In the fall of 1968, my friend Ricky and I were enjoying his birthday gift from his grandmother, a brand new olive green Shelby Cobra. We had Steppenwolf's Born to be Wild blaring from the car's radio as we roared out of Killeen for Waco, Texas. We were two adventurous fifteen year old lads having fun! I remember the look of Ricky's smile and laughter like it was just yesterday. Since he was so young (and may not have had a driver's license), we mainly took the back roads and I even got to drive that hot car.
Ricky and I had a jam band and we would often go to the Fort Hood Army base to rent sound studio time, which was free to military personnel. As an Army brat, I was privileged to obtain this service as well as renting all kinds of musical instruments for free. We would practice in Ricky's garage after school and had fun playing teen club parties.
We listened to all types of music and learned the chords of popular artists like Steve Miller. Living in the USA had just come out and I really dug the cadence of the song. The pop sound at the time was changing and American musicians were getting more respect since the British Invasion took over the world so creatively. The L.A. based band, Spirit was leading the way with their dramatic and unique artistic flare so when they were going to perform in Waco, Ricky and I had to see them. It was my very first concert!
The show was held at the old convention center and Spirit was there with other bands (which I do not remember). We were the only people in the audience who didn't light up. Seeing my hero, Randy California, sing back up and play his lead guitar put me in a state of pandemonium and a natural high. I was mesmerized by his guitar talent and the quality of his songs. After a instrumental intro, out of the wings came lead singer Jay Ferguson and the music really kicked into high gear when suddenly, he falls off the stage. For a few moments the music stopped then up hobbling and limping onto the stage, Jay began singing. They played three more songs then Jay called it quits since he was too hurt by the fall. Randy stepped up to sing and played his ass off. Wow! I was so impressed with the music these guys were playing...LIVE!! Spirit became my favorite band even today and were influential in my songwriting abilities. I have been listening to Mechanical World, Fresh Garbage, I Got a Line On You, 1984, Mr. Skin...you have the world at your finger tips. I will listen to Randy California's guitar licks 'till I die!
In the late seventies, Spirit played at Liberty Hall in Houston. I got the word out to my circle of friends and about eight of us loaded up into two vehicles. Back then before the internet, you bought concert tickets at the door so you would arrive early for best seating then have your hand stamped so you could go in and out of the venue as you pleased. After we secured our seats, I motioned to my friend Eric Hayes to follow me outside for a smoke. (Eric was a friend who I met early in my travels to Ecuador. During this time, he was in Texas to find a job in Austin as a motorcycle mechanic.) As we were about to light up, out of a back door pops my hero Randy California! He also came out to smoke and asked us about Houston. We must have talked for about ten minutes then Eric passed him some punta rojo from Columbia. Randy then changed the subject to Peru, Ecuador and Columbia. He wanted to visit those countries someday.
Randy was in a happy mood and had a cool Afro. He thanked us for the buzz then walked into the hall. We followed, took our seats, then told our other friends our story who did not believe us at first.
That night was really special and all of us got a treat with a performance of Twelve Dreams of Dr. Sardonicus. I can't think of another American band ever to have such originality and Spirit was the personification of the great seventies bands. It's too bad that great bands break up. At one time, Randy almost formed a band with Jimi Hendrix! They were friends so Jimi gave Randy Wolfe his new last name as 'California'. If you were fortunate to have seen these guys live, you indeed saw the best. Randy California, Ed Cassidy, Mark Andes, John Locke, and Jay Ferguson will live in infamy.
If Randy California was alive today (he died in 1997), I would like to think that he would remember me and my stories. Just think...I got to meet Randy and had a smoke with him!!!
Thank you for reading my story. You can read other original tales from my life experiences at www.calvinballimusic.com.
Cal
NOTE: The attached photo rights belong to their respective owners.