This episode is sponsored by Eternal Inc. and Machine Machine Co.

Thank you for joining me for another episode of Books Closed.

I'm Andrew Stortz, and this is a very special episode.

You're about to hear an interview that was done 15 years ago, and not by me.

This is an interview with Lyle Tuttle that past guest of the show, Taki Kitamura, had conducted,

and I had to pull this thing off of cassette tapes. I'm talking cassette tapes, side A, side

B, you know what I'm saying, or maybe you don't. A few months ago,

Taki had mentioned to me that he had this interview with Lyle that was just sitting on a shelf,

and no one has ever really heard it, and he asked if I would be interested in sharing it on the

podcast. It was a no-brainer to me because that's an opportunity that you don't get

every day to hear candid conversation with someone like Lyle Tuttle. I'll share with you now a little

precursor to this interview that Taki emailed to me the other day. He says, my interview with

Lyle Tuttle. The recent passing of tattoo legend Lyle Tuttle had me reminiscing about the time I visited him at his home in Yucaya 15 years ago.

I was working on a book project, one that was never completed, and wanted to interview Lyle about his life and his expert opinion in defining traditional tattoo motifs.

I was welcomed into Lyle's home and immediately offered a drink at

at 11 a.m. thanks to the introductory phone call from Ed Hardy, who was adamant that I get Lyle's

perspective. Lyle was the most gracious of hosts and interviewees, and the day will be one I will

remember fondly forever. Years passed and I forgot about the tapes laying dormant in my bookshelf.

For every book or project I've successfully completed, at least a dozen fall by the wayside.

At least in this case, the tape can finally be published and reach the audience that it should.

I'm excited to share this interview on such a great platform and hope that it will provide some

comfort for those missing Lyle, as well as an insight into his hilarious personality and vast knowledge for those

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