February 9th, 1964, I sat with my brother and our teenage babysitter, Bunny, and watched a television show that would change my life forever. I had no idea what I was in for. Probably hundreds of thousands of young boys had the same experience. That was the night The Beatles made their first American appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show. We were just three of the 73 million people that tuned in that evening. I was severely bitten by the musical bug.
That show that birthed countless bands all over the world and my neighborhood. Overnight everyone was either starting or playing in a band, my brother and I included. Suddenly the market was flooded with Japanese import guitars that promised rock stardom at a low, low price of $29.00. What? Okay, they were mostly unplayable crap (those same pieces of crap go for hundreds of dollars now, but still play like crap) but everybody I knew had one. Not to play mind you, but because it was cool. And so, it was.
The 60’s was the golden era pf rock music and I’m glad I experienced it. All right, I stuffed myself to the gills with all things rock and roll. After all, the banquet table was overflowing with revolutionary music the likes of which will probably never be seen again. The times were a changin’ and the bands as diverse and original as the colors on a “love bead” necklace.
My very first live concert was a triple header that consisted of The Beau Brummels, The Lovin’ Spoonful, (Yes, I believe in magic) and headlining the concert… dum dum dum dum… The Yardbirds with guitarist extraordinaire Jeff Beck.
Of course, this was my introduction into all things Beck (my love for the Fender Telecaster started right here and continues to this day).
I went on to play in dozens of bands and see many of my musical heroes live. Perhaps I will wax nostalgic in future posts about some of the guitarists who influenced me. Or maybe not. Perhaps the past belongs where it is.
Kenny
That show that birthed countless bands all over the world and my neighborhood. Overnight everyone was either starting or playing in a band, my brother and I included. Suddenly the market was flooded with Japanese import guitars that promised rock stardom at a low, low price of $29.00. What? Okay, they were mostly unplayable crap (those same pieces of crap go for hundreds of dollars now, but still play like crap) but everybody I knew had one. Not to play mind you, but because it was cool. And so, it was.
The 60’s was the golden era pf rock music and I’m glad I experienced it. All right, I stuffed myself to the gills with all things rock and roll. After all, the banquet table was overflowing with revolutionary music the likes of which will probably never be seen again. The times were a changin’ and the bands as diverse and original as the colors on a “love bead” necklace.
My very first live concert was a triple header that consisted of The Beau Brummels, The Lovin’ Spoonful, (Yes, I believe in magic) and headlining the concert… dum dum dum dum… The Yardbirds with guitarist extraordinaire Jeff Beck.
Of course, this was my introduction into all things Beck (my love for the Fender Telecaster started right here and continues to this day).
I went on to play in dozens of bands and see many of my musical heroes live. Perhaps I will wax nostalgic in future posts about some of the guitarists who influenced me. Or maybe not. Perhaps the past belongs where it is.
Kenny
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