Darren's US Tour

rick_ovic · Post by **rick_ovic** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 10:20 am

Hey y'all, I've finally found a computer at last.

I'm really pleased to see how many people are getting into The Smithereens. I was listening to them again on the flight from LA to Nashville.

I met up with forum member Bill Yantz and his lovely family at a great restaurant last night. Best Cajun steak I've ever had. Bill is now the proud owner of my '66 360-12 FG and I'm now the proud owner of a 1960 360 Capri FG.

Like most forum-member get togethers, after a few drinks the evening degenerated somewhat. Last time I saw Bill he was singing a duet with my Dad in a Nashville karaoke bar. On a way more professional note, I also had the chance to hear Bill's two daughters sing...they are very talented ladies!

This morning we visited Gruhn's Vintage guitars. I held a $150,000 1960 G*bson Les Paul Custom. He had no vintage Rickenbackers at all unfortunately. Kenny, I passed on your message to Keith. It was pretty cool to actually be present when Gruhn's were on the phone placing their order for 75th Anniversary Rickenbackers.

I have so many photos of the last week and last night to share with everyone, but we will have to wait a bit longer.

Tommorrow we leave Nashville and drive to Columbia SC to visit John Williams and to meet up with Cole Gaskins.

Take care now y'all....I post again when I can!

leesh · Post by **leesh** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 10:26 am

Glad to hear you made it to Nashville Darren! Enjoy the rest of your tour

Miss you guys already!

jdogric12 · Post by **jdogric12** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:02 am

Travel safe, Darren. I miss you and the gang already.

loverickbass · Post by **loverickbass** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:57 am

Sounds like your having fun Darren. I'll see you either tommorrow or Sunday.

Cole

rickenbrother · Post by **rickenbrother** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:25 pm

Travel Safe and have lots of fun Darren. I hope you will be back next year!

...wait a minute...that wasn't just a dream and the anniversary celebration isn't this coming weekend?!?

melibreits · Post by **melibreits** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:28 pm

Take care, Darren....Enjoy the rest of your trip! It was a real pleasure meeting you! Thanks again....

wmthor · Post by **wmthor** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 1:33 pm

When you get to Columbia, you'll find out what Southern cooking is all about, as JW has some connections at a restaurant.

Have fun!

sloop_john_b · Post by **sloop_john_b** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 1:55 pm

Have a wonderful tour Darren! If you somehow find your way to NYC, you know who to call!

leftybass · Post by **leftybass** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 2:04 pm

Darren, don't let John force-feed you liver pudding, LOL..

You guys have a blast down there, it'll be a great time for sure.

jps · Post by **jps** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 2:06 pm

Did you place your order with Gruhn's?

Enjoy your trip and don't run into any tropical depressions!

Oops, too late. I think you did!

rick_ovic · Post by **rick_ovic** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:20 pm

It's Friday night, my Dad's having an early night (particularly after last night's efforts) and Bill Yantz has taken ill. These ol'timers are running out of puff!

So here I am sitting once again in a bloody hotel office, wishing that my Forum friends were sitting at the bar outside.

I gotta tell you... I'm missing you all immensely, even you Graham.

Oh well...1,2,3,4,5,6,7 ooops! glug glug glug!

rick_ovic · Post by **rick_ovic** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:22 pm

Or maybe back to the Nashville Nights karaoke bar...this could get ugly!

jdogric12 · Post by **jdogric12** » Fri Sep 01, 2006 5:45 pm

Darren, please call me as soon as you have a few moments. I think you will be pleasantly surprised... ok I won't post my phone number here, but email me ASAP. I will check it tomorrow (Saturday) before 10am Eastern US time.

rick_ovic · Post by **rick_ovic** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 5:03 pm

Jason, you have mail.

rick_ovic · Post by **rick_ovic** » Sat Sep 02, 2006 5:15 pm

Today my Dad and I drove to Columbia, South Carolina and managed to stay on the right hand side of the road all the way this time.

The Smithereens Anthology Cd was on high rotation in the car.

Tonight we experienced the generous hospitality of John and Monica Williams. We met their beautiful children and had the pleasure of tasting Monica's home cooked spaghetti.

After dinner John showed us his guitar collection - it was wonderful to hold and play some of the guitars I had only seen pictures of before. I could've spent two days just sitting there playing 'em.

Tomorrow we head for John's lakehouse, where we will rendezvous with Cole Gaskins and yet another Rickenbacker guitar trade will take place. Hopefully by tomorrow night John and I will be jamming away on an acoustic version of "Behind The Walls of Sleep" - both playing 700C Rickenbackers. I can't wait to hear that!