Playing in front of your steel guitar heroes

Jonathan Shacklock · Post by **Jonathan Shacklock** » 17 Jun 2009 1:30 pm

I know this subject has come up a few times but it's always fun, and I haven't had a chance to tell my story until now...

Last night was quite a big night. I played my 4th ever gig on pedal steel as part of the headline act at the 12 Bar club on Denmark street - a big enough deal on it's own - and who should be in the audience?

BJ Cole - the first steel guitarist I ever heard of (from reading the credits of Elton John's Madman Across the Water album as a 16 year old) and the first guy I ever saw playing pedal steel on TV. It's no understatement to say I wouldn't have taken up the instrument if not for BJ. So quite a nerve racking moment - although having briefly met him a couple of times in the past I knew that he knew I was a relative beginner, and he's such a friendly down to earth guy I knew I wasn't going to be judged harshly. But friends, waiting to perform in front of one of your musical heroes is an intimidating prospect, albeit a great honour. He had previously done a little recording with the singer I'm playing with so there was an association there, but luckily I didn't have to play his parts back to him on this occasion!

I had some serious nerves getting up on that tiny stage and kicking off the first four bars (solo) but aside from the odd blunder (and with hindsight way too much reverb for the room) I'm proud to say I played the best I've ever played and I think the mantra "BJ is watching, make this really good" actually helped a bit. About half way through I looked up and saw him listening intently from the little balcony about six feet away

. Anyway, I had a chat with him at the bar afterwards and he even had some kind words to say about my playing so I have been buzzing with excitement all day. It was quite a baptism of fire and after 3-and-a-half years of learning, practising and forum addiction I finally feel like I can take off the newbie badge and start talking about being a pedal steel player with a bit of genuine pride. Yesss!!

So tell us your stories (again) about playing for your heroes, or even just the first time you felt like you'd made it into the big wide world as a steel guitarist.

Scott Henderson · Post by **Scott Henderson** » 17 Jun 2009 1:41 pm

The first time I got the opportunity to set and play next Hall Rugg I turned it down. My wife still gives me heck and that was 9 years ago.

John Billings · Post by **John Billings** » 17 Jun 2009 1:52 pm

About 20 years ago, my band opened for Loretta at Ponderosa Park, Northeast Ohio. I carried my Kline into the backstage lounge, and there sat John Hughey! We had a great conversation, and his demeanor put me at complete ease. But , long before, I had quit thinking of music as a competition. I just play my stuff.
It was the first time John had seen a Kline, and he gave mine a good going over. Not long after, he got one for himself.

Danny Sherbon · Post by **Danny Sherbon** » 17 Jun 2009 2:13 pm

Scotty that's about how I felt when you walked in a few weeks ago in Liberal while I was playing. Joe, Gary and the guys sure enjoyed having you set in with us.

Larry Bell · Post by **Larry Bell** » 17 Jun 2009 2:32 pm

In 1980 I'd been playing about 5 years and had played a steel show with Maurice Anderson and one with Jimmie Crawford. There were several other players at each of those shows.

A guy I knew (wannabe steel player) promoted a show with Buddy Emmons and Scotty and Mary came as well -- to Grand Rapids, MI for a show. He asked me if I would like to meet Buddy and play the show and I said I would. He gave me the address and phone number of the leader of the house band and I sent charts and recordings of the 40 min set I planned to play.

I ASSUMED there were other players and I ASSUMED that the band would have no trouble making it through my material since I sent charts. BOTH BAD ASSUMPTIONS.

I got there, went in and introduced myself to Scotty and Buddy, loaded in, and set up. The band had already set up and there was a spot onstage so I just set up. I kept waiting for the other steel players on the show to get there and eventually asked the other promoter who else was playing. He said 'NOBODY ELSE -- JUST YOU AND BUDDY'.

The band arrived and tuned up and it was about time for the show to start. I was introduced and told the band we'll play the set right through the charts I sent them. They said 'WHAT CHARTS?'

I played a couple of standard instrumentals -- not what was on my set list -- just ones they knew and basically sat in with them for a set of their stuff. Not exactly as planned. Rather embarrasing.

Things didn't go swimmingly for Mr. E either, however. He opened with his signature 'Gonna Build a Mountain' where he modulates up a half step each chorus. By about the 4th chorus the band members were in several different keys at the same time. It was a trainwreck, but Buddy -- class act he is -- just smiled his way through it, made it the best he could, and taught me a lesson more important than the music. HAVE FUN WHEN YOU PLAY -- everyone will enjoy it more.

Ray Kedge · Post by **Ray Kedge** » 18 Jun 2009 3:20 am

This won't mean a lot to the guy's in the States.
But I had only been playing for a short time,but anyone who could get a tune out of PSG at the time got a job.I was playing at Harlow CMC with my first band and halfway through the second set in walked Gordon Huntley who was the premier player in the UK he was with Mathews Southern Comfort of Woodstock fame.I tried not to let it get to me but I was shaking in my boots, lot more vibrato than I wanted with my bar hand.The band leader quickly realised what was happening and announced that the UK's top player was in the audience and promtly said "Not got a Gig tonight then Gordon " which made me feel a whole lot better as I was working and he had paid on the door to see us.
Sadly Gordon is no longer with us but we became friends after that night.

Ray

Chris LeDrew · Post by **Chris LeDrew** » 18 Jun 2009 4:47 am

I played Jeff Bradshaw's Canadian Steel Show last June, and many great players were in attendance. Needless to say, it was a bit nerve-wracking. But after my set, both Don Helms and Doug Jernigan gave me their compliments. It was a great feeling, to say the least. We all got a group photo at the end of the day, and was I ever proud to be in that picture.

Joe Naylor · Post by **Joe Naylor** » 18 Jun 2009 7:22 am

I had owned a Pedal Steel a year and was put on first on the Show in Phoenix. I had just taken a 3 day course from Doug Jernigan. I sat down and was listening to the announcments at the start of the show and look up to see Doug's booth straight ahead of me in the back of the room. Talking to him were Jay Dee Manase, Russ Hicks and 2 or 3 others. As I finished my last number (which was every song I knew all they way through) Hal Ruggs was standing by the stage beside Bruce (Zum) & Jerry (Fezzy) that was just the start.

But by then the Presure was over.

Joe Naylor · Post by **Joe Naylor** » 18 Jun 2009 7:27 am

I had owned a Pedal Steel a year and was put on first on the Show in Phoenix. I had just taken a 3 day course from Doug Jernigan. I sat down and was listening to the announcments at the start of the show and look up to see Doug's booth straight ahead of me in the back of the room. Talking to him were Jay Dee Manase, Russ Hicks and 2 or 3 others. As I finished my last number (which was every song I knew all they way through) Hal Ruggs was standing by the stage beside Bruce (Zum) & Jerry (Fezzy) that was just the start.

But by then the Presure was over.

Dick Wood · Post by **Dick Wood** » 18 Jun 2009 7:28 am

All these were around 25 years ago but the three most terrifying moments in my life were:

Playing a set while Red Rhodes watched me.

Played in front of Jimmy Day at a private party.

Playing in front of Gary Carpenter,Gary Hogue and Donny LeValley (SP?) as all three watched.

Actually there's one more where I sat in at a club with Jim Smith who I admire very much. He made me very uneasy for such a nice guy...LOL

Ben Lawson · Post by **Ben Lawson** » 18 Jun 2009 8:28 am

The first steel show I ever played was in Indy in '78. Dale Wagner, Chubby Howard, Scotty and Buddy Emmons were there. I was too young to be nervous but needless to say I didn't get a standing ovation. Buddy said "turn the mids down". Advice that I follow to this day. Another time in Fla. I played Orange Blossom Special not knowing that Wally Murphy was coming up right after me. I also didn't notice that Lloyd Green had just walked in. Roy Rosetta and some other great musicians were in the back up band so that made it a bit easier.
Larry Self, Harold Fogle and Doug Jernigan also walked in to a club I was playing in Deland Fla. All of the people I mentioned were complete gentlemen and put me at ease afterwards.
I find myself more intimidated now than I did back then. I think I used to play better then than I do now.

chris ivey · Post by **chris ivey** » 18 Jun 2009 9:47 am

sitting in at a small club in front of the mel tillis theater in branson, terry bethel came in and sat 2 feet away...then at gabe's in nashville jim murphy let me sit in a few times...there were a few monsters there. i figure you just have to have a good sense of humor and leave your ego at the door....i'm not like gary lee gimble who invites himself over to give palousek a lesson...ha ha!

Skip Ellis · Post by **Skip Ellis** » 18 Jun 2009 10:36 am

About 1980 or thereabouts we had a 5-1/2 year house gig at a real nice Moose lodge here in Florida -great band and always a packed house, plus they used to bring in some of the older Opry members 'cause they could get 'em cheap. We backed the Wilburns, Charlie Louvin and also had Stonewall, Jimmy Dickens, Mel Street, Lonzo & Oscar,Jack & Jeanie (I think Hank was there that night, too). Anyway this one night we caught ET on an off Saturday night and booked him and the Troubadors. As it turned out, they were running a little late and called ahead, so we were asked to play a dance set 'til they got there. Our equipment was there so we went ahead and did it. So picture this: we're in the middle of "Farewell Party" with a packed dance floor and I'm milking the recitation for all it was worth behind the singer and from my spot on the left end of the bandstand I looked up and standing there watching was ET, Lynn, Pete Mitchell, Larry Emmons &(don't remember who the drummer was). Almost droppped my bar, but got through it. They were all great and I got to introduce my 88 year old grandmother to ET - he was here favorite country singer of all time. Lynn said he had never played through a Webb so he used my red one and I notice he's still playing a red Webb today.

c c johnson · Post by **c c johnson** » 18 Jun 2009 10:44 am

I always thought that this was their chance to hear some pretty music. cc

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 18 Jun 2009 10:53 am

I've told this story before,but here it is again,a few years ago was playing at the Hank Williams Museum in Montgomery Ala,It was Hank's 80th birthday show. Anyway the band I was in was doing our set,ALL Hank's tune, Was going pretty good,I was on my 6th neck trying to play Mr. Don's licks[very poorly] About halfway through the set the bandleader bent over and said,[Don Helms is setting in the second row watching us] I whispered back,why the hell did'nt you wait to tell me that ? But I made it through OK. Mr. Don was a gentleman enough to tell me he enjoyed my playing,even after I had butchered his licks. DYK?BC.

Rick Campbell · Post by **Rick Campbell** » 18 Jun 2009 11:16 am

Once you realize that everybody is better than you are, it becomes easy........ and to remind yourself every now and then that you're the one with the paying gig.

Jonathan Shacklock · Post by **Jonathan Shacklock** » 18 Jun 2009 1:21 pm

Great stories, keep 'em coming!

It's really cool that a relatively inexperienced steel guitarist stands a good chance of being able to interact with the pros and legends in this way - much more than in the 6-string world I think. I'm sure it happens but I just never hear rite-of-passage stories from budding guitarists like "in walked Jimmy Page while I was murdering Stairway" etc, etc. There are great benefits to the steel guitar world being a small, friendly place.

Chris, man that's what I should have done, got a picture. Dang it. Got a recording of the show but a pic would have been the icing. I saw that one of you and Don Helms: quite something.

Roual Ranes · Post by **Roual Ranes** » 18 Jun 2009 2:25 pm

I agree with Rick Campbell. I just do what little I can and have fun.

Jonathan Shacklock · Post by **Jonathan Shacklock** » 18 Jun 2009 2:29 pm

None of me with BJ Cole unfortunately, but a friend sent me these pics from Tuesday night, here I am second from left feeling anxious just before the show. Classy place hey? BTW Music Ground in the background used to be the Sho~Bud shop in the 70's.

Here's the gig from the balcony. I guess Mr Cole was treated to a great view of my dodgy mane. Ivy York is the singer. Behind her the sign says "The Forge 1635" - the decor has a subtle hint of Great Fire of London...

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 18 Jun 2009 8:04 pm

Rick,you got a point about who's playing and who's watching,I played consistently[six nights a week] for about three decades,For years on sixstring,Was NEVER a great player,Many times saw real hot pickers sitting in the crowd watching me while I was WORKING, and they WERE not working,WHY ? I was dependable,Can only remember being late for one gig [had an auto accident on the way to the club]Thought of it as a business,[had a family to support] Never drank,or did dope,even tho I was always around it,Have quit jobs BUT NEVER EVER without giving a notice,You DON'T have to be a SUPERPICKER to work. Just treat it as a business,not like many that do it just to have a place to party. DYK?BC.

Rick Campbell · Post by **Rick Campbell** » 18 Jun 2009 8:29 pm

Yeah, that's always been my attitude too. There's a misconception about bands always wanting to hire the best picker that's out there. I found that being dependable, get along with everyone, and do the job is what's most important. I've always committed that I'd be on time, be sober, and play my very best, and I lived up to it. That was always enough and I never had anyone ask me to quit. I worked for Del McCoury for a year and it got to be too much interference with my day job, so I gave my notice and quit, with the understanding that I'd fill in as needed until he found somebody permanent. That turned into another year. I worked for Bill Monroe for awhile because his regular fiddler had to be off. When the regular guy returned, Bill asked me to stay on and play twin fiddles, but I just didn't have the time to do it. Were there better players out there? Of course, but I got the gig, I knew their music, and I did what I knew they wanted me to do. Same thing with Jimmy Martin for his last two years on the road. Never had a hard word with any of them. Buses can get awful small when people don't get along with one another.

I've played a lot of country, but I've never had a steady gig with a major country artist. I always wanted to do that.

Mike Perlowin RIP · Post by **Mike Perlowin RIP** » 18 Jun 2009 8:30 pm

In 1980, when I had been playing about 3 or 4 months, I was at the NAMM show and sat down at a Sho-bud on display there, and proceeded to make noise, when I looked up and Jay Dee Maness was standing 2 feet in front of me, grinning at me.

I freaked. I said something to the effect that "I can't play in front of you" and got up. But Jay Dee was cool. He was very encouraging.

A few years ago I walked into a club where they were having a jam, and the steel player, a relative newbie, recognized me and did the same thing to me. I tried to be as gracious and encouraging to him as Jay Dee was to me.

Charles Davidson · Post by **Charles Davidson** » 19 Jun 2009 10:03 am

Rick said[GET ALONG WITH EVERYBODY] That's a BIG plus,I enjoy the band I have been with over a year now,[The Strokin' Dixie Band] more than any band I have ever been in,The five of us love each other like brothers,When we go to a gig I CAN'T wait to get on the bus with these guys,We have as much fun on the bus as we do playing the gig.NO ego's,have four singers[I don't] All get to do their thing,and they also feature me a lot.I'm lucky to be a part of this bunch. By the way this band has been together for 22 years,still two original members.DYK?BC.

Tom Stolaski · Post by **Tom Stolaski** » 19 Jun 2009 10:31 am

I took a brief trip to Nashville in 1977. I really thought I was hot stuff at the time. Went over to the Demon's Den to sit in. Walked in, asked if I could sit in. Set up my steel, and noticed another steel set up on stage. The band started playing with me and this "other guy". They would give me a solo and I would play my not so hot licks. When they gave the other guy a solo, I could not believe my ears. It turned out to be the great Mike Smith. He played circles around me for a couple of sets until I decided to pack it up and go home. When I got back to Michigan, I decided to start practicing a little harder.

Alan Brookes · Post by **Alan Brookes** » 19 Jun 2009 9:34 pm

Playing in front of my steel guitar heroes ? Well, someone has to amuse them.

In all seriousness, on the occasions I've played in front of Basil Henriques at his place I've felt totally enawed and played like a beginner.

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