Re: Buddy Rich
When I was a senior in high school "1975" being the president of the band and a great friend of my band director, we had the honor of the great "Buddy Rich"
perform at our high school.
I remember Mr Rich saying one night on "The Tonight Show" that he did not play as many clubs but high schools as far as his touring went.
Here is my rememberance and tale of that great event in my life.
The band arrived and we had the dressing rooms set up. One for the band and one for Mr Rich. He didn't seem to care. The band set up on two risers the school provided. Mr Rich on this concert was set up on the floor, stage right of the band. He was useing Slingerland drums. The white marine Pearl. Snare,mounted tom , two floor toms. We all know the setup. I thought it odd that he was useing a speed king pedal with Slingerland Drums but ?? That's what it was. I saw it with my own eyes.
Before the concert he was signing autographs, so I got mine and as i did a young band director from a middle school commented from behind the others waiting for autographs, " I would have liked to have a drum lesson from you but i could not afford $100 a half hour" . Well' that obviously was the wrong thing to say!!! I bet Buddy would have like to tell the guy "Let's Take It outside"!!
Mr Rich immidiately stood up and left the autograph signing.
He went outside the dressing room adjoining the stage and I will never forget this. . Buddy was throwing practice side kicks at his manager with in a millimeter of his face. I remember his mgr saying,"ok man, thats close enough".
I was in martial arts for years and now looking back, Buddy was snapping those kicks . In hard sole type shoes.
Well, when he started playing, I was fortunate enough to be within 16 feet of him on the side of the stage. His playing was solid and precise. I was so amazed. Technique was amazeing. I will never forget that experience. I got to shake hands with the Master.
I am so humbled and still.......
Mr Rich, will always live in my memory and Drum History.
Ludwig Classic Maple vintage 1980 Silver Sparkle
Ludwig Classic Maple vintage 1960 Gold Sparkle
Ludwig Classic Maple vintage 1968 Champagne Sparkle
Premier Resonators vintage 70's Polychromatic Red
Slingerland 60's Vintage. Vintage Sky Blue Pearl
Slingerland 1972 "Avante" Red
Camco Chanute vintage. 1973 Silver Sparkle
Gretsch Catalina Jazz. Blue Pearl
Sonor Safari. Black Galaxy
Rogers Londoner V vintage. 1977 Silver Mist
Rogers Script Badge 9/72 1972 Black Nitro
Beverley of England 4 piece vintage. Red
Stewart 1966 Black Diamond Pearl MIJ
Vintage Paiste 2002
Vintage Avedis Zildjian
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