• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Gary Ryan - Joan Jett and the Blackhearts

#21
It's cool, I've known Gary was "hiding" a few hours away but didn't see this thread until now.

Honestly, what many of you don't know is that even in the 1980's when music was big and so was MTV, the record labels and tours still didn't make you rich. As a matter of fact, even with a band like Joan's you might barely break even or even be in the hole. To this day Joan isn't, as many refer to, as in the "1%". While after nearly 40 years of performing she might have a comfortable life, that is Joan. Being a sideman, even a great one and part of a great band, often still gives you only a barely modest living. Ask one of her other bassists who also had huge hits with other bands going back to the '70s. Or, ask me.

Gary choosing a more stable life and income doesn't surprise me. Changing his name, I understand that as well.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Muddslide
#23
Great to hear that there are some folks out there who like myself appreciate good musicianship. This line-up of the Blackhearts (ie Joan,Ricky,Gary, and Lee) are an example of that. I have seen Joan and the boys several times over the years, but nothing compares to that line-up of the early 80's. The chemistry they shared together on stage was electric. I will never forget May 8th 1983. I was still in High School at the time and Joan Jett and the Blackhearts were playing at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Virginia. So me and some buddies from school went to see them. They were only a 3 piece band that day. Why? Because at a show they performed a couple of days before Busch Gardens, Gary and Ricky collided into one another running on stage. The end of Garys bass guitar nailed Ricky in his chest and he suffered a collapsed lung. So on that particular day they were a 3 piece. Joan played both lead and rhythm, Gary played solid as a rock on bass and backing vocals, while Lee never missed a beat on the skins. I also remember at one point during the show Gary had a problem with no sound coming from his amp and his bass tech working frantically to fix it while they were performing the song. I'm pretty good at reading lips and saw Gary say to his bass tech while he was still playing " Do something!!!" It was resolved quick after that. They put on a great show. Afterwords, as they were leaving to board their tour bus they did a meet and greet with fans. They passed out buttons(which were popular at the time), guitar picks, and photos which were signed by them. Very cool!!! I wish someday they would do some sort of reunion but that probably will never happen. I hear Lee is suffering from MS or something and doesn't get around well. Ricky still plays in other projects these days. And Gary? Well, I guess he decided he wanted to pursue a more stable lifestyle for him and his family. I'll bet that he is a great teacher for the 5th graders. Though I think he would be an awesome High School teacher. He would be the guy that all the students would want as their teacher. I can hear them now "Did you get Mr. Moss?" "I got Mr. Moss" Gary if u read this post please share some of your thoughts with all of us. We would all like to hear from you. I've thought about making a trip to Mt.Pocono to meet you and to just say thank you for the great music and the great memories, but at the same time I respect peoples privacy so I probably won't. Also,thanks to Eric31 for the link to the Joan Jett and the Blackhearts concert from 84'.
 
#24
Heyy i just wanted to say that i did have Gary as my fifth grade teacher. he taught reading and social studies. now this was in 5th grade i am now twenty. but i have to say he was one of my favorite teachers. he actually let us listen to the black hearts and signed some photos for us kids. one of the really good teachers i've ever had. i was even in his after school group for evirothon lol.
 
#25
GREAT thread. Big fan of Gary Ryan. Though, I'm not a bass player...not even a musician...BUT love bass guitar. That said, just wanted to toss in my 2 cents about his name. I believe the story is when he was a Hollywood runaway and hanging out with The Germs, etc he was dating Lorna Doom, bassist in the Germs, and her real last name is Ryan. He took her name as his own. Not sure if they were ever married, and can't remember when they broke up. But they were together a LONG time. I saw a recent photo of Gary and someone whom I believe is his current wife. Gary is still handsome, very young looking, still has head full of thick wavy hair. Seeing his facial hair in that pic it seems he has not yet gone gray/white haha. Still a very handsome man with same boyish smile. Thank you to everyone who has added their info here about a very cool guy and bad ass musician. I cherish all the live photos I've taken of Gary back in the early 80s with the Blackhearts. Met him a few times and he was a sweetheart to his fans. When he and Lee left the band it was the end of the best era for The Blackhearts, in my opinion. Again, great thread y'all.
 
#26
Hey there! Gary's cousin just checking in again. Hope all is well with everyone! I got married in Sept 2012 and actually had the dj play "I love Rock N' Roll" for Gary and his wife and son and we all had a great time jamming out. He and his wife are so darn cute together! He's still teaching and yes, he does look very different but I assume we all do! lol
 
  • Like
Reactions: GKon
#31

Attachments

  • Gary Joan Ricky.jpg
    Gary Joan Ricky.jpg
    247.9 KB · Views: 1,045
  • Like
Reactions: bassbully, Scott66 and ERIC31
#32
Amazing thread - thank you to Eric for starting it and to all who participated with their own bit of interesting info.

It's easy to assume that someone who was part of such an immensely well known song - an anthem really - would be involved in music forever, but that's really not the case. Hopefully the rights are still pulling in a little something for all of them, and can be passed down as long as the songs keep on kicking.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ERIC31
#33
Reds5 said:
This is a recent photo of Gary, Joan and Ricky together again at Lee's funeral in Nov. 2013, I believe. A sad day but good to see the remaining members looking good and hopefully back together in the RnR HOF next year!

Click to expand...

Thanks Reds5 for this post. That's a great picture of Joan, Gary, and Ricky. Would love to see them play together again someday. R.I.P. Lee
 
  • Like
Reactions: ERIC31
#37
I love this thread. I found this video with Gary Ryan/Moss playing with Joan Jett at the Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. Crimson & Clover.

Edited to add: Oops! I just realized that was where you got your still shot!

 
  • Like
Reactions: ERIC31

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back