I've actually opened for some bands that was huge,at one time or another.Me being from W.V.,I know what you guys are thinking....Who'd you open for,Emmit Otters Jug Band???Gut-busting laughter ensues...
Not a bad list,considering my geographical location:
.38 Special and David Allen Coe-(The guys from .38?Couldn't have been any cooler.D.A.Coe??Different story.I believe he was still packing the smell of the person he killed,way back in the day.The King of Body Odor!!Straight drunk.)But....I DID get to hold a Dean "Rebel Flag" Razorback that 'Dime had given him.Cool.
Great White/At the W.V.River Regatta-We were on the bill w/several bands.We went on after "The U.S.Air Force Band"Awesome guys,awesome band!!Talk about a great stage show!They had the"Blue Angels"flying overhead!!After we played("Mystery Box"),Great White finished up the show.Awesome!!Mark Kendall,the guitarist,great player.Really cool guys.Made us feel like we belonged.Frankly,we did belong.
Johnny Paycheck-A modern-country band I played in years ago backed him.This guy was a flake.A drunk.A ragin' alcoholic.After listening to him ask us for 3 straight songs,"What key is this in?"Our guitar player got on the mic and proceeded to spew a line of cuss words at him that would make a sailor blush.Well deserved,if you ask me.
Featured Act:George"no show"Jones/Venue:"The Coalfield Jamboree"(Dear God,I can't believe I'm telling this)-Anyhow,the local radio station sponsored a contest to see who would open for ol' George.Well....We won.........wow.......Here's the kicker:After the show,we were hangin' out backstage,and ol' George is doin' his usual (fake smile) meet'n'greet shtick,you know signing autographs and whatnot.Our guitarist asks Mr.Jones to sign his Martin D-35,with a black sharpie marker.He (Mr.Jones) turns to me and offers to me,"Son,would you like me to sign your bass,too?"We're talkin' about my baby,my Tobias!Well,I acted pretty quick and grabbed an old set list out of my case.Just ain't a country fan,guys.
Pat Traverse-Our band opened for them.Awesome,awesome,awesome!!!Wanna hear a brutal,kick-your-ass bass player??Check out the one and only,Mr.Mars Cowling.The club we were playing was maybe a 7 min. drive to my house.Mars really loves the instrument.We got to talking,ends up,he rides w/me to my house to check out one of my Jazzes.Now that's cool!!Great band.
Blackhawk-Another country band.Nothin' to write home about.