Q&A Sessions
Rick Vito, September 6 - 19, 1999
Page 2

OK...Here's a performance question for you Rick. I'm in a small local rock band, and I know, on a small scale, what it feels like right before a show. Sometimes it's pressure, sometimes it's all fun, and sometimes it's nervousness that takes over. My question: From the many varied viewpoints of your career, past and present, what's it like for Rick Vito to walk out on stage? What is going through your head when you're backstage at a large arena and you can hear the cheering crowd, and the lights drop? Specifically, I would be interested to hear the contrasting situations of touring with Fleetwood Mac, Bonnie Raitt, Stevie Nicks, Eric Clapton, etc. What was it like backstage, and on stage, during the first Fleetwood Mac show that you did back in '87? What's it like before your solo performances? I know from my own band that the "pre-show thing" becomes a little "matter of fact" after a while, and I'm sure that when you get into the grind of a long tour, the same thing happens in the big time too. But there have to be some moments that stand out. (John Olszewski, Pound Ridge, New York, USA

Hi. You sort of answered it being sometimes fun, sometimes pressured, sometimes nerve-wracking. Generally it's far more easy to go onstage as a member of an ensemble than when doing the solo bit. We were all nervous before the first Mac show but when we saw the incredible reaction we got from the fans, the nervousness evaporated quickly. I'm more concerned about making awful mistakes during the first week of any tour. Then your confidence naturally builds up. I'm sure it's much the same on all levels.

Rick, you have worked with a lot of wonderful musicians in your career so far who obviously really appreciate your talent. I was wondering if there are any artists that you would really love to work with in the future? (Shane, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

To tell the truth, the thing that would give me the biggest kick at this stage would be to have a hit on my own or with my own group. I'm visualizing this at the moment, and would appreciate anyone else who would send good thoughts that way for me. Thanks

Thank you VERY much for responding to my previous volley of questions. Another one popped into my head after reading your response to someone else's question. There was all the hoo-hah at the end of the Behind The Mask tour when both Stevie & Christine publicly announced their "leaving" the band. Granted you want to keep the reason you left private, but I was wondering if there ever was talk of Fleetwood Mac carrying on as a quartet , with you, Billy, Mick & John??? That seemed like an exciting prospect from my view at the time. (Steve Denison, Long Beach, California, USA)

Hello again, Yes, I thought we were going to do that, but Mick and John changed their minds. We did do a couple of private gigs, just the four of us, and it was really great! Too bad.

Hello Mr. Vito, You first knocked me out in the early 70's, when I saw you with the John Mayall band in a little college here in "cowhampshire",great show, you cooked!...I went to see Bonnie Raitt at meadowbrook farm this summer,and when you walked out on stage I turned to my friend, and said "that guy looks like Rick Vito, who I saw back in the early 70's"- he said "your crazy,that guy looks too young"(that's for your wife Rick). It was a great show,your tone was delicious, and your playing fit like a glove! not all "sidemen" can fit that description! I jumped up and bought "Pink and Black" on the spot,excellent! You are a "tastemaster", much like you know who! No real question here, I just wanted the chance to thank you for sharing you musical heart with us all these years,in all the incarnations... hope to see you back in New Hampshire soon,b'b'que's on me.. (J.K.Constantine, Barrington, New Hampshire, USA)

Well I did drag my wife in here to read your excellent comments as you suggested. Now she refers to me as "Mr. Big-head"! Thank you very much.

Hey Rick, just me again! Thinking back over your tenure with Fleetwood Mac, what are some of your most positive memories? Do you have any regrets during that time or during your entire career so far? Thanks again for doing this!!! (Shane, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada)

Hi. I have mostly positive memories of the whole experience. The phone call from Mick inviting me to play, the first recording dates, the MGM Grand plane, writing with Stevie, not getting booed off the stage when Billy and I first joined. Regrets I'll keep to myself.

Rick Vito, tentative album cover to Blues Town

Hi Rick, it's the dollar sign comment guy again. I do have a question this time. I'm learning to play the guitar, hoping to be as good as you one day. Anyway, I managed to learn a few chords and wanted to get another guitar, perhaps a telecaster. I love the sound of this guitar. Just wanted to know what you think of the telecaster and if you think it would be a good guitar to get. And while I'm at it, the pink and black dollar sign guitar, is that a custom job??? I love that guitar! Where can I get it??? Thanks again for your time. (David Gaines, Norwalk, California, USA)

Hi again, Yes I love Telecasters too. I have had a whole slew of them over the years, and for awhile would play nothing else. The most important thing is to get one that plays well. The pickups can always be changed until you find the ones you like (I recommend Seymour Duncan vintage style). There is only the prototype of the P&B guitar. I call it the "Streamliner" and I hope to market it sometime soon through a major guitar company. No deal has been made yet though. Keep checking my website for info on this. Thanks.

Hi Rick! Thank you so much for kindly answering my earlier questions. I read that you inspired the title to Behind the Mask by bringing several masks into rehearsal one day. Is this true? If so, what prompted you to do so? Do you collect masks or was it just for fun? Also, I had heard that the cover to that album was symbolic of each of the band members. Which character is you? (Tracy G., Stockbridge, Georgia, USA)

Hi, "Behind the mask" were part of the lyrics to one of Christine's songs. We agonized over a title for close to a year and would write suggestions on a big chalkboard in the recording studio. I liked the title because I thought it sounded mysterious and eventually the others did too, except Stevie. She thought it meant we were hiding something. I went down to Melrose Ave. and bought 6 or 7 folk masks to be used in a photo shoot we were doing for the tour book. One photo wound up being the cover of the record. I still own that mask. It was all just a theme thing, no big deal. However, I did not like the album cover with the "symbolic" characters. I don't know where that idea came from but it was not intended that way. I was voted down on that one. There were much better choices in my opinion. That record should have made every attempt to strengthen our identity by showing who we were "behind the mask", but it wound up being too mysterious after all.

Thank you again for taking time out of your day to answer our questions...I was just wondering...You said.."I love playing to audiences that appreciate the music."...What do you think about us "rabid" FM/Stevie fans? Do your audiences differ from artist to artist are they always different and unique or do they all seem to be about the same? (LauraTN, Tennessee)

Hi, In my opinion, Fleetwood Mac audiences were the best. You could really tell that they were with you 100%. I really miss playing to them. Of course other artists I work with have wonderful, supportive fans also, but I will always hold the Mac fans close to heart.

Hello, Rick! First of all, I would like to praise your first Solo album... it was wonderful!!! You are much better than Lindsey, I must admit. And the blues guitar!!! WHEW! Anyway, I have a few questions. Where can I obtain the Pink and Black SINGLE? Also, how long have you been married? Do you ever sign autographs through the mail??? (Anonymous)

Thank you for your nice comments, but I assure you, I can't even begin to fingerpick like Lindsey can. He's really great in his way. Happily married 16 years. Check my website in a couple weeks for an address where you can send for CDs and autographs, if you like. http://www.rickvito.com/

Thanks Rick for being so generous to answer not only my questions, but everyone's questions. Anyway, people ask this of many musicians so I hope you don't mind if I ask this of you. If you were stranded on a deserted island, what 7 songs would you take with you? (Ali, Montgomery Township, Pennsylvania, USA)

"Do The Clam", "Shake, Shake, Hula Baby", "I'm Just Coca-nuts For You", "Cool, Clear Water", "Theme To The Poseidon Adventure", "Somewhere Beyond The Sea", "Mermaid Baby Blues".

I recall seeing you in the late '70's at the Golden Bear in Huntington Beach, Ca one night when you opened for John Mayall (who had Harvey Mandel on guitar at the time). A couple of questions to really jog the memory files of your grey matter. 1) The red telecaster you were playing at that time had some sort of palm-pedal near the bridge (looked like a miniature wah-wah mounted on the guitar). Was that similar to a "B"-bender type gizmo? And do you have either that guitar or a guitar fitted with that same type thing today? and 2) If you can remember, who were the other members of your band then?? (Steve Denison, Long Beach, California, USA)

Man, you sure have a mind for details. I remember that gig. John Mayall met his wife Maggie there that night. My '55 red Tele had a B string-bender on it that a guy named Richard Bowden (Pinkerd & Bowden) made for me. I was fooling around with some country-ish music having worked with McGuinn and it gave me some playing options in that direction. I have one that mounts on or off any guitar that I used with FM when I played slide guitar on a number or two. Wish I still had that guitar but I became guitarded and sold it. The band included Peter Bunetta, Rick Chudakoff, Arno Lucas, and a great keyboard player called G.T. who unfortunately passed away from cancer. They were all in a band called Crackin', and had a record on Warners.

Hi Rick...I have heard rumours (gossip, not the album =)) and seen shirts from the Tango tour with my home town on the back, Las Cruces,NM... do u remember if in fact you did play here? and if so how did you like it? we are are still a smaller community than most but its a big Blues town...next time your out on the road stop by, we'd love to see you play...Thank you... (Joshua Nothom, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA)

Hi, Yeah I think we did play there. Hope to see you too.

Hi Rick! I'd just like to say you completely blew me away when I saw you with the Mac during your Dublin show in 1990, I think you are a world class guitarist - I hope your wife will forgive me for making your head a little bit bigger! I just have a couple question about that tour - did you know at the beginning of the tour that it would be Stevie and Christine's last, or did they make that decision during the tour? What was the atmosphere like when they made the decision - did you guys resent them for it? I loved King of Hearts by the way! (Aine Foley, Dublin, Ireland)

Hi Aine, I love Dublin and definitely remember that gig. I kept watching as the crowd hoisted up kid after kid who had passed out from the heat, like a conveyor belt moving bodies off to the side where the medical crew was waiting. I was there last year again with Bonnie Raitt and had a wonderful time. There's a guy who plays guitar on the street (that really famous shopping street--you know) and he's got piano keys mounted on his guitar. So he doesn't strum the strings with his right hand, he taps the piano keys and makes this incredible sound. If you see him tell him I said hi. Chris I think began to feel like she didn't want to keep touring once we got out there on that tour. Then Stevie said she was leaving too. The atmosphere was confusing. I think we talked a little about the men continuing on and returning to a bluesier sound (if the women left), but sadly that didn't happen . Thanks so much for your nice comments.

Hi, Rick, I saw you at my first Mac (and first) concert in 1987 in Detroit. I remember your "Stop Messin' Around" performance, and after the concert my Dad said that for him it was the highlight of the show! For me, it had a lot of soul!! My question is: What did/do you think of John McVie's style of playing?. Was he easy to work with and what do you think of your collaborations?. Did you all get along? (Yolande, Michigan, USA)

Hi, Thank your dad for me. I got a big kick out of doing the bluesy material back then and it's nice to know that people remember it and appreciated it. McVie is a world-class bassist, very easy going and solid at the same time. We got along well, but in retrospect I can see that we could have communicated more. In general I think there's always room for more communication between people, especially when you're working and/or living together. Thanks.

Hi, Rick! I have two major questions for you, though I'm sure I could think of dozens. First, I know you co-wrote "Paper Doll" with Stevie, but you and Billy did sing and play on it too, right? I also think you sing and/ or play on Chris's two songs -- is that true? Second, I respect your privacy regarding questions related to your departure from the band, and I hope this doesn't invade your privacy, but I am curious about the timeline. Specifically, were you still an official member of the band during the recording for the box set or did you "come back," like Stevie and Chris, to participate. Also, I saw FM's appearance in the pre-game festivities of the 1993 Super Bowl. Since this was after everyone's solo projects in 1992, did your departure come after this event, or was it a reunion of sorts? Thank you so much for taking the time to answer everyone's questions -- you are admired by many! (Jonathan Donahue, New York City, New York, USA)

Hi, We originally cut "Paper Doll" at the same time we cut "As Long As You Follow" for the "Greatest Hits" record. I don't think Mick liked it too much at the time and we recorded something else of Stevie's instead. Years later after I was gone they came upon that track, and by then Mick and the others thought it sounded pretty good. I loved the track, which I wrote with my friend John Herron. Stevie added words and melody later. The Super Bowl thing was put together by Billy Burnette who asked me to do it. I really didn't feel comfortable doing it at first since I was not in the band at the time, but Billy really wanted me to. That's the last time I played with the Mac as a group. Take care.

Hi Rick! This is my first time sending in a question. I'd like to first say that I think you are a really talented musician. I first became a Stevie/Mac fan in 1983. So when it came time for the Mac to tour again in support of Tango, I was sad to learn that Lindsey was leaving. However, Tango was my first Mac tour and I must say what a great show is was. It was held at the Capital Center (now known as the USAir Arena) in Largo, Maryland on Oct. 8, 1987. The Rolling Stone review of that tour was from that show actually. I remember the picture of you, Billy and Stevie. It was a positive review. I enjoyed the hell out of that show. I thought you and Billy were a fine addition to the mighty Mac. Then "Behind The Mask" comes out in 1990. I'll even go as far to say that I think it's a better album as a whole than Tango In the Night is. I enjoyed all 3 of your songs, "Love Is Dangerous", "When The Sun Goes Down" and "Stand On the Rock. One of my questions is, were you pleased with the amount of songs that were chosen to perform live on the Mask tour. At first, it seemed like only 2 songs from Mask were being played....with others being added later. It would have been nice to hear more from that album. Also, I know you probably have no say over this, but I just want to mention it. I can speak for a lot of fans when I say, it's long overdue that Fleetwood Mac put out some kind of video compilation. Do you have any idea when that may happen, or would you be willing to put your two cents in to Mick or Warner Bros.? Us fans would really love to have all the videos from Tusk through Paper Doll. You and Billy are a part of at least 3 videos I can think of, "Save Me", "Skies the Limit" and "Paper Doll". I'll keep my fingers crossed. Also, I have "King Of Hearts". I have not played it in a while, but I do remember enjoying it. "Honey Love" comes to mind. I have yet to purchase "Pink and Black". To be honest, I didn't know you had another CD out, but it's on my list to get. And least but not least, I had the privilege of meeting you in 1994 after one of Stevie's Street Angel shows. It was in PA. I forget exactly where. I had my picture taken with you and you signed my ticket. I'm sure you don't remember that, but I just wanted to mention it. I know I didn't have a lot of questions, but I just wanted to take the time to say hi and thank you for your years in Fleetwood Mac. Best of luck in the future. Thank you! (Travis, Maryland, USA)

Hi, I appreciate all of your sentiments. Thank you. The video compilation is an interesting idea. I'm afraid my "two-cents worth" would be out of the question though, I'm still waiting on a call back from Warners since 1992. Hope to see you out there again.

Hello Rick, thank you for lending your time to this Q&A. I'm wondering what you like about both the recording aspect of your job and the live performance part. Which do you prefer and how do they differ for you? And while I have you, 'Behind The Mask' is a wonderfully produced, yet wholly underrated Mac album. Christine really branched out with her use of keyboards, were you working with sequences during the sessions? (Doug LeVasseur, Providence, Rhode Island, USA)

Hi, For me it's always a balancing act of sorts because I love to do both. Too much of either without a break can get old too, so ideally you record then go play it live, record again, and so on. My best playing has been in live settings because you feed off of the audience and use the creative side of the brain more easily. I'd miss either if it were taken away and I hope I can keep doing both till I drop. Thanks for your comment on "Behind The Mask". As I recall, Chris pretty much played her parts without sequencing. She's an excellent player with great keyboard ideas.

Hi Rick! I have very clear memories of the Fmac BTM show in Manchester UK in '90. One question...who thought up the intro piece where 'In The Back Of My Mind' segues into 'The Chain'? By the way...well done for the seamless transition following a 'broken string' incident during 'Stop Messing Around' solo!!! (Fred Coppie, Pica, Cumbria, UK)

Hi Fred, Manchester is a great place. That segue probably happened at a rehearsal. I don't have specific memory of its' origins. Broken strings at the high point of a solo feels like your belt just broke and your pants might fall down around your knees any second. If I pulled it off it was a miracle. Thanks.

Hi Rick!!! Thanks for doing this Q&A session!!! I just bought Tango in the Night the live concert video, and WOW!!! You're amazing!! Your versions of "The Chain," and "Oh Well" were the best I've heard yet!! My question is, Who would you most like to co-write a song with?? Thanks! (Heather D., Binghamton, New York, USA)

Hi, Thanks, you're very kind. I think the Tango video holds up fairly well after all these years. Right now I guess I'd like a co-write with Ricky Martin. Just kidding. Probably Keith Richards. Can you get in touch with him for me? 

Hi Rick! Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions. I have to say that when the news broke that Lindsey was leaving the band in '87 and he was being replaced, I was skeptical, could these new guys do it. The answer was yes! And do it very well at that. I was unable to get to a "Tango" show but I did see the "Behind The Mask" tour. I was mad at the time because the show was postponed due to the death of Christine's father. The show (in Hartford CT) was well worth the wait. I have to say that you and Billy added a whole other dimension to the sound of the band, you brought along the blues, Billy brought a country element and along with the classic Mac sound a new chapter was written unlike the 1995 line-up which added next to nothing. I think the "Mask" shows were far more diverse than the average Mac concert and in some ways better than the recent reunion tour. Stevie didn't seem to into it at the Hartford show, but Christine seemed to be having a blast. My favorite part of the show was "Stop Messin' Around" which you all did a great job on, Christine seemed to really enjoy that one. Finally, the songs you wrote with Stevie are among my favorites from that time. Thanks again! (Allen Chapman, Stafford Springs, Connecticut, USA)

Hi Allen, Well, thank you for saying all those incredible things. Doing this Q&A has reminded me of so many tiny details that I'd forgotten about. It makes me feel really good to know that the era that I was in the band has not been entirely forgotten. Keep rockin'!

Hi Rick, Thanks for taking the time. I was wondering if you had any plans to try and conquer England as sadly your recordings are very difficult to get hold off. I have Kings of Hearts and I am patiently waiting for a copy of Pink & Black to be located for me. On The Chain box set did you play on Love Shines and Heart Of Stone and what was the studio atmosphere like. I thought it was a great shame that you left Fleetwood Mac but I hope to hear many new songs and a couple of appearances in the UK. Take Care. (Neil O'Donoghue, Surrey, England)

Hi Neil, Sorry my records are hard to find over there. I'm hoping that I can make a deal for distribution in Europe soon. Also, I think I'm going to be able to offer "Pink & Black" for sale through my website very soon. Check in on http://www.rickvito.com/ in a week or two. I did not play on the songs you mentioned. "Paper Doll" and all the others I was featured on were done prior to the release of "Behind The Mask". Thanks for your interest.

King Of Hearts - Rick Vito

I noticed in old interview videos and even in the songs from Behind the Mask that you and Stevie wrote together and Christine and Billy wrote together. In many of the pictures and in interviews, you are also segregated in this way. Was there a reason for this? I was wondering if maybe Stevie and Billy didn't get along very well, or if your personalities seemed to diverge in this manner. I noticed it a lot of times and wondered how that affected group unity Thanks. (Laura, Richmond, Virginia, USA)

Hi, Everyone got along fine, there was no segregation. I wrote with Billy and Stevie and passed along ideas to Chris too, but it just happened that nothing came of those. Whatever you might have seen in photos was pure coincidence. Thanks.

Hello Rick! Kind of neat that I get to write to you directly like this~ thank you for doing this, and thank you Marty for making it possible! I have gotten to see you on a few video shows, and I treasure Behind the Mask and King Of Hearts! I have to say seeing you play on songs such as Stand On The Rock and Save Me was wonderful! Thank you for being a part of the Fleetwood Mac history! I heard the talk that one day Peter Green, Mick, John and maybe Lindsey would one day play together. Would you want to join in? I think THAT would be wonderful! Second, a follow up question to the question about making a video . . . you mentioned that you didn't have a call back from Warners, but maybe you could be our representative to Mick! We fans would LOVE to have a composite video of all FM music~ sort of a Chain Video box set! It would sell, there is no doubt about it. I understand Stevie Nicks is currently working on a new CD. Do you have any inside information about it? Having heard the magic of you and Stevie singing on Desiree and Intuition, I definitely think somehow you would be great working on each other's CDs! If you wish to share, who was the song Desiree written about? Finally, is your wife in the music business? It is wonderful to hear you speak about her! Seems clear you have a soul mate. Thank you Rick for taking the time to read all of this! :o) (Susan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA)

Hi, Thanks for your interest. I don't really hear from any of the Mac now. I ran into Mick a couple of times since '92 and worked one show (The '93 Superbowl pre-game concert) with them. Also I did Stevie's Street Angel tour in '94. I don't know what else I could say other than it was really great while it lasted, I'm thankful for it, and I wish them the very best. The reason I've stayed married for over sixteen years is because my dear wife is NOT in show business. Having my family has been the greatest blessing of my life. Take care.

Hi Rick, thank you so very much for doing this Q&A session - it has been very interesting. First, I would like to say that I think you are an outstanding guitarist, and I also think you have a beautiful voice - I really enjoyed seeing you performing with Bonnie Raitt in your various TV appearances over the past year. I loved your harmony with her on "One Belief Away." Anyway, to my question - when you and Billy joined the Mac, I think a lot of people expected Stevie and Billy to collaborate a lot because of their similar country and rockabilly influences, and because they both have what I consider to be similar voice timbres (both kind of raw sounding - and I mean that in a GOOD way). <> In the same respect, I think many people expected you and Chris to collaborate a lot for the same reasons - both of you are very blues influenced, and your voice timbres are very similar very smooth, fluid, and melodic. This is why I find Behind the Mask so interesting, as it appears that Billy and Chris ended up singing a LOT with each other, as well as co-writing a song, and you and Stevie sang a lot together, as well as writing together. I'm curious as to the reasons for this; did you and Stevie (and Billy and Chris) find that for some reason you just "clicked" with each other, or did you find the mixture of the different voice qualities made for a much more interesting sound, or that you had similar songwriting styles, or did it just "happen?" Sorry this got to be so long winded, but I've been thinking about it for a while now. Also, my fave song on the album is "When the Sun Goes Down." Your name is listed first as writer - does that mean you were the primary writer, moreso than Billy? I'm curious because it is of a style I would expect to hear more from Billy than you - also, do the two of you trade off on the lead vocals (I think so)? Finally (as you breathe a big sigh of relief, I'm sure :o), just a comment - I love your solo in "Save Me," and your solo in "As Long As You Follow" is absolutely breathtaking! Thank you for the music! (Lori Aimino, Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA)

Hi, Thank you for the compliments. Chris was more familiar musically with Billy than with me and it probably just happened that they naturally wound up collaborating. I handed her a couple of ideas but she probably was deep in collaboration with her husband Ed at the time and that's where her focus was. I did start the song "When The Sun Goes Down". I wrote the initial chorus (the repeating part of the song) and thought because it has kind of a Rockabilly feel it would be a good one to collaborate on with Billy. We both love the rootsy rockabilly thing. Yes we do trade off lead vocals throughout the song. When we had our record release party with Warner Bros., that song got an incredible round of applause. I saw later that Warners was probably going to concentrate on Stevie or Christine's songs, so nothing ever became of it as far as a single or a push from them.

"As Long As You Follow" contains my favorite solo that I did with FM. I think it sounds a little like Peter, but it has a certain something that conveys emotion, which I like

Hi Rick, lookout it's the long-winded one again. I promise to keep it shorter this time! Now that I've asked my musical question, I'm curious about some personal stuff, if that's okay. You mentioned that you've been married for 16 years - congratulations! I'm curious as to how you and your wife met (especially since you mentioned how John Mayall met his wife at a show that you both played at - did you and your wife meet under similar circumstances?). I'm a very family-oriented person (expecting baby #3 as we speak), so I'm wondering also if you have children and if so, how you deal with having to leave them when you're touring? Or do you ever have the opportunity to take them along? Again, congratulations on such a long and happy marriage - it does a person's heart good to hear of such things, which seem to be rather rare these days, particularly in the entertainment business. I wish you many more years of happy family life and successful music-making! If you ever play Pittsburgh, I'll be sure to be there! :o) (Lori Aimino, Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA)

Hi again, I appreciate your interest, but I would feel more comfortable in not discussing the personal details of my family life. I have a wife and kids and they are wonderful. Thanks.

I first heard of you when I got the TANGO IN THE NIGHT video, and loved your playing and singing. It brought back the blues feeling that had disappeared from the group for many years. Two questions. Do you have any particular favorite recorded tracks featuring your guitar playing? And do you have any particular hobbies (assuming you have time when you're not playing and taking care of family)? I appreciate your kindness and sense of humor in this Q&A session, so a facetious question - how about a reunion of ALL the Fleetwood Mac guitarists? Maybe do a 90 minute jam on "Oh Well". (Pat Conolly, San Francisco, California, USA)

Hi Pat, Thanks for the compliments--you Mac fans are the nicest people. Some of my favorite guitar solos are on: "Tender Is The Night" and "For A Rocker" from Jackson Browne's "Lawyers In Love", "Like A Rock" by Bob Seger (you guys sick of that TV commercial yet?), "As Long As You Follow" from F Mac Greatest Hits, "Walkin' With The Deco Man" from my "King Of Hearts" CD, and "I Loved Another Woman" from "Pink & Black". Hobbies...hmmm.... you mean like butterfly collecting? I draw and paint and design things like my coffee table and stage jackets and guitars. Ninety minutes of "Oh Well" might send me to the loony bin, but it's quite an idea.

Since this is my last day that I'm able to send in questions, since I'll be off line until after the Q&A period is over, I have a couple of more to grill you with. Other than seeing you occasionally playing a Telecaster, you seem to have a preference for custom-made or 'boutique' guitars (i.e. your "Streamliner"...which is really cool looking and sounding!) . I was wondering if you've played a Rick Turner Model 1 and, if so, what your thoughts are of them. When reading the article about you on the Gibson website (or an article that was linked from there), there was mention of a new CD of yours that was available (this was between "King Of Hearts" & "Pink and Black")...what happened to that disc? Were some of the tracks used for "Pink & Black"?? and finally...(I swear!)...if you find yourself getting so busy that you have to turn down gigs, would you toss a couple my way?? Thanks! ;-) Once again, to say "thank you" is too much of an understatement for the valuable time you've spent answering our questions. The best of wishes to you in all your endeavors and I'm looking forward (as is my beautiful fiancée, Susan) to hearing more of your music in the near future! As you've told us all, here's a "backatcha".....KEEP ROCKIN'!!!! (Steve Denison, Long Beach, California, USA)

Hello again, My e-mailbox is surely going to be a very lonely place without any more communication from you , Steve. Best wishes to you and your fiancée as you travel the hills and valleys of wedded bliss. I've never played a Rick Turner guitar although I would like to try one of those odd-shaped ones with the horseshoe magnet pickups on it. The Gibson article talked about a record called "Blues Town" which was most of "Pink & Black" before it got picked up by Wildcat Records. Most of the same songs are on it. I deleted some and added some new ones. "Blues Town" was never released commercially. The few people who have a copy have insured them and put them away for their retirement! Take care, Steve D.--au revoir.