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Darren's US Tour

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 10:20 am
by rick_ovic
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!

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 10:26 am
by leesh
Glad to hear you made it to Nashville Darren! Enjoy the rest of your tour Image Miss you guys already!

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:02 am
by jdogric12
Travel safe, Darren. I miss you and the gang already.

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:57 am
by loverickbass
Sounds like your having fun Darren. I'll see you either tommorrow or Sunday.

Cole

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:25 pm
by rickenbrother
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?!?

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 12:28 pm
by melibreits
Take care, Darren....Enjoy the rest of your trip! It was a real pleasure meeting you! Thanks again.... Image

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 1:33 pm
by wmthor
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!

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 1:55 pm
by sloop_john_b
Have a wonderful tour Darren! If you somehow find your way to NYC, you know who to call! Image

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 2:04 pm
by leftybass
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.

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 2:06 pm
by jps
Did you place your order with Gruhn's? Image

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

Oops, too late. I think you did!

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:20 pm
by rick_ovic
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. Image

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

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 4:22 pm
by rick_ovic
Or maybe back to the Nashville Nights karaoke bar...this could get ugly! Image

Posted: Fri Sep 01, 2006 5:45 pm
by jdogric12
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.

Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 5:03 pm
by rick_ovic
Jason, you have mail.

Posted: Sat Sep 02, 2006 5:15 pm
by rick_ovic
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. Image 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. Image

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!