Walk, Don’t Run - John Fogerty tribute to Don Wilson of The Ventures

John Fogerty pays tribute to Don Wilson of The Ventures who passed away on January 22, 2022.

[@staci-layne-wilson]

This is fantastic. John Fogerty had some wonderful things to say about my dad and The Ventures in the documentary "The Ventures: Stars on Guitars." He's a truly gracious gentleman.

[@HAL9007]

The Ventures were my first musical crush in the mid 60s. Saw them many times over the years. Once, about 1980 in a dive bar in a strip mall in upper NW Washington DC. They played on a small riser stage in front of a picture window -- pedestrians walking down the sidewalk behind them. There were maybe a dozen in the audience, including my three friends who I begged to go with me. I was crushed by the small audience and almost left to avoid embarrassing my friends. But we ordered beers and stayed. Well, they freakin' played their guts out -- as good as I've ever heard them -- all my favorites. They played my request "I Feel Fine." They bantered with the audience. No one there could believe how good they were. After the show, they stayed for 30 minutes chatting us up and signing everything in sight -- coasters, napkins, etc. I have never been around more professional, more considerate musicians -- everyone had a great time. True pros. I am so sorry you lost your dad. Maybe assuaged by the great joy his music brought to millions of us, and in the lifelong impression he left on this fan back in 1980. RIP, Mr. Wilson.

[@staci-layne-wilson]

@@HAL9007 Thank you! What a cool memory to have. I'm so glad you stayed, too! That was just before their little boost back into popularity thanks to Rodney Bingenheimer playing them on K-ROQ and then the Go-Go's brought their name back into the music zeitgeist with Surfin' and Spyin'. Good times...

[@HAL9007]

@@staci-layne-wilson Thanks for your kind reply. I just finished watching 'Stars on Guitars' -- Absolutely Wonderful. I learned everything I wanted to know, including all that geeky technical and technique stuff. And many cool stories, like Belushi/Akroyd, the Punk connection, the Go-Go's, displayed in the HoF next to Madonna, haha. And the most important thing to me -- they were rock stars without acting like rock stars. The Greatest. Thanks and all the best to you and your family in your difficult time. Heck, who else would thrill an old fan by taking the time to reply to a fan post after their dad died? Your Father raised you right.

[@drprick7432]

So sorry for your loss. What a legend. It's amazing how just a few twangy little musical notes can change your mood...or your life. Thanks to your Dad, may he rest in peace.

[@frankyoung2780]

Been a Ventures fan forever and I will be playing this song tonight...R.I.P. Don.

[@mikeherron593]

The best tribute anyone could recieve. RIP Don and thanks John.

[@coerfjoe1]

John Fogerty, our generation Les Paul, does great justice to those who came before him in this tribute to Don Wilson. The Ventures probably out-sold Creedence, making over 60 albums worldwide, mostly in the Far East.

[@jonmars9559]

Nobody lives forever. Still it hits you. Thank you Don Wilson, thank you John Fogerty.

[@genez429]

... nobody lives on this earth forever. God did not create man to be snuffed out like a candle wick. What kind of mind do you think created all that we see and can know? Even created those who choose to be liars and tell us their is no God?

[@jackbrumby1892]

@@genez429 Which there isn't.

[@genez429]

@@jackbrumby1892 Of course! If God were real and men were shown it? There will be no one in the Lake of Fire. Makes sense.... if you think about it. Now... try thinking about it. The angels that rebelled saw God. Yet, they still insisted. God knows how to allow for freedom so men believe in Him for only the right reason. If God said, "believe or burn?" That would be Allah speaking, not the God who's Son died on the Cross so all who believe will be saved..... But, then again? Don't bother to think about it. All that ever is is limited to the limits of your own intellect. Nothing exists outside of it.

[@chrissygerwitz520]

@@genez429 And yours is limited more than most.

[@genez429]

@@chrissygerwitz520 Ouch! Ouch that hurt! (but we are all going to die.)

[@vdavis4785]

The Ventures taught everybody to play guitar. Don Wilson was one of the best rhythm guitarists ever. Very classy of John Fogerty to pay tribute.

[@pb12661]

That was a nice thing to do. The Ventures were some of my guitar heroes too. RIP to all The Ventures. The music lives on.

[@christophergallagher3921]

69 years old and if it wasn't for the Ventures I probably would have never learned how to play the guitar at age 10. They inspired me so much. Walk Don't Run was the first song I ever learned to play. Thanks so much for your music Ventures!!

[@BritIronRebel]

Wow man... You took the words right out of my mouth! I too learned Walk Don't Run first and was so proud of myself. It just builds on from there!

[@aloberdorf4579]

Me too....but having had a guitar for over 6.8 decades.....the more I know...the less I know.....and Arthur is not my friend, But my Ventures albums are.

[@aloberdorf4579]

how the hell did this comment end up here...Was made on a tribute video of the Ventures Don Wilson...I guess artificial intelligence is really artificial.

[@ronfisher5259]

Believe it or not, in 1965 they played in my high school gym-still have the B&W photos of them on stage and me getting an autograph from Mel

[@christophergallagher3921]

@@ronfisher5259 That's fantastic!!! Great memorie for you!

[@Transterra55]

RIP Don Wilson...Rock on John Fogerty---Does not get any better than the Ventures, who created a sonic snapshot of the early 1960s

[@fotog16]

My condolences, Staci. As you’ve probably heard a thousand times, my early guitar playing was influenced by your dad and the Ventures. To this day, if I happen to be in the presence of another guitar player around my age (I’m 68), the first song we play together is usually by the Ventures, seems like we all have that in common. Your dad and his buddies live on in all of us.

[@staci-layne-wilson]

Yes, definitely. It's very nice to know that.

[@robnamowicz8073]

The great Johnny Smith wrote 'Walk Don't Run' and all we little guitar pukes learned it to play at sock hops, teen clubs and high school dances. It was a great song to learn, lots of chords, lots of melody, and lots of wang if you owned a Stratocaster. Big hit, big time fun! Thanks Mr. Fogerty,

[@cravinbob]

Johnny Smith lived just a few blocks from me. He also had a music store nearby. I went there for my strings and such but was always too intimidated to say much to him. I was a fool. He also would have a cocktail at a tavern I frequented but he was never there when I was, the place was called The Point. I played there one night an impromptu session solo for a girlfriend since it was her birthday. I did well and we all had fun but if Johnny walked in what would I have done? Apologize to him and runaway? His talent was intimidating. Chet didn't even want to join him onstage when Johnny invited him up at a club in Denver!Young people need to watch Johnny Smith on video, he was amazing.

[@BluePiano7]

Thanks for mentioning Johnny Smith. The Ventures of course had the big hit with it, but as you said, the great jazz guitarist Johnny Smith wrote it.

[@IanB85]

Think you meant twang lol

[@davidmelton2091]

I have always been a fan of the Ventures and was glad to see this tribute to Don Wilson

[@billlee9779]

OUTSTANDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@lindadechiazza2924]

Great Music! J Fogerty great musician

[@patsysummitt8618]

I Actually STILL have THIS VINYL 33 1/3 ALBUM OF The Ventures!! Love, Love it !!!

[@keithessency1337]

So do I. Plus I have a few other Venture albums too. All purchased in the early to mid 60's

[@BruceBiazzo-qp1rh]

I have a copy of this album, too!! Thanks for posting your comment, from a long-time Ventures fan in New Jersey!

[@mountaintyme2000]

Have all my Ventures albums from the Sixties as well. Great music!

[@kentborges5114]

WOW A SHOW IN TRIBUTE TO DON ! GR8.

[@raymccraine2449]

The Ventures were Great! I remember them vividly. Also, I'm a huge John Fogerty fan since Clearwater Credence. This is REAL Rock Man!!

[@thedevilinthecircuit1414]

The Ventures are a big reason why I'm a guitar player today. Thank you Don Wilson!

[@lynettekomidar2819]

This song started many musicians on their journey.

[@gayle8153]

I think Don would approve👏

[@gayle8153]

Love those giant lava lamps too!

[@MsSmitty9]

Class act that John Fogerty. I’ll never forget when John was inducting The Ventures into the Hall Of Fame. He said , The Ventures recorded 250 Albums. Good Lord , Most if us today just want to SELL 250 Albums. God Bless Don Wilson and The Ventures. 🙏😞

[@fredzeller2768]

If I’m not mistaken, John inducted the Ventures into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame. Classy tribute.

[@eddyyoung53]

The songs of the Ventures are Immortal. A salute to the departed musicians, Mel Taylor, Bob Boggle, Nokie Edwards, Gerry McGee and Don Wilson.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@tomp.6239]

Mel Taylor was a monster drummer!

[@geezer4338]

Please remember Howie Johnson who played drums on Ventures first 6 albums. Important part of them.

[@roygoodin6743]

I knew nokie in person great man

[@tomp.6239]

Got framed, personally signed to me Nokie Edwards autograph hanging prominent in my jam room/mancave here. Been a diehard since early 60s, Perfidia days; I'm old. RIP, Nokie & Don; you guys literally made me buy a guitar, when a youngster; no regrets today!

[@deltavee2]

Some songs are just immortal in their genre. "Walk, Don't Run" is one of those. I've always been a Ventures fan and we even did some of their stuff back in the local band days. No place in instrumentals for me ☹'cuz I was the front man 😎 Poor me, having to struggle a microphone from the car to the stage 😫 😵‍💫 I'm 75, soon 76 end of summer but I remember it all like it was yesterday. Excellent music. John, our lead guitar had WDR nailed cold the second time he played it but he was like that with all the songs. The rest of us had to haul it to get the music up to speed. A lot of other local bands did it too, but we did it best. All this to say that the Ventures were an giant inspiration in those days and I wouldn't trade those memories for anything, literally. Thank you Don. You live on in our minds but mostly in our hearts.

[@johnwelch557]

I'll chime in as well. Don, Bob, Mel, Nokie, Jerry, Leon. My music heroes. They played many, many genres all to perfection. All rest in peace. May your music live on and on. I know it will.

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

Say what? Eternity will have nothing to do with any of us or what we have done. It will all be about Jesus Christ who died on a cross to save the world from their sins. "WE" all deserve hell and then the lake of fire on judgement day. Ephesians 2:8-9 "for by God's Grace are we saved through Faith, not by works, not that anyone can boast of their Salvation."

[@jcbass2u]

There wasn't a song or genre that they couldn't play, and most times play em better than the originals. Still love them to this day. Thanks guys.

[@rickysherfy3990]

@@JohnSmith-uy7sv zzzs

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

@@rickysherfy3990 no sleeping permitted in hell or the lake of fire for eternity. There will be no rest day or night. Only torment forever and ever and ever. 😥😫😖😭

[@josephlackey6809]

Ventures were a wonderful group and so much fun. When you saw the waves and surfers the music went right along. Life was so much better with the Ventures

[@syn707]

I just found this and learned about Don. Someone else said it here, “You don’t live forever but when it hits…..” Don was the last of the original duo with Bob. I’ll always play The Ventures music. Not just because I learned so much from their records, but because the music was great. I don’t know why, but Don’s passing is bothering me more that the loss of the others. You’ll be missed Don…BIG TIME! God Bless you.

[@1958indyfan]

I just went and found a stereo version of the Ventures "Walk Don't Run", which was GREAT, but will never know how it would have sounded with the extra bass this version provided. Thanks, John Fogerty and Band.

[@ericdee6802]

John Fogerty is an awesome guitarist, He really kicked ass back in the CCR days, there is no music genre that he can't haul ass on!!!👍✌️

[@MAGAMANPATRIOT]

@Eric Dee , to add to the nice things you said about John Fogerty. He is a nice guy too.

[@dntlss]

That drummer is punishing those drums, love it.

[@yesterdayproductions1019]

He's good but he plays too loud all the time. There is something called finesse & dynamics.

[@user-rs8ix7pg8q]

ドンウィルソンの偉大さを改めて感じれた！ ありがとう！

[@davidadams2478]

Such a great compliment from such a great guy..The Ventures are all deceased now..Don was the last...but thank you John..

[@sooz9433]

When someone says instrumental music Walk Don't Run is the song that comes to me. I spent almost every day of the summer at the pool and Walk Don't Run was played about every fifth song to remind us to walk, not Run.😁 Walk Don't Run lives in my heart as Summer, laughter, dancing, friends and just joy in general. R.I.H. Don Wilson... you and the Ventures created so many wonderful songs to remember you by. Soundtrack of my youth 🎼 🖤

[@anthonyxuereb792]

The Ventures from the US and the Shadows from the UK, how we loved their music.

[@savagefund7706]

What a great tribute! The Ventures played some mighty fine music.

[@MrBudhale]

“Walk Don’t Run” was the instrumental that made me want to play guitar…. I remember when I finall learned to play it all the way

[@ImaCaMan]

Made me want to play the drums. Formed a band with my cousins and this was the first song I learned to play.

[@bobhess7434]

amazing tribute

[@garryconley]

I still play that song on my guitar. The Ventures originally got that song from Chet Atkins but they couldn't play Chet's version so they made their own version and became a big hit for them. I have meany albums of the ventures and still love their music.

[@krakatoa1200]

I clicked like before it started, because i knew that it would be goo. I used to play this with my band in London back in the 60's

[@candichamberlain]

I spent the first 7 years of my life in El Cerrito, and my brothers went to junior high with some of the guys who later became CCR. Blue Velvets, Golliwogs, CCR... That John Fogerty was able to perform this stunning tribute to Don Wilson of the Ventures on the night of his passing in January of 2022 still blows my mind. This is El Cerrito badass at its absolute finest, IMHO.

[@kashesan]

Two of my favorite heroes-John Fogerty and The Ventures!!

[@christineleblond7777]

The Ventures were iconic. Love this tribute !

[@Ridgerunner41]

Long before "Green River", in my early days of playing in bands, the "surf" music of the Ventures was our cup of tea. This song, "Walk Don't Run"was one of the best.

[@joegongora2200]

Nice cover version of a 60's instrumental group. It's great that John Fogerty did a live performance of this fast moving song.

[@d.g.n9392]

Really fun to hear. I’m 68, and in 1967-1969 myself and several others made a garage band. I played drums. We actually did pretty well. And played some private parties and several small town sock hops. Lasting memories. John Fogerty and many of those in that period were who we played.

[@timhitt9541]

Loved the Ventures and the Mosrite guitars they played.

[@thomasmanning829]

I took guitar lessons in the early 1960s and one of the first tunes I learned was Walk Don't Run. I was 13. Thank you Mr. Capin.

[@willieb3765]

isnt it abit ironic that 2 of the greatest instrumental bands ever started at about the same time (late '50s) on opposite sides of the Atlantic and their music is still covered and played, The Ventures and The Shadows - - music legends!

[@allenjones3130]

I was, and still am, a Ventures fan, and it's so nice for Mr. Fogerty to honor Don Wilson's memory.

[@tubularguynine]

One of my favorite Ventures tunes, and you really did Don proud, John! 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ishrashad]

And it was *universal*. All across the globe those wonderful guitar groups were loved and emulated. PIpeline, Telstar, Walk, Don't Run, Apache, Savage.. they echoed through every continent, every city. They made you happy then - they still do now. And the Ventures and Shadows rode that wave into our lives. Sigh. Magical music, indeed. 🎸☮

[@larrybrown3977]

I'm very sorry to hear of Don Wilson's passing. The Ventures were such an inspiration to me trying to learn the guitar in late 1950's and early 1960's. I only had a beat up Kay acoustic guitar my dear mountain Grandma gave me ,then. A few years ago my three piece band played for my 1961 Everett class reunion in Maryville ,Tennessee. We started off with WALK DON'T RUN ,and I had a 6120 orange Chet Atkins Gretsch guitar to play it on.What a thrill for me. My condolences to Don's family.

[@Zimmy907]

Awesome. listening to radio in the day always perked up when the Ventures made an appearance. RIP Mr. Wilson.

[@allenhonaker4107]

I still listen to the Ventures and the Shadows to this day

[@edlau7646]

Rest in peace. Mel, Bob, Nookie and Don. Your music will never fade away.

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

Until judgement day. Then eternity will not be about any of us or what we have done. It will all be about Jesus Christ who died on a cross to save us from our sins. "WE" all deserve hell and then the lake of fire on judgement day.

[@geezer4338]

Amen. And please don't forget Howie Johnson who played drums on the first 6 albums. They were great pure rock and roll.

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

@@geezer4338 Amen???? You cannot play for your salvation. Making people happy will not save your soul. Only by faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins can we be saved.

[@geezer4338]

@@JohnSmith-uy7sv my amen goes to Ed Lau. I ignored that other guy who I didn't eved read until after I sent reply to Ed. So lighten up

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

@@geezer4338 Give praise to Jesus Christ only. Jeremiah 17:5 New Living Translation 5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed are those who put their trust in mere humans, who rely on human strength and turn their hearts away from the Lord. Are you cursed??? hell is nothing to lighten up about or the lake of fire on judgement day. Eternity is serious business.

[@incognito5986]

I remember listening to a 45 record from RCA with Walk Dont Run on one side and Elvis Jailhouse Rock on the other. It was 1962/63 right before President Kennedy was assassinated, interrupting my favorite cartoon of Felix the Cat on TV. Dad was stationed at Ft Buchanan in Puerto Rico then . Good memories as well as bad…. I wore my brothers record out practically 😁

[@glenngamst61]

Nice job; love the Ventures.

[@michellepopkov940]

Well done! The Ventures were my favorite band

[@RobertWPaine]

The Ventures’ Walk Don’t Run and Santo and Johnny’s Sleepwalk were my first favorite fast and slow instrumental records and still are. I regret not contacting your dad just to thank him for the great music the group has given us.

[@DickWrath]

John Fogerty was born in the Sweet Spot in Post WW2 America. It meant he grew up with Radio in the background, not TV. When TV came along it was mostly Singing Cowboys for kids. He lived through Elvis and The Everly Brothers but was still young enough to appreciate the Beatles and Stones. There will never be another generation like that. It includes David Bowie, Glenn Frey, Elton John, Jackson Browne and loads of others.

[@bryanhenderson8807]

Excelent tribute Mr. Fogerty.

[@paulapeterson-warnock3030]

LOVE the Ventures! You did them proud!!!

[@deltaoned1]

Superb. God Bless Don for leaving a legacy of music for us to enjoy forever. I enjoy music from those fantastic decades of the 50's and 60's The Ventures have certainly placed themselves up there with the greats of the time. Thank you John for paying tribute to Don, in a way that can only be done. Thanks for grabbing this great video at his show. RIP Don.

[@Tonetwisters]

My early heroes, too, John. Thanks so much for doing this.I have played this one live, many times myself over the years.

[@1mespud]

Great cover version and thank you, DON WILSON for doing your part to help tame mankind with your gift and talent. The Ventures was part soundtrack to my once young life. May GOD bless your legacy and surviving family

[@JohnSmith-uy7sv]

Say what? Eternity will have nothing to do with any of us or what we have done. It will all be about Jesus Christ who died on a cross to save the world from their sins. "WE" all deserve hell and then the lake of fire on judgement day. Ephesians 2:8-9 "for by God's Grace are we saved through Faith, not by works, not that anyone can boast of their Salvation."

[@mstack1949]

RIP Mr. Wilson. And thanks John for taking the time to do that at your concert. Listened to the Ventures as a kid growing up. People forget what an influence The Ventures were. They were certainly inspirational to this garage band musician learning to play guitar. "WDR" was the first complete song I ever figured out and played in front of a crowd! I actually played it this AM after hearing about Don.

[@RealMark999]

John played Walk Don't Run note for note and it sounded as if the Ventures were playing live... RIP Don Wilson.

[@dphotos007]

Thanks to John for honoring the passing of the last remaining original Venture Don Wilson. They were my all time favorite group and that is how I learned to play the guitar. Everyone should go see the movie his daughter Staci Wilson directed it was a documentary on The Ventures called Stars on Guitars.

[@PelvisCashley]

Staci, I'm so sorry for your loss.....actually his passing is a tremendous loss for everybody! This particular song is the first one I learned to play.

[@cameronlewis1218]

I did not know that Kenny Aronoff was back playing with John Fogerty. He’s the #1 most in demand session drummer in the world… RIP Don Wilson…

[@docprocmd]

Spot on - great to see Kenny kickin' it with JF again! And respects to Don Wilson's family and his considerable legacy.

[@RichStrickler]

Awesome tribute. The Ventures were cool. Nice job John.

[@pollyannapositive9192]

I LOVE IT. THANK YOU VERY MUCH MR. FOGARTY AND THE BAND

[@bonaventura_AKA_ben]

Man, it’s hard to not get emotional over this. My family and I came to America in 1960, and this was the first music I heard and loved. Surf music wasn’t ‘surf’ music, it WAS music, period.

[@jeffbinter2710]

I was there too

[@franktaconelli9095]

What an American treasure John Fogerty is; this is just great

[@StratBurst92]

Well played, great tribute.

[@harrynelsonjr3921]

I had the pleasure of seeing the ventures back in the early 1990s at Disneyland Anaheim CA blast to the past . They still had Mel on drums , RIP Don ! you rock brother forever !

[@staci-layne-wilson]

I remember that show!

[@douglasfuqua7082]

Nice job, John. Two legends....

[@jimbohnenkamp5082]

Celebrating Don Wilson and all the Ventures. They gave us something we were happy to hear.

[@edmundomartinez5716]

WONDERFUL!! Mr. Fogerty I FOLLOW CCR SINCE DE 70s I’m from Monterrey NL Mexico now living in Houston Tx now in my seventies I think I’m not gonna get my dream to be present in one of your concerts 🥲…… best regards and blessings to you and your family…. I’ll stay tuned

[@PercyRak]

Hats off to John C Fogerty for doing full justice with His Band of Men , to Don Williams of The Ventures, by playing the fantastic instrumental, ' Walk Don't Run '.. The Ventures were one of my favorite Bands playing many , many Instrumental hits from my School Days, and still are . 🎶❤️👏👏👏

[@countalucard4226]

This is great. I loved when the Ventures played “Pipeline”. R.I.P.

[@dannychristlieb5813]

That was the first song i learned ❤🎸

[@samspade8612]

Great cover, Walk Don't Run is a timeless classic.

[@tentanghukumkita6381]

Very beautiful video and song my friend Thank you, very entertaining 👍💕

[@garysoares54]

You have my sincere condolences Staci. I grew up listening to your dad and the ventures I’ll be turning 68 this year and I love this music.

[@malindagivens1192]

Awesome I grew up listening to the Ventures

[@markbrown7103]

And as for John Frogley I gave him thumbs up all the way what a great guitarist👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼🎸🎸☮️✌🏻

[@clarencevickrot3531]

and thank you Johnny Smith!

[@allanmunsami1767]

my first guitar songs by a friend who introduced me to bot Ventures and shadows. thank you Moses. later I played in a band that covered CCR. Thanks John for a beautiful tribute to the legends of guitar.

[@robertwilson2835]

Great tribute to a great Wilson. Thanks John you're the man. Good luck and stay safe.

[@mitchgawlik1175]

Nicely done, Mr. Fogerty. Don Wilson truly is a guitar hero.

[@granddad-mv5ef]

My first album purchase: "The Ventures in Outer Space". Thinking 1963. Yep, I loved the Ventures.

[@horacesawyer2487]

Very cool. I didn't know John Fogerty is still playing. Awesome. Rest in peace Don. And Nokie Edwards, 2018. What amazing talent on the guitar! If you don't know, just look up the Ventures versions of "Hawaii Five-O" Pure amazement !! Thanks for posting this Jim.

[@darrenalmli9465]

John has always been one of my favorite guitarists

[@user-ki6zu3dd5t]

John is a true legend and a nice humble man. I can't imagine a world without his music. Kenny Aronoff is a killer drummer. They lighted my youth ! Love them both !

[@rickdytewski6207]

Thank you, John Fogerty for the tribute. Ventures forever!

[@michaelsparks8632]

The difference between todays music and yesterdays music is yesterdays music will make you smile, cry and yearn for love, todays music is absent those human needs!

[@normhubbard8484]

Loved the Ventures love John Fogarty solo and CCR and the Blue Ridge Rangers keep on rocking John .

[@puppyeyes9368]

Great tribute.