Great-bad - beyond ugly-at the Monterey Blues fest- Bonamassa and Ford content.

[Steve Snider]

Here is the short Version-

Joe Bonamassa comes on around 2:30 Saturday afternoon and Sunday it is still the buzz of the festival BTW. Amazing. Newspaper coverage and all the chatter indicates that the performance by Joe will go down as one of the best in 23 years or however long the fest has been around. I laughed my ass off as I never expected him to blow me away like he did but he was absolutely incredible from every aspect. Haven't been that impressed since Shawn Lane in '92. Joe brought it on every level. GREAT!!!!:JAM


After Joe B's set I was in a place for performers to get food and drinks and saw Robben Ford . He probably had heard the set JB did as well. He later did a closing song with Keb Mo on the main stage and around 9:30 took a small stage and performed a horrible set that was something I had a hard time believing.

Maybe it was the fact that Robben was booked on a small stage reserved for local bands and lesser known national acts or in tandem with his friend Volker Striffler playing the main stage along with Joe B and others but here he was on a barely elevated stage with a killer band consisting of Toss Panos and Carlton's bad ass kid on bass.

He seemed bothered from the beginning but as time went on he seemed like a very angry man on the verge of a severe breakdown. He was disturbed by the cameras in the audience using flashes, he was disturbed with the soundman ignoring his requests and ended up playing the worst show I have ever seen him do or maybe anyone. It was the deconstruction of a great guitarist who completely lost it. Kicking at people, cussing at people during songs, just seemed to be so pissed he could not play very well, his playing was real angry . I have seen him more than 20 times but this was unreal.

I was in the front row sitting next to my pro bass player buddy. We could not believe what we were seeing.It was incredible in a very sad way. I feel very bad for him as nobody I saw today could have anything good to say about him at all. His band killed but he was awful IMHO. I am a fan so this was a shock. Everyone can have a bad day but this was way different.

[JoeB63]

OK, so he was in a bad mood -- but what was specifically wrong with his playing?

And more importantly, how was his tone?!? ;)

[Steve Snider]

OK, so he was in a bad mood -- but what was specifically wrong with his playing?

And more importantly, how was his tone?!? ;)


He was playing really bad for Robben. Noise. His porno soundtrack record was better. He sucked. The last two songs offered a little glimpse of what we expect but up until that it was just uninspired angry playing that said nothing.

His tone sucked. Real bright. Super Reverb and Dumble cranked up loud. 1 2x12 and the Super which was either a 2X12 or 4X10. 2290, Dumbleator, Variac, Sakashta and a Tele. There were moments of brilliance but out of 85 minutes, less than 10.

The band was great .

[Heinz W]

Everyone has off days. Joe B. played a show here a few months ago (Palace Theater in Greensburg, Pa.) that I almost went to. A friend and Joe B. fan that did go said, quote, "it sucked". He didn't play long, would start a tune then stop, start something else, etc. And he only played for a little over an hour and left.

I was shocked when he told me that. I'm so glad I didn't go to that show, but I still like Joe a lot. An amazing player. I have all his albums and two DVDs. Joe tours a lot, and that can wear you down. I can't fault the guy for being human. I am still looking forward to seeing him live.

Apparently it was Robben's turn to have a bad day. You can't let one bad gig ruin your impressions of any musician IMO since we're all human, and we all have our bad days.

[Dave Orban]

When I saw Robben in NYC last week, there was more than a little bit of that edge. He seemed "off" and was rankled by the few (non-flash) cameras in the audience who had not heeded the management's request for "no cameras."

His tone wasn't bad -- a Super, a Twin, and a Zen Drive and a delay pedal -- but it wasn't his Dumble tone... I found his playing to be off, as well... although not to the extent that you've described.

Didn't make me want to stop seeing him perform, but I did wonder if there was some other dynamic in his life or on this tour that was affecting him like this...

[RMC519]

Caught the Annapolis, MD show a couple of weeks ago...KILLER! He was in great form that night. His band was kickin' and his ZenDrive sounded great.
Now, I had an off night at a wedding we played on Sat...it happens.-m

[Dave Orban]

Caught the Annapolis, MD show a couple of weeks ago...KILLER! He was in great form that night. His band was kickin' and his ZenDrive sounded great.
Now, I had an off night at a wedding we played on Sat...it happens.-m
No doubt. I've seen him about a dozen or more times, and while he played well during this show, something seemed to be bothering him...

[bluesmain]

Ouch..We all have off days...

[Lucidology]

The Monterey Blues Festival has performances on some pretty sad stages for local
and lesser known acts to play on, while the main stage in the huge arena has the featured players of course ...

Once Robben found out he was on one of these sad stages he might have felt pretty let down ...
Plus, from knowing some of the sound guys they use for these small stages pretty well ...
that wouldn't have helped out his attitude any ...

Why they choose not to put Robben Ford on the main stage makes little sense to me ...?
And it probably didn't make any sense to him either ...

[Dave Orban]

The Monterey Blues Festival has performances on some pretty sad stages for local and lesser known acts to play on, while the main stage in the huge arena has the featured players ...

Once Robben found out he was on one of these sad stages he might have felt pretty let down ...
Plus, from knowing some of the sound guys they use for these small stages pretty well ...
that wouldn't have helped out his attitude any ...

Why they choose not to put Robben Ford on the main stage makes little sense to me ...?
And it probably didn't make any sense to him either ...Maybe they were saving it for Kanye West...?!? :jo

[jumpnblues]

Sometimes I don't know what to think of Robben. He is a monstrously talented guitar player. I've seen him snarl about cameras before. Heard him once utter a "cut that shit out" over the mic before in response to someone snapping a pic of him. Not sure what's up with that. There are times when I think he's just a little too full of himself and at times I wonder if he does have some "problem" with cameras. But I think if a person does indeed have a "camera problem" in this industry they'd best find a way to deal with it. Maybe Robben hasn't noticed it yet but cameras and concerts just kinda' go hand-in-hand.


Tom

[Dave Orban]

Sometimes I don't know what to think of Robben. He is a monstrously talented guitar player. I've seen him snarl about cameras before. Heard him once utter a "cut that shit out" over the mic before in response to someone snapping a pic of him. Not sure what's up with that. There are times when I think he's just a little too full of himself and at times I wonder if he does have some "problem" with cameras. But I think if a person does indeed have a "camera problem" in this industry they'd best find a way to deal with it. Maybe Robben hasn't noticed it yet but cameras and concerts just kinda' go hand-in-hand.


TomYeah, I've thought that more than once.

[andybaylor]

It was the Brown Acid...that'll make you crabby.

****in hippie.

[wire 247]

Everybody has bad days, Robben should have been on the big stage, but, ultimately Robben is probably still pissed that Tag is not on the gear page anymore...

[Dave Orban]

Everybody has bad days, Robben should have been on the big stage, but, ultimately Robben is probably still pissed that Tag is not on the gear page anymore...Why...? Even Robben outgrew THAT tone, what, over 15 years ago...?

[andybaylor]

why...? Even Robben Outgrew That Tone, What, Over 15 Years Ago...?

Lol!

[MBreinin]

The Monterey Blues Festival has performances on some pretty sad stages for local
and lesser known acts to play on, while the main stage in the huge arena has the featured players of course ...

Once Robben found out he was on one of these sad stages he might have felt pretty let down ...
Plus, from knowing some of the sound guys they use for these small stages pretty well ...
that wouldn't have helped out his attitude any ...

Why they choose not to put Robben Ford on the main stage makes little sense to me ...?
And it probably didn't make any sense to him either ...

He is a professional musician. You make the best of what you are faced with, you don't pout and kick at fans in the crowd. I have seen some big time talents on tiny stages, and they still gave it their all and played great shows.

Mike

[andybaylor]

He is a professional musician. You make the best of what you are faced with, you don't pout and kick at fans in the crowd. I have seen some big time talents on tiny stages, and they still gave it their all and played great shows.

Mike

Well...yeah...BUT, to me, there is nothing worse than a poor soundman.
All those years of practice go down the toilet because the floor tom is louder than the guitar. Pisses me off too.

[pbradt]

but, ultimately Robben is probably still pissed that Tag is not on the gear page anymore...
He's not? I musta missed something.

[pbradt]

He is a professional musician. You make the best of what you are faced with, you don't pout and kick at fans in the crowd. I have seen some big time talents on tiny stages, and they still gave it their all and played great shows.

Mike
THis is correct. We had to read Ray out big time at a gig not too long ago. His excuse for mailing it in and getting wasted? "The vibe was bad."

I was thankful I didn't have to read him out, because I probably would have punched him in the mouth. I was also thankful the gig was not in public. THe next gig he did just fine.

I can accept being pissed at what you've been dealt, but you don't take it out on the audience. I'm not a "professional" musician but I do my best to deliver a good performance every time out, not for them, but for me.

[Kalalau Hiker]

Maybe they were saving it for Kanye West...?!? :jo

:rotflmao:rotflmao

I will CONTINUE to be bored w Robben until he FINALLY realizes his TRUE calling

mixing Ry Cooder with Winged Eel Fingerling and Zoot Horn Rollo riffs over sampled Kanye rants about how he GIVES IT ALL!

:D :hide

and while I'm ON IT... WHY can't Robben get TONE like THIS??

http://youtube.com/watch?v=2BrLEuzVCVQ&feature=related

[Steve Snider]

The Monterey Blues Festival has performances on some pretty sad stages for local
and lesser known acts to play on, while the main stage in the huge arena has the featured players of course ...

Once Robben found out he was on one of these sad stages he might have felt pretty let down ...
Plus, from knowing some of the sound guys they use for these small stages pretty well ...
that wouldn't have helped out his attitude any ...

Why they choose not to put Robben Ford on the main stage makes little sense to me ...?
And it probably didn't make any sense to him either ...


I agree. Kind of a slap in the face. Even the sign with his name on the stage was spelled "ROBBIN" and had to be fixed. Everything was bad, no security, photographers strolling in and out using flashes, unresponsive sound guys, and the fact that his friend and many other lesser known acts played the main stage. There was a combination of things working against him and was super frustrated. That still is no excuse to completely lose your composure but I would be surprised if he didn't make some changes re: future bookings after this gig.

[flyingvees]

Not a huge Robben fan to begin with but kicking at people and cussing....If thats true then I have lost all respect for him as a guitarist and certainly as a performer...

[karmadave]

It's easy to forget that musicians are people too. Sounds like this was the 'perfect storm' for Robben to get pissed off and unfortunately he lost his composure. Nevertheless Robben is still one of the most gifted musicians and a great performer. I've seen him probably a dozen times and he has always delivered. My guess is that he will reflect on what happened and will ensure this doesn't happen again.

Personally, I am done with attending big festivals. In my opinion, they are too crowded, the sound is usually crappy, and many of the acts don't translate well to the big stage.

-KD

[flyingvees]

Forget being a person...I am an entertainer too...I know the code of the road and I have had horrible nights too...Grin and bear it and make sure the folks know that your honored for them to be there...The late great Luther Allison said it best..


"Leave the ego, play the music, love the people."

[Kalalau Hiker]

Not a huge Robben fan to begin with but kicking at people and cussing....If thats true then I have lost all respect for him as a guitarist and certainly as a performer...

he's just doin his job ... he's the Kanye West of guitar tone gods!

seriously - I got slammed by ... someone here .... for comments I made about Robben being out of touch with himself ... things I perceived in him as psychological issues... that were related to him never quite "climaxing" his solos - a comment MANY have made over the years ...and being more focused on being tasteful than in an exciting solo that builds to a resolution ... ANOTHER comment I have heard many experienced players make ...

so - if tastefulness and restraint are qualities he has within him, and is portraying to his audience to inspire / share those emotions in / with them

....how does that synchronize with the obvious LACK of taste and restraint observed by many at numerous gigs?

seems he has some things out of balance there.. like us all ... it's just easier to see when it's someone else and not us on stage.

on the other hand ... there IS a responsibility IMHO to not make people uncomfortable when you are GETTING PAID BY THEM TO ENTERTAIN THEM.

a polite request for no flashes could be made... Jimi was a FAR greater "star" and HUGELY greater talent...and I remember him repeatedly and HUMBLY requesting .. almost BEGGING people to not take flash shots too close to him "cause it's messin with my head man ... it get's me startled and all" .. at a MSG gig.

hope Robben works it out.

[Red Suede]

I'll still be right up front at Kuumbwa in Santa Cruz next week.

[TNJ]

I love Robben, but he needs to lose that camera phobia shit.
Defiinitely takes away from every performance.
He needs to get over (that aspect of) himself.

S.j

[dhdfoster]

He's done about 5 instructional videos, and he seems very relaxed on camera in the clips I've seen from these.

I feel kind of bad for the guy. On one hand, he's got legions of followers copping his tone, learning his mixo/whole-half licks, and posting contantly about "Robben this and Robben that". On the other hand, you have the people who are sick of hearing about and find his blues-lite repellent. I don't think he intended any of that, and I can see how both viewpoints can get to him.

[Dave Orban]

He's done about 5 instructional videos, and he seems very relaxed on camera in the clips I've seen from these.

I feel kind of bad for the guy. On one hand, he's got legions of followers copping his tone, learning his mixo/whole-half licks, and posting contantly about "Robben this and Robben that". On the other hand, you have the people who are sick of hearing about and find his blues-lite repellent. I don't think he intended any of that, and I can see how both viewpoints can get to him.I don't think of it at all as "blues lite"... I think he can be a very ballsy player, and has taken blues to a level that can only be imagined by scores of pentatonic wankers who overpopulate the contemporary blues scene.

But, like I said, he definitely seemed out-of-sorts when I saw him perform last Monday night in NYC... and the camera issue really seemed to put him off...

That said, Robben on a bad day is still more interesting to me than most other contemporary "blues" players out there, even on their best day.

[wstsidela]

"It's suppose to say Robben Ford then Puppet Show!"

[wire 247]

Hell it could be anything from family issues to being burnt out. There are so many variables beyond just plugging and playing. It sounds like the domino effect was happening from spelling his name wrong to locals stage to too many flashes and then that damn puppet show.... I am willing to give Robben Ford a break vs. Kanye.

[Dave Orban]

Hell it could be anything from family issues to being burnt out. There are so many variables beyond just plugging and playing. It sounds like the domino effect was happening from spelling his name wrong to locals stage to too many flashes and then that damn puppet show.... I am willing to give Robben Ford a break vs. Kanye.
Yup.

[MBreinin]

"It's suppose to say Robben Ford then Puppet Show!"

Bahahahahahahaha......

Maybe he was picking up the local AF base's air traffic controller on his Dumble. :stir

Mike

[Berlebster]

Bahahahahahahaha......

Maybe he was picking up the local AF base's air traffic controller on his Dumble. :stir

Mike
Hendrix was not so happy with this :BITCH

[2leod]

Well...yeah...BUT, to me, there is nothing worse than a poor soundman.
All those years of practice go down the toilet because the floor tom is louder than the guitar. Pisses me off too.
I agree that bad sound is major league frustrating, but having been on both sides of the board it's much worse being at an impasse because both sides are PO'd. Take a breath, work out the issues with the sound guy while you do a comic shtick with the crowd and then find your groove.

[daddyo]

I don't think of it at all as "blues lite"... I think he can be a very ballsy player, and has taken blues to a level that can only be imagined by scores of pentatonic wankers who overpopulate the contemporary blues scene.

But, like I said, he definitely seemed out-of-sorts when I saw him perform last Monday night in NYC... and the camera issue really seemed to put him off...

That said, Robben on a bad day is still more interesting to me than most other contemporary "blues" players out there, even on their best day.
Maybe that's Robben's biggest problem - he only relates to guitar players on a technical level. He's lost relevance to average people - that's why he's on the puppet show stage. All the greatest bluesman were primarily strong vocalists whose simple, emotive guitar style served the song, not the other way round. Albert King and BB King are primary examples. The bluesman communicates themes common to all people and heals through empathy. The minute you start thinking about half/whole note scales, the thing is lost. My opinion.

[jimfog]

Well......I'll believe that he was "kicking at people" when I see it myself..........

Otherwise, it's a shame it was a bad gig.

On thing is, RF has been very clear for years that flash photos, on and off stage, are a BIG no-no. I would guarantee it's in any contract he sends out....so the venue needs to be taking care of that.

If you look at recent Youtubes, especially the Japan stuff with Carlton, his eyes seem really funky......squinting, tearing up, etc.........I wouldn't be surprised if he's having issues that are beyond "not liking people taking pics".

I agree, when you are on stage, that time belongs to the audience, not you......so always do your best to cover any BS. But when a longtime pro, who doesn't have a rep as a diva, melts down a bit at a gig like this, I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt that there's a LOT more to the story then we know. I love the guys who are willing to expand this into a rip of his entire being............lol. I'll assume most of them aren't working musicians.

- jim

[Gas-man]

Maybe that's Robben's biggest problem - he only relates to guitar players on a technical level. He's lost relevance to average people - that's why he's on the puppet show stage. All the greatest bluesman were primarily strong vocalists whose simple, emotive guitar style served the song, not the other way round. Albert King and BB King are primary examples. The bluesman communicates themes common to all people and heals through empathy. The minute you start thinking about half/whole note scales, the thing is lost. My opinion.

There's a lot of truth here.

Playing to one snausage party after another to a bunch of dopey baby boomer gear heads would be depressing for anyone.

[squeally dan]

[quote=Dave Orban;4360
That said, Robben on a bad day is still more interesting to me than most other contemporary "blues" players out there, even on their best day.[/quote]

I agree!

[MBreinin]

Yes sir.

Still, that can be hard....

I just got back from tour, and I got food poisining and at one show played almost the whole show sitting down with my eyes closed - because, literally I had pucked so much the night before and my stomach was so empty that if I stood, the bass movement caused me to gag- with a bucket behind my amp, for me and the drummer, who pucked right after the show.

I'm sure there was someone there that complained that I wasn't more 'into it'.

Ya know?

Yeah, but you played and gave it your all...even under the worst of circumstances.

Robben should have not taken the stage at all, that would have been more dignified than what allegedly transpired.

In the same vein, the crowd should be respectful enough to refrain from using cameras if it bothers the artist. It is a two way street.

Mike

[HHB]

no kicking!! It sucks that he wasn't on the main stage, not cool in so many ways BUT it's still a great gig and I'm sure his fee was up to snuff. Tons of great players looking for that gig and it seems kinda petty from the descrpition but it's hard to know whats going on in a persons life, stress hits everyone and sometimes shit just snowballs on ya, even if your Robbib Fjord on the Bud Lite Local stage

[drgonzoguitar]

There's a lot of truth here.

Playing to one snausage party after another to a bunch of dopey baby boomer gear heads would be depressing for anyone.

:rotflmao

[Franklin]

Playing to one snausage party after another to a bunch of dopey baby boomer gear heads would be depressing for anyone.

:AOK

80% of his following are probably guitar players, most if not all are definately guitar nerds. That would get tiring for me, that's for sure!! My dad and I were talking about the Return to Forever reunion. He mentioned that the last time he saw Al Dimeola in Austin was a couple of years ago and he and his two other buddies were the only ones there to see him. I guess in a place like Austin with 10's of thousands of guitar players and 100s of venues it's tough to draw people to your shows for just being a guitar hero. Even the the guitar players/nerds did not go out to see him.

If I was only appealing to other guitar players (I wish I was appealing at all! :)) then it would get tiring really fast. Maybe that is how he wound up where he is, always trying to keep the guitar fanantics happy. I'm sure he can dish up a whole night of traditional Blues w/o any effort... then the other guitar Blues Fusion nerds would be all uptight!

Robben, you are an awesome player!! Don't give up the good fight!! :dude

[shallbe]

Let me tell a positive festival story.

A few years ago, Sonny Landreth was playing Jazz Fest in NO, on one of the bigger stages. About 10,000 people were in front of this stage (including me), and the sound at Jazz Fest is the best festival sound I have ever heard, year in and year out--it is really great.

At the start of the second song, the PA goes out completely. Nothing. All you could hear if your were close enough, was Sonnys amp, the bass amp the natural sound of the drums. Sounded like it was miles away. No vocals---nothing else. They just kept playing, and Sonny kept singing into the mic in spite of it all. You could tell they were still playing HARD.

Five seconds left in the song (after three minutes of near silence), the PA comes back on.

The song ends and Sonny says: "Folks, let's give it up for the sound crew here at Jazz Fest. They always do an excellent job. In all the years I have played here, that is the first little thing that has ever happened. Let's give them a round of applause for making us all sound so good."

People clapped wildly. It was once of the classiest, most professional things I have ever seen.

[Dave Orban]

Maybe that's Robben's biggest problem - he only relates to guitar players on a technical level. He's lost relevance to average people - that's why he's on the puppet show stage. All the greatest bluesman were primarily strong vocalists whose simple, emotive guitar style served the song, not the other way round. Albert King and BB King are primary examples. The bluesman communicates themes common to all people and heals through empathy. The minute you start thinking about half/whole note scales, the thing is lost. My opinion.This description covers maybe 1/10th of blues music, as I know it. There's a LOT of good-time party music to be found in the blues, even the very old rootsy stuff by folks like Memphis Minnie, Blind Blake and Bill Broonzy. This was dance hall music, to be sure, and covers a WIDE swath of styles... not just the melodramatic guitar wankery (there, I've said it) of folks like Albert King, who, by any count, is my least favorite of the "three Kings"...

[amc]

Sonny Landreth is a class act.....

[DrSax]

Well......I'll believe that he was "kicking at people" when I see it myself..........

Otherwise, it's a shame it was a bad gig.

On thing is, RF has been very clear for years that flash photos, on and off stage, are a BIG no-no. I would guarantee it's in any contract he sends out....so the venue needs to be taking care of that.

If you look at recent Youtubes, especially the Japan stuff with Carlton, his eyes seem really funky......squinting, tearing up, etc.........I wouldn't be surprised if he's having issues that are beyond "not liking people taking pics".

I agree, when you are on stage, that time belongs to the audience, not you......so always do your best to cover any BS. But when a longtime pro, who doesn't have a rep as a diva, melts down a bit at a gig like this, I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt that there's a LOT more to the story then we know. I love the guys who are willing to expand this into a rip of his entire being............lol. I'll assume most of them aren't working musicians.

- jim

+1000.

Glad to see I agree on something with someone I usually don't agree with. :D:dude

[jimfog]

+1000.

Glad to see I agree on something with someone I usually don't agree with. :D:dude

Eventually everyone comes to their senses!

[Dave Orban]

Eventually everyone comes to their senses!And your time, too, will come, Jim...

[jimfog]

And your time, too, will come, Jim...

Oh yeah??? Sez you!

[TNJ]

I've seen RF twice, and he had a couple of vicious comments, and definite threatening body language at fans with cameras.

I was shocked.

Robben...you're an awesome player.


Let that little sh*t go, man...we're not after your soul.

Just your licks. :D

S>
j

[frank62]

Bad soundman, small stage, cameras..is this reason enough to throw a tantrum? Not cool at all IMO to throw a show for any reason. I have seen guys like this many times. Incredible talents who are just a little to full of themselves. Hardly what I would call a class act. Perhaps he learned a little something about himself from this experience. Could be he needs new management and a strict policy for contract terms. Whatever the reasons, he left a bad impression on a crowd of people who will not forget this incident. Old saying..it's not so much your circumstances, but how you deal with it.

[stratovarius]

Adoring fans are the worst part of being a star, I guess. :(

[Bassomatic]

Fripp's been known to walk out of gigs where people disregard the photography thing.

Pity the fool that attempts to convince him that his position is unreasonable.

[twinrider1]

I saw Buddy Rich throw a fit once. But it didn't seem selfish. More like he was doing it to keep up the show's integrity. He didn't want anything to take away from the show.

[Schtomp]

Or you can do it like these guys^^

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WPr57KyICEQ

[Franklin]

That's a big part of it twinrider! Then there is all the other stress involved with the whole picture. Add on top of all the normal road stress, the sound problem and being billed on the "small" stage. I'm not condoning any negative behavior, I'm just saying I can't comment because I can't relate to being him and in his shoes.

[GerryJ]

Sonny Landreth is a class act.....

And his new album 'From the reach' is terrific.

[Lucidology]

Okay ... here's a local's perspective:

Yes, the Monterey Blues Festival is a prestigious gig to be asked to perform at ...
Indeed .. I think this is exactly why a top notch performer should be treated with the honor he deserves as a musician ...

Now with that being said, I happen to know many folk who are on the Blues Festival board,
and with all due respect let me talk about the board's procedures a little ...

I am a mediocre blues guitarist at best. .. yet, as a well known local artist, have been asked by the Blues Festival board at least 3x's to put together a Blues band under my name, just to play at the Festival on some of the smaller stages. All 3x's I have declined because, I felt I had no business playing under the auspice of being a blues artist ... (Now as a Funk/Fusion/Disco artist that would be a different story ...)

The last few years they have booked many a local blues band from the California Central Coast for the smaller stages... some obviously talented in the genre and others ... well, let's just say that some of them are little better then what you might hear at your local blues jam night ... In all honesty, I'm shocked at some of the local bands they have been booking there in the last 10 years or so .. (this year many of the groups chosen locally were particulary embarrassing ...)

Yet, by booking these local artists ... who will play for next to nothing, some even offer their services for free ... They save a great deal of money which goes to paying folk like B.B. King ... Makes sense right ..!?!

In no way can I rationalize Robben's behavior witnessed by Steve, by way of shallow venue and/or know-it-all sound men ... but just thought a little local perspective might help out ...

[Scott Miller]

I dunno, being on the same stage as Charlie Musselwhite, James Blood Ulmer, Jackie Payne, and Janiva Magness isn't such a bad thing.

[Lucidology]

I dunno, being on the same stage as Charlie Musselwhite, James Blood Ulmer, Jackie Payne, and Janiva Magness isn't such a bad thing.

Yeah ,,, they handle the venue quite well ...
Not to mention Chris Cain and even Laura Price throughout the years ...:-)

[dharmafool]

Robben Ford on a small local stage?. His managment either didnt do there job booking this venue or somehow he got screwed once he got there. Hard to believe he would have showed up knowing that

I work at the Monterey newspaper, and in conversations I overheard today, guess who's set was the main topic among the folks in the newsroom (not a gearhead among them) who went to the fest?

I heard them say the same things that Steve Snider described about RF at the top of this thread. I also heard it said by informed sources -- conjecture, though it be -- that RF's gig was assigned to a small stage because of a communication failure between RF's management and the blues fest. Supposedly this snafu was not uncovered until shortly before showtime and there was apparently not the wherewithal to move RF's set to the big stage.
:YinYang

[Lucidology]

I work at the Monterey newspaper, and in conversations I overheard today, guess who's set was the main topic among the folks in the newsroom (not a gearhead among them) who went to the fest?

I heard them say the same things that Steve Snider described about RF at the top of this thread. I also heard it said by informed sources -- conjecture, though it be -- that RF's gig was assigned to a small stage because of a communication failure between RF's management and the blues fest. Supposedly this snafu was not uncovered until shortly before showtime and there was apparently not the wherewithal to move RF's set to the big stage.
:YinYang


Ahh,,, and now we know the real story ...

By the way ... do I know you? :)

[jda]

Maybe his Emerald Pro wasn't blooming just right. That could mess up anybody.

[dharmafool]

Ahh,,, and now we know the real story ...

By the way ... do I know you? :)

Hi Joseph,
I e-mailed you a while back looking for amp techs on the Peninsula and you kindly replied. Other than that, we have not met (yet). I'm thinking we might have some mutual friends, however.http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/icons/icon7.gif

[Lucidology]

Hi Joseph,
I e-mailed you a while back looking for amp techs on the Peninsula and you kindly replied. Other than that, we have not met (yet). I'm thinking we might have some mutual friends, however.http://www.thegearpage.net/board/images/icons/icon7.gif

That's right .... who did you end up going with btw ....?
(Think I even mentioned Steve Snider, the OP of this thread, as someone local who would know ///)

[VCuomo]

A couple of months ago I went to a local show where Joe opened for Robben - the place was packed for Joe and he blew us all away. By the time Robben finished half of the venue was empty.

Considering that Robben helped Joe to get started, it must be hard for Robben to see the level of excitement that follows Joe and no longer appears to be following him. Or for Joe to be playing the headliner stage and for him to be playing the side act stage (whether due to "snafu" or otherwise).

[gearitis]

Wow! Deja Vu. I read the article in the link below around a month ago about Robben's May 18th show at the Manchester Club Academy. Bonamassa is even mentioned.

http://www.hardrockhouse.com/gigreviews/RobbenFord.htm

I had hoped that the show that the reviewer caught was very rare off night, but perhaps not.

[jcoloccia]

maybe His Emerald Pro Wasn't Blooming Just Right. That Could Mess Up Anybody.

Roflmao

[jimfog]

Wow! Deja Vu. I read the article in the link below around a month ago about Robben's May 18th show at the Manchester Club Academy. Bonamassa is even mentioned.

http://www.hardrockhouse.com/gigreviews/RobbenFord.htm

I had hoped that the show that the reviewer caught was very rare off night, but perhaps not.

Sounds a lot to me like a guy who's full of sour grapes 'cause he's not allowed to take photos.

[Steve Snider]

Well......I'll believe that he was "kicking at people" when I see it myself..........

Otherwise, it's a shame it was a bad gig.

On thing is, RF has been very clear for years that flash photos, on and off stage, are a BIG no-no. I would guarantee it's in any contract he sends out....so the venue needs to be taking care of that.

If you look at recent Youtubes, especially the Japan stuff with Carlton, his eyes seem really funky......squinting, tearing up, etc.........I wouldn't be surprised if he's having issues that are beyond "not liking people taking pics".

I agree, when you are on stage, that time belongs to the audience, not you......so always do your best to cover any BS. But when a longtime pro, who doesn't have a rep as a diva, melts down a bit at a gig like this, I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt that there's a LOT more to the story then we know. I love the guys who are willing to expand this into a rip of his entire being............lol. I'll assume most of them aren't working musicians.

- jim

Jim,

I sincerely hope the stuff my friend recorded never makes it to youtube as it would serve no purpose other than the trainwreck aspect which is the only reason I stayed till the end. For me it became nothing to do with music and more to do with "what will he do next". I dig his playing which is why after driving home earlier in the day, I turned around and went back at 9:30 in the evening. I grabbed a front row seat just to absorb the great stuff he can bring. Awesome band and I had high expectations. Not good.

You are absolutely right about Robben's Eyes, he looked like he had been crying and maybe the lights really **** him up but he spent more time trying to battle the photogs and being severly unhappy than actually making the best of a bad situation and just performing for the 8o minutes.

One guy who I told to check Robben out (non player) said he stayed for a song and felt that Ford was playing only for himself and was not musical at all. He acted like I steered him wrong and told me I should have seen Susan Tedeschi. I did for a couple songs before Robben started but I much prefer Robben but in hindsight susan would have been the better time. There is no doubt Robben had some shit working against him- the insult factor of being on that stage , the fact that his friend Volker played the big stage as well as some other lesser known bands, some sound issues and the strolling photographers that tweaked him out. I did feel bad for him.

That said, telling a woman in a nasty way( who strolls into the small arena and points a camera his direction) to put the camera away and when she does take the shot he yells "come here" and advances to the front of the stage like he is going to beat her is a real sad thing.And she was not alone ,he was annoyed all night as the photographers were coming and most were amatuers. I have no idea what it's like to be in his shoes nor will I ever but I can tell you I have seen thousands of shows and never seen anything like this.

[PierreL]

I think he has a few issues with the photographs :
- The flashes : either that hurts him or distract him or both, but he seems to definitely hate it
- People being at the front of the stage and taking hundreds of pics. Distraction again...
- Last, I think that he doesn't want people to record his shows on video (or audio) at all, which a lot of people do nowadays with phones...
It seems that sometimes there are some annoucements made before the show in order to prevent that, but that might not be the case all of the time.
Maybe the best thing would be for Robben to make the announcement himself at the beginning of the show, that would have certainly more strength.

Now , if he is being physically hurt by flashes, I can understand that it would make him overreact. If that's only motivated by fear of bootleging...I think he will have to learn to cope with it.

[mc5nrg]

Well there were all those unauthorised releases that may have had something to do with a possible attitude about bootlegs. Schizophonic and other records that he IIRC did not want released and may well have never been compensated for.

[andybaylor]

Its' gotta be something else. I hope it's not health related.

Prayers and good vibes for RF.

[OldSchool]

Sounds to me like Mr Ford needs to find a new outlet or lease in life if he can't take what goes with being a celebrity. I've always said......I'd love to have the money , but no way in hell I'd ever want to be famous. And I bet he can walk in any mall and most people won't even know WTF he is. But when you are coming to a blues show......he needs to suck it up .
Sorry........hang up the guitar then and go get a 9 to 5er like the rest of us then.

Joe B. BTW seems to be getting more and more incredible by the day. Just when you think the guy has hit his apex........he just does something else to blow your mind. What a Talent! And he is such a cool character. I listen to the 12:00 noon daily cup of Joe on Sirius FM everyday and you can tell what a down to earth kinda guy he is. And his Vocals and songwriting ability make him a true triple threat. Best New guitarist around hands Down.

[JoeB63]

Sounds like he really had the blues.

[Dave Orban]

Sounds to me like Mr Ford needs to find a new outlet or lease in life if he can't take what goes with being a celebrity.
I suspect it's a little deeper than that...

[trisonic]

I suspect it's a little deeper than that...
Yes, something going on here and the guy is hardly a "celebrity" (except among fellow guitarists). We all have our "moments" unfortunately ( I had a Malmsteen moment on a plane yesterday that was stuck on the tarmac at JFK for over an hour waiting for somewhere to park - it was already two hours late and this was 2:30 am in the morning..).

Best, Pete.

[Scottone]

Just to steer the thread back towards the positive, there are a couple of clips of Joe's set at Monterey up on YouTube.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3OBROSLlEMo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31XBDXgph-w&feature=related

Looks like a great performance...wish I could have been there.

[jumpnblues]

I can only guess that burnout has a good bit to do with it. I remember reading some comments he made in a recent interview where he kinda' assailed the current blues scene and at least suggested that nobody has brought anything "new" to blues lately. Reading between the lines, he seemed to be kinda' frustrated with himself as much as anything. Maybe frustration and burnout are playing a large part in his apparent unhappiness. Funny, I'm simple minded enough that if I had the skill level of a Robben Ford I'd be satisfied for the rest of my musical life. Too bad Robben's so unhappy though. I hope he doesn't have to go much longer in his "current state of mind". Tremendous talent.


Tom

[NitroLiq]

Funny, I'm simple minded enough that if I had the skill level of a Robben Ford I'd be satisfied for the rest of my musical life.
I don't know. I don't think a lot of musicians are ever satisfied with their abilities. Some are just harder on themselves than others. I've seen plenty of threads of people burnt on playing or in a rut or burnt on their style or not progressing or whatever else.

[reddgeetarzan]

Here is the short Version-

Joe Bonamassa comes on around 2:30 Saturday afternoon and Sunday it is still the buzz of the festival BTW. Amazing. Newspaper coverage and all the chatter indicates that the performance by Joe will go down as one of the best in 23 years or however long the fest has been around. I laughed my ass off as I never expected him to blow me away like he did but he was absolutely incredible from every aspect. Haven't been that impressed since Shawn Lane in '92. Joe brought it on every level. GREAT!!!!:JAM


After Joe B's set I was in a place for performers to get food and drinks and saw Robben Ford . He probably had heard the set JB did as well. He later did a closing song with Keb Mo on the main stage and around 9:30 took a small stage and performed a horrible set that was something I had a hard time believing.

Maybe it was the fact that Robben was booked on a small stage reserved for local bands and lesser known national acts or in tandem with his friend Volker Striffler playing the main stage along with Joe B and others but here he was on a barely elevated stage with a killer band consisting of Toss Panos and Carlton's bad ass kid on bass.

He seemed bothered from the beginning but as time went on he seemed like a very angry man on the verge of a severe breakdown. He was disturbed by the cameras in the audience using flashes, he was disturbed with the soundman ignoring his requests and ended up playing the worst show I have ever seen him do or maybe anyone. It was the deconstruction of a great guitarist who completely lost it. Kicking at people, cussing at people during songs, just seemed to be so pissed he could not play very well, his playing was real angry . I have seen him more than 20 times but this was unreal.

I was in the front row sitting next to my pro bass player buddy. We could not believe what we were seeing.It was incredible in a very sad way. I feel very bad for him as nobody I saw today could have anything good to say about him at all. His band killed but he was awful IMHO. I am a fan so this was a shock. Everyone can have a bad day but this was way different.

What??? Robben Ford is actually HUMAN????? Oh My God........the Gear Page will now self-destruct in 10...9...8...

Sorry to hear that- we all have our bad days- but......I've always been told thats the difference between a true pro and a hack- is how you handle the really bad performances, but again, it proves we're all human. Reminds me of a quote by the late, great record producer, Bruce Dickinson "Its all right kid, I put my pants the same way you do- one leg at a time. The difference between you and me is when I get my pants on- I make gold records..........WE NEED MORE COWBELL!!!!!!"

Maybe he just picked the wrong day to quit sniffing glue!!!!!!!

[madscientist]

Bonamassa's tone is just sick in those video's....That "Sloe Gin" solo is amazing.

Damn...just, damn.

[jumpnblues]

I don't know. I don't think a lot of musicians are ever satisfied with their abilities. Some are just harder on themselves than others. I've seen plenty of threads of people burnt on playing or in a rut or burnt on their style or not progressing or whatever else.


You obviously have no idea just how simple minded I am. LOL!! Yeah, I know what you're saying. I'm never satisfied and sometimes get really pissed at myself. Even if I had Robben's abilities, you're right, I'd still never be satisfied.


Tom

[les]

I am a huge Robben Ford fan and based upon Steve's review and experience I am sad to hear about this. Robben must be going thru some personal changes and this is overflowing into professional life.

I am a bit surprised for a Buddhist, Robben is acting out his anger in such a public way.

IMHO - I believe his has a harder life that we know and appreciate.

I wish him all the best and hope it is able to reconnect with his inner being.

[Solomon]

Those Bonamassa videos are nice. I had not really given him much of a listen as I in a close-minded manner always lumped him in with the Kenny Wayne Sheppards and Johnny Langs. Shame on me.

Checking out some of his other vids and music and the man can play. Great tone as well - right up there with Warren Haynes for rock-blues to me. That would be a great double bill - the Mule and Bonamassa.

[lhallam]

Robert Fripp has been known to walk off stage after one camera flash.

Some guys simply don't like it. Personally I feel it's the performers perogative to disallow flashes. If you don't like it, don't go to the shows.

[DøøG]

Robert Fripp has been known to walk off stage after one camera flash.

Some guys simply don't like it. Personally I feel it's the performers perogative to disallow flashes. If you don't like it, don't go to the shows.

I was gonna mention that, it's a given at the Crimson and/or Fripp shows. No taping either.

Surprized that Robben had a meltdown like that, but you never know what the conditions were. Sounds like he's having a crappy tour, totally understand.....

[SybianRiot]

I'd like more information on Robben's "Porno Soundtrack" that was mentioned on Page 1 or 2.

[dhdfoster]

Keeping photography from happening at a jazz festival is close to impossible. My RF should get shades where the glass is so dark, they don't even know your name.

[HHB]

the more I think about it the more I feel like it really was a slap in RFs face to be on the small stage, this is his local fest and they totally dissed him. Friends and guys he gave a hand up to were on the main stage, a hard pill to swallow

[MBreinin]

Keeping photography from happening at a jazz festival is close to impossible. My RF should get shades where the glass is so dark, they don't even know your name.

Cause they come in two classes, rhinestone shades and cheap sunglasses. Some rhinestones would go nicely with this outfit Robben is sporting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGJafrBw5UA

Beautiful tone though, good lord does the guy sound good.

I am sure the dude was wicked pissed to be on a small stage, especially at his hometown festival. That would be like putting Dr. John in the Blues Tent at Jazzfest in New Orleans....but I still think he should have dealt with it. I saw Sonny Landreth in the blues tent at Jazzfest and he tore that mother down. I have also seen him play at the park at Lafayette Square, a free and not exactly huge gig.

Mike

[Dave Orban]

Cause they come in two classes, rhinestone shades and cheap sunglasses. Some rhinestones would go nicely with this outfit Robben is sporting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGJafrBw5UA

Beautiful tone though, good lord does the guy sound good.

I am sure the dude was wicked pissed to be on a small stage, especially at his hometown festival. That would be like putting Dr. John in the Blues Tent at Jazzfest in New Orleans....but I still think he should have dealt with it. I saw Sonny Landreth in the blues tent at Jazzfest and he tore that mother down. I have also seen him play at the park at Lafayette Square, a free and not exactly huge gig.

MikeLike I said earlier, I saw him in NYC on a nice stage in a nice room, but he seemed to be "off" then, as well. I suspect there's more to it that a perceived "slight" from a particular venue...

[ToneGurus]

I'll still be right up front at Kuumbwa in Santa Cruz next week.Amy and I are going to the 9pm show.

Mike

[SybianRiot]

Again, which record is referred to as the "porno soundtrack"? Being that my favorite album by Mr. Ford are the Jing Chi, Tigerwalk and Neil Larsen records, I am sure I would like the "porno soundtrack" if it is not one of the aforementioned. With regards to Robben's attitude at Monterey, if it was as bad as claimed, there is no excuse. He should've just tigerwalked outta there. Or , he could've found his center and realized that it was only 90 minutes of his life and one show out of thousands for him but quite possibly once in a lifetime for somebody in the crowd and gotten on with the show (even if he needed to face the band or play with his head down hidden in his locks). I'll believe it when I see it on Youtube and will remain a fan either way but at a festival with people wandering in and out of shows, you're gonna get some flash. Sounds like something only a pre-show blowout with your wife could induce.

[DøøG]

Sounds like something only a pre-show blowout with your wife could induce.

And that could be it too! Who REALLY knows unless he speaks up about it? Or maybe he's having a blow-out with his wife all during his tour? You know that the wives don't like it when you go out on tour.......

[ToneGurus]

Again, which record is referred to as the "porno soundtrack"? Being that my favorite album by Mr. Ford are the Jing Chi, Tigerwalk and Neil Larsen records, I am sure I would like the "porno soundtrack" if it is not one of the aforementioned.It was released as "Schizophonic". I actually learned a lot of his solo from a track entitled "Stella & Frenchy" back in '79, LOL!

He did a lot of atmospheric sax work on that outing too. He sure never intended it for release under his name. I still have it and dig a lot of it.

Mike

[jumpnblues]

[..."Personally I feel it's the performers perogative to disallow flashes. If you don't like it, don't go to the shows.]"


And all this time I thought it was the performer who had something to sell and not the audience? Silly me. Cameras are as much a part of performances as the people necessary to listen to them. And Robben has known that since he began playing guitar. There should be no excuses for his behavior barring any health problems (mental or physical) or perhaps family/emergency issues.


Tom

[Scott Miller]

You should have heard Gatemouth Brown when it came to cameras and whatnot. Talk about a mean mofo. Robert Cray allows photographs on the first song only. To each his own.

[jimfog]

Cameras are as much a part of performances as the people necessary to listen to them.

According to who?

While, unfortunately, cameraphones, etc, have enabled today's spoiled audiences to believe they have some sort of RIGHT to record, film and shoot shows....because they can get away with it..........that doesn't make it cool, or allowed, across the board.

Some performers, it may not bother...........but I"ve seen FAR more shows where "No Cameras, No Taping" was the norm.

Again....I'm betting it was a confluence of a few bad situations coming together that caused this alleged freak-out by Robben...........but common decency and respect should dictate using a camera, recorder, etc ......especially when expressly asked NOT to.

Sure, most try and be flexible, but I believe a performer has a right to expect certain courtesies in his performing environment.

Probably a lost cause though, these days when folks have a ridiculously inflated sense of entitlement.

[jumpnblues]

{[quote=jimfog;4367472]According to who?...}




According to the entire history of the entertainment business and the beginning of photography, Jim. And I'm referring to photographs. Maybe I'm just taking it for granted like most people, but it seems to me to be a very "basic" expectation when a performer of some notoriety entertains people photographs will likely be a part of the event. An exception I've seen is where there is a request ahead of time and the audience/potential audience is notified that there be no photographs before, during, after the first set, yada, yada, yada. But to not make such a request ahead of the event, then rip someone's head off for taking an "innocent" pic is IMHO highly inappropriate. The audience is after all your "customer", something ego driven musicians all too often forget these days (myself included). A sense of entitlement is something that's not necessarily foreign to musicians either. And if you routinely treat your customers like crap, expect crap back. Word eventually gets around and venues often do not to ask people back that act like prima donnas. There are just too many other choices out there.
Recording the event is a whole other discussion. And there is all kinds of room for a performer to be upset at that.


Tom

[jda]

This is a blues festival we are talking about, right? Blues, the music of suffering, the music of paying dues, born of oppression and injustice. And now the practitioners are too sensitive to have their picture taken?

Fripp can't play no blues. Muddy wound up painting the ceiling and kept going. Robben needs to suck it up or switch to lite jazz. Blues ain't for wimps.

"I got the blues so bad, someone took an unauthorized photograph of me."

I'm not sure where the line is, but I think this crosses it.

[GerryJ]

Probably a lost cause though, these days when folks have a ridiculously inflated sense of entitlement.

...to match the ridiculously inflated ticket prices.
But c'mon, especially for anyone under 30, taking pictures with phones/etc is part of their daily life. An entertainer who doesn't realize that is in a bubble.

[Dave Orban]

Probably a lost cause though, these days when folks have a ridiculously inflated sense of entitlement.

...to match the ridiculously inflated ticket prices.
But c'mon, especially for anyone under 30, taking pictures with phones/etc is part of their daily life. An entertainer who doesn't realize that is in a bubble.

Bubble or not, when the performer makes a point of specifically requesting "no cameras" before beginning a show -- as was the case when I saw him last week in NYC -- those who flagrantly disregard the request are pretty low, IMO.

[jda]

Bubble or not, when the performer makes a point of specifically requesting "no cameras" before beginning a show -- as was the case when I saw him last week in NYC -- those who flagrantly disregard the request are pretty low, IMO.

I agree, that is pretty inconsiderate. I wonder if the venue plays a role - what kind of place was it? I can't imagine that happening at some of the nicer places here, but I could definitely see it happening at the dives.

And some people have a need to "get away with stuff", so just forbidding it attracts a certain type.

[Ken Ho]

I agree, that is pretty inconsiderate. I wonder if the venue plays a role - what kind of place was it? I can't imagine that happening at some of the nicer places here, but I could definitely see it happening at the dives.

And some people have a need to "get away with stuff", so just forbidding it attracts a certain type.


It's a festival. Security at the entrance gate defines what happens inside. If a camera makes it through, it's reasonable for asomeone to assume that using it is OK.
Most concerts accept non-SLR cameras these days. They are hardly a threat to a performers rights, if anything they serve as a promotion vehicle.
Sounds like Robbin (sic) could have owned that small stage if he chose to, instead it sounds like jealous rage is re-aligning his chakra for him.

[Shark21]

I read the first page of this thread and parked here at the end without reading every post.

Robben Ford is as human as the rest of us. My friend Andrew Brown pitches for the Oakland A's. We joke about how the only time ESPN shows him is when he's gettin' destroyed.

If we are to be judged by one performance, I'm bettin' that none of us would like that kind of scrutiny. Robben was great at the B.B. King Blues Club in Orlando a few months back. Same band and same gear. Played nearly every song from the new album and only two favorites from the past.

He's entitled to a bad outing and you guys are entitled to pile on. I don't think of Joe, when I listen to Robben and I don't think of Robben, when I listen to Joe. They are artists, not pitchers. They aren't out there to defeat the other players. And they are entitled to an off day.

[jda]

It's a festival. Security at the entrance gate defines what happens inside. If a camera makes it through, it's reasonable for asomeone to assume that using it is OK.
Most concerts accept non-SLR cameras these days. They are hardly a threat to a performers rights, if anything they serve as a promotion vehicle.
Sounds like Robbin (sic) could have owned that small stage if he chose to, instead it sounds like jealous rage is re-aligning his chakra for him.

Dave was talking about the place he saw Robben in NYC. My understanding is that was not a festival.

Totally agree that he could have played it differently.

[jimfog]

If you think that paying audiences are "spoiled" because they want to take some photos, then I suggest playing without one. Problem solved.

C'mon Jim.....it's not and either/or situation.....you and I have both been around long enough to remember when there was more respect and a tighter rein on this kind of stuff. There were a few guys, with press passes, who took shots at the beginning of the show, and then it was over. Not this constant, incessant, perverse need of folks to wave their new cellphone around, so they have crappy YouTube fodder, without permission.

I just think a little respect for performers is in order.....whether it's not smoking up front when asked, no unapproved taping, shutting the $%^& up during a quiet song..............or not taking flash photos when it obviously bothers the artist, and you've been specifically asked NOT to.

hey......I'm out there busting my ass for audiences 4-5 nights a week. I KNOW and appreciate every bit of attention they're willing to give me.......but it's a two way street. Performers aren't all whores.......your $50 ticket (bar tab, whatever) doesn't buy their soul and complete obedience.

I don't know about you, but I charge a LOT more to jump through hoops........lol.

[Lucidology]

I wonder if the venue plays a role - what kind of place was it? I can't imagine that happening at some of the nicer places here, but I could definitely see it happening at the dives.

....


It's a cement stage, outdoors at the Monterey Fairgrounds ...
There are folding chairs in front of the stage sitting in weed/grass ..
The street with parking and cars going by is directly behind this stage

The enclosed Main Arena is only a couple of hundred yards away from this stage ...
You can easily hear the music blasting from the huge-monster sound system when the outdoor band isn't playing ...

Plus, another factor that may have contributed to irritability...
is that our skies were full of smoke from the abundance of fires in our area lately ....
A lot of folk have been experiencing headaches and respiratory problems ...
Especially if they have a history of them...

Thus a doctor's advisory was in effect Saturday night ...

[Ken Ho]

Dave was talking about the place he saw Robben in NYC. My understanding is that was not a festival.

Totally agree that he could have played it differently.

OK, there are two concerets being referred to here. I was referring to the Monterey Bluestfest. People are going to have phones on them there for sure.
Something else that has occurred to me during this thread, is that I see part of the problem here as being related to conceptions of "better" or "best".
If Robben Ford was at some stge the "best" or considered by people to be, as evidenced by so many posts here, then it stands to reason that at some stage he may no longer be the "best". Sound like that time has come. The OP made a strong contrast between Joe Bonamassa and Ford, suggesting that a lot of the ill humour was related to being out-performed or out-shone, with the relegation form the main stage being salt in the wound.
If you want to love being a winner, you have to stand the chance of being a loser. There really is no place for competetion in music anyway.

Glory days.............................................. ................

[Two-Octave]

Robben Ford deserves to have booteek guitar dorks rant for 8 pages about him. It makes the world a better place.

[FlyingVBlues]

Prohibiting photography is the norm in some concert venues. I live next to Wolf Trap, which is the National Park for the Performing Arts. They have a seating capacity of 7000 and host about 75 concerts throughout the summer by national acts. This is their policy regarding cameras: "The use of recording equipment and cameras (with or without flash) during performances is strictly prohibited except by authorized press and personnel." The ushers will remove you from your seat if you are observed taking unauthorized photographs. Apparently the Wolf Trap audiences don't have a problem with this since most performances are sold out.

FVB

[madvek]

Robben needs to suck it up or switch to lite jazz. Blues ain't for wimps.

"I got the blues so bad, someone took an unauthorized photograph of me."


:roll

[Thor]

If you think that paying audiences are "spoiled" because they want to take some photos, then I suggest playing without one. Problem solved.

+1. The audience is why the artist is playing at any particular venue to begin with. Should they be polite and supportive - absolutely, but they deserve to be treated in kind.

I can see how flash photography could be distracting, but photos taken without a flash - who cares?

I also can understand how a big name like RF could have felt snubbed by being put on the side stage. The best sort of payback for that would be to smoke the set so hard that you blow everyone else away.

We all have bad days, but when it's time to do our job we put on our best face and try to do it right, thus the term "professional".

Cheers,

Edward

[PierreL]

If you want to love being a winner, you have to stand the chance of being a loser. There really is no place for competetion in music anyway.

Glory days.............................................. ................

It's only the assumption of some people here that Robben Ford was pissed of because he was playing on the smaller stage, but the truth is nobody knows why he was in a bad mood.
There are all kind of ridiculous comments throughout the topic, it seems to be rather easy to judge someone without knowing the facts (I don't either).
The guy has a career spanning 35 years, he has played all over the world on the most prestigious stages with some music legends, and because he has been acting funny once on a local festival, he's getting flamed all over the place (I'm sure he's ready to take a few lessons in professionalism by some TGP members...).
At this pace I guess that someone like EVH would hang from a rope on Main Street...

[reddgeetarzan]

Those Bonamassa videos are nice. I had not really given him much of a listen as I in a close-minded manner always lumped him in with the Kenny Wayne Sheppards and Johnny Langs. Shame on me.

Checking out some of his other vids and music and the man can play. Great tone as well - right up there with Warren Haynes for rock-blues to me. That would be a great double bill - the Mule and Bonamassa.

+1000 on that!!!

[daddyo]

Funny how everybody is so pre-occupied by Robben's bad day that they totally ignore Joe's awesome day.

[Kalalau Hiker]

I remember when John McLaughlin in the Mahavishnu days used to ask for a "moment of silence" from the crowd beforte the start of playing ...to signify the meditative message he was hoping the crowd would hear in his music....before they'd unleash Billy Cobham to bring the crowd to a frenzy.... LOL

there were always beer sooted guys in the crowd yelling "GET IT ON !!!!" ... " DO IT" .."PLAY ALREADY" ...even "F@CK YOU .. PLAY!!!" ...

John never got pissed or said anything - to his credit.

25 years later - I see Scott Henderson in a little club - ALL guitarists (LOL) - takin pix - talkin between AND during the songs about hios technique.....etc

before one song ..Scott says ... " OK GUYS... this NEXT song is the SENSITIVE SUBTLE part .. so STOP yappin' and SHUT THE F@CK UP!"

Scott laffs.. the crowd laffs ... and SHUTS the F@CK up!

point in case ... HUMOR WORKS! .... DUH!!


seems like Robben might need a little peace of mind and a little sense of humor about it all... it's JUST music ...we're not changing the world here..even McLaughlin knows that. ;) ...:phones

[TS808]

Everyone has off days. Joe B. played a show here a few months ago (Palace Theater in Greensburg, Pa.) that I almost went to. A friend and Joe B. fan that did go said, quote, "it sucked". He didn't play long, would start a tune then stop, start something else, etc. And he only played for a little over an hour and left.

I was shocked when he told me that. I'm so glad I didn't go to that show, but I still like Joe a lot. An amazing player. I have all his albums and two DVDs. Joe tours a lot, and that can wear you down. I can't fault the guy for being human. I am still looking forward to seeing him live.

Apparently it was Robben's turn to have a bad day. You can't let one bad gig ruin your impressions of any musician IMO since we're all human, and we all have our bad days.

I was at that show too..it was the night before Thanksgiving 2007. My impressions are the opposite...he was amazing that night. Sounded great. He DID play long that night and I believe he did two encores, and he didn't start any songs and then stop as your friend said. The guy blew me away as well as the rest of the audience. Even my wife, who is not much into music walked out of there saying that was the most incredible show she was ever at.

[bluesman]

According to who?

While, unfortunately, cameraphones, etc, have enabled today's spoiled audiences to believe they have some sort of RIGHT to record, film and shoot shows....because they can get away with it..........that doesn't make it cool, or allowed, across the board.

Some performers, it may not bother...........but I"ve seen FAR more shows where "No Cameras, No Taping" was the norm.

Again....I'm betting it was a confluence of a few bad situations coming together that caused this alleged freak-out by Robben...........but common decency and respect should dictate using a camera, recorder, etc ......especially when expressly asked NOT to.

Sure, most try and be flexible, but I believe a performer has a right to expect certain courtesies in his performing environment.

Probably a lost cause though, these days when folks have a ridiculously inflated sense of entitlement.

:AOK I couldn't agree more!

[stevieboy]

I think generally most of an audience is respectful and don't use cameras especially when asked not to. They also can't run the sound, and certainly don't decide what stage someone is going to be put on. I can't single out Ford here as I wasn't there, but I think any professional performer should consider all of those people, and not focus on the few things that he might find annoying.

[jumpnblues]

Bubble or not, when the performer makes a point of specifically requesting "no cameras" before beginning a show -- as was the case when I saw him last week in NYC -- those who flagrantly disregard the request are pretty low, IMO.


Now that's a different situation all together and IMHO the entertainer has a right to be pissed about that.


Tom

[bluesman]

It was released as "Schizophonic". I actually learned a lot of his solo from a track entitled "Stella & Frenchy" back in '79, LOL!

He did a lot of atmospheric sax work on that outing too. He sure never intended it for release under his name. I still have it and dig a lot of it.

Mike

It was one of those albums that are released, but not officially by Robben. Avenue Jazz is doing them now and I'd bet Robben would stop them from being released if he could.

[bluesman]

If a camera makes it through, it's reasonable for asomeone to assume that using it is OK.

Come on. That reminds me of when I was a kid and people saying, "Hey, it's only illegal if you get caught."

If the organizers say it's not okay, then it's not okay. If the performer says its not okay, then it's not okay. I sound like my Grandpa, but what ever happened to showing respect for people.

[Wagster]

Robben doesn't like flash.My friend took lessons from Robben at his house and told me this.I have no idea why.

[bluesman]

Kicking at people, cussing at people during songs, just seemed to be so pissed he could not play very well, his playing was real angry .

Steve, when you say kicking at people, do you really mean he was doing it as if trying make contact with someone's head or was it more like a motion to say backoff?

Since you saw it with your own eyes and I didn't, I just don't want to read more into it than really happened.

Thanks.

[Steve Snider]

Steve, when you say kicking at people, do you really mean he was doing it as if trying make contact with someone's head or was it more like a motion to say backoff?

Since you saw it with your own eyes and I didn't, I just don't want to read more into it than really happened.

Thanks.

A photog was kneeling up at the front of the stage and pointing up at Robben who was standing about 2 feet from the edge. He told the photographer to "back off" and "no cameras", he then advanced to the edge and said "you are pushing your luck and put out a wimpy kick from the edge of the stage. He obviously did not intend to kill the guy or he could have kicked the lens dead on and the guy would have been in the hospital. That said the guy did not take another picture. I am sure Robben will be great tonight in Santa Cruz and there won't be a flash in the house. For good reason.

[Red Suede]

I'll be willing to wager there will be some that will try........ Let you know tomorrow.

[ToneGurus]

A photog was kneeling up at the front of the stage and pointing up at Robben who was standing about 2 feet from the edge. He told the photographer to "back off" and "no cameras", he then advanced to the edge and said "you are pushing your luck and put out a wimpy kick from the edge of the stage. He obviously did not intend to kill the guy or he could have kicked the lens dead on and the guy would have been in the hospital. That said the guy did not take another picture. I am sure Robben will be great tonight in Santa Cruz and there won't be a flash in the house. For good reason.We just got back from the 2nd sold out show. He ripped. And "performed" (stage presence, singing, etc.). They asked before he took the stage that there be no cell phones on, no cameras, and no recording. They asked to please respect the artist's wishes. AFAIK, the audience did just that.

He was playing a Super Reverb AND the D tonight. HUGE sound. Very big. Played the T and Sakashta. Both sounded great. No Zendrive pedal. He was moving a lot of air, and they were handing out earplugs from the stage for anyone who wanted them. Nah, he doesn't play loud... right. Damn loud for a venue that size. Great show, and I had friends from the first show that raved about it too. One of them was an old friend who was the guitar tech on the Talk To Your Daughter album. You know, folks who have seen him up close a bunch. He was kicking (figuratively, doh!) tonight folks.

Mike

[Steve Snider]

We just got back from the 2nd sold out show. He ripped. And "performed" (stage presence, singing, etc.). They asked before he took the stage that there be no cell phones on, no cameras, and no recording. They asked to please respect the artist's wishes. AFAIK, the audience did just that.

He was playing a Super Reverb AND the D tonight. HUGE sound. Very big. Played the T and Sakashta. Both sounded great. No Zendrive pedal. He was moving a lot of air, and they were handing out earplugs from the stage for anyone who wanted them. Nah, he doesn't play loud... right. Damn loud for a venue that size. Great show, and I had friends from the first show that raved about it too. One of them was an old friend who was the guitar tech on the Talk To Your Daughter album. You know, folks who have seen him up close a bunch. He was kicking (figuratively, doh!) tonight folks.

Mike


Cool!!! Thanks for the report. I know how good he can be and would have liked to have seen him redeem himself tonight but I am real glad he was great. Truly great and original player no doubt. Sounds like an awesome show.

[ToneGurus]

Cool!!! Thanks for the report. I know how good he can be and would have liked to have seen him redeem himself tonight but I am real glad he was great. Truly great and original player no doubt. Sounds like an awesome show.My pleasure! And I'm not here to endorse or defend the guy, just to report on a great show. Red Suede was there, so maybe he'll chime in. (Sorry we didn't say Hi Red, we were clear across the room from you and went out the side door.)

Also, Robben was staying after the show to sign copies of Truth that they were selling. Friendly and accessible tonight!

Mike

[Dave Orban]

Glad to hear this report!

[Red Suede]

Saw Robben a few hours ago. Dumble and Super Reverb. Sakashta and Tele. Nobody comps with more taste or solos with that note selection. Sang great, played with a lot of intensity and passion. (Fallout from the weekend)? The man is on an island, has strictly his own thing. Outstanding!

[stratlad]

Wish'd I could have seen this

Tone Gurus was Robben's Tech Mark of Mark's guitar repair? I know Mark well and he is a old tech and friend of Robben's. Glad it was good!

[ToneGurus]

Wish'd I could have seen this

Tone Gurus was Robben's Tech Mark of Mark's guitar repair? I know Mark well and he is a old tech and friend of Robben's. Glad it was good!One and the same. I've known Mark and Susie for about 20 years now. Mark can be pretty jaded with all the great stuff he's seen in his travels. He was excited after that first show last night. He thought Robben never sounded better.

Saw Robben a few hours ago. Dumble and Super Reverb. Sakashta and Tele. Nobody comps with more taste or solos with that note selection. Sang great, played with a lot of intensity and passion. (Fallout from the weekend)? The man is on an island, has strictly his own thing. Outstanding!Yeah, that's very true. Another thing occured to me after last night. Maybe because after all these years I'm noticing more detail, but this guy is a master. Really. The mechanics of how he produces the timbres, vibratos, chord clusters and fragments - the harmonic stuff he pulls out on the fly in an instant - the sheer speed he can play at times.... thumb, fingers, pick, combinations of those, volume control, muting -- one of the most complete players out there, whose playing stands up to anyone's. And I should be jaded since I've been catching him live since 1978. Last night was as good as he's ever sounded.

Mike

[Dave Orban]

One and the same. I've known Mark and Susie for about 20 years now.

Yeah, that's very true. Another thing that occured to me after last night. Maybe because after all these years I'm noticing more detail, but this guy is a master. Really. The mechanics of how he produces the timbres, vibratos, chord clusters and fragments - the harmonic stuff he pulls out on the fly in an instant - the sheer speed he can play at times.... thumb, fingers, pick, combinations of those, volume control, muting -- one of the most complete players out there, whose playing stands up to anyone's.

MikeLike I said earlier, seeing Robben on a bad day is still better than seeing most anyone else on a good day. ;)

[eddie101]

We just got back from the 2nd sold out show. He ripped. And "performed" (stage presence, singing, etc.). They asked before he took the stage that there be no cell phones on, no cameras, and no recording. They asked to please respect the artist's wishes. AFAIK, the audience did just that.

He was playing a Super Reverb AND the D tonight. HUGE sound. Very big. Played the T and Sakashta. Both sounded great. No Zendrive pedal. He was moving a lot of air, and they were handing out earplugs from the stage for anyone who wanted them. Nah, he doesn't play loud... right. Damn loud for a venue that size. Great show, and I had friends from the first show that raved about it too. One of them was an old friend who was the guitar tech on the Talk To Your Daughter album. You know, folks who have seen him up close a bunch. He was kicking (figuratively, doh!) tonight folks.

Mike

Thanks for much waited report. See, the man needed his Dumble to get his sound back :) Did he use a vintage Super or RI?

[Red Suede]

The Super looked vintage to me. Also, not one photo flash or cellphone ring the whole night. Also, Travis Carlton and Toss Panos set up deep grooves the whole night. I just don't see room for criticism with a guy like this because he's still doing things that no one else has done yet. And as far as him being compared with anyone else, I don't hear anyone else close to bridging the gap between jazz and blues quite like this. I like seeing Robben in trio settings cause no one comps like he does, although I can see where he might like to have someone taking him somewhere when he solos. The only person I can see really pushing him somewhere is Chick Corea, although i'm sure there are others maybe, Mitchell Forman, perhaps. (I'd like to see that one though)! Excuse me, I now have to get my tickets for Larry Carlton, same venue, next month!

[ToneGurus]

Thanks for much waited report. See, the man needed his Dumble to get his sound back :) Did he use a vintage Super or RI?You know, I just assumed it was a '60's one, but I can't say for sure as I wasn't looking for it. I will say this, when he came out and hit the first few clean notes on the Tele, I was taken aback. Huge soundstage and low end. It had to be the 2 amps working together. 2 12's and 4 10's - something for everybody!

Mike

[ToneGurus]

The Super looked vintage to me. Also, not one photo flash or cellphone ring the whole night. Also, Travis Carlton and Toss Panos set up deep grooves the whole night. I just don't see room for criticism with a guy like this because he's still doing things that no one else has done yet. And as far as him being compared with anyone else, I don't hear anyone else close to bridging the gap between jazz and blues quite like this. I like seeing Robben in trio settings cause no one comps like he does, although I can see where he might like to have someone taking him somewhere when he solos. The only person I can see really pushing him somewhere is Chick Corea, although i'm sure there are others maybe, Mitchell Forman, perhaps. (I'd like to see that one though)!Big props to Toss and Travis, agreed. Toss was on top of things for sure. My wife had more fun watching Toss than Robben.

Mike

[stevieboy]

I guess if there's a lesson here, it's that if you want to see Robben Ford, catch him at a club, not a festival!

At a club, it's his show, he can set rules in cooperation with the venue (and certainly he knows what stage he's going to play on!) At a festival, you're more at the mercy of the event. It's a little out of line to try to impose your "rules" when it isn't your deal. It sounds like Ford had some difficulty dealing with this, and that it would be better if he could accept the reality and go with the flow a little better, or don't play festivals, both for his sake and the sake of the audience. But again I wasn't there and can't really say for sure how things went.

[Red Suede]

Carlton's next at the same venue next month. You going, Mike?

[ToneGurus]

Carlton's next at the same venue next month. You going, Mike?Yeah, Amy was hipping me to that show - guess I have to take her.

Of course Aug. 11 is the Yellowjackets with Mike Stern. May have to check that one out as well....

Mike

[jda]

Like I said earlier, seeing Robben on a bad day is still better than seeing most anyone else on a good day. ;)

Only if you want to see him for something other than music. Otherwise, I'd skip the bad day, if I could.

[Paul Conway]

The Super looked vintage to me. Also, not one photo flash or cellphone ring the whole night. Also, Travis Carlton and Toss Panos set up deep grooves the whole night. I just don't see room for criticism with a guy like this because he's still doing things that no one else has done yet. And as far as him being compared with anyone else, I don't hear anyone else close to bridging the gap between jazz and blues quite like this. I like seeing Robben in trio settings cause no one comps like he does, although I can see where he might like to have someone taking him somewhere when he solos. The only person I can see really pushing him somewhere is Chick Corea, although i'm sure there are others maybe, Mitchell Forman, perhaps. (I'd like to see that one though)! Excuse me, I now have to get my tickets for Larry Carlton, same venue, next month!

Last year in the space of twelve months I had the great good fortune to see Robben a) with his trio (Melvin Davis, Gary Novak) and b) with Larry, Toss & Travis. Both very cool, and different vibes. Gary Novak was particularly awesome, I have to say. He gives very little ground to someone like Toss in terms of his playing. However, the main point is this: on each occasion, Robben showed true professionalism, in different ways.

On the first gig (trio), Steve Winwood got up (I think he lives around here somewhere) and picked up a guitar. Now, I think Winwood has pretty much earned the right to stand on a stage with most rock/pop acts, but in terms of blues guitar - well, he's no Robben Ford. However, Robben and band did an outstanding job of backing him up and making him feel comfortable, and Robben in particular seemed to be relishing the opportunity to comp behind someone whose work he clearly admires - and he played with great sensitivity and groove. (Along with many others here, I love his comping.) I have to admit, when Winwood stepped out on stage, I cringed, but shortly thereafter I actually really enjoyed it.

Second story: saw Robben and Larry in a different venue where yet again, the sound man had no understanding of the fact that he was there to provide sound reinforcement, not to perforate eardrums. This time, Robben had a filthy cold, which unfortunately meant he couldn't sing, and he was clearly in a bad way. However, he did the gig with verve and enthusiasm, and I believe he even went out and signed autographs afterwards.

The guy is a pro's pro. He's been at it for over 30 years. So he has one off night? I think we can let him off. Maybe it's because of his innate politeness and normal attitude that this is coming up. I mean, we hardly see a mass of threads about the primadonna attitudes of many, many other players.

[DøøG]

I have to admit, when Winwood stepped out on stage, I cringed, but shortly thereafter I actually really enjoyed it.

Cringe?!?!?!:eek::NUTS
Winwood has THE VOICE, IMO. Who cares if he's playing guitar or just standing there with it!

[Red Suede]

That's probably why Robben was smiling. He got to hear that voice. He knows who's got it and who dosen't.

[DøøG]

And still has it, he sounded great at the last Crossroads fest. Can't wait for the DVD to come out of those Clapton/Winwood shows!

[Paul Conway]

Cringe?!?!?!:eek::NUTS
Winwood has THE VOICE, IMO. Who cares if he's playing guitar or just standing there with it!

He didn't sing, if I remember rightly. Just played guitar. Hence the initial cringing. But he didn't screw up, and Robben did a great job comping. A masterclass, in fact.

[Atmospheric]

This was 3-4 years ago at a local venue. Apparently, he was using a rented twin for the gig. I suspect the twin had been modded (as was the rage 15 years ago) to "tighten up the bass" by adding filtering. Anyway, the amp was totally lifeless. He spent nearly every break in 2-3 songs tweaking knobs trying to get it to feedback for him. I made a pissy remark about the amp, then proceeded to play the most god-awful set I ever heard in my life. It sounded like a schizophrenic imitating JB - bits and pieces of licks that didn't make any sense at all, no cohesive stringing together of ideas, just random sh!t played real fast. I haven't been able to think about seeing him since. Very sad.

Here is the short Version-

Joe Bonamassa comes on around 2:30 Saturday afternoon and Sunday it is still the buzz of the festival BTW. Amazing. Newspaper coverage and all the chatter indicates that the performance by Joe will go down as one of the best in 23 years or however long the fest has been around. I laughed my ass off as I never expected him to blow me away like he did but he was absolutely incredible from every aspect. Haven't been that impressed since Shawn Lane in '92. Joe brought it on every level. GREAT!!!!:JAM


After Joe B's set I was in a place for performers to get food and drinks and saw Robben Ford . He probably had heard the set JB did as well. He later did a closing song with Keb Mo on the main stage and around 9:30 took a small stage and performed a horrible set that was something I had a hard time believing.

Maybe it was the fact that Robben was booked on a small stage reserved for local bands and lesser known national acts or in tandem with his friend Volker Striffler playing the main stage along with Joe B and others but here he was on a barely elevated stage with a killer band consisting of Toss Panos and Carlton's bad ass kid on bass.

He seemed bothered from the beginning but as time went on he seemed like a very angry man on the verge of a severe breakdown. He was disturbed by the cameras in the audience using flashes, he was disturbed with the soundman ignoring his requests and ended up playing the worst show I have ever seen him do or maybe anyone. It was the deconstruction of a great guitarist who completely lost it. Kicking at people, cussing at people during songs, just seemed to be so pissed he could not play very well, his playing was real angry . I have seen him more than 20 times but this was unreal.

I was in the front row sitting next to my pro bass player buddy. We could not believe what we were seeing.It was incredible in a very sad way. I feel very bad for him as nobody I saw today could have anything good to say about him at all. His band killed but he was awful IMHO. I am a fan so this was a shock. Everyone can have a bad day but this was way different.

[aeolian]

What I've noticed about Robben is that he would like for the audience to pay attention. I've heard him talk about how can you be listening when you're futzing around with the camera. Take a picture for your souvi album and then put it down and listen to the music. It's the folks who are trying to do the "almost famous" bit that get to him. I've seen shows where they is a professional photogapher there that he knows about. Doesn't seem to bother him that much. But folks who take up space in the front rows switching lenses and messing around with their camera settings bug him. Why are they there if not to enjoy the music? That just seems to be his take on it. Maybe it's his personal way. When he goes to a show, he wants to lose himself in the music. Without having the person next to him clicking away and yanking stuff out of their camera bag all night.

There probably is something going on with his eyes. If you can get him to agree to a posed flash picture, he really braces himself for the flash. And at that he will only agree to a few and then has to cut it off.

[Red Suede]

You know Steve, it just seems like the digital flashes are worse than the old Kodak flashes, much like the halogen headlights versus the old design. I have problems with the digital flashes too. Extremely blinding.

[sanhozay]

I'm on page 5, still reading. Ballyhoo artist threads are always fun. I am not a believer that Robben’s performance was perceived as out of sorts, in actuality I’m thinking many people loved it. On to page six...

Perhaps there's no monster at the end of this thread?

[stratovarius]

Perhaps there's no monster at the end of this thread?

Where's the fun in that? :(

[GAT]

I saw Robben a couple of weeks ago at a large outdoor concert and it was one of the best I've seen him. He was playing was a lot of fire. He had the Dumble and a Super Reverb. He played his 335 most of the time.

He did tell one photographer to stop taking pictures, although there about 20 pro photographers in front of the stage.

[bluesman]

What I've noticed about Robben is that he would like for the audience to pay attention.

I think you're spot on here, Steve. He wants people to come listen to music. If you're spending a large part of your time taking pictures, you're not listening. And you're very distracting to him as well as people around you. I've seen it - and been very distracted by it - many times.

[Jim Salman]

Boy, what a bunch of tough customers!!

The truth is, none of has any idea what was really going inside of Robben's head at that Monterey concert. Maybe things aren't going so well with his marriage. Maybe somebody in his family has a terminal disease. Maybe he is in some severe financial crisis. It could be any of these things or none of these things. It could be something else, or a whole bunch of bad stuff going on.

As for that "if he's really a professional, then he should just handle it" attitude... well, that's true but it goes only so far. What if YOU recently had a parent or close family member die, and a couple of good friends are fighting cancer, and you are considering declaring bankruptcy, and you think you may soon be going through a divorce,... do you think you would be able to handle every bad situation thrown at you with dignity and grace?

Let me repeat, none of us has any idea what is really going on.

[Kalalau Hiker]

Boy, what a bunch of tough customers!!

The truth is, none of has any idea what was really going inside of Robben's head at that Monterey concert. Maybe things aren't going so well with his marriage. Maybe somebody in his family has a terminal disease. Maybe he is in some severe financial crisis. It could be any of these things or none of these things. It could be something else, or a whole bunch of bad stuff going on.

As for that "if he's really a professional, then he should just handle it" attitude... well, that's true but it goes only so far. What if YOU recently had a parent or close family member die, and a couple of good friends are fighting cancer, and you are considering declaring bankruptcy, and you think you may soon be going through a divorce,... do you think you would be able to handle every bad situation thrown at you with dignity and grace?

Let me repeat, none of us has any idea what is really going on.

excellent post.

above all we should all wish Robben the best and be compassionate.

[JingleJungle]

Saw RF couple of weeks ago in Varese, Italy. All seats sold out, attentive and appreciative audience.
He rocked with elegance, with the Panoss guy on drums (played and looked 100% Keith Moon BTW, LOL!!) taking maybe just a little too much space within the arrangement.
Oh yeah - RF speaks impressive italian (FWIW)! :)

Bravo!

Paul

[Dr Git]

Yeah. I'm still awaiting my GOOD dayOuch..We all have off days...

[Lucidology]

Well ... yesterday at my gig ...
I heard the whole 'Inside Story" about RF's pissed-off-ness
at the Monterey Blues Festival from guys doing sound for him
and one of RF's good personal friends here ...

It was a combination of a bunch of different factors that built up...
but he wasn't putting on a show by any means ... he was 'really, truly' pissed ...

It all stems from a foundation of requests not honored ...

[Eskimo_Joe]

Maybe that's Robben's biggest problem - he only relates to guitar players on a technical level. He's lost relevance to average people - that's why he's on the puppet show stage. All the greatest bluesman were primarily strong vocalists whose simple, emotive guitar style served the song, not the other way round. Albert King and BB King are primary examples. The bluesman communicates themes common to all people and heals through empathy. The minute you start thinking about half/whole note scales, the thing is lost. My opinion.

exactly right

[dead of night]

It's possible that one camera flash gives Ford a severe migraine for the next 6 hours. I would do anything to avoid that, wouldn't you?

[Ken Ho]

It's possible that one camera flash gives Ford a severe migraine for the next 6 hours. I would do anything to avoid that, wouldn't you?

He could always wear a pair of Cheap Sunglasses !!

[chinstrap]

I am a professional audio engineer and a long time player with years of tour experience. I worked a show for Robben the night he was nominated for a Grammy for "Tigerwalk" in a theatre where he only drew a couple of hundred patrons . Instead of being miffed by the poor turnout, he played a great set, behaved as a perfect gentleman, and even made light of not winning the Big G that same night. He even let me play his 50's Strat thru his Dumble rig, and had dinner with us crew guys, a memorable experience for me for sure. If Robben was behaving unprofessionally as reported at Monterey, I'm sure there were two sides to the WHOLE story, and I hope Robben is well as a player AND a human being-

[90wreck]

Welcome to TGP chinstrap.
Great info and sounds like a good time.
Thanks for the post.

However....:hide
I saw RF in Cleveland a few years back with Hillary on drums.
The set/tone was good. but he did seem pissed and was VERY short with me and my friends for the signing of CD's we bought that night.
Was it because I took pictures??
I don't know.
They didn't announce "No photo's".
I have a very good pic of him signing Tony's(friend) CD he bought that night and the look on his face spoke volumes.
However his tech was very cool with me before the show.
I have alot of pics on a CD(rig/guitars and during the show) somewhere, but not on my HD.
I need to find it someday and post them.
Once again, welcome aboard.
'wreck

[Clifford-D]

Well...yeah...BUT, to me, there is nothing worse than a poor soundman.
All those years of practice go down the toilet because the floor tom is louder than the guitar. Pisses me off too.
I saw Robben at the Mystic in Petaluma, same kind of anger projected at the crowd.
He cursed at a camera and turned his back to them.

But the worse was when the crowd didn't applaud enough and he got on the mike
and insisted on more applause.

I've followed him since he was a hungry 20 year old, never had I seen this side of him.

He needs to remember what an honor it is being "him".

[Clifford-D]

Maybe that's Robben's biggest problem - he only relates to guitar players on a technical level. He's lost relevance to average people - that's why he's on the puppet show stage. All the greatest bluesman were primarily strong vocalists whose simple, emotive guitar style served the song, not the other way round. Albert King and BB King are primary examples. The bluesman communicates themes common to all people and heals through empathy. The minute you start thinking about half/whole note scales, the thing is lost. My opinion.
This is/was not Robbens problem

So,,, this is total BS

He does have a problem with anger on the bandstand
But he has no problem with his choices in his playing.

Total BS

[Echoes]

anyone that has played the big stages knows the BS that is promised by some of these promoters or venue owners to 'get you there'...then the ol' bait and switch mumbo-jumbo comes in...

"well, you see, we have to move you to the 'tard' stage because bla bla...and here's your sound man 'Chip Winkelberry' he'll be running the Fender 150 Passport PA system for you today bla bla.."

after a while it just pisses you off to be lied to so often and so consistently...even expecting it is a drag....cut Mr. Ford some slack I will bet anything it has to do with this kinda crud...

[jimfog]

I saw Robben at the Mystic in Petaluma, same kind of anger projected at the crowd.
He cursed at a camera and turned his back to them.

But the worse was when the crowd didn't applaud enough and he got on the mike
and insisted on more applause.

I've followed him since he was a hungry 20 year old, never had I seen this side of him.

He needs to remember what an honor it is being "him".

I hear he ate some children after the show, as well............

[Scott Miller]

Albert King and BB King are primary examples. The bluesman communicates themes common to all people and heals through empathy. The minute you start thinking about half/whole note scales, the thing is lost.

Har! As I read this, I was listening to BB playing a solo, and he throws in a nice little augmented arpeggio. OK, not half/whole, but getting there.

[PierreL]

I hear he ate some children after the show, as well............

Only the legs, that's his favourite part some say...

[Kalalau Hiker]

Quote:
Albert King and BB King are primary examples. The bluesman communicates themes common to all people and heals through empathy. The minute you start thinking about half/whole note scales, the thing is lost.

Albert (RIP) was especially healing and empathetic when he regularly cursed out his sound guys! :roll



I saw Robben at the Mystic in Petaluma, same kind of anger projected at the crowd.
He cursed at a camera and turned his back to them.

But the worse was when the crowd didn't applaud enough and he got on the mike and insisted on more applause.


I can empathize with THAT!

I don't get enough applause from YOU GUYS for my posts! you all suck!!

:AOK :D

[Red Suede]

Some of those old bluesmen were meaner than hell.....

[chinstrap]

I worked with Albert King several times, and he never failed to be unpleasant to all in attendance. I also did one show with Lonnie Mack, who was also tempermental and difficult. None of the issues I witnessed from either artist was based upon poor audio quality or an unprofessional presentation standard. I can't speak to what the 'promoter" promised and didn't fulfill, but the shows were all well attended by patrons who were treated disrespectfully IMO.

Thank you 90Wreck for the warm welcome, I am truly enjoying the divergent interests and the distinct level of professionalism on this site (and the occasional amusing smartass).

[guitgator]

I'm just glad Joan Crawford didn't play the blues.

[iamdavea]

This thread reminds me of a remark a friend of mine made several years ago. He works in a music consignment store, so I'd go in, look around, B.S. He and I had several EJ vs. RF conversations (me being the EJ guy). We were talking about their respective qualities as live performers, and my friend said, "I've seen Robben play at least a half dozen times, and God knows I love him, but EVERY single time I've seen him, there's been some kind of drama or Robben throwing a tantrum. Every time."

[Mark Robinson]

I've seen Ford play pretty much every year since he started touring with Brechtlein and Beck. I've seen him with Brechtlein at least three or four times, with Hillary Jones drumming at least twice, with Coliauta twice, and all the Safari Sams gigs with Landau, which was Novak. That's how I keep it straight, the drumming.

Anyway I have not seen Robben now for nearly two years, but up to that point, probably a dozen gigs in all, he was unfailingly gracious and professional. That's a big sample of gigs. I've seen him struggle with an amp, change to a backup, seen him wrestle with wah noise, and even bail on the wah. All done smoothly and nicely. So I think there is a bit of exaggeration going on in this thread. I don't doubt that Robben had some awful crap gig up in Monterrey etc, but so friggen what? I can tell you that it was far from normal for the guy. Lots of people have "issues" come to a boil from time to time and life marches on.

People go off because they are passionate. I have a volcanic temper and have sent two amplifiers flying as far as I could throw them in 25 years of gigging(about six feet straight out, four feet down if you have to know). It didn't feel good. People still tell the stories expecting me to enjoy them, I don't.

What I think is that it's grotesque that people are sort of enjoying the fact that Ford got F&$ked at a gig, or just had enough or whatever.

Who here who has gigged a bit hasn't been screwed out of stage time or bumped, double booked, insulted by drunk who can't believe you don't know some song, or yanked, or told you'er playing out of the anticipated order, and your whole group isn't even there, or there is another band squeezing in, you have to set up on three feet of stage left over from some other bands set up, which you better not touch by the way, or that there isn't a sound check or that you have to use the twin reverb instead of your thing or any of a myriad of things, short payments, disappearing folks who are supposed to be paying, after driving a bit, preparing, whatever. Shite happens and we should know a little better than to be dwelling on this guy's discomfort.

Certain pro players bring the worst snark out in people, and when I see it as a pattern, I make a little mental note of the people who really get into it and think less of them.

Think of Pete Townshend, love that dude! he's grenaded all sorts of gear, told huge crowds to faack right off, and he'll look you in the eye and tell you the same, Gary Moore too, all sorts of rock players, some notable Jazz greats too, and Albert King as well, might give you one hell of an earful. It's a tradition! I have a dear friend, a drummer, who met Keith Moon, on a bad day. He wanted to talk drumming with Moon, but Keith was feeling surly, for no apparent reason, and just ridiculed him instantly, saying something to the effect of: Why would you want to become a drummer? I think you should become a Barber!" Ouch! My friend's perspective after years is, yep he was an assh0le, but he's my assh0le, whatever, it's life.

Not everybody can be joe cool every day, well maybe they can but they might bore the heck out of you too.

[Mark McPheeters]

I'm really late to this thread and I didn't read every post, so I apologize if this has been addressed.

Robben might have light-sensitivity issues. I know I do. The light guy at the show where I play gets carried away with rapidly flashing light scenes and it totally F7cks with me sometimes. I get light-headed and disoriented and have an awfully tough time focusing on my playing. I also can't make any sudden movements for fear of falling. There are times it really makes me want to quit performing. No one I talk to understands the level of frustration this causes me.

It seems worse when conditions are of a higher light/dark contrast. And strobe lights? Forget about it. They render me useless.

I've seen specialists about this and no one can give me an answer. Someone suggested it might be a migraine attack. I do have a history of migraine headaches, so maybe that's valid. It seems to rear it's head more during the spring and fall, so I think there might be some weird allergy thing going on.

I just wonder if Mr Ford suffers from a similar condition.

[Rod]

Not a huge Robben fan to begin with but kicking at people and cussing....If thats true then I have lost all respect for him as a guitarist and certainly as a performer...
Heh, we all have off days....And as a performer, if you're in a really bad mood and still have to put on a "show", it can be extremely hard to pull off..Robbin Ford is as professional as it gets.....He is also a very gifted artist, and HUMAN:dude

[therhodeo]

Heh, we all have off days....And as a performer, if you're in a really bad mood and still have to put on a "show", it can be extremely hard to pull off.

Thats where being a professional and gracious that you get to be a musician for a living comes in.

Too many good guitar players out there to waste respect on a diva who can't handle not having their amp just right.

[zosozep7]

Ive had the pleasure of meeting Joe and seeing several shows. He is a hidden jewel not many people know about! One of the nicest guys you would ever meet. I have many shows on dvd not to mention countless live cd shows. I lost count!! I even have a show with Phillip Sayce that Joe jams with. I have a Walter Trout cd that Joe plays on and is incredible! There is a video on youtube with Joe jammimg with Warren Haynes, Jimmy Mccarty and Pat Travers for the Namm show last year.

Ive never seen Robben Ford. I intend on seeing him in the near future! I keep reading about him here on this board.

[littlemoon]

Robben can be as tempermental and moody as hell. He can sometimes make the most outrageously inappropriate comments and exaggerated complaints about his fixations and pet peeves for the day that you would think he must be nuts or just pulling your leg -- until you realize, he's not joking. But he gets over it quickly and doesn't bear a grudge. Show him a modicum of courtesy, consideration and respect for his wishes and needs, and he will repay you twice as much in kind.

That said, the man is a virtuoso whose work deserves a fair measure of tolerance for his idiosyncratic personality quirks and eccentricities. Just love him as he is, give him some space, and lose the inappropriate and counter-productive sense of entitlement and expectation. Do that, and he will not disappoint you.

BTW: I've seen Chris Cain offer to pick up the tab for noisy and inconsiderate audience members if they would just agree to leave the club forthwith. You gotta love the guy for knowing how to tackle his problem head on.

[Lucidology]

I'm just glad Joan Crawford didn't play the blues.

Jeeze ... if anybody played the blues, Joan Crawford surely did ...
Talk about authenticity ... :cry:

[CocoTone]

Ive had the pleasure of meeting Joe and seeing several shows. He is a hidden jewel not many people know about! One of the nicest guys you would ever meet. I have many shows on dvd not to mention countless live cd shows. I lost count!! I even have a show with Phillip Sayce that Joe jams with. I have a Walter Trout cd that Joe plays on and is incredible! There is a video on youtube with Joe jammimg with Warren Haynes, Jimmy Mccarty and Pat Travers for the Namm show last year.

Ive never seen Robben Ford. I intend on seeing him in the near future! I keep reading about him here on this board.

Sayce and Bonnamassa on the same stage??!? I hope a fire extinguisher was handy!!:worried


CT.

[moozak]

I'm really late to this thread and I didn't read every post, so I apologize if this has been addressed.

Robben might have light-sensitivity issues. I know I do. The light guy at the show where I play gets carried away with rapidly flashing light scenes and it totally F7cks with me sometimes. I get light-headed and disoriented and have an awfully tough time focusing on my playing. I also can't make any sudden movements for fear of falling. There are times it really makes me want to quit performing. No one I talk to understands the level of frustration this causes me.

It seems worse when conditions are of a higher light/dark contrast. And strobe lights? Forget about it. They render me useless.

I've seen specialists about this and no one can give me an answer. Someone suggested it might be a migraine attack. I do have a history of migraine headaches, so maybe that's valid. It seems to rear it's head more during the spring and fall, so I think there might be some weird allergy thing going on.

I just wonder if Mr Ford suffers from a similar condition.

i am also very late in joining in this thread... but i saw robben play last year (i think it was february?) with carlton. it was a fabulous show and i personally thought robben sounded fantastic. however, afterwards as they were in the back of the room signing autographs... robben was very agitated. at the time i thought he might have felt like being left alone and we all feel that way from time to time... though he did take the time to sign my cd... but i didn't bother him further. larry was like talking to your next door neighbor... very cordial and got a kick out of any conversation involving his son... shaking hands with everyone... etc. i really didn't make that big of a deal about robben at the time... i figure everyone has an off day or two now and then... but i did walk away with the feeling that something wasn't right with him... i'm not sure what it was... and since then have read several comments about him being annoyed and such. however, i did notice one thing... someone reached out to shake his hand and he didn't say a word... just pulled his hand back and held it upright... close to his body and had a very strange look on his face... as if to say "don't touch me". at that moment i felt like it might be possible that he's suffering from some sort of phobia or something. i'm not sure... i'm only guessing... but it did appear possible. he was very annoyed... like he didn't want the crowd around him and refused to touch that guy's hand.

honestly, i wasn't put off by it... i mean the guy played great that night and i enjoyed every note... from BOTH players... so for me i got my money's worth!

the bottom line is... i walked away with a feeling that something was going on with him... it was just my impression so i could be totally wrong... but if there is something going on i hope that he's alright whatever it is. it must be hard to live the life that he (or any musician like that) does.

[aeolian]

Shaking hands;

How many times have you had someone you don't know grab your hand all friendly like and crush it. I've shaken Robben's hand a couple of times, but it was more social occasions when I was hanging out with people he knew. I've seen him do the knuckle bump with folks from the stage (a common way to avoid some drunk or goof from crushing your hand) but I've also seen him shake hands with strangers. Although sometimes he looks concerned until it's over. Maybe he's had some bad experiences. His hands do hurt, he has had problems with them over the last 10 years or so, and when your hands are your life, you tend to err on the side of caution.

Autographs:

Depends on the time a situation. But more often than not, in my experience he's usually friendly and willing. Although it's becoming more of an issue these days with folks getting guitars signed and then putting them up on e-bay. He's signed two guitars for me. The first was where I took the truss cover off my Esprit and took it to a show at the old Yoshi's (small place where the "stage was basically at floor level). I approached him after the show and he recognized what it was and was like "Sure, you got something to write on it with?". I had brought a metalic paint pen so he puts it on one of the tables and signs it, futzing with the paint pen to get it to flow (like he'd used them before and knew that you had to do this). Then turning to give it to me he yanks it back and blows on it to dry the ink. He starts to hand it to me and then blows on it again about three times while telling me to "be careful man, so it doesn't smear". Cracked me up. I'm just thinking "give it to me, I'll definitely be careful with it" and he's worried it might get messed up.

Once I got a tour t-shirt at a show and he tells me to grab the bottom corners. He grabs one of the shoulders and pulls it tight and signs it in mid air. Grins and says something about when you do this long enough, you learn all the tricks.

Thing's going wrong on stage:

Seen this happen plenty of times. From feedback and monitor mixes all wrong to issues with the equipment and incorrectly tuned guitars. You can tell something's bugging him. Invariably it lasts for a few songs at most. He seems to dig in and push himself through it and by the end of the set he's dealt with whatever was going on and back to enjoying himself. I've never seen him give up and phone in the rest of the show. He has inspired nights and flat nights like anyone else, but I've never seen him not try. These stories of him going off for the entire set aren't consistent with my experience of him dealing with things going wrong.

Dealing with the audience:

The episode that really sticks in my mind was Jimmy Earl's first show as the BlueLine started to disolve. Tom Brechtlien and Jeff Babco sat on the far side of the stage watching Tom's friend Endre Tarczy in the opening band while Robben stood bent over behind some sidestage wall peering out an opening keeping an eye on Wedemeyer thoughout most of their set. Didn't look comfortable, but you could tell he was more interested in listening and watching than how awkward it was. Definitely not a diva move. When they came out without Roscoe a few folks were taken back. One clown in particular kept yelling "Where's Roscoe?". Then durring Jimmy's solo, he yelled something stupid like "give the bass player some". Robben strode from the back corner of the stage with his hands upturned and pleaded "Shut the fu#k up!". Instantly the crowd cheered at the same time Robben's face turned sheepish and it started appologizing "It's his first night, give him a break". He really had this look on his face like he felt he'd stepped over the line in public and wasn't proud of it. I don't think anyone else in the room felt that way. The heckler had it coming and worse.

I have seen him give dirty looks to folks who sit in the front row and glue a camera to their face. I've heard him make comments at clinics like "Okay, these people have a picture or two, why don't they just sit back and enjoy the music. How many pictures do they need".

Private Life:

Overall, I get the impression that he is kind of old school in the fashion of someone's likeness being their personal property. Not something public for everyone to have their piece of. I know he's been burned by unauthorized recordings, and may have had people make money off his pictures as well. Once at one of the Ojai clinics someone asked him a question about his private life and he just looked at the guy and said flatly "that's personal, man". Brief awkward moment and then back to the musical discussions full of cheer and inspiration.

A really telling clinic experience (that I almost went to but unfortnately missed) was when his wife, who puts the Ojai clinics together, got double booked at the center where they normally do them. I guess some people got there early and found something else going on and turned around and left. When Robben and Anne got there to set up there were some 10-12 people wondering what was going on. After Anne struck out trying to enforce her booking of the hall, Robben invited the people there to come to his house to have the clinic. Which they did in his living room. Given how Robben tries to keep his private live private, for him to invite a bunch of total strangers to his personal residence (with no preparation) is amazing.

In this age of entitlement, everyone seems to think that anyone in the public eye should behave flawlessly, like some image consultant is working every move. At the same time, they want the entertainer to be this wonderfull artistic person who gives them exactly what they want in their music.

Get real folks.

[Rod]

A wonderful commentary aeolian!

[Red Suede]

All the performances i've seen, i've never seen an unprofessional moment from the guy.

[moozak]

aeolian...

please note, that i personally wasn't complaining about robben... i guess i was more "concerned" than anything.

anyway... excellent post... and i agree with you completely.