Steve's Music

[hossenpepper]

I have been a fan of Steve's writing since I was a little kid and read 'Salem's Lot. I am ashamed to admit though that for some reason until recently I was unaware Steve had this band (RBRs) or that he was a guitar player. I feel like a failure as a fan. However, I must also say that I haven't been one to track him down or research this stuff either as i have always taken a a purist approach to him as a writer. I didn't WANT to know a lot about him. I didn't want to read him in these stories. I wanted to read myself in them. I wanted it to be presented as a story without preconceptions.

All that aside. Does anyone know where there is more info on the rig that Steve uses? His guitars? How good is he? A rhythm guy or can he rip some leads? How long has been playing? Does he wanna jam some time? LOL

For some reason I find this more fascinating in a way than him as a writer, though I suspect being a musician myself is why...

[Moderator]

Stephen was in a band when he was in high school so has been playing the guitar for quite some time but is still working at improving his skills. The first tour the band did was called Three Chords and an Attitude for a reason! He has not played with the band on a regular basis for quite some time now, though, due to his injuries from his accident and a full work schedule. I don't think the band has done any appearances for a while now, though, so I suspect the other members have had to cut back due to their professional obligations as well. He has several different guitars but I'm not sure what brands they all are. Taylor Guitars did a very cool limited which they titled the Cujo guitar, one of which they gave to Steve:

Attachment 5764

[JohnDalglish]

Hi,

In one of the clips I saw him with a very cool looking custom green telecaster-styled electro-acoustic which could well have been a Taylor (lovely guitars!), if he has some connection with him as Ms Mod said.

In his autobiography, Al Kooper (to whom he dedicated HIA ) speaks briefly about being the MD on the RBR's tour and I believe there is a book written by the members about the tour, with photos by Tabby, but I've never managed to check out a copy.

Thankee for the pic and info, Ms Mod (I want one NOW! LOL)

Rock Bottom Remainders

Al Kooper

Taylor Guitars

Long days and pledasant nights

[Moderator]

The book about the tour is Mid-Life Confidential. And that is correct, Tabby took the photos. It's a fun book--I learned a lot reading the stories from other members of the band.

[hossenpepper]

Ms Mod, thanks for the reply and thanks for having me on the board. This was my first thread as I am sure you know. I am still trying to figure it all out.

That is one really cool Taylor. The inlay work is beautiful. I was at a guitar shop many years ago and I knew the owner quite well as he had gotten me started with my first equipment. While I was there, one of the main execs from Taylor popped in for a visit because they were the biggest seller of Taylors in the midwest at the time. It was really cool to listen to him talking about the manufacturing and QC processes they used. The guy talked about the guitars like they were his children.

I saw a photo of Steve performing and it looked like he was using a Gibson SG special (ebony). That is my main guitar as well. I have also seen pics of him using what appeared to be a Fender Strat. I am still just amazed that i had no idea Steve had such a personal passion for music. His love of music is quite pervasive as a literary technique in his stories, but didn't know he was an axe man himself. Is it odd we would speak of Steve being an axe man and it not have to do with horror of some sort? LOL. Maybe if he ever gets a chance he could put up a little more about his personal interest in playing and guiatrs themselves and what his personal collection is. I think it would reveal yet another aspect to this fascinating person and would be great fun as a discussion. I live in the Tampa Bay area too, so maybe if he is bored in the winter, we could have a hootenanny!!

[Bryan James]

Something tells me he just likes to sit back, crank it up, and jam out the rhythm. I'd be surprised if he wasn't a solid bass player, too.

I played. Well. Perhaps again.

~BJS

[Doc Wilson]

cool to see other musicians here. Here's a smattering of my tunes oldest ones at the top, more recent at the bottom:

http://www.docsgarage.com/tunes.htm

[hossenpepper]

Doc,

My favorite part of your site was the comments, especially Lou Reed's. LOL I like the songs. A bit laid back for me, but very well produced. Kind of reminded me of Aldo Nova run through a heavy blues and jazz filter. Interesting. I was in a band myself and we did a mini tour, cut an album and even had a royalty deal with a Kevin Pollak film. The film had contractual issues (I don't know the details) and it basically lead to the release being held up and it going straight to video (which significantly cut our deal). It was what I woudl call heavy alternative/power pop. I don't have a site to share sad to say.

I have seen a bit about teh guitars Steve uses, does anyone know what kind of amps he likes or used with the RBRs? I am an audiophile and equipment lover and am always interested to hear what kind of set up folks use.

I am a hardcore blues man myself and have been really getting into more complex slide work. I prefer a heavy glass slide for most uses, though metal is nice on an electric too. I am currently running a 2003 Gibson SG Special (Ebony) through a Marshall MG50fx. It's a sweet little amp that will certainly blow some windows out if cranked. It has a great solid state crunch, but you can also get a great warm tube sound out of it too, which is great for blues and classic rock. I also have a Vox and a small Crate amp. I also own a '76 Ibanez Musician, a Martin Sigma acoustic and an Alvarez Yairi DY62C Ecoustic. My next purchase is going to most likely be a Rickenbacker or a Gibson ES335.

I moved to Florida abotu 6 years ago and haven't played in a band or anything since, but I play every day. I kind of miss it. I saw Ms Mod mention Steve was in a band in HS. Anyone know what it was called? I would love to find out if there are any old garage tapes of that. Bet those would be worth a penny or two, regardless of how good or bad they might be. Not to mention it would be very interesting to listen to as well.

Anyway, verbosity is taking me. Thanks again for having me on the board and it's nice to talk to other with such specific interests that match my own.

[hossenpepper]

Ya, I can see that...

[hossenpepper]

Did anyone have any more info on Steve's gear? Specifically his amps, and other equipment besides his guitars? Sorry if this is a boring topic to most, but being a musician and knowing the influence on Steve's writing, it just seems like good stuff to know.