"Many times I've gone on tours with Paul Anka. He would have someone sitting behind him to keep people from even talking to him. You were almost in a little restricted area there"

In this quote, Ben E. King is reflecting on his experiences visiting with fellow musician Paul Anka. He describes how Anka would have someone sitting behind him, serving as a barrier between him and others, to avoid people from even talking with him. This created a sense of exclusivity and privacy for Anka, as if he remained in a restricted area. King's use of the word "almost" suggests that while Anka might have physically remained in a public area, his security and distance from others made it feel like a private and limited location. This quote highlights the level of fame and attention that Anka received, and the steps he required to preserve his personal space.