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CNN Live At Daybreak

Bebe Buell's 'Rebel Heart'

Aired August 14, 2001 - 08:45   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP, "ALMOST FAMOUS")

PHILIP SEYMOUR HOFFMAN, ACTOR: You cannot make friends with the rock stars.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

COLLEEN MCEDWARDS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, that is from the movie "Almost Famous," the world of rock 'n' roll in the 1970s. And if Kate Hudson's character reminds you a little bit of our next guest, you are right on target. Bebe Buell led the life of a true rock 'n' roll insider in the '70s and '80s.

So what's up with her in the new millennium? Well, she's got a new book out, that's for sure, "Rebel Heart."

Bebe, good morning. Thanks for being here.

BEBE BUELL, AUTHOR, "REBEL HEART": Thanks for having me.

MCEDWARDS: There's a wonderful story that you tell about being a fan, being at a Rolling Stones concert, I think it was, when you were 11 years old with your mom, walking around there with your Instamatic camera, trying to snap picture of, I think it was Brian Jones.

BUELL: Yes.

MCEDWARDS: How do you go from that to being a woman known for having had a life full of rock stars?

BUELL: Well, I've always loved music. It's the pulse of my life. And I think when I did have an opportunity to go to New York City to be a model -- like many of the young girls today, the models and the rock stars, they sort of travel in the same circles. And birds of a feather flock together. That's sort of how it happened.

MCEDWARDS: Yes. And just an example of some the birds of the feathers you described -- and this is from your publicist's list -- these are people who you've been involved with, romantically or otherwise. But it's a real who's who: Elvis Costello, David Bowie, Bernardo Bertolucci, Jimmy Page.

BUELL: Well, Bernardo was -- he directed my daughter in a film. He and I never went out together. That was never a liaison of mine. MCEDWARDS: I said romantic or otherwise.

BUELL: Oh, otherwise.

MCEDWARDS: Your life has touched many, many people. What's it been like?

BUELL: Oh, I feel that I've -- when I was a young girl and I first came to New York, it was almost like "Alice in Wonderland" looking through the looking glass. I feel that I've lived through so many wonderful historical pop culture events. And I feel very, very blessed and fortunate to have witnessed some the great things that I've seen. It's been wonderful.

MCEDWARDS: You know that -- you're friends with Cameron Crowe. And the movie "Almost Famous" has a scene just like the one you describe, with Kate Hudson sort of being brought up on stage and being rescued by the fictitious rock band. How much of this was based on you?

BUELL: Well, I think that there's a tad bit of my essence. I think that the Penny Lane character was also a real person that Cameron knew in San Diego when they went to high school together. But I'm very flattered. And I think it's just wonderful.

It's wonderful to be paid tribute to in such a wonderful film.

MCEDWARDS: And I guess the title sort of says it: "Almost Famous." You know, the world "almost" is key here. And I'm wondering if in -- if in your life, you feel that you didn't achieve certain things?

BUELL: Well, I don't cry over spilt milk. I think everything happens for a reason. I think we have a certain life lesson and a destiny to fulfill. And I think my life went exactly the way it was supposed to. And right now I'm enjoying the fruits of all my hard work. It's very exciting.

MCEDWARDS: But was it your own fame that you were looking for? Or what was it when you were so young and out there with all this excitement that you were looking for?

BUELL: Well, I think in the '70s, we didn't concentrate so much on fame. I just wanted to do what was closest to my heart. I really always wanted to form a band. And I finally did in 1979. The years of modeling, though, where very rewarding. And I have no regrets. I'm very pleased with the way my life has gone.

MCEDWARDS: There's a line in that movie, as well, when Kate Hudson says, "I'm not a groupie." You used to say that, right?

BUELL: Well, I think that word has been overused and misused. I think in the '60s, the term had some cultural relevance. But times have changed. And I think women have moved on to a bigger and better place. And putting labels on people should be something that is dissolved. MCEDWARDS: Well, then in your life along comes a baby. And we just saw a picture of you there with Todd Rundgren and Liv Tyler. Tell us how that changed your life.

BUELL: Oh, well, my daughter is the greatest blessing of my life, I think my crowning achievement. I'm so proud of her. She turned out so glorious. And I have my beautiful sweet mother and my cousin Annie (ph) and my extended family to thank for that.

MCEDWARDS: Do you get tired of being referred to as Liv Tyler's mom? She's done so well.

BUELL: Oh, no. I'll never get tired of that. I don't think mothers ever get tired of being mothers. I -- my only regret is that I don't have more children. But now I have got my little Chihuahuas, Poncho (ph) and Chiquita.

MCEDWARDS: Good for you.

BUELL: They keep me very busy.

(LAUGHTER)

MCEDWARDS: Can you tell me -- tell me the quick version of this story. And I read it on the Internet. So if it's wrong, I am going to have to take the heat for this. But it looked like it was written by you.

And you describe the story when Mick Jagger took you to the home of John Lennon to sing you happy birthday.

BUELL: Yes. Oh, my goodness. That's probably one of my fondest memories. Yes, John Lennon did sing happy birthday to me on my 21st birthday. And I have to say, it was incredibly overwhelming. I had to keep repeating my "Please do not cry" mantra over and over again, because I did almost burst into tears.

He had a voice like an angel, even when he was singing something as simple as happy birthday -- a very passionate and moving human being. And I feel very blessed to have had that opportunity.

MCEDWARDS: The most interesting, the most memorable celebrity in your life?

BUELL: We'll, I don't really like to categorize or rate people. One person that I would like to pay tribute to that I never really had the fortune to meet-meet -- if you read the very beginning of my book, you'll see I had a very funny experience.

But I think one of the greatest, brilliant people that ever graced us with his talent was Jimi Hendrix, a true unique talent that has yet to have been replaced.

MCEDWARDS: Bebe Buell, we've got to leave it there. Thanks very much for your time this morning. Appreciate it.

BUELL: Thanks you for having me. Bye bye.

MCEDWARDS: Bye bye.

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