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A letter for the guitar players who have said, If I could just play on the same stage with Nokie Edwards |
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Hi Fans, I wanted to write a letter for the guitar players who have said, if I could just play on the same stage with Nokie Edwards. Point of view so here it goes. It’s downbeat time at the concert. There is electricity in the air and as soon as Nokie Edwards walked on stage, the capacity crowd showed their appreciation for the icon of all guitar players from the sixties to right now. I can say this is because I had the privilege of playing rhythm guitar with the hitchhikers, Nokie’s new band. The reason I am writing is that I want to give the fans a little taste of the view from the stage. All of us had some butterflies but because we all count ourselves fortunate to be in the company of the master musician there was a unified desire to play at our very best. Nokie walked on stage calm and very much at home. As he sat on a stool I guess you could say the theater became his living room and the audience all became close friends. From where I stood Nokie looked back and asked, are you ready? We all said yes. Very calmly Nokie said, Walk don’t run. Bob started the beat and at the right time Nokie and the rest of us joined in with the chord progression as Mike solidly laid down the bass. That’s when the hair on the back of my neck stood up. Next, Nokie began playing the lead. We were in the thick of it now. Taking part in what would be one of the most unforgettable performances of our lives with a man who has been declared a rock and roll legend. The crowd was fantastic and the energy was obviously generated by the man whose virtuosity on guitar is only matched by a handful of other greats. Nokie was calm and cool; we were already hot and sweaty. I noticed many flashes going off but a flash to my left came from my grand daughter who is 17 as she jumped up and down, waving and grinning ear to ear. Slaughter on Tenth Avenue drew approval as it modulated 3 times and brought back memories of reverb glissandos. I saw three young men around 13 or 14 years old in the front row totally digging what was going on and who probably didn’t really know what to expect when they sat down. The way they responded in approval I knew they were thoroughly impressed and entertained. As Nokie gave the audience a guided tour of instrumental nostalgia as well as his newer material the crowd gave wave after wave of appreciation through screams and applause. Certain parts of song drew applause and even cheers from the band. On I got women Nokie played the melody line and then poured musical gasoline on an already hot song that just set the whole place on fire. I had to remember that I was in the band and had to do a job just so I wouldn’t stop playing and go look to see how the heck somebody could get all that soul and all those notes out of just one guitar. By the way, his Hitchhiker guitar has the best sound I ever heard. I want one. Even on a cool song like Quando Quando Quando the guitar pyrotechnics were nothing less than blazing at just the right time. Nokie shared some solos with Paul, a very accomplished woodwind man. At times they back and forthed tearing it up for the audience who showed enthusiastic appreciation. She was just 17 Rocked harder and meaner than I have ever heard as well as Born to be wild Nokie joked with the audience and asked if they would like to hear a little more. After an audience affirmative he announced we would play the song called more. It was hilarious. As Nokie lead the way he treated the audience to the pieces of American musical history that was branded Surf. Pipeline drew loud cheers throughout the song and Wipeout was nothing less than sensational as Nokie encouraged Bob to cut loose on the drums. Again the response was wild cheers and whistles. Nokie stood up to acknowledge the crowd in appreciation and then sat back down to treat the crowd to a dessert consisting of Hawaii 5-0 that like all great desserts seemed over in a moment. Nokie and the Hitchhikers took bows and waved to the audience as they gave a standing ovation. When all was done, Nokie signed autographs, shook hands and people bought CD's pictures and DVD's of the man who just thrilled them beyond anything they could imagine. As for me, I was just glad I had a dream come true. Play all the guitar games you want to but they don’t even come close to being the real thing. All I know is I was on stage with the real Guitar Hero and the game ain't even close to being over . Thanks, Nokie!!!!!! Gary
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