Poncho

My dear friend Gilbert, You´ve done it again, another great story, one that truly deserves to be your swan song. It is with great sadness that we heard of your passing three short days before our monthly visit to your house where we would sit around while you showed us your remarkable vintage collection of posters, photographs and records (among other rock and roll memorabilia), and rejoice in your fantastic stories of a fantastic life. I will always treasure the guitar pick that you kindly gave to me (the same one that Keith Richards gave to you), and will always remember your kindness and hospitality. You will be truly missed my friend. Godspeed (When the music´s over turn out the lights)

You did it again Gilbert. What a great story full of interesting facts. I did not know the struggle they had because they were a trio, so it could be said that in that area they paved the way for the power trio. I love their treble sound, so typical of that period. In Mexico, those songs were very popular and still are. "I want candy" has a spanish version called "Quiero dulce" and also "Hang on, Sloopy" by the McCoys, which by the way, the title is "Es Lupe, Lupita mi amor". Here are two spanish versions of "Hang on, Sloopy", one Mexican (Los Teen Tops) and one Colombian (Los Yetis), which I like more because of the sound and energy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORdwS6GQX60 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miOJOzE3KM4 Saludos

What a great article. To think that this Spanish teacher was responsible for what is now a standard practice in the music business. What a great teacher, so committed to his students that he took the time and the few resources that he had to make it easier for them to learn. This story also speaks volumes about the man that John Lennon was, staying true to his promises (I can easily understand not keeping the last one). Thanks Gilbert for sharing another great story. Gracias Señor Carrión. Saludos

It always makes me smile when I see someone's surprised expression when they listen to early Bee Gees music. Same thing happens with Fleetwood Mac and Supertramp. Thanks again GIlbert for another fascinating story. Saludos

Never imagined you writing about rap. I think rap is a genuine form of expression that utilizes music and grooves as a vehicle to deliver. I´ts not music in the traditional sense that we may know it to be, but some artists do innovate. I always thought of Peter Tosh´s rambling in the middle of Bob Marley´s song "Get up, Stand up", as one of the very first examples of what would later be known as rap. Thanks again Gilbert for challenging us with another great article. Saludos

"The lead guitar wasn´t the star???". How unbelievable is that. Being a lead guitarist myself, I can tell you, lead guitarists always get the girls, it never fails. So it seems amazing there was once a time when lead guitarists were just another fuzzy member of the band. Great article, as always Gilbert. You got me thinking that The Shadows were perhaps the first guitar group from England, copying the concept of the Ventures. Another early great guitarist that I also loved was Eddie Cochran. I just love his attitude with the guitar. He just plugged in and started strumming those powerful chords while he sang. It´s a shame he died so young in a tragic accident. The Who did a great cover of Summertime Blues. It just goes to show you what a great guitar song it really was. Wow, your article really got me thinking of a lot of the great early guitarists. It´s not easy being an innovator, and you make that very clear in this article Sir. Thanks again for another great one. Saludos

Great article about a great artist. After reading it there is no doubt that Jim Marshall is the definitive rock and roll photographer, who left the guidelines that all present and future rock photographers must follow (much like the beatles for every rock and roll band). Thanks for sharing the intimate stories and allowing us to glimpse not only the artist but also the man himself. Final comment: As far as regrets go, not going to that concert (one of the last featuring Duane Allman) would be pretty high on anyone´s list of regrets. Keep sharing the stories. Saludos

Having been born in 1970, I never had the opportunity of listening to Piper when literally nobody had ever recorded anything like it, but still, the first time I heard it I was blown away by it´s music and lyrics. It evoked something I couldn´t put my finger on. From start to finish it is an outstanding album, I want to say this again, an outstanding album (and I say this because I remember clearly that we used to sit around and listen to albums as a complete work of art and today millenials, with their itunes, spotify, etc. don´t have the patience to do that). Thanks once again Gilbert for another great article and for sharing this wonderfull experience of listening Piper at the gates of dawn for the very first time when nothing like it had ever been recorded before. Saludos

Thanks again Gilbert for this great article and for shedding some light in yet another influence in rock and roll. The great thing about jug band music is that anybody could play it (or at least try to play it). It didn´t involve spending large amounts of money to acquire instruments and equipment, and that spread to rock and roll (at least in it´s earliest conception). Truly an art form that has maintained it´s purity throughout the years. Saludos

Great article/essay, great song. Thanks Gilbert for shedding some light on the origins of the song and especially on the composer. It seems to me this was a good man with high moral standards, a man who valued life. You definitely changed the way I will listen to this song from now on. Thanks again Gilbert.

Thanks so much for sharing these stories. Talk about the ultimate VIP, having the Rolling Stones play just for you.