yesterday afternoon, but I doubt much will change between now and tomorrow. The main reason is that I wanted to upload a video that I found today which was recorded in Nashville, with George Hamilton V and myself at this place called the Wagon Burner on Broadway, the main drag. I was there one night with George at his regular gig and sang a few tunes, one of them being the one I’ve posted below, the old Hank Williams classic, “I Saw the Light”. It’s not the world’s greatest version and it isn’t helped by the lunatic on pedal steel and harmonica who keeps playing over the singing.
Some of these guys are either stupid, or they get sensitive about their fucking heros and legends when someone attempts to besmirch their memory by having the audacity to sing one of those iconic songs. I don’t know, but I haven’t seen this video for a while, and that’s what struck me about it. Anyhoo, George Hamilton V was a nice guy to invite me to play with them. When I lived there for a while, he showed me all aroud Nashville, I hung out back stage at the Opry and even made a private visit to the famous Studio A or B (I can’t remember) there. Somewhere there is video of me playing the grand piano in that studio.
His father was of course the legendary George Hamilton IV of Abeline fame. The rest of the band were pretty cool. From memory one of the guitarists wrote the much better song imo, “Yabba Dabba Do, The King is Gone and So Are You”. Now that’s a song. Fuck that other guy (the pedal steel player) and that pervert Chuck Berry too.
‘He didn’t look famous’: Locals remember Hank Williams as a drunk seeking refuge during famous stay at Kowaliga
Hank appears to be thinking, “who is this freak with scribble on his face, metal teeth, a stoned expression, and why is standing near me?”
Everyone’s gone country again so it seems. When dumb ass rappers start staggering around in cowboy hats I guess it’s a trend. Since everyone hates that kind of “music” now they have to find some other venue for their questionable talent. I remember in the 80’s people all of a sudden discovered Johnny Cash. He was, in their minds, the cornerstone of country music, the fountainhead, the grand master, plus he wore black and had been in jail. Yes, he was a badass. They all wanted to be Johnny Cash right at that moment.
Look at me… I’m Johnny Cash now
All the young insects who had aped Bowie for the first part of their careers had to find some other trajectory in music to evolve into, and so they too, went country. I think Tex Perkins is one of the few who have kept it going. Maybe he even played Johnny Cash in some theatrical production* if my memory serves me correctly.
Cash was arrested in El Paso, Texas after crossing the border from Mexico. After finding a cache of prescription drugs in his guitar case, Cash was fined $1,000 and given a suspended sentence.
It’s a tale as old as time will allow. I’m looking at the weather satellite this morning and there’s nothing I can see, but it’s way over on the other side of the county. I went to the store early for a final run before the snowmageddon. It wasn’t too bad, but the traffic is getting a bit feral. That’s it, Happy Friday. Stay warm or cool depending on where you are.
*Yes kids, Tex had a tribute show about Cash. You can read about it here.
George Hamilton V and friends with myself on vocals.