Johnny Rodriguez-Steel Guitarist-May 1985

[Lee Baucum]

Back on May 25, 1985 we played a "show and dance" with Johnny Rodriguez, at a venue called One Arroyo Place, not far from South Padre Island. We would play a set, then his band would come out and play a short set, then he would come out and sing about 5 or 6 songs. We did that for about 5 hours or so. Never did meet Johnny. He was a "star" and stayed in the bus until time for him to come out and sing his songs. The guys in the band were great. The steel player sang and fronted the band. Don't remember his name. When we arrived, the stage was already set up. The steel player moved his guitar over to the side and I set my guitar where his had been. I used his gear from the volume pedal back through his pedals and out to his two Peavey amps.

That was a very "low budget" tour. They borrowed an old bus from someone. The guys in the band had to do all the driving and there were no roadies. They had to load and unload all the amps, drums, p.a. equipment, etc. I've often wondered if they ever even got paid.

Sheesh. That was 40 years ago. Just wondering if any of you Forumites may have been the Steeler that night. The band sounded great, and of course Johnny sounded good, too.

[Craig Stock]

Great story Lee , kinda sad, but that was what was the time back then. Thanks for posting that, always great to hear first hand stories from the past!