NJ's, Fredrick (Fritz) Riddell

[Don Brown, Sr.]

I'm sorry to report, "Fritz Riddell" one of the areas finest, "Tripple Neck, Fender Steel Guitar Pickers" has passed on.

Our sincere condolences, go out to Family & Friends.

May he rest in peace,
Don, Helen & Family
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From Chick Meyers:

It is with great sorrow that I report that one of the all time greatest, Tripple Neck Fender Steel Guitar Pickers, in all of New Jersey, and the Delaware Valley combined, that I have picked with and was friends with since about 1953, has passed on to the Big Music Show in the sky. FEDRICK (FRITZ) RIDDELL......83 years old ....passed away on Fri. April 17 2009 in Deptford N.J.

The first time I ever went to a recording session at a studio in Philly, was to play upright bass on the recording. Fritz was the steel picker. I'll never forget that day.

Fritz was also picking with us,(The El Rancho Rangers) at night, 6 nites a week, at the 20 C's, a "Twentieth Century nite club" located at 13th & Locust Streets, down town Philly, called the strip 1954.

Funeral Services will be held at, McBride & Foley Funeral Home, on Broad Street, in Paulsboro, N.J. Wednesday, April 22, 2009, from 9:00-11:00 am.

May he rest in peace.
Always his friend,
Al Zipkin
AKA: Chick Meyers,(Mr. Bassman)

[John Bechtel]

I also remember Fritz very well from his days with Les Severs, Uncle Jim Garner, Sonny Sleeter and Billy Fender/Earl Harper, on the Jersey Circuit in the 50's & 60's! Fritz played a Walnut Fender Custom, with A6, C6, & E9 Tunings. He only used 7-strings on each neck! I've wondered about him many times over the years and I'm sorry to hear of his passing!
R.I.P. “Fritz” Riddell.

[Mike Neer]

Wish I knew about Fritz while he was alive. Would have loved to have met him. RIP Fritz.

[Tommy Young]

My condolences to his family and friends may he RIP


This is happening way to much to out family of steel friends..