The Watering Hole

Hi guys, I know it's been a while but WTF, I've had nothing of any real interest going on in my life lately........Until today!!!

I got the unexpected pleasure of spending 3 hours in the company of one of the nicest and most genuine musical gods today. The one and only Greg Lake of King Crimson/ELP fame. I was in his (small but lovely) house to repair his A/C unit for his studio and ended up talking gear/gigs and music in general for most of the time I was there.

A point about how nice he was, when I mentioned that a British guitar player by the name of Bernie Marsden (ex Whitesnake) was one of my hero's, he phoned Bernie and asked if he'd pop over the road for a cuppa as they live 3 doors away from each other!!!!!  Which Bernie DID!!!!! :o 8-)

I have never met such a nice, down to earth couple of guys in my life and am now in email contact with both as they are interested in the result of my first amp build which should be done and dusted by the end of September. Both Greg and Bernie are in the market for a real low wattage valve head at this time and as I'll be taking my homebrew/BYOC pedalboard with me.........Well...We'll see.

Greg actually gave me a signed copy of his new studio album which is not on general release until December and I have an MP3 copy of a colaberation album of covers recorded by Greg, Eric Clapton, Mark Knoffler, Ringo Starr and Paul Rogers that is finished but may never go on public release due to contractual issues. (And NO, I can't post it here before you all ask :().

Bernie is just putting the finishing touches to a new studio album and has promised to send me a copy when it's done.

What was really nice was that Greg let me play his '62 Salmon Pink Strat (yes...It's original!!) through his new Koch 30 watt 1x12 combo.....Yes.....I want one! Keep the Strat for my money but the Koch.....WOW!!!!!!! :o HOW FUCKING GOOD!?!?!?!?

Anyway Hope you're all well and speak to you all soon.

I was talking to Jeff Beck the other day and he mentioned your amp line.
And I blushed and said Gosh I know Spud :)

kidding (obviously) :)

Good stuff - like the sound (as in idea) of the amps you are building, can understand why they are interested.

Amazing all these old bands knocking around, peeps living normal lives.
I dunno - What happened to the cocteau twins. ?

Wow, I didn't know you fixed AC  ;D

Fix AC???  I just thought you wanked around with them.  HAHA!!  

Sounds like a pretty cool day!!

I've certainly had worse days.  :)

What we need to know now is, if you can't post this stuff, just how are you going to get it to us??!  :D ;D

Cool post.

Nice uplifting story there spud. Gives a real boost when the unexpected happens doesn't it!

Jon — Aug 26, 2009Nice uplifting story there spud. Gives a real boost when the unexpected happens doesn't it!

Yes, it does Jon. The last "big star" I did any work for before yesterday was the drummer from my wife's "hero" band. After really putting myself out for such a client to make sure everything was top notch with the work carried out, it took me three visits to his property and a direct request to his head groundsman for me to have to give him one of the bands CD's that we've had for years so he would autograph it for Jo. I don't ever expect celebs to do ANYTHING for me but when you've been a fan and bought the albums for more than half your life you'ld think they would be happy to put a pen to paper for you.

People like Greg Lake and Bernie Marsden really restore your faith in many ways. Doesn't matter how "BIG" you are..Or have been..You still have to take a dump most days and it still stinks!!! The Lake's and Marsdens of this world realise this and therefore don't look down on the likes of you and I. Refreshing atitude.......

that is one awesome day, Spud!  Great Lake IS big time!!! How cool is that!
I've seen ELP twice and they just flat out kicked ass.  

WOW, that's cool.  

Now, if he get's Keith Emerson to come over next time.....      :o :o

god, love stories like that.

nice one spud.  that would make my day

Day?  That would make my year!  I'm still telling friends about meeting John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy and Dave Mustaine at the same time... (and JP and MP being only in TOWELS when I met them backstage!  LOL)  

DreamTheaterRules — Aug 29, 2009 (and JP and MP being only in TOWELS when I met them backstage!  LOL)  

Say What ?  What kind of gig was that  ;D

Jon — Aug 29, 2009[quote author=DreamTheaterRules link=1251240219/0#11 date=1251521183] (and JP and MP being only in TOWELS when I met them backstage!  LOL)  

Say What ?  What kind of gig was that  ;D


I hear Howie ended up with one of the towels autographed...  ;)