EXCLUSIVE! Legendary Session Guitarist Picks His 5 Favourite Songs!

Legendary session guitarist Waddy Wachtel takes us on a journey through some of the most iconic songs he's worked on. With a prolific career spanning decades, Wachtel shares fascinating anecdotes and insights into his collaborations with some of the biggest stars in music!
0:00 Song 1
5:15 Song 2
11:00 Song 3
16:20 Song 4
22:40 Song 5

[@worldissuesmatter1643]

The old days when you looked at who played on the album and who produced it, and you tracked one person to another to another to another….

[@mariopalos9238]

Yes!

[@davidwillis4100]

We used to read the liner notes while we listened to the album for the first time. Really miss that. Always paid attention to who played and who sang backup.

[@IplayMusic2]

I met Waddy at the Aladdin hotel in Las Vegas the night he played with Stevie on Joe Walsh Space Age Wiz Kids tour. He came out of the elevator while I was waiting for my girlfriend who was in the bathroom. I recognized him from seeing him on Stevie Nicks HBO concert. He stepped out of the elevator and I said, “Hey, You’re Stevie Nicks Guitar Player!!” He said, “Yeah”. I was about 18 and it was so cool. I said, “We are here to watch you play tonight”. About that time, the girlfriend came out of the bathroom and I introduced her. I tell you what, he was friggin cool and extremely friendly. It was a great show and I will never forget the 3 or 4 minutes he spent with me. Thank you Waddy, you gave me a extremely cool memory. God bless you brother.

[@Wild1995]

really cool story

[@jpg5038]

Glad to see Waddy getting the well deserved respect.

[@soundtoys795]

yes, pedos so rarely get the respect the deserve...... FOR GOOD REASON!!!

[@edrimeikis9270]

I had to relisten to Short People after watching this. The slide is subtle but brilliant

[@georgegeranios2918]

This is just great. Waddy is the secret sauce on so many records.

[@pewsterbaby]

Saw him with Keith at The Beacon Theater in 1993. I was like - "There's that wacky lookin' guy who was with Linda Ronstadt." I ended up watching him play guitar as much as my eyes were on Keith. He has a strong presence.

[@janemillerick9614]

and I couldn’t go; really wish I had! great band that was.

[@Caged63Man]

Waddy has been my guitar hero for a long time, playing straight up rock since the 70's since i was a kid!

[@richardgrier8968]

Me too. He blew me away when I saw him with Linda and Andrew Gold (and Eagles and Jackson Brown) in '76. I was thinking "who is this guy with long curly hair and white Les Paul?". I got to see him in a small club with Dan Dugmore I think that same year. I just love his slide stuff.

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

Waddy’s such an amazing player. Great sense of tone, timing and melody. His work on Excitable Boy is brilliant.

[@joyceconnor2913]

One of my favorite albums!

[@ScrewballMcAdams]

@@joyceconnor2913 Mine too.

[@coldroses5337]

Waddys resume is amazing Linda Ronstadt Warren Zevon James Taylor Stevie Nicks Joe Walsh And the list goes on Cheers 🍷

[@mag-nm7tw]

Let’s not forget he’s in Keith Richard’s solo band..

[@user-yq5od9uj3f]

Don't forget Jackson. I've seen Waddy, Russ Kunkel and Lee Sklar backing up Jackson, Linda, James and Karla Bonoff so many times I've lost count. They were the 70s version of the Wrecking Crew. And at great Colorado venues: Red Rocks, Chautauqua Park and Fiddlers Green.

[@loucolzani1361]

Carole King. June 1973. SF Civic Auditorium. Waddy was great. Carole was fabulous.

[@zeeman3684]

@@mag-nm7tw The X-Pensive Winos.

[@davidsthubbins176]

Yesca

[@predictorleague8780]

I've always been amazed at that riff in Edge of Seventeen. Takes a lot of stamina to execute that flawlessly for 10 minutes live

[@SuppressiveSquirrel]

It’s not horribly hard to play mate. C, D, E minor. Three notes total.

[@watcher9987]

Looped

[@chrisdavis5014]

Yeah! Way hard! Only Waddy could do it!

[@chrismorgan7494]

@@SuppressiveSquirrel It's all the dugga-duggas that wear you out.

[@Michael-mm3fm]

@@SuppressiveSquirrel For 10 minutes. Non stop. No one’s saying it’s complicated.

[@russt44]

I remember the session as if it were yesterday. So funny and so much fun. The track we had was great (Jim Keltner and Klaus Voorman) but as soon as you put the low guitar parts on it just jumped out of the speakers. Really nice that you included it in your top 5. xoxoxox rt

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

I recently read that Leslie West credited Waddy with teaching him "how to play real guitar" and he sold West his first Gibson LP JR.

[@zeeman3684]

They were both nice Jewish boys from Queens, NY.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Yes indeed. @@zeeman3684

[@maxthepupp]

It seems that with every year that goes by, 'Tenderness On The Block' gets a little more appreciated! Good to see the world catching up with Waddy, Warren, & me. Rock on Waddy!❤🤘😎🤘

[@67goldtops]

"Waddy, Warren, & me." Oh, so you played on it?? Which instrument?

[@jamesbradshaw3389]

Over the years I have seen on videos Waddy Wachtel play on stage with other stars, but I knew almost nothing about the man, this is the first time I have heard Waddy Wachtel speak, what a wise music man what a great player, his type are getting rarer and rarer

[@BobWadeGuitar]

Another unsung hero - thanks for bringing him to the fore!

[@webbsamples]

Years after the fact, I have learned that Waddy played some of my favorite riffs. He can hear it and play it.

[@bobjones6572]

I think that over a 4 year span I saw Waddy play live with at least 3 different bands in the 70s and 80s.

[@edjuillard4054]

❤Waddy Is A Guitar God! Love his playing with Keith especially ❤

[@dougdavis8986]

Keith Urban?

[@DevilsDevices666]

​@@dougdavis8986I thought he was talking about Keith Richards

[@edjuillard4054]

Keith Richards

[@bgumbleton]

Hey, Waddy. As a drummer and as far as guitar players go, you're probably my favorite! Especially playing with the X-Pensive Winos!

[@michaelantoniotti2738]

Waddy and Russ are the pro's choice for the studio today. He plays clean....and delivers tone like a program amp. Waddy and Stevie are magic together.

[@robertthorn8233]

Waddy is Legend!….I think he absolutely made Keith Richard’s Expensive Wino’s,..Brilliant.X

[@darksarcasm4835]

Waddy is an integral part of the soundtrack that is my early life. Thanks Waddy❤❤❤

[@FenellaBeach]

Always loved the jaw dropping solo on Andrew Gold’s 1976 hit, Lonely Boy - pre internet so it was another 20 years or so before I discovered who played it. They gave him exactly 30 seconds, he was ready….

[@VRPRocks]

You learn something new everyday! I didnt realise it was Waddy on that song either!

[@dg1019]

Saw Waddy a few years ago with Joe Walsh....talk about an amazing show!!

[@darvinclement8404]

Guy is super underrated. Rock and roll tone forever.

[@CuriousCritter17]

I dont think you can say being a legend is being underrated.

[@luvbasses5487]

The guitar solo parts on: Oh Sherry (S. Perry) and Only The Lonely (Motels) are personal favorites of mine that Waddy played!

[@zeeman3684]

Wow!

[@luvbasses5487]

…were you not aware of these parts?

[@MrBixsonic]

His solos, first and foremost, serve the song. Tenderness is a great example and the Motels tune as well..

[@sj49770]

Waddy is quite a legend to those of us who really follow music. He was the Nicky Hopkins of the guitar...he was just everywhere!

[@BuffaloC305]

A career hero who, along with Leland Sklar and Kenny Edwards, showed me a career as a session musician gives a pretty great life.

[@Inspector-71]

My favorite by far is definitely "Lost Due To Incompetence" from the "Up In Smoke" soundtrack, great jam and beautiful guitar playing

[@ramblerdave1339]

When I first heard "Werewolves of London", I just had to get the album, to find out who the guitarist was! Fan since. 🤟😎👍

[@fazole]

I remember as a teen first seeing Waddy on SCTV, playing in Joe Walsh's band on the song "I Can Play That Rock n Roll". Then I noticed he was everywhere, even going back to the Midnight Special! What a session legend. These session guys are the secret weapon of many, many legendary albums.

[@PlayThatPodcast]

Love that you got him talking about Zevon!

[@dennisjohndreher7258]

Waddy played with Karla bonoff, some of his best material.

[@gerrylavelle8433]

Back in the mid-80s I was flying to Denver from Los Angeles LAX and when I'd gotten my boarding pass I turned around and Waddy Wachtel and the rest of Stevie Nicks' band was lined up behind me. I kept it cool and didn't bother them with any kind of star struck stuff but it was really a great memory to turn aound and whoa it's the Stevie Nicks band lined up behind me.

[@johnsmith-ug5tp]

Great guitarist and songwriter!

[@davidharris3194]

Thak you Waddy!!!! Great rock legend stories!!!!

[@DevilsDevices666]

Yeah agreed, was a great interview!

[@soundtoys795]

yes a legendary pedo!

[@patrickbelardo7919]

Waddy is so cool. Would love to just hang with him for an hour. Great job with the interview.

[@stevej9058]

Waddy is a legend. This is great.

[@laurieuebbing3500]

Love Waddy Wachtel! I thank him for helping my sweet sister and her songs!

[@davidrice3337]

Who is your sis ?

[@kathyjaissle6791]

My favorite performance of Edge of Seventeen is from the concert in Chicago in 2008. It’s absolutely FABULOUS!!!! I cannot sit still when I watch the video. AMAZING!!!!!!!! It’s one of my favorite live performances of ANY song!

[@MDKRetrofit]

Waddy and Warren Zevon live on Stand in the Fire…a truly amazing sound.

[@jungle7315]

I have that in LP. 8 Track. Cassette. And CD!

[@vilveyachke5103]

Waddy wasn't on the live album

[@jackwezesa1081]

@@vilveyachke5103 I think it was Dave Landau ? Correct me if I’m wrong.

[@noheamike5036]

​@@jackwezesa1081Landau on leads with Zeke Zirngiebel on the second guitar. It is an absolutely smoking album though.

[@jungle7315]

@@jackwezesa1081 Warren names the band during the show and you're right it was Landau. Still. Waddy had a lot to do with Warrens great and unique sound.

[@randyharbaugh7819]

Tenderness on the Block is a great song, my favorite off that album , above Werewolves of London

[@bytornsnowdog1347]

Edge of Seventeen, is my personal favorite; at the Us festival.

[@karenjones1848]

Mine too

[@twentyfiveyears5010]

With absolute sincerity, the bridge in "Maybe I'm Right" is as perfect and moving a bit of lyric writing as could be.

[@jungle7315]

I have every album Warren Zevon ever recorded and you always expected to hear Wadddy. I hope to someday see him dressed in black and tossing back a shot of rye......

[@DevilsDevices666]

Was cool to hear that section on Zevon

[@benmeltzer]

Why do you think he's on every Warren album through 1991 and then on none thereafter? Especially on The Wind, which is described as an "all former collaborators invited" affair, one would expect Waddy to be on it. Did the two fall out? Something is fishy. Waddy would be maybe the #1 guy I would expect to be on The Wind.

[@jungle7315]

@@benmeltzer Good question. He had a bad habit of burning bridges and running people off. He wasn't the easiest person to get along with. I'd read that his financial situation was not very good at the time and maybe that played a role too?

[@benmeltzer]

@@jungle7315 Can you name another major collaborator of his whom he ran off to such a degree that he did not participate in The Wind? I saw Waddy play lead guitar for Warren at a benefit show in early 1998. The only thing public that happened between then and the recording of The Wind was Waddy's child porn bust. It's my only theory. Note the cross around Warren's neck during the interview from which the narration was culled for the documentary about the end of his life: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaTSfZKal9R9ftU

[@jungle7315]

@@benmeltzer I'd forgotten about the porn thing. Maybe that had something to do with it. WZ really wanted The Wind to be a commercial success and even allowed them to play up his sickness to get publicity. Having the man who had a huge hand in helping WZ succeed and not being there for his final album suggest there is something going on. But considering how long it's been since he passed, and we still don't have a clear reason, makes you wonder if we'll ever know?

[@DrMorpheus]

What a brilliant interview! Waddy giving us a glimpse behind the scenes is priceless, and he comes across as a very together, likable man. His immense talent and impact on pop music goes without saying. Many thanks.

[@morgainedepolloc4161]

Thanks for this interview. Waddy's music meant (and still means) so much to me; especially as a kid listening for hours in my bedroom. I was so glad to hear Linda Ronstadt mentioned---this is when I first learned about Waddy. Great memories.

[@adrianbrowne7874]

Randy Newman a brilliant lyricist! His 'biting satire' has a quality all of its own! In addition the more leftfield qualities of Warren Zevon, have been brought to the fore as well! This was another excellent interview, and as with all the others, i will be happy to revisit!!😊

[@DevilsDevices666]

Really enjoyed this one! He's one of those guys I've seen on videos, recognisable with that big hair, but didn't really know much about him. Fascinating to hear him tell some great stories!

[@davidnika446]

I was SO hoping that Eileen would be on the list...and YES! Indeed. The live video is especially great!

[@brentmcwilliams4332]

I remember seeing Waddy play for Stevie Nicks in Boulder Colorado in 1980 along with a criminally underrated John Stewart. Great show. Waddy cooked.✌️

[@StephenVega-lx9wj]

Waddy has been a steady, rock solid Genius for Years!!! Much Love and Respect!!!

[@Bricameron]

What a lovely man. I gotta check these songs out now.

[@siberianhusky5874]

Dude, Wachtel is a convicted pedophile. Really. The only way he could possibly be any more of a "lovely man" is if he was dancing while in the prison communal showers as "Maneater" was playing in the background.

[@felinemad]

Buy Stevie Nicks 24 Karat Gold blu ray, he plays on that. It’s brilliant.

[@unclebob53703]

Man, what a huge treat to hear this stuff--I lived with those records in college, and they still mean a lot to me, and this guy was a huge part of all of them

[@AwlDeigh]

Saw him when he was touring with Linda Ronstadt back in the 70s

[@Jukebox45s]

Waddy's work with Kim Carnes is what I think of immediately when I hear his name. For example, check out the music video for "Crazy In The Night" and see how Waddy's presence makes all of the difference with that song.

[@terryblankenshipmusic1322]

He’s been one of my favorite guitar players since I first heard him back in the 70’s

[@deadandburied7626]

Waddy's song "Damage" that Linda sang on her "We Ran" album is great too. 😊

[@ripples]

The greatest mercenary guitarist of all time

[@danielputnam7431]

I feel like I;ve seen Waddy a million times. Great to hear him. So interesting. I see why everyone wants to work with him.

[@rexpayne7836]

Excellent guitarist. His played with everyone. 😊

[@IsmJism]

Surprising not many ppl cite Waddy as one of the greats

[@petereyles5583]

Waddy Is A Rock Legend Enough Said!!!!🎸🎵🎼🎶❤️

[@davidrice3337]

This guy has inspired me for yrs and i didnt even know it -

[@sjs1555]

Saw him in Omaha recently with Stevie Nicks. Waddy is a total badass rockstar.

[@lloydmoss217]

For my mind it’s Waddy’s & Andrew Gold’s twin leads on Linda Ronstadt’s cover of “That’ll Be The Day”!

[@Cindy-qu3gc]

Thanks Waddy! What a great interview!

[@stantissue2065]

What a career this man has had. If Waddy was on the record, I bought it. I think one of his best solos was actually on a Karla Bonoff album, Someone to lay down beside me. Check that out. Warren Zevon’s Lawyers Guns and Money was a tune we always covered. It’s fun to let it rip, and that is how he’s always approached it. Waddy and Keith together was a real treat.

[@Humama23Boyz]

I’ve watched the top five videos from Russ Kunkel and Leland Sklar. What strikes me about all three of them is their humility. This makes me appreciate the work they’ve done. These guys blow me away! Is there a Danny Kortchmar top five video?

[@VRPRocks]

I'm so glad you enjoyed them, thanks for watching. I'll be speaking with Danny in the next few weeks 👍🤘

[@rodneywhitfield5754]

Porter Wagner!!! Geez it’s been decades since I’ve heard someone bring him up …

[@judasplow25]

All the names Waddy mentions bring back great memories.

[@bytornsnowdog1347]

Waddy!!! ...Oh, what a lonely boy..... Or The jam on The Poseidon Adventure; It Has To Be The Morning After.

[@maxthepupp]

Wait... Waddy played guitar on The Morning After?😳🤔

[@bytornsnowdog1347]

He was also up for the part for Doddy's(?), brother, who dies, but they gave the part to the other guy. I think it was the drummer, Danny (?). It is one of my favorite movie from the 1970s Watch the movie. It is a quick glance at the band, and you can see him on guitar. Pretty wild.

[@jbramblett]

Waddy is a rock and roll icon... An amazing musician

[@Sparisland]

Great interview. Thanks

[@zemezee8883]

thank you waddy ! nice interview

[@timwestcott361]

Brilliant conversation - Waddy is a total legend and clearly an insanely nice guy. Love the fact he was great friends with Leslie West back in the day and gave Leslie his Les Paul Junior - and that single pickup tone. Which blew my head off. And still does.

[@stephendringus8183]

Enjoy these awesome stories. A true legend

[@billtaylor4897]

What a story teller. What stories.

[@andyinoregon]

As a guitarist and vocalist, I've always looked at Waddy Wachtel as America's version of Keith Richards. They both have contributed so much to so many songs I love.

[@pc7135]

Love Waddy's playing on Zevon and Keith Richard's Lps.. great player.

[@toms6756]

I could listen to him talk music all day. Love his guitar on Nightbird!

[@anthonycook4297]

Just love this ❤Outstanding!!

[@energyfromyourwing]

Yes! Maybe I’m Right is awesome!!

[@lisah9394]

Thanx herds, Waddy!

[@FrankinDallas]

Waddy plays an 8 note solo at the end of Johnny Strikes up the Band on the Zevon album that is literally perfect.

[@toddflowers8052]

Waddy is ageless !!!

[@pasqualedevitto5569]

Waddy is the man!!

[@laurasmith4478]

I got to see him up close and personal at the Joint in Hollywood and of course, with Stevie at Ceasar's Palace 20 years ago. GREAT music good times. I love the stories, I could listen to them all night.

[@martyconroy3786]

So funny Waddy mentions Short People. It's just iconic satire that could never be recorded today, too many people would freak out, but it's one of the greatest songs ever recorded...

[@c.s.mcleod7383]

I was thinking Tenderness On The Block from Excitable Boy. Perfect rhythm guitar work.

[@guppybill]

I work with a lady from L.A. who calls this guy "Uncle Waddy." She's Warren Zevon's step-daighter. I am in awe of her stories from Laurel Canyon. One of the superstars mentioned in this video "dried out" in Warren's hallway closet. My friend served them water and food for three days. The superstar crawled out of the closet, thanked her, and left. Can you guess which one? Duh.

[@thomastrout9997]

Nicely done.

[@DanielDavisDeepDive]

What a class act - Waddy! check out his work on Damage - Linda Ronstadt

[@charvelshredder]

Rocked that solo on Lonely Boy!🎼🎸

[@MDOurMD]

"Take It So Hard" is the best solo song from any of the Stones.

[@Thomas-cx6cb]

i still l o v e the Buckingham - Nicks album after all these years - such great music!

[@AstralPixie]

Yeah, that "Belladonna" touring band was stellar! I can't wait to see the "Immediate Family" movie. As a Stones fan, seeing Keith and Waddy on Keith's first solo tour at the small Tower Theater in Philly was memorable.

[@dirish709]

An Icon.

[@billyshane3804]

Waddy is the MAN

[@soundtoys795]

the man that gets his kicks having child porn on his computer. look it up!

[@dwdavis5977]

Waddy has been good to my son. Means a lot to me.

[@glebe9]

Great player. His solo on Andrew Gold's 'Lonely Boy' is so good. It smokes!!