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On this page, you'll find some of the interaction we've had here at the Fan Site between Edgar and his fans...as well as some special interviews between the fans and some of Edgar's former famous bandmates from days gone by. Jerry LaCroix, lead vocalist and saxaphonist from the Legendary White Trash days, personally answers some very deep and revealing questions that may surprise you! Chuck Ruff, famous drummer from The Edgar Winter Group (not to mention Sammy Haggar and much more!) has a field day with the fans...revealing what we never knew about the recording of such hits as "Free Ride" and "Frankenstein", live television appearances, and many "behind the scenes" mysteries. Edgar Winter himself digs deep down and personal to answer your questions about his music career, love and marriage, his favorite songs by himself and other artists...and even his favorite foods! We hope you enjoy these insightful interviews...where your favorite stars answer the questions you always wanted to ask!
Edgar Winter
GLMJ asks Edgar:
I've heard that Frakenstein existed way before "They Only Come Out at Night" and was played quite alot when you (EDGAR) used to play with Johnny and it used to be referred to as the "Double Drum" song. I heard it became known as FRANKENSTEIN because it was cut up and edited so much in the studio. Is there a copy of the uncut unedited studio version of this song anywhere? This is a GREAT song and it was the one that started the whole EDGAR experience for me over 25 years ago.
Edgar Winter:
You're absolutely right. It was an untitled song that we recorded without even the intention of including it on the album because it was
so lengthy. It was just our jamming warming up song that we could loosen up on and get to play. It was a situation where we were
trying to edit it and get it down to album length and there were like 40 pieces of tape lying all over the control room, draped over the
backs of chairs, on the couch. We were trying to figure out how to put it all together and Chuck Ruff, the drummer, said "Wow
man...it's like Frankenstein!" Drawing the analogy of an arm here and a leg there and pasting the thing back together, and as soon as
I heard it i said "WOW!! Frankenstein!! That's it!" The monster was born!
As far as there being an existing version of that, I don't know if we did a safety or not. It might be in the CBS vault somewhwere, but I
dont have one. When I rerecorded it for Waynes World 2, we did an unedited version, and I've done many versions of it since.
I wrote the song years earlier with Johnny in mind. He had his blues trio, he played the first half of the set and then said "And now I'd
like to bring on my little brother Edgar" I would come on and we did a couple of blues songs. We did Tobacco Road and a Ray Charles song called Tell the Truth...and I was looking for an instrumental that would sorta showcase my instrumental abilities playing the Hammond B3 , alto sax and doing a dual drum solo with Johnnies drummer, Red Turner. I thought that riff would be something that Johnny would like, something that was appropraite to the blues vibe that was going on. It was simple and repetitive. At the time I was into jazz and I didnt want to do anything too complicated. I thought that was a very simple , bold statement. I wanted something that would be powerful in a live situation. And that's really all I was thinking about when I wrote it. We played it for a year or so, and then stoopped for a year or two. I thought of it with the advent of the synthesizer. I was looking for a powerful kind of instumental to showcase the synthesizer and I thought "Hey, that old Double Drum song was kind of a cool thing". So we started doing it live and it was just one of those things we enjoyed playing. So when we came in to do the record, the first thing we would usually warm up on was Frankenstein, just to loosen up. It was one of the first pieces that I had ever written, right around the same time that I did Entrance. Most people dont know that Johnny and I collaborated on Entrance and that Johnny wrote the majority of the lyrics on Entrance. Frankenstein, or Double Drum song, was around for several years before I ever recorded it. One of the most frequently asked questions I get is if I've ever tired of playing Frankenstein live over the years. I don't tire of Frankenstein..It continues to change and evolve. Only about 5% of it that ever remains the same. We write a new section just about on every tour..so it's always new.
Ken Manson asks Edgar:
Why haven't the albums Edgar Winter Group With Rick Derringer and Jasmine Nightdreams been released on Compact Disc? (Nothwithstanding the enigmatic release of Jasmine on DTS CD--which is of course unplayable on normal, 2-channel CD playback systems). Do you really think they will ever be released? Muddy Waters Blue Sky recordings have all been released on CD. Your insight will be greatly appreciated.
Edgar Winter:
The answer to that is simple. When you record for a label, they own that material in perpetuity, meaning that they can release, chose
not to release , or repackage it any way they so chose...with or without the permission of the artist. Those were recorded originally
on Blue Sky, which reverted to CBS, which is of course is now Sony. I would love to see those albums ..so what I say is let's start a
campaign. I would love to have a Jasmine Nightdreams on CD, it's one of my favorites of my own albums...and EW Group with Derringer as well.
Kirk asks Edgar:
Edgar...what is your favorite and least favorite of all the songs you ever recorded? Also...what artists do YOU and Monique like to listen to the most?
Edgar Winter:
My favorite songs are those that are most deeply personal and emotional for me and they include the love songs that I've written for Monique. My current favorites are The Music Is You, Dying to Live and You are My Song. Least favorite? There's a bootleg album that was recorded when I was 14 or 15, a compilation of things live at different clubs. Songs like Girl from Ipanema and Cry Me A River. I don't know what the title of it is but it oughta be called something like "Edgar Does Muzak" or "Dinner with Winter" . If you happen to see it ...don't waste your money. On the other hand, it is kind of funny. That would be my least favorite.
What artist do you and Monique like to listen to? NAT KING COLE is the most romantic singer of all time...so if we're sitting down to
a candle light dinner...it's NAT...without a doubt!
Ed asks Edgar:
I can not pass up the chance to ask Edgar a question. "Has your inspiration and motivation for writing music changed throughout
your musical career?"
Edgar Winter:
The most profound , tangable influence in my life has been my wife, Monique. I don't know that I would even be alive were it not for
her, and I certainly would not be the person that I am today. In a more general sense, I've always had a great love of music since childhood. Yes...it changes every day...every time you write its a new experience. It's a self expression, music is very spiritual, it has the power to bring people together.
Tom asks Edgar:
.1-How long does it take,on average,to record a album like Shock Treatment,for example,does it take 6 days or 6 months?
.2-In 1990 when Edgar did a tour & live CD with Rick Derringer,why wasn`t that a full blown EW Group reunion tour,with Dan Hartman on bass & Chuck Ruff on drums?
.3-Back in the late 60s,did Edgar ever meet Jimi Hendrix?,Janis Joplin?,Jim Morrison?,or Elvis?
.4-What would Edgar`s favorite meal consist of?
.5-What`s Edgar`s favorite drink?.
These aren`t the world`s greatest questions,but that`s all I could think of off the top of my head!
Edgar Winter:
Hello again Tom! The quickest one I've ever done is two weeks, the longest is six months. The 6 month one was Shock Treatment,the two week one was White Trash and actually Entrance wasn't much more then that...They Only Come Out at Night was about 6 weeks. The reason Shock Treatment took so long was that we were touring and we were doing it inbits and pieces. We wrote a lot of it in the studio and experimented a lot. At that time, we were coming off the success of They Only Come Out at Night and we had the luxury of being able to experiment in the studio, which is always fun to do.
Live In Japan...all happened by coincidence. Rick and I happened to be talking to each other and realized we were both going to Japan at the same time and even playing some of the same venues and we thought "Hey...if we're both going to be there...we should consolidate this into a tour and do it". Dan Hartman at that time was not performing live and it certainly couldn't have been an EWG reunion without all the original members, certainly not without Dan. Chuck had dissapeared and was in Reno. Dan passed away shortly thereafter and he was such a great talent and although he is gone he lives on in my memory and through the wonderful music that he made and gave to all of us. I last saw Dan about 6 months before he passed away and he looked normal and healthy like I would expect him to look, I understand it was a brain annurism that must have developed very quickly.
I've not met Elvis or Jim Morrison, but Jimi Hendrix, Johnny and I used to jam at a club in New York called The Scene where the house band was the Young Rascals, so I did get to meet Jimi. Of course, I knew Janis Joplin from my teeens...she being born in Port Arthur and I in Beaumont, they're just a few miles apart. Janis didnt have a band of her own, she was just one of those floating personalities that would show up and she loved to sit in with whatever band was there. She was a very active part of the scene. She sat in with Johnny and I with a band called the Twilights at a club called the Big Oak in Louisiana.
My favorite meal? A good bordeux, artichokes with drawn lemon butter, beef stroganof, and for desert, let's have chocolate mousse cake with champagne. Favorite drink??? Miller Lite of course! I really do like it!
Deano asks Edgar:
Edgar,
I read the other day that Ronnie Montrose had seen you recently and that you discussed getting together for an album/CD in the near future. You both had exchanged "listens" to your recent projects. What would you do with Ronnie and when do you think something this great would take place? Also what did you both think of each others most recent works?
Edgar Winter:
Yes, we did meet in Austin TX on June 20th, not that long ago. We did exchange listens and I think Ronnie has really matured as a player and has developed an open tuning, finger picking slide style that's really unique. I loved the music that I heard. As to what Ronnie thinks of mine...you'd have to ask him.
One further thing...in case you don't know, Ronnie did play on Eye of the Storm on the Real Deal. That was the first time we had met in years and years. At that time we talked about collaborating. I had a series of classical pieces that I wanted to weave into one long work and he seemed to have a special affinity for those pieces and I like the idea of Ronnies power guitar playing really sensitive classical melodies. That's one of the things we might do. Also, there are a couple of songs, one that Ronnie has, that plays on political satire called "Oh No You Dont", and the other one is something I think would make a really great gospel song called "Out of These Hands" that I'm actually working on..so there'll be some collaborations with Ronnie I'm sure. It's more plausable now since Ronnie just recently moved to the LA area.
Eye of the Storm was originally recorded for the movie Twister. Ronnie did that at my home studio direct into the board, Rick Derringer did "White Man's Blues" the same way and I really didnt want him to re- record that guitar because I really loved what he played because it was very casual, natural and very real . I think the same thing was true of Ronnie on Eye of the Storm.Originally it was a demo for the movie, but I decided to put it on the album because I just loved what he played.
Suzanne asks Edgar:
Hi Edgar!
I've been a fan of yours and Johnny's for many years. The first time I saw you was at the Capitol Theatre in Port Chester, New York when your band was touring with Johnny's band. It was such a great show that I still remember it very clearly, even though I have seen you both many times since (and it was a long time ago). Anyway, my question is...do you think you and Johnny will ever tour together or appear on stage together again? I love seeing you either way, but if that were to happen, I wouldn't want to miss it. Thank you for all the years of incredible music!
Edgar Winter:
Hello Suzanne. The last time Johnny and I played together was April 12th and 13th in Louisville and Ft Mitchell KY. Since Johnny is
working more regularly now, there's certainly much better chance of that happening. I love playing with Johnny and the other thing
that I have suggested on many occaisions is that we do an album together and I would dearly love to collaborate with Johnny from
start to finish writing and performing as well. The only album we'd ever done together before was Johnny and Edgar Winter Together
and we did basically duets, Sam and Dave, Righteous Bros, things that we could sing together with two part harmonys. The other thing that I had suggested that Johnny really liked the idea of was doing an album of some of the songs that we first learned when we were little kids, things like You're in the Jailhouse Now, Aint Gonna Rain No More, Mississippi Mud ...like the first songs when our dad was teaching us the chords on the ukelele. He was very touched by that idea...so we could do that.
In answer to the question...YES!! I'm sure that Johhny and I will be working together more. I look forward to that!
Edgar Winter to All His Fans:
I'd like to personally thank all of you, my fans out there, on the net, all over the world, for their continued support and for coming out to the shows, buying the music, and for your interest. I'd like to let you know that my new website at www.edgarwinter.com will be coming out soon, and I'm going to be much more responsive both here with the Fan Club and in general. I didn't have things set up to be able to respond personally, but I am definately going to do that from now on. What I have seen here has been very touching and eye opening. I hadn't realized the number of people that are still interested in listening to what I am doing, people I would never know about if not for being online.
To all of you who reviewed Winter Blues here, I really enjoyed reading them. There were some interesting and insightful comments and I'd like to thank all of you personally for that. I was very moved. Please keep your comments and questions coming. I will do my best to respond to as many of you as possible! Keep on Rockin my friends!
Chuck Ruff
Question from Ed Eddleman:
Chuck, what is your favorite set? Must be Ludwig. Have you changed it around over time (added or removed pieces) to get a certain sound?
Chuck Ruff:
The drums I'm playing now are a conglomeration of things. The shells are 1966 Crest with Ludwig,Premier,Pearl and Tama hardwear. Pearl snare and cymbol stands and a Yamaha Hi-Hat. Premier 252 Hot Rod foot pedal and a Pearl 5 1/2" by 14" seamless chromesnare with a 42 strand strainer. 20" bass drum, 12" rack tom and a 16" floor tom. All with a custom finish that you'll have to see to believe. I did it myself in my basement. The cymbols are 14" Profile/Mienel volcanic Rock Hi-Hat, 20" Profile/Mienel Ro
Velvet Ride and the crash cymbols are 2002 Paiste Power crash. A 17" and an 18". I use Vic Firth 5B nylon tip drumsticks. and Remo Fibreskyn 3 drum heads. Some day I hope to own a set of Roland "V" drums with all the whistles and bells.
Question from Deano:
Chuck,
Over your years of touring, which bands or other band members did you admire or get along with? (Etc. Eagles, ELP, Yes, and the like).
Chuck Ruff:
Deano, There are 15 solid years of touring to sift through but I can name several bands and band members for you starting with my
first gig with Edgar. Black Sabbath,Alice Cooper,Humble Pie,Fog Hat,Gentle Giant,Stevie Wonder,Lynrd Skynrd,Arrowsmith,Climax
Blues Band,Bad Company,Free,Dr.Hook,Sly and the Family Stone,Frampton's Camel,ELO,ELP,Yes,Eagles,Beck Bogurt and Appice,Larry Raspberry and the High Steppers,The Raspberries,Bette Middler,The James Gang,Tower of Power,Osabisa,A.B.Sky Blues Band,AC/DC,Te
Nugent,Nazerith,Nils Lofgrin,The Jeff Beck Group,Van Halen,Pat Benatar,Todd Rundgrun,Small Faces,Dave Mason,Santana,Yesterday and Today,Earthquake,Quiet Riot,Boston,Def Leopard,Elvis Costello,Krokus,JoJo Gunn,The Allman Brothers,Marshall Tucker Band and
ohnny Winter just to name a few. Back in those days everyone hung out together and "We all
had a real good time"!! That's no B.S.!!!
Question from Thomas E. :
Chuck, how is it you all seemed to stay so healthy threw the last 25 years. I last saw Rick in July and he looked GREAT and was still having a REAL GOOD TIME. I figure if you work hard and keep your nose clean, good things happen, I been clean and sober
or 12 years. 45 and still ALIVE! Life is good.
Has VH1 approched any of the band about doing a LEDGENDS special or a BEHIND the MUSIC bit? Sure would like to see a LEDGENDs SPECIAL on the Edgar Winter Group with Rick Derringer and also a BIT with Johnny and Edgar and ALL you guys!
Chuck Ruff:
Thomas,
I think the music and the good times contribute to the ability to remain young. It only took me 'till I was 40 to realize the drugs and
alcohol were killing me and takeing away my musical energy. I've been clean and sober for almost 9 years. Now all my close friends
and relatives are starting to tell me how much younger I look and act. At one point before I cleaned up I must have weighed 220 lbs. .
I'm proud to say I'm back down to a stelth 175 lbs again. If I had it to do all over again I would choose not to drink alcohol,smoke pot
or cigerettes or do any of the other poison I did for 25 years of my life. Peer presure is a good thing and at the same time a bad thing.
It's good to be competetive but you shouldn't allow yourself to be caught up in the negative aspects of anything. That's why I agree
with you about eveyrone haveing choices. It's all up to the individual and only he is the responsible party.
A while back when I got my first computer I sent an Email to the VH1 web site. I asked the why every time they do a "History of Rock'n'Roll" they never mention Johnny and Edgar Winter? Two of the most influential musicians in "Rock History". I even
gave them my Email address so they could write back and answer my question. I never heard a word. Maybe some of you fans out there could try and talk some sence into them. Johnny and Edgar should both be in the Rock'n'Roll Hall of Fame.
Question from Thomas E.:
I have the in-studio promo video that was made for the "They Only Come out at Night" album! Hosted by Rick Derringer! Edgar, Dan, Yourself and Ronnie doing a couple of numbers in 1972 - 1973! Rick also does a short interview with Edgar and tells how FRANKENSTEIN
came to be and how it almost did not make it on the
Album, how they met and how Rick came to help out and produce the album?.
FANTASTIC stuff. Very rare and priceless! Do you remember that?
Rick is wearing a white leather jacket just like the one Dan is wearing on the "Shock Treatment" album!
Chuck Ruff:
I know we did alot of TV and Video stuff back then. That was one of Steve Paul's best attributes. He knew everybody in the business back then and got us into and on everything that was happening in the music world. Some of my favorite footage is from
"The Old Grey Whistle Test" on the BBC in London. Wish I cood view that again. But, back to your VHS tape. Why don't you hook up with Kirk and the Fansite Team with that tape? It sounds like you've got a winner there!!!!
Question from Deano:
Was it my imagination that members of EWG, Montrose/Sammy Hagar all seem connected in some way? Then Edgar goes out to jam with David Lee Roth in later years.
Chuck Ruff:
Deano,
Back in the late 1960's I was in several bands one of which was "SAWBUCK". Ronnie Montrose and Bill Church were in that band. Ronnie got me the gig with Edgar then he quit the band and formed Montrose. Later in the 70's I got the gig with Sammy H
ar through Bill Church. It's a tough row to hoe but if you can make it passed all the crap without burning your bridges the music business is one great big family and we're all connected one way or another.
Question from Dennis:
Which albums did you record on with Sammy Hagar? Did you play drums on Bad Reputation? You know I think you are
an awesome drummer. I saw EWG in the seventies with the Eagles in Houston . Man,what a show!
Chuck Ruff:
Dennis, when I was with Sammy I did two studio LPs. Street Machine and Danger Zone. Bad Reputation is in the film "Fast times at Ridgmont High". Yes I played drums on that cut. I also did several live LPs under verious titles which escape me right now.
When TEWG toured with the Eagles, YES and The Jeff Beck Group it was a fantastic show from beginning to end. A no holds barred, nonstop action, Kick Ass Rock'n'Roll marathon with some ballads thrown in for good measure. Thank you for the
compliments.
Question from Thomas E:
Chuck, do you have any footage from the DKRC in 1974? This was a GREAT show. Everyone was on FIRE!
Chuck Ruff:
That was like the 2nd or 3rd DKRC ever recorded. Although if I'm not mistaken it was originally called "In Concert" and it was a collaberation between Dick Clark and Don Kirshner. That was the origanl band with Edgar,Dan,Ronnie,Randy Jo and me. What a t
at it would be just to see what we were wearing for that show not to mention the music and the stage set up!
Question from Misty:
In this sites Edgar TV section... there is some film of you honking a bicycle horn during the Frankenstein drum solo. Tell us more...what was the story behind the honky horn and who came up with it??
Chuck Ruff:
The horn idea was mine. I needed a sound that could compete with Edgar's ARP 2600
during the drum/synth battle. I always had a horn on my bicycle when I was growing up and I found out one day, by accident, that when you squeeze the bulb and stick your finger in the bell it would change the pitch. Accually, I think I learned it when I
played trumpet in the 3rd grade.
However, on that particular Midnight Special I didn't do it. I don't know why. Great question, Thanks!
Question from Dennis:
Thanks for the memories first and formost. I always thought EWG band members were among the most talented around ... Edgar on anything with keys. Ronnie and especially Rick (my all time favorite) Do you remember that bass that Dan had that was built
into a jump suit? Youare one of the top drummers in the world. Damn, you guys were good!
Chuck Ruff:
Dennis, Yes, we had been having a discussion on the "Bass Suit" just recently. If you scroll down the message board you'll find it.
There is a detail I forgot to mention however. The volume and tone controls were located on the cuff of the left sleeve. The knobs kind of looked like big fat buttons. The wireing ran inside the sleeve to the pick-ups located in the belly of the suit.
Question from Phillip:
I never saw the suit in action but I still have a copy of the article from Time magazine dated 11-18-74 that shows Dan in the Guitar Suit. He reports that his stomach contributes to the sound, "The abdoman is the most resonant part of the body." "I can
feel the vibrations in my body. I know what an expectant mother must feel like. I am the music." Oky Doky, Dan. I also dusted off some great pictures from the Oakland Day on the Green. Sorry Chuck you're not in them. But, of course the guitar palyers are. Edgar
and Johnny in their patchwork suits and Rick in a beret and a t-shirt that says "Cinderella". And next to Rick is an Asian looking guy playing a Gibson hollow-body. Pardon my ignorance, but who might that be? Picture of Dan in his shiney shirt and a big ol'
Fender bass.
Chuck Ruff:
Dan didn't lie, "HE" was the music!
Wasn't Rick a cute little dude in that outfit. He always had such good taste in clothes.
The guy standing next to him is Johnny's guitar player, Floyd Radford. He also played for White Trash on the "ROAD WORK" LP.
Dan was playing his Fender 6 string That he had converted to a 4 string. That bass sounded so good he couldn't resist. He just didn't
like all those extra strings in the way.
I'll tell you what I was wearing. It was a red jumpsuit that was made for me by my wife's
best friend Pam(She always made cool stuff for me). I was also wearing a pair of red Adidas and white stripes and a white macramebelt.
I was playing a black and white drum kit that I put together myself. A black bass drum with white parade rims. Three white toms with black parade rims. They sounded exellent. I got the idea from watching the drummer for Larry Raspberry and the Highsteppers.
That was a "kickass band"!!
Question from Rick:
What a pleasure to hear from an EWG alumni! I would like to reiterate what many others have stated regarding the inspiration,pleasure, memories, etc... you and your friends have brought everyone over the years. I recently picked up a copy of EWG greatest
hits. It has all the great classics along with some lesser known, but equally great material (i.e., Jasmine Nightdreams, Shock Treatment cuts).
My older bro & I have talked about all the concerts we've seen over the last 30+ year (Paul Revere & Raiders `67 was my 1st at 14) and what was the most memorable shows. We always refer back to when we saw the EWG in Fargo in `75. Incredable
show...incredable amount of talent with you, RD, DH & EG on the same stage! Of the many many shows I've seen over the years, very few stuck in my head so vividly for so long afterwords. We got our moneys worth that night.
I lived in the SF area from `84-`94. There was a sales rep that service forklifts for the plant I ran. I play guitar & he played bass. During one of his visits we were talking about music, guitars, bands, etc...and great concerts. I mentioned seeing the
WG in `75. He said
you & he are cousins and used to jam when you were kids. Can't remember his last name, but his first name is Roger and he lives in Valejo, CA. He said you were an incredable drummer even at a very young age. He didn't know what you were doing at the time
(92-93), other than living in Reno. If you ever have contact with Roger, tell him I said hi. He's a nice fellow.
Chuck Ruff:
Rick,
You know your stuff dude. That Fargo show was one I'll never forget. We had to charter a Lear Jet out of Chicago because a storm had the whole Midwest socked in. When we landed in Fargo it was 60 below zero and all of our luggage was stuck in Chicago. We
had to play in our street clothes. After the show when we walked to the cars our sweat drenched clothes got quick frozen to our bodies. What a great memory of a rockin' show. The crowd was one of the best ever.
My Cousin Roger Ford lives in Benecia,Ca. . He was in a band back in 1966 call "Mary's Black Sheep". I was 15 years old and I loved them. They played Rolling Stones and Yardbyrds just like the records. His Email address is RFSlick@aol.com . If you write
to him tell him I said hello even though I talk to him all the time on IM. Tell him to start reading this message board cause if he doesn't I'm gonna get pissed off!
Question from Phillip:
I attended the Oakland Day on the Green where the two Winter bands played "together" at the end of the day. That was a great show. My question: Why did it take you guys
so long to come out and do that set. I swear it was an hour after TEWG finished their set before everyone came back to play. Did you notice that half the crowd left the stadium? I was so glad I didn't leave because I could tell right away the set was going
to be very special. I didn't realize how special until I read a past post on this message board that you only did that set a few times. Very typical for something special like that to happen at a BGP show. Anyway, why the big delay, what were you guys doing backstage?
Chuck Ruff:
Well Philip I just gotta tell ya!!! As you said it took about an hour and a half between sets because while TEWG was on Johnny decided to go to San Francisco and get a "Pizza". At least that's what he told Bill Graham who was storming around yelling stuff
like "Where is that guy"? "He'll never work for me again"!! Everyone was staying out of his way for the rest of the show and the people who did stay till the end did get to see something very special that just happend to be recorded on tape for all to
hear... "JOHNNY
AND EDGAR TOGETHER"
Question from Brian:
1) Is it true that Johnny "B" played drums on Free Ride and We All Had A Real Good"....he was with the Rocket from Detroit...if true...was curious as to why he played and not you...
2) Was the EWG with Rick Derringer and Jasmine Nightdreams recorded at the same time...did you play on Jasmine Nightdreams as well?
Chuck Ruff:
Brian, Yes Johnny "B" played on Free Ride and We all had a real good time. For about the first six months that I played with Edgar our manager Steve Paul had him convinced that I wasn't any good and he should keep auditioning drumers. Of course that pissed
me off cause I knew all the songs already and I had to sit out side the rehearsal hall and listen to the other drummers blow it left and right. The straw that broke the camels back was the day I took delivery on my brand new Ludwig set. Steve Paul calls me
rom thestudio and asked me if Johnny "B" could use my drums to do the session. I told him yes because I have great respect for Johnny's ability and talent. Then I took my drums downtown to CBS studios and while Johnny played the tracks I gave Steve Paul my
two weeks notice. Like I said I was pissed. For about six weeks they looked and looked for a drummer that could play Frankenstein like me. They finally they gave up and called me back that's how I ended up getting the gig for keeps.
Both of those LP's were recorded the same year at the house in Long Island. Yes I did the whole side A of Jasmine Nightdreams. Rick Marotta did the outstanding job on side B.
Question from Tom Hayden:
Hi Chuck,I`ve always wondered over the years about a few things.Why did the EW Group break up after that great,tastefully done LP,The EW Group with Rick Derringer(Late `75)?.I was puzzled by the breakup considering how that last album showed the band
really hitting it`s stride & coming together as a band,and as songwriters.And why didn`t the EW Group release a live album back then?,and when the live LP,Together, was recorded,why was it all other people`s songs?,instead of songs written by Johnny &
Edgar?.When Derringer left the band in `76,was Dan Hartman still a band member?,or did he also decide to embark on a solo career?.Are there any live tapes or studio outtakes by the EW Group locked away in the Epic records vaults that you`re aware of?. I
better stop with the questions, I’m getting on a roll!.Always great to hear from you since you were there to witness it all first hand!
Chuck Ruff:
So many questions. Where do I begin? The band split because of several things. 1) Disco Fever 2) We all had some kind of family
dilemma 3) We all wanted to do solo projects 4) Our manager caused many rifts between us. We had planned to do another live LP
with our own songs but the band broke up. The reason we did other peoples material is that both bands had new LP's out and we
were touring to support them. We only had a few days to rehearse between dates and it would have been too complicated. Dan and
Rick were both very busy with their production careers working with other artists as well as there own projects. As far as out takes,
there are several previously un-released songs stuck somewhere in a vault. Dan and I also made a lot of demos for other artists.
Songs that Dan wrote. That was a lot of fun and I learned many tricks from him durring those sessions such as how to do backwards
guitar solos and to make drums sound huge. Haveing a recording studio in the house made it all possible. For quite some time I had
my drums set up at the foot of my bed fully mic'ed up. All I had to do was roll out of bed and there I was.
Reply from Tom Hayden:
Thanks Chuck!,I learned a lot about the band.That mansion you guys rented in Long Island back then,(`74 thru `76?)sounded like it would`ve been a real riot to spend a weekend there.I imagine when you had some parties there with some other musical celebrities
present,you spent some time doing some impromptu jamming before the night was over.Were there any memorable parties that took place there that stood out from the rest that you remember?.Edgar mentioned this summer that once a completed album was turned
over to Epic Records (Now Sony Music),it became their property.I wonder why Epic would keep unreleased songs in their vaults if they never intend to release them?.It`d be nice if after a few years,the rights to the tapes would go back to the musicians
who wrote them,if Epic wasn`t going to do anything with them.
Chuck Ruff:
We never really had any parties at that house but I do remember something that happend on my birthday. We were all in the game room playing pool. Edgar was kicking our butts like always when the phone rang. It was the next door neighbor's maid. She calmly
asked our maid for Dan and he answered. Still in a calm voice she asked him,"Did you know your carraige house is on fire"? He said,"What"?"You're Kidding"! He hung up the phone and told the room full of people what she said and we all ran to the front
of the house and looked out the front door to see giant flames reaching to the sky at the top of the driveway through the trees. Just then we heard the fire trucks and all the commotion that follows. The carraige house had burned to the ground because some
local kids(fans)had found out that we lived in that house. Apparently they were haveing a party of their own and it got out of hand. An old mattress caught on fire and the rest is history. No one got hurt and we never found out who they were. Needless to
say our landlord was very upset but she let us stay in the house anyway.
Tom Hayden:
Great story!.That`s something nobody ever knew about.I also forgot about Edgar being a pool player.Edgar once had a photo of himself on the cover of the November 1975 issue of Circus Raves magazine lining up a shot.The article in that issue was titled,"Edgar
Winter chain saws monster in studio lab!
Question from Mike Mowat:
Hi Mr.Ruff,
I was wondering who you thought was the best guitar player you have had the pleasure of playing with and do you plan on recording with Edgar Winter again and if so when?
Chuck Ruff:
Hi Mike, The best guitarists name would have to be Johnnyrickronniedanjerryjohn Winterderringermontrosehartmanweemssanchez. Nice try but I'm no fool.
Question from Suzzanne O’Brien:
I have a question for you--not being a musician it might sound kind of silly--but at the risk of that, I'll ask anyway. I know that you and Richard Hughes both played on the Together tour. In fact, Johnny and Edgar both had their full bands playing. Did
you guys play everything together--in other words--two sets of drums going at once--or did you play on different songs or in different parts? Thanks! (Whichever it was, it sounded great!)
Chuck Ruff:
Suzanne, That's a very good question. Because we only played a few dates on the west coast just a handfull of people saw us. The show started with Johnny and his band. Then the EWG. Then both bands played together. Johnny, Rick and Floyd on guitars. Edgar
on sax. Randy Jo on bass. Dan on Piano. Richard and me on drums and of course Edgar and Johnny on lead vocals. One of the best parts of the show was when Johnny would get down on his knees while singing..."baby, baby I'd get down on my knees for you"...
The crowd would go wild every time and I would get a huge lump in my throat. Playing a duet with Richard was really a lot of fun and not to many people remember that our two bands together performed and recorded those songs well in advance of "The Blues
Brothers" and did them much better I might add.
Suzzanne:
I wish I could have seen the concert myself, but it produced a great album--I always wondered why the crowd starts cheering when Johnny sings that part--now I know! What an amazing lineup of musicians! I can't even imagine seeing all of you on stage together.
It's so sad that we lost Dan Hartman, Randy Jo and Richard Hughes. I wish they were still here to talk about it too.
Chuck Ruff:
You are very welcome. I love this site because it brings back so many great memories. If you have any more questions don't hesitate to ask.
I wasn't aware that Richard Hughes had passed on. I guess I don't know everything there is to know. That's very humbling, thank you.
Response from Brian:
I saw Johnny & Edgar, I believe in August of 1975 in Detroit at Cobo Hall.....it was my first concert...by reading your answer Chuck...did you play this date or was the complete line up only on the West Coast.... (if you can remember)...Mahogany Rush opened
up...it was a great show...
The cd Together Live is great (import)...and you're right Chuck...when I heard the Blues Bros. do some of the same songs a few years later....I thought :"hey, they're ripping off Johnny and Edgar"...the Together Live stuff was much, much better than the
Blues Bros.
Chuck Ruff:
Brian, The show at Cobo Hall was one of the shows that Johnny would just appear out of nowhere. He did that a lot. We'd be backstage getting ready to go on and he would walk in like he belonged there. In the middle of the set sometime Edgar would say,"A
lot of people keep asking me","Where's your brother Johnny"? "Well, HERE HE IS"!!! Johnny came out on the stage in his stovepipe hat with his Firebird in hand and the croud went crazy. We would usually play STILL ALIVE AND WELL, JOHNNY B.GOODE and a medley
of Little Richard songs. That's where the idea for "Johnny and Edgar Live" came from. The LP was recorded at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, Ca. and Oakland Coliseum in Oakland, Ca. Bill Graham was the Promoter. We all miss him very much! God rest his
soul......
Response from Ed Eddleman:
Who can forget Bill Graham? We all know him as a promoter, but what kind of person was he, do you have any interesting stories to tell?
I always thought that Johnny and Edgar belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame because of their influence on American Music including (1) the synthesizer (2) Blues Brothers (3) slide and steel guitar(4) jazz, pop, blues, rock and(5) because they are both
really nice people. Did I miss something?
Chuck Ruff:
Ed, Bill Graham was a fantastic person. I first met him in 1968 when I worked for the Fillmore Corp. as a Building Maintanance Engineer(Janitor). At the time I was also in a band with Ronnie Montrose called SAWBUCK. The funniest thing that I ever saw was at
the time I was playing drums for Sammy Hagar. We were doing a "DAY ON THE GREEN" in Oakland, Ca., and as we got out of the limo backstage we could see Bill coming down the ramp towards us with his hand out to shake hands. He walked right passed Sammy, who
had a surprised look on his face, and strait up to me. He shook my hand and told me he missed me and asked me how I was. Bill Church was almost laughing himself sick.
Question from Brian:
From the musician (your) perspective...twenty five plus years later...did you ever
think- at the time - the EWG would still be pulling in as many fans and discussions about the music and such...did you realize at the time, the impact you were having on the music world and fans and such?..did you know the support and interest still existed
over all these years?...this whole internet thing has opened my eyes up as to finding fans of EWG, Rick etc..
Your work on the Edgar and Hagar albums are great!
The fansite team on this site does an outstanding job...KUDOS!
Chuck Ruff:
Brian, The fans know that Edgar is a great musician and a sincere person that is why they love to talk to and about him. I must admit that I was surprised at first but since I've been in contact with all of you I've come to realize that we have no "Fair Weather Fans".
They have all stuck to us through thick and thin. We were all very aware of the press the record company our management and most of all our fans. We always tried to keep up with our fan mail. Thank you for the compliments.
Question from Steve Guion:
I have EWG on Midnight Special doing Frankenstein with whoever the guitarist was for that brief period when neither Ronnie or Rick were the guitarists (who was that guy?????...I used to know who it was). Chuck Ruff ,who was that guy??? By the
way, you were (are?) an outstanding drummer.....can't believe you're not still doing it for a living! Don';t you have any old video?? Unreleased outtakes???
Chuck Ruff:
That "GUY" as you put it was a great friend of mine. He died recently. His name was Jerry Weems and we all loved him very much. I want to thank you for the compliments and I am trying to still make a living at making music. My band is called, not surprisingly, The
Chuck Ruff Group.
Steve:
Thanks for clearing up the Jerry Weems mystery. I'm sure I knew who he was at some point during the 70s and just forgot. Judging from just that one performance, he was a kick ass guitarist. Why was he only with the band a short period of time?
Chuck Ruff:
Jerry replaced Ronnie in 1974. We did a lot of TV shows at that time and Rick would always come with us to sit in on the gig. Jerry, unbeknownst to anyone in the band, was A.W.O.L. from the Army National Guard. We took a short break in the middle of a
tour. Jerry and I went home to Reno to see our wives and he disappeared from the face of the earth. Not even his parents knew where he was. We needed a guitar player fast so Rick volunteered to do the job while the search went on. He finally showed up with
a fantastic story about how the Army arrested him, took him to some stockade in Arizona or some place like that. They cut all of his hair off and kept him in solitary confinement for two weeks. They wouldn't even let him call his mother or his wife. When
they let him go he met us in L.A. to do The Midnight Special. Now you know why his hair was so short in the video.
Jerry left on good terms because Rick had desided to join the band and he had to go back to Reno to clear up the mess with the Army. I guess all in all he was in the band for about 9 months or so.
Question from Steve Guion:
Not many people know that you played with Sammy Hagar on his awesome 1979 Street Machine lp. Your drumming was explosive. I love your style, especially on Shock Treatment. Hagar also thanked you on the inside gatefold of his live lp from the year prior.
What was that all about? Did you replace Denny Carmassi in the middle of that tour? Just wondering since he was credited as playing drums on that lp, yet Sammy (or someone) decided not to include a photo of Denny in the gatefold.
What are the chances of you and Edgar ever hooking up again? That would be a hoot.
Chuck Ruff:
I first started playing drums for Sammy in 1977 right after the RED album. The road took it's toll on me and I quit. That's when Denny joined up. He did the Musical Chairs LP and started the live LP. I came back in 1978 and recorded I've Done Everything
For You and Sitting on the Dock of the Bay for the 12 inch single. Then we toured a little bit more and recorded the rest of the live LP. and Street Machine. Then we toured with Boston for a bazillion dates and recorded Danger Zone. Right after that we went to Europe. While we were in London we recorded another live LP.
We started the year 1980 with a tour of the midwest starting in El Paso,Tx.and ending in Chicago,Ill.w/ Pat Travers Band and The Scorpions. That was a good tour! We finished up the year doing festivals ie. Texas Jam, Rocklahoma, Rocktoberfest. Then I got sick
of the whole thing and Sammy and I had a falling out, so, I was mutually retired and replaced by David Louser. I've been floating around from band to band 'till 1988 when I moved back to Reno. I've been here since. I don't know about Edgar and me but you
can't predict the future. There's always a chance that anything could happen.
Question from Ed Eddleman:
I certainly remember the Bass Suit at the 1975 show at the Music Hall in Boston. Bad Company was the warm up band. This was my first and favorite show.
The second time I saw TEWG was the Diamond Eyes Tour in Seattle. There were a number of problems with the sound system, and the audience was a bit restless, but the place was rocking at the end.
Chuck, did you ever get the feeling that the whole rise to stardom was a bit strange and
uncomfortable?
Chuck Ruff:
There was a time when I turned the press against me but I learned not to take the reviews so seriously. Besides they're only one persons' point of view and not everybody thinks the same way about any one thing at the same time.
My whole career has been one big roller coaster ride and the biggest peak was due to a man named Edgar Winter.
Question from Kelly:
The first time I heard Shock Treatment sober was like traveling through a time portal, I remember seeing Dan Hartman wearing a bass suit I think? It was at the Cape Cod Collisium circa1978 or 9, maybe, EWG was always a must for the U.S.Gang as we so fondly refered to ourselves, Still a lot of us left, although some of us didn't make it through the drug years, I'm still here though and happy to be talking to some like minded spirits of the world. hope this message gets through, I never miss a chance to say thanks and say hi to an old friend and surviver, Thanks for all the great music
and being a soul brother.
Chuck Ruff:
The "Bass Suit" was invented by Dan. The guitar was a Charvell Pressision neck copy w/half moon head stock and custom made star shaped tuning keys. The suit was made by Bill Whitten. He designed clothes for the whole band as well as Diana Ross, Cher, Bette
Middler and many others. I think the show you're talking about was in 1975. If it was the EWG. You may have seen Dan and his band though.
Question from Lee Robinson:
I’ve always wondered if it was Rick Derringer or by that time Ronnie Montrose who played on those great early songs? Free Ride? Frankenstein? Ronnie Montrose has said some really nice things about playing with Edgar over the years. That Edgar is a pure musician.
He plays real music. We can all jam and improvise but Edgar is so good he just pulls you in to whatever song he does.
Chuck Ruff:
Yes, Ronnie played on the album, Rick played on the single but the guitar solo on the single was written and originaly played by a good friend of mine who died recently. Jerry Weems. Edgar affectionatly referred to Jerry as J. Browne on stage. Jerry and
Dan called the band "Eddie and the Reamers". Come on and take a "Free Ride"
*Thanks to Chuck Ruff for all his great thoughts and memories! - The Fansite Team
Jerry LaCroix
Chuck Ruff asks Jerry:
Jerry, What is the true story behind Bobby Ramerez untimely death? I've heard several different accounts and I would really like to know. I remember the first time I saw him play with you guys. It was at the Berkley Community Theater in Berkley, Ca. with Emerson Lake and Palmer in 1970. I was working for Bill Graham at the time so I got tickets for the front row center and let me tell everyone, make no mistake, He was a monster. That guy could lay down a shuffle beat like John Henry putting down railroad tracks. White Trash was the hottest thing to come down the pike since I don't know when. From "Keep playin' that Rock'n' Roll" to "Let's Get it on" I had steam comin' out of MY body after that set and all I was doing was watching.
Jerry Answers:
First of all let me say that I am thrilled to be here! Thank you Chuck Ruff, I am enjoying your candid comments and stories immeasurably. I will try and shed some light on the terrible event we had in Chicago that led to the death of one of my dearest and closest friends, Bobby Ramirez to answer your question, Chuck. WE were on tour with Uriah Heep playing all the big halls(10,000 seaters) to sold out crowds. Uriah Heep and my band LaCroix got along swimmingly as the English say. We really enjoyed each others company and got along great on and off stage. I had just released my first solo album and the tour was going along wonderfully. The contrasting styles of the two bands just seemed to work magic on the crowds. We had finished a great night (Rosemont Hall?) and were out on the town for some fun and relaxation. Rush Street was where the action was. We found a club where an all girl band, Bertha some friends of ours from LA, were playing and went on in and found a spot in the balcony. The girls were really hot...they were rockin'. The little drummer played with such dynamics. We were yelling and encouraging them on just having the time of our lives. The show was over. Bobby went downstairs to take a leak. Our road manager came back upstairs and anxiously reported that Bobby had had an altercation in the bathroom. I ran downstairs to find out what was happening. Bobby told me that while he was standing over the urinal the guy next to him made a comment about his long hair. Mind you we are in the longhair part of town in Chicago! Evidently Bobby said something back to the guy who by the way was also of Mexican decent,who then struck a blow to Bobby's cheek which drew blood. By the time I got downstairs everyone was standing in the middle of the dance floor. Bobby, the club manager,the guy that hit him and onlookers. Bobby wanted to report the incident to the police. The manager was just trying to get us to go home and so was I, but I could see Bobby's point. This guy obviously didn't belong down here with all the rest of us. He was dressed in slacks with sharp pointed shoes and his hair was short and slicked back. I believe that he was there to do just what he did. I tried to coax Bobby out and let's just "blow it off" one of his favorite expressions, but he couldn't believe that someone could assault him(or anyone else)in a public place and get away with it! He went out the front door by himself. I followed. He was at the corner leaning against the lamp post with his head down and I shouted 'come on Bobby let's go', but he went around the corner and down the block. When I got to the corner I saw him half-way down the street when someone came running out of the alley and attacked. I ran to his assistance when another person came out of the alley and grabbed me by the hair and said 'oh you want some too' and commenced kicking me repeatedly between the eyes with pointed shoes. I was of absolutely no help. I'd never been in a fight in my life. I went down. When I recovered a little they were gone and our road manager was there on his knees with Bobby's bloody head in his arms.This has been extremely difficult for me to report but its time the world should know what really happened that dreadful night. There's hardly a day goes by when I don't think about dear Bobby and what 1000 things I could have done differently.
Brian asks:
Jerry, I was wondering what the series of events was that prompted a White Trash "reunion" for the Recycled album...and why it did not continue (more albums). Love your soulful music..even have both of your solo albums on mercury. Also, any plans to record or reunite the White Trash again?
On another note...I have always and most recently been overwhelmed by the great spirit of Edgar, Johnny and Rick fans. In particular, though I don't know him, I thank Kirk for all of his hard work on this site. Many years went by in which I thought there was just a handful of fans left out there...this site and others has brought many fans together.
Jerry Answers:
Yes Brian I too thank Kirk for this wonderful thing that he is doing.
In the mid '70s I found myself in Modesto California(Doobie Brothers territory) with two old sidekicks, Jon Smith(sax) and Marshall Cyr(trumpet) from the White Trash band. We formed a little band and called it Dixie and were booking clubs in the area (Modesto,Sacremento,San Fran. San Jose,etc)and were doing pretty good but said 'wouldn't it be great to get back together with Edgar. So we got aholda him and sure enough he came out and we began to rehearse and write and started "Puttin' It Back'(together again). Recorded the album in San Fran at Walley Heiders and did a Dixie tour thru the southern Honkey Tonks...lots 'o fun...
Kirk asks:
Jerry, something that always struck me about WhiteTrash was the compatibility between you and Edgar not only on vocals but on horns. You two together sounded so raw and rowdy, and the musical harmonies were amazing. Your high energy levels matched pretty well too...which, in my opinion, made the two of you together an explosive combination. Like Chuck Ruff was saying about Bobby Ramirez laying down the railroad tracks, you and Edgar were the freight train that roared down them.
I have a lot of questions running thru my head, but I'll keep it simple. First off...what was it that got you interested in singing and playing the sax?? How did you get connected with Edgar?? What was your favorite song that you recorded with Edgar and White
Trash? And which tune did you enjoy performing live the most?
You are a great talent, with a powerhouse vocal style. Its my hope that, before too long, I can catch your live show and relive the old memories of White Trash once more! Thanks for all the great music!
Jerry answers:
Well thank you Kirk for those comments. I can't remember not singing. I've always sang. Mom listens to blues on the satellite. The other day as I walked through her living room she had some good blues going and said to me "You know when I was pregnant with you I used to listen to this kind of music and I think now that's probably why you're the way you are!" Thanks Mom I think? Don't get me wrong she loves her Country too. When I was real young I used to sit out on Grandma's and Grandpa's front porch and listen to her and her sisters and brothers sing and pick Bluegrass harmonies. There were 6 brothers and 6 sisters and all their friends and relations and people coming from miles around to bring their guitars, mandolins, fiddles, banjos, they even had a big doghouse bass just to join in. I tell you it would send chills up and down your spine!......about the sax, well I always got some sort of musical toy for Christmas, nothing like a sax just some little child's toy, and would figure how to play a tune on it. Later in school I began on a real instrument a clarinet, wow! Later I discovered Little Richard and Fats Domino and they always had a sax. I didn't hear any clarinets on the music that Wolf Man Jack and John R were playing on the radio either. I traded.........About the important stuff Edgar and I......... We had sort of a mutual admiration for each other since we were kids. I first saw Edgar and Johnny on a local childrens TV program Don Mahoney. The first thing I noticed was that they were white and damned good! Edgar was a tiny thing (about 8 yrs old?) and played a tiny guitar (a tenor). A few years later I got to see them in person. Their Dad brought them to my big hometown Groves (about 20 minutes from Beaumont) Johnny was already rockin' and playing loud raucous great guitar like no one around here ever
heard. I was knocked out and my direction changed a little. I later had a band called the Dominoes which Edgar came and played with and he had a band called the Twilights which I went and played with. This was the period when we discovered Bobby 'Blue' Bland and the Joe Scott Orchestra and really started writing and copying those great horn charts. It was very exciting and gratifying. We would pick out the bass part and the lead and then stick our heads into the speaker and try and figure out what the other horns were playing! I would take the needle off the record at the spot where we were having difficulty and Edgar would plank out a chord and say "Does that sound like it? and I would usually say, "Yea that's it! or we would keep doing it until we got it!
-Our personal thanks to Jerry LaCroix for graciously sharing these memories with us!
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