Dr Hook - "Cover Of The Rolling Stone" (Live from BBC show 1980)

Album: Sloppy Seconds
Låtskrivere: Shel Silverstein
Utgitt: 1973
Label: BGO Records ‎- BGOCD803
Ray Sawyer - lead vocals
Dennis Locorriere - lead guitar, lead vocals
George Cummings - steel, electric and Hawaiian guitars, backing vocals
Rik Elswit - rhythm guitar
Billy Francis - keyboards, backing vocals
Jance Garfat - bass
Jay David - drums, backing vocals
Ron Haffkine - producer
Sloppy Seconds was the second album from the country rock band Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show. It featured some of their most popular songs, including "Freakin' at the Freakers Ball" and "The Cover of the Rolling Stone." It was noted for its "crude sense of humor."
"The Cover of 'Rolling Stone'" is a song written by Shel Silverstein and first recorded by American rock group Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show. Produced by Ron Haffkine and released in 1972, it was the band's third single and peaked at No. 6 on the U.S. pop chart for two weeks on March 17-24, 1973.
Dr. Hook & the Medicine Show (shortened to Dr. Hook in 1975) was an American rock band, formed in Union City, New Jersey. They enjoyed considerable commercial success in the 1970s with hit singles including "Sylvia's Mother", "The Cover of 'Rolling Stone'" (both 1972), "Only Sixteen" (1975), "A Little Bit More" (1976), "Sharing the Night Together" (1978), "When You're in Love with a Beautiful Woman" (1979), "Better Love Next Time" (1979), and "Sexy Eyes" (1980). In addition to their own material, Dr. Hook and the Medicine Show performed songs written by the poet Shel Silverstein.
The band had eight years of regular chart hits in the United States, where their music was played on top-40, easy listening, and country music outlets, and throughout the English-speaking world including the UK, Canada and South Africa. Their music spanned several genres, mostly novelty songs and acoustic ballads in their early years, though their greatest success came with their later material, mostly consisting of disco-influenced soft rock, which the band recorded under the shortened name Dr. Hook.
#DrHook #CoverOfTheRollingStone #RonjasCountryMusic #70s #70sMusic #RonjasDrHookChannel #SoftRock #Pop #Rock #lyricsonscreen

[@RonjasDrHookChannel]

Lyrics: [Talking] Ha ha ha, I don't believe it Da, da, ah, ah don't touch it Hey, Ray, hey, Sugar, tell them who we are... Well, we're big rock singers We got golden fingers And we're loved everywhere we go...(That sounds like us) We sing about beauty and we sing about truth At ten thousand dollars a show...(Right) We take all kinds of pills that give us all kind of thrills But the thrill we've never known Is the thrill that'll getcha when you get your picture On the cover of the Rollin' Stone (Rollin' Stone...) Wanna see my picture on the cover (Stone...) Wanna buy five copies for my mother...(Yes) (Stone...) Wanna see my smilin' face On the cover of the Rollin' Stone...(That's a very very good idea) I got a freaky ole lady name a Cocaine Katy Who embroiders on my jeans I got my poor ole grey haired daddy Drivin' my limousine Now it's all designed to blow our minds But our minds won't really be blown Like the blow that'll gitcha when you get your picture On the cover of the Rollin' Stone (Rollin' Stone...) Wanna see our pictures on the cover (Stone...) Wanna buy five copies for our mothers...(Yeah) (Stone...) Wanna see my smilin face On the cover of the Rollin' Stone [Talking] Hey, I know how Rock and roll... [Instrumental] Ah, that's beautiful We got a lot of little teenage blue eyed groupies Who do anything we say We got a genu-wine Indian Guru Who's teaching us a better way We got all the friends that money can buy So we never have to be alone And we keep gettin' richer but we can't get our picture On the cover of the Rollin' Stone (Rollin' Stone...) Wanna see my picture on the cover (Stone...) Wanna buy five copies for my mother...(Wa wa) (Stone...) Wanna see my smilin' face On the cover of the Rollin' Stone On the cover of the Rollin'... (Stone...) Wanna see my picture on the cover [Talking] I don't know why we ain't on the cover, baby... (Stone...) Wanna buy five copies for my mother [Talking] We're beautiful subjects... (Stone...) Wanna see my smilin' face [Talking] I ain't kiddin', we would make a beautiful cover... On the cover of the Rollin' Stone... [Talking] Fresh shot, right up front, man... I can see it now, we'll be up in the front... Smilin', man... Ahh, beautiful...

[@trevorplows7494]

704 music morons who wouldnt recognize talent ever. Just continue to listen to the garbage put out today. The rennaisace in rock was the late 50 s and 60 s but that probably escaped your attention.

[@hollytravers2637]

Is he alive or is he dead?

[@MICHAEL_1989]

Yeah, that's beautiful!~🤩☆☆☆☆☆

[@Musication717]

@@hollytravers2637 Ray Sawyer passed away December 2018 :-(

[@brenda.mccorkle5311]

Play some more

[@fejsfan8954]

Now its July of 2024. If you are still here, you are al legend. God bless you and keep you.

[@RickTheClipper]

I am here

[@debistarnes5151]

It is August 9th of 2024...and I still love this fun music... I remember walking down the street singing this song..70s... and before I retired walking around our gas station singing it still...❤😂

[@riapel8849]

@@RickTheClipper 74 jaar hear lisen this

[@oldpete3153]

At the age of 74 I can say I grew up through the greatest era of music that will never be realized ever again.

[@wtac44]

Absolutely.

[@tomjones2202]

I'm 65 and wish now for those days to come back! I guess I'm wishing for the moon but HOW we miss those awesome artists from those days!

[@anthonydoyle7370]

Amen to that, Pete dude. I'm just thankful that we couldn't see what lay ahead of us. It hurts me when I look at the youth of today and know deep inside me that they will never know times like we had.

[@patrickgrimm6146]

I'm 30yrs old and grew up on Dr Hook playing on the tape deck in the truck with my dad. Proud to say I've always been a fan since I can remember

[@anonamoose5673]

You are so right! I'm a bit younger than you but I'm going to my 50th high School reunion in a couple of days and I can't wait to meet with my old friends who we all knew the great music because there's nothing now that even knows what a rock band is

[@barstoolguru]

it was great to be a teen in the 70's, what a time to be alive

[@mellowmama1784]

barstoolguru oh man dont ya know it

[@billmuir8219]

It wasn't too bad at 30

[@trreb1]

Some of the greatest times ever back then.

[@wayneallen6729]

Was great back then

[@briankeel5810]

Me to man

[@Hamigal]

2022 and still listening to the most fun band ever in rock n roll.

[@xooperz]

I just found them

[@rosemarymoore387]

2023

[@richardbool4232]

2023 and still listening with you Great Band !

[@cathymckendrick5680]

Rest In Peace Ray Sawyer you will be missed by millions of fans

[@db5166]

not by me lol

cathy mckendrick : Missed by hundreds, more likely

[@juliereminiec4937]

Cathy,why did Ray sawyer wear a patch over his left eye?

[@PeteUSA44]

@@juliereminiec4937 Ray lost his right eye in an auto accident in 1967.

[@TyRayB55]

@@juliereminiec4937 he lost it in a car wreck

[@lynn9273]

I'm 73, and this is the best music of all time.

[@sageforeman6602]

As a kid in the 90s my dad drove a 69 El Camino. He had 4 kids but just 2 seats. 3 of us kids sat on speakers behind those seats with Dr. Hook blaring! Dr hook came to Shawnee Ok in 2015 I got to surprise my dad for Xmas with those tickets. Him and those 3 little kids sitting on a speaker got to take him. Best night ever! Last month my dad passed. We knew we had to play something Dr hook at his funeral. We played "walk right in" and that's what family walked in to. I know my dad couldn't have been prouder.

[@BeagleJoe]

Sorry for you loss

[@sageforeman6602]

@@BeagleJoe thank you!

[@narfarlang]

Your dad must have been one hella of a guy bless you all

[@sageforeman6602]

@@narfarlang He absolutely was, there is no one else in this world like that man! Thank you!

[@garryjoseph1804]

This story makes my heart happy. God bless your father and the 3 wonderful children he raised. OH- and God bless the El Camino

[@cindyrussell1581]

It's 2023 and I'm still listening 🎧 to this good shit. My children listen it and my grandchildren listen to it as well.

[@brettadams6467]

The 60s and 70s were the "GREATEST" time to be a teenager. LOVED IT!!!!!!!!#

[@joseluizlopes8016]

Com certeza, Brasil 🇧🇷👍🏻👍🏻

[@CarolePosanskey]

A-FREAKIN-MEN!!!!!!!!!

[@SDR_Anthony]

Nobody and I mean nobody can beat the chemistry of Dennis and Ray.

[@nzmarco]

These guys were too cool for that crowd.

[@moondawg3693]

Bullcrap ! Once they heard the song and figured out who the retards on the stage were, they loved it and clapped the entire song. lol This was typical in those days and those days were fun and amazing and we had so many great bands or movies to see and the rest of the time we were outside playing baseball or catch, we were always busy, but relaxed. I hope you were there, my friend.

[@jeanettesmith4256]

Abso brillaiant what a blast r.i.p.rayx

[@Sammy-mp9xn]

I Agree. That crowd was dead boring!!

[@robertarnold7187]

I was wondering if anyone else thought that...lol....what a bunch, although not very many people, lame crowd.

[@marcusaurelius8717]

I loved these guys, hell, I still love them.

[@user-Rock4Robin]

Everyone that I know who is My age, which is 60, knows and LOVES this TUNE ❤❤❤

[@kathymyron1658]

Can't get enough of these guys and their music!

[@RC-Flight]

How can you beat this song? This is a Dr Hook classic all the way. What a great time period to be a kid.

[@thomasferrusi1345]

I can beat it with * one toke over the line * 😎

[@lordofamber619]

back in the day when music was fun

[@Hamptonio]

#boomercomment

[@TechnicianBobDetroit]

Yes it was fun... and ironically I haven't seen a single comment stating that THIS song actually GOT Dr. Hook on the 'Cover of the Rolling Stone'

[@pennydavis2637]

@@TechnicianBobDetroit It did🤣🤣

[@stevetstevelebowski9829]

But music is still fun, not sure what you mean,

[@morganhart3682]

@@stevetstevelebowski9829 "If it isn't the kind of fun I have, it isn't fun." - That person's mindset.

[@kathleensmith8554]

Great song. Love it, and I am 72 almost yrs. young. My era of music.

[@jerrythames5778]

bofus!

[@oldndayzd9281]

Kathleen Smith same here dear I miss those days simpler times and less hate 🙏 ✌️

[@richardlittle4053]

Hope ya keep rocking till 120yrs youngest

[@scotthall1231]

S

[@patrickmacdonald7911]

64

[@raymcguire2644]

Dennis and Ray....there will never be two like them again!!!

[@robertbuchanan7048]

One of the most fun bands of all time. I can remember being a kid loving every time I heard this song come on the radio

[@larryschmid3834]

I shared a beer with this guy in New Smyrna Beach one night in a local bar. A friend of mine was doing some "business" with him and we were the house band. He got up and did his 10 best songs right in that little joint and was fantastic.

[@Bucketmc]

I hate to burst your bubble Larry, but Ray's only hit as the lead singer was this tune. Dennis Laccoriere was the lead singer in all the bands hits except this one. Most of the bands hits were written and owned by Shel Silversteen, who when he died bequeathed the rights to all his music to Dennis. Dennis moved to England after the band broke up and he had an agreement with Ray allowing him to perform the songs.

[@aimsterg3208]

I love these guys. They are personality plus!!!!

[@tommymann69]

Rest in peace Ray Sawyer of Dr hook and the traveling medicine show

[@cathymckendrick5680]

The world lost a great man forsure.

[@tommymann69]

@@cathymckendrick5680 there nothing about his death on google.i found out thru his fan club

[@cathymckendrick5680]

@@tommymann69 that is how I found out to his wife posted it sad,

[@tommymann69]

@@cathymckendrick5680 come check out my group on Facebook Dr hook and the medicine show.

[@ann-mariebarmby1228]

@@tommymann69 e

[@mikewoods8565]

My first concert in the old Stampede Corral in Calgary. A couple years ago on New Year's Eve all I could hear in my head for the next couple days was Sylvia's Mother. When the newspaper came out on January 2nd and announced that Ray had passed away.. I couldn't believe it but yet I could. It's absolutely incredible to me

[@bencarson7733]

totally stoned , straight , talented & never to be replaced , LOVE EM !!!!

[@hunterpate6067]

2024 ,,, I'm 54 years old. I still love this damn song still my favorite.

[@60shippy27]

I'm 69 , my mother has passed now. She LOVED Dr Hook ! We had to buy her the album.

[@christianbutler6866]

RIP Ray Sawyer. My grandmother introduced me to you guys at a young age. (Im 25) And im SO glad she did. Proud to say I know most every word of every song. You will be missed friend.

[@ivannudd6886]

it ant neccercerty so

[@debistarnes5151]

My kids grew up with mom's music...we used to drive around with the windows down and the music LOUD!!!

[@cynthiawalden142]

It sure was good to be a teenager in the seventies don't know what happened to the world

[@craiger9313]

Seems like it’s gone for a shit , nobody’s having fun like these guys anymore

[@marksheeran576]

It went to shit.... Dollars are more important than lives now...

[@79xlch]

Not enough good music anymore

[@kimhoward4451]

I always felt that I was too young for the 70's, but too old for the 80's. I feel like I kinda missed out on both generations. I consider myself a "tweener", stuck somewhere in the middle and never really a part of either one. Maybe I'm my own generation? Hhmmm......🤔🤨🙃

[@cromptonog1]

glad they got on the front cover of the rolling stone in the end!

[@nedludd7622]

"We've got all the friends that money can buy". So true. Shel Silverstein was very perceptive.

[@michellefrazier1253]

and I agree, it was great to be a teen in the 70s and get to be part of the best music ever! ROCK N ROLL

[@CindyRizzato]

*✿ஜ✿ THE ENERGY THEY BROUGHT CAN’T BE TOUCHED! ✿ஜ✿*

[@beverlyhoward7029]

Cindy Rizzato what with you

[@greekphysique6141]

Definitely feel good music!

[@larrywuzhere3866]

In my best Joey from friends accent- how YOU doooooooiiinnnnggggg?????

[@davidwhitten1350]

Thumps down. People this is one of the greatest songs ever writing and song by the band Dr hook ✌️

[@sitarivera8952]

We would never have this kind of music again. They had passion and meaning in their songs.

[@sunshine18102]

I love this song and still listen to it in my 60s.

[@patglennon9671]

I would live to have gone drinking with this mad bunch, supremely talented 🇮🇪

[@badassmalificent]

Ok, when he started going with that scarf I lost my shit. 🤣🤣🤣🤣 RIP Ray.

[@biglowe4776]

I just love this song, it just grabs you and keeps wanting to be played for rest of your life.

[@alancook2752]

Still love that song

[@pathesselgrave6903]

In the 70's I was in a band and we did a cover of this. Always loved this song & it was so fun to do. Love Dr Hook & all the guys!

[@beverlyhoward7029]

Pat Hesselgrave 2392883088 ih my name is eddie call call me. at2392883088

[@tonydavis2672]

You and the band had great taste in music . . . Dr hook is one of the best ever .

[@ThoraNova]

Defo one of my fave songs from Dr Hook. I'm 23 in 11 days and these guys would definitely be fun at a party. Gotta love em.

[@markrush5013]

rest in peace Ray...one of the greatest groups ever.

[@carolynvanhouter3922]

mark rush b

[@richardosullivan8102]

What is not to love about this preformance, not taking themselves or the industry seriously but doing it with style. Pure showmanship.

[@TheSWolfe]

One of the 1st bands I ever saw live outside my hometown. I was still in middle school, but will never forget it.

[@maryjohnstone7639]

Wow, I didn't know Ray Sawyer passed away. RIP Ray Sawyer, one of a kind. I loved watching him so full of fun and life. I really love Dr. Hook

[@tammyclark6308]

I love em

[@chrishk7171]

At last I found this song ! Thank you Dr Hook n the medicine show

[@billybertrand5257]

man lost for words, they are that good....

[@staceysibert3730]

Billy Bertrand it's because they loved what they were doing they got paid that wasn't what it was all about not like today

[@michellefrazier1253]

RIP Ray 'eyepatch' Sawyer Feb 2, 1937 - Dec 31, 2018. Rock n Roll Heaven takes another great one home! In site of everyone thinking Ray was Dr Hook (cuz of his eye patch) there was NO one in the group who was Dr Hook. Dennis Locorriere sang almost all lead vocals on their best selling hits - but Ray, who actually did have a dam fine singing voice in his own right, was the one to sing LEAD vocals on this, their BEST SELLING HIT EVER - COVER OF ROLLING STONE. RIP RAY -We'll miss ya!

[@bridieoshaughnessy8851]

Michelle Frazier maura

[@carrychris2010]

Thanks and that was informative.

[@KittyK.]

Ray is now on the cover of the holey stone

[@bremCZ]

Millionaire was a good job by Ray too.

[@warrenfloyd1484]

Just Beautiful man!

[@RudyB-ti8ye]

Seeing these guys live was awesome. They are what rock and roll is all about.

[@katheleenwaters7949]

I saw them in concert at a movie theater downtown Des Moines, IA, Ray came up to me sang a few lines, then tapped me on my forehead with his hat, I was star struck for ever.

[@markalicki3108]

Their energy and the energy , passion and performances of some artists of that era , in my opinion, just doesn't get matched anymore.

[@denisehedden13]

🥀Beautiful🥀Dr Hook was the 1st Concert in Atlanta Ga that I had ever seen a 13yr old my sister took me & my friend to see Rare Earth Band & Dr Hook was the opening act & I fell in love with with these Guy's and in 2020 I'm still listen🥀✌ 🥀RIP Ray Sawyer We Love You🥀✌🥀☝️

[@mickpalmer9922]

I saw the same tour in 1973 in Topeka, KS, although Rare Earth had to cancel, and it was only Dr. Hook. Great show, anyway.

[@vickyvalerie]

Brilliant, loved this too, them enjoying them selves, having good fun...

[@sundayweekusk-zp2yt]

Somebody build a time machine, I wanna go back!!!

[@thomasferrusi1345]

we need a flux capacitor

[@chasptrs.4922]

These mad guys were good entertainers, so sad that time does not wait. All we have are memories of the good old times. Thxs for sharing.

[@glen7318]

+Chas Ptrs. Loving Ray's grin

[@chasptrs.4922]

Glen:: Yea, and I love their madness, good entertainment & music all round.

[@ENDERTON2000]

ENTERTAINERS, that's the key word. and they aren't lip "stinkin"!

[@OldeSkool1]

Chas Ptrs. Pulling the plug during a guitar solo. Now that was funny.

[@chasptrs.4922]

*****:: They are good entertainers. I giggle every time I watch their vids. I wish there were more, have seen them all.

[@marksheeran576]

What a time to be alive, the 70s were kick ass

[@richardcataldi5464]

Rip ray sawyer....died today at 81

[@auriemma1727]

rest in peace Ray Sawyer!!!!!!! 1937-2018

[@fredfeuerstein5929]

What a Showman ""

[@roserollins9471]

Could you imagine how glorious heaven must be with Ray Sawyer up there?

[@mary5827]

Just heard the news and had to rush to this video. I loved Ray Sawyer! So full of life! Funny and talented right to the end! I watch this every Friday afternoon! RIP

[@huckthomas7231]

Can you imagine how much fun these goofballs had in their lives?

[@justinchaffin2573]

The year I was born and I'm still rocking this great music

[@kennethjemielity623]

growing up in the ‘70’s with this band was awesome. our go to party band.

[@jgvaughn1]

I saw them in 1977, and it was one of the most fun concerts I’ve ever been to.

[@richardmorris7063]

76 or 77 in New bern nc.for me

[@cathyt144]

I saw them Live at our county fair in Alabama many years ago. It was awesome.

[@DR-lh9rm]

They always look so happy and having fun when they played, that is great. RIP Mr. Sawyer.

[@janewolfe6699]

He earned another feather in his hat for that performance.

[@phyllisasbury3997]

Love Dr Hook....good music and very entertaining

[@sivvybee]

My Dad was sad. Rest in Peace Ray Sawyer.

[@knk4ever83]

Rip Ray.. you're loved and you finally got your picture on the cover of the Rolling Stone..

[@nikolasexelar2287]

you may be gone but we aint forget you brother Ray!!

[@rhondabeirne8560]

Not one person in this band minded sharing the spot light....most under rated band...

[@paulasteele5011]

I graduated in 79 you are right great times

[@robertpoulsen8466]

One of the best

[@rayfisher3894]

Ray Sawyer bless you

[@hancar]

Love them! Dr Hook had two great singers in Dennis Locorriere and Ray Sawyer, and the had all these great, humorous songs with a twist that always left a smile on your face! I love them and will always cherish their craftsmanship, they are legends and rightfully so!

[@debrahubbard763]

Ex husband, "who I never stopped loving " and good friends, dancing to this at a street festival in Hickory, NC. 1994. Good times!

[@robertschultz7108]

Saw them live at a little dive in Galveston Tx, great show.When I lived in Houston.

[@sasquatchdaddy1945]

What memories does this song being back?? It was graduation night at Central High School (now COSI) and a group of us were in the parking lot behind the school near the football field and this song popped on and it was like someone flipped a switch and then girls we were with started dancing (at least they called what they were doing dancing lol) and that one song turned me onto Dr Hook…back then if you didn’t listen to hard rock you were an outcast of the huge group of those guys that listened to only hard rock…it still brings back memories of my graduation night…and I still love the group…

[@darrenward8344]

very sad day today original Dr Hook singer Ray Sawyer passed away today RIP thanks for the great music rest in peace mate

[@kevinbauer6580]

Rest in Peace Ray Sawyer , we were all too pleased to see your face on the cover of the Rolling Stone. Peace Y

[@Sammy-mp9xn]

Wasn't in cartoon?

[@kevinbauer6580]

@@Sammy-mp9xn No , the actually made the cover of the Rolling Stone Magazine because of that song. Peace Y

[@BOBOFENIAN]

WHAT A BAND !! TREMENDOUS !! R.I.P ONE EYED WILLY

[@ninaray4479]

That's so cool... Made me smile from the start to the end... Bet everyone was put into a happy state of mind... 🌿🌹🌿

[@kristenmurillo8513]

They seem like they were a bunch of fun fun guys to party with

[@alfreddonnelly5213]

RIP Ray Sawyer. Thanks for the music and the memories 🎸🤠

[@georgehaber8793]

classic showmen...Great version!

[@willem.ayamiseba9641]

shit

[@HubbaBubbaD]

RIP Ray Sawyer, to the music that just isn't made anymore.

[@helgarauter3451]

Rest in Peace. Your laugh was so unique and only yours. Take care Mister Rock and Roll. Your great music will stay with us forever. We love you..

[@oohdale]

I am old now, but they were great when I was young too. I never knew their voice's to crack and quit on them either. Wow, what a show they can put on for us.

[@robindew9072]

I'm 57. Still love Listening to Dr. Hook. This is still a great rock song.

[@suebrooks6989]

These guys had FUN!

[@chevyman1722]

I remember dancing to this when it came out hell EVERYBODY was dancing to it in 72-73-74 and man was this a big hit... I'd hate to think I'm the only one in 2020 jamming up and down to this rock hit let alone other huge hits then...

[@happyinhilo]

Fear not! This is one of the songs I lurch around to, singing at the top of my lungs, and embarrassing my son. I'm 76 years old, and plan to keep doing that for at least another 20!

[@jamesdelashaw3269]

so glad the music lives on. RIP Ray and thanks for tunes

[@Floridabred1]

Absolutely Fabulous !!! I appreciate them much, much more now that I am a senior citizen (lol) :)

[@glen7318]

+Floridabred1 hilarouis when Rik comes out and where did Ray get the energy

[@marywood772]

Me too!

[@ralphanderson1269]

I was in my thirty's when this came out. I still enjoy watching and listening to these mad buggers. And they could SING....

[@DiabolicalGenius]

I hell of a live act back before anyone had even heard of auto tune. Damned hard to get these days.

[@BixLives32]

Auto tune -oh dear lord! I was a frontman for a long time and it makes me crazy. It's bloody sick. You know they are now using the infernal thing -LIVE?! Back in the day, I used to worry about loosing ALL of my voice (not to even being able to speak). It was ASSUMED that I would NOT miss many notes. That's why they chose me in the first place! -3 to 5 performances a week was about all I could take and sound OK, but I did more and sounded hoarse. I hear this, even today. Is there a digital machine to fix hoarseness? Dates came in lumps so you had recovery time, but those lumps could kill you. The least gig might be 15-20 songs, but the usual full date was as much as 30-35 songs. If it was a private party (Frat houses, usually) those lads would keep us there until bloody daylight! They were often huge football stars, so you generally followed their preferences to the letter! Most nights, afterwards, I could smell blood. The keyboard player and drummer could take a couple off my back, but then I would had to sing back-up. We tried a voice "specialist" and exercises -they help, but aint nuthin' gonna help if you have to BELT the majority of your work. Nodes? Yeah. When I first started going to voice doctors (ENT specialists), they all said the same thing; "Don't talk off stage - EVER. Wear a chalkboard tired around your neck so that you can communicate. Otherwise, you will NOT be able to continue." One time we were desperate. I had ZERO voice. The ENT, asked to see our SET LIST and asked on which songs I sang lead. I was blown away. He knew music! This doctor then said that if I was able to be vocally SILENT between now and the first number at the next date (48 hours), then I would be able to complete ONE concert but no more for at least a month. Sure enough, I made the show. 5 minutes after the final number, I began to talk to stage people and my voice faded out like god turned down my volume control. The doctor had predicted this to almost the very second. He also said that I would be mute for at least 2 weeks after, and that I would not again perform for at least 30 days (IF, I kept silent!). So I lived with the chalk board. And people laughed. What fun. Auto Tuners? My sides are splitting. The concerts are also 100% run by computers. Every level, every light, every movement, every flippin' thought, is coded into special performance software that coordinates EVERYTHING. Once the show is in motion, they sit on their hands unless there is a problem. -Hence, modern shows have absolutely NO SPONTANEITY. Only people with ample bread and severe integrity do NOT do this. To be fair, acts like James Taylor, The Stones & Steely Dan hire live musicians. Such acts have a more discerning and erudite audience and MUST put on a real show. Tom Waits is surely pure. Waits might use computers, but only for the specific number, -i.e., not the entire show. In 1985 he blew me away in Eire. In Dublin, Tom Waits was like the Beatles. But, NO ONE is immune from the computers. If I wanted to tweak my beloved old Super Reverb, I would be dreamin', because ALL stage amplification is now digitally controlled. E.g., The Marshall stacks or the massive mounds of old Tweed iron that you see on stage these days, are PROPS. No guitarist needs more than a single modest amp (15 - 50 watts TUBE) for his stage volume and tone. -What they need for their EGOS, is a different story. The modern PA will make anyone with but a 5 watt Fender Champ sound damn good (assuming they can play). Auto Tune, oh dear, you got me started. It's like having a bad 'Nam flash-back.

[@kingfucter]

BixLives32 Interesting...and you're still long-winded.

[@lumpy0100]

BixLives32 this is so long; only the stupidest dude i know could read this?..Good bittersweet story!:)

[@lumpy0100]

it seems too insane?

[@slickmic6113]

It must have been a blast to see these guys so very underrated!! RIP Ray Sawyer

[@davidchavers5881]

I saw them in 1980 with Blue Oyster Cult. A wild, funny, fantastic performance!

[@pault1964]

Slick Mic saw them twice but I was very young my parents took me which might explain a few things

[@lizbethpuigsoto4165]

Rest in peace may God bless your soul Ray Sawyer 🙏🌹😘