor, who was given Ghostbusters CDs, comic books and Dr. Raymond Stantz action figures to sign.
Aykroyd said he’s as passionate about pitching his Newfoundland-distilled spirit, which contains no additives such as glycol, sugar or citrus oils, as he is about showbiz.
“We’re winning medals all over. Russia voted us best taste out of 400 vodkas,” said Aykroyd, adding he has promoted the product, which comes packaged in a glass skull, in 12 countries. “It’s a fun industry, especially when you have a quality product.”
Aykroyd, 61, did not arrive in his Skull Wagon, the luxurious motorhome he once used to cruise into new markets.
“If you wanna buy it, it’s on eBay,” Aykroyd quipped above the din and the Gary Preston Band. “That phase of the business — the five-week tours back-to-back — is over. The Skull Wagon is for sale.”
Fan fervour was in overdrive — a situation Aykroyd took in stride.
“Who’s this little lady?” he asked as a smiling youngster approached. “Future Ghostbuster cadet, right here!” Aykroyd said, pointing to her.
Superfans included Todd Whalen, 30, wearing a Ghostbusters proton-pack and his own “classier” version of a ghost-busting outfit, and fellow members of the Ghostbusters of B.C. fan group.
“Why wouldn’t you dress up?” Whalen said.
Downey said he was overwhelmed by the response.
“He’s a little bit before my time,” he said of Aykroyd. “I was surprised so many people showed up. I really appreciate it.”
His mother, Tania, added: “It’s a great reminder of how much a community can pull together. I’m in awe of the turnout. We’re still trying to absorb it.”
