I am very saddened to hear of the passing of legendary guitarist/songwriter Dick Wagner today. I am honored and humbled to have worked with him. He was a great talent and above all great friend. He was a mentor to me although we didnt cross paths until last year. A mentor because of his extraordinary body of work. Alice Cooper, KISS, Lou Reed just to name a few. Last October my band Crash Street Kids had the privilege of being Dicks backing band for a show at the Rhythm Room. It was a thrill to perform and share lead vocal duties with him on so many rock classics that I grew up on. Heres me, a little kid from tiny Quincy who survived on Alice Cooper and KISS records now jamming alongside the man who created them. The part I cherish the most is rehearsing and cutting up with him between songs. Just like any other musician. I truly felt that somehow I made it. I was in the big leagues. Despite what my bank account tells me. After our first show was over he told me that Crash Street Kids were great and Who writes those songs? I said well, me mostly Youre a great songwriter, Ryan. Smart arrangements and hooks Thanks, Dick. I patted his shoulder and said I had a great teacher. Through my friend Greg Chaisson I discovered another of Dicks classics. The Ursa Major album from the early 70s. I remember hearing for the first time and thinking wow this record is amazing. After a few minutes I thought hell, Ill text Dick and tell him. So I did. 2 minutes later the phone rang, it was Dick. Thanks Ryan, how are you? Lets talk about putting another show together. I guess Ill have to wait a long time for that gig now. Check out all the great work hes done with the aforementioned bands today. Also, hes written an amazing memoir called Not Only Women Bleed. Thanks for all the powerful music, Dick Wagner. You will be missed. Im very blessed to have met jammed with you. Rock on, brutha!
Posted on: Thu, 31 Jul 2014 02:37:28 +0000
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