Rig Rundown - Waddy Wachtel

[@speter60]

I met Waddy in Middletown NY. at a tire shop, 6 of us were stranded there for hours, We listened to him for hours, the time flew by, he had the greatest stories to tell, he should have his own KZbin channel, he has such a sharp memory, and an awesome guy to listen to.It's like listening to interviews with the Beatles, such great stories,.

[@IansModRite]

“I’ve been very lucky.” One of the greats and still counting his blessings, I love hearing that. A very humble man.

[@michaelfinnegan3805]

One of the best child pornographer guitar players.

[@IansModRite]

@2v_5r that’s a big, heavy oof and I did not know that. I retract the “greats” portion of my 5 year old comment. Considering that info, he should DEFINITELY be counting his blessings 😅

[@michaelfinnegan3805]

@@IansModRite I know it sucks.

[@300rivers7]

Probably the best guitarist that only those who play or love guitars knows about. He's a much a legend as any other player out there.

[@fernandes5986]

He's one of my heroes, his guitar work on Stevie Nicks's Rock a Litte is superb.

[@bluematrix5001]

Exactly, i did not know who he was, but when I saw him live I said, that guys gotta be a legend, love his platying and he is the definition of an American Rock Guitarist!

[@jasonmerry6713]

I have so much respect for Waddy, love his work with Linda.

[@SocksworthRiffs]

Had a huge grin on my face the entire time, this was a great one. what a chill guy. fantastic storyteller too. 10/10

[@akxeman]

Ive been a guitar player my entire life (literally) and the stories by icons like Waddy are precious gems. And Waddy, the consummate pro, is thankful, humble, and funnier than hell!

[@shawnshipstad9281]

Yes, I met and spoke with him at LAX, very nice man. 1970?

[@theariesexperiment4642]

Waddy is such a genuine person. So soft spoken and polite. Extremely underrated and unrecognized player.

[@tjwash2]

One of the greatest musicians of his day. Every Linda Ronstadt song he contributed to (among other artists) was supreme greatly in part from his contribution.

[@JamesWilliams-js4fo]

This guy is too cool. He's played guitar on a lot of songs we've all listened to and loved for years. He's a true icon in rock music.

[@chrismessenger2392]

I can't believe this is the first interview I've ever seen with Waddy! My God. He's still just killing it!

[@kevinkuhagen1272]

Waddy is a national treasure and veritable wealth of guitar knowledge and rock history.

[@pamela8687]

Ty awesome comment

[@pamela8687]

I finally met Waddy on here! ❤❤❤❤

[@christopherhanna5754]

it's almost like all the best classic players are kind decent modest guys who love guitars and music deeply and care about people.. another great interview rundown.....

[@docwill184]

christopher hanna. easy to be nice and modest when yer good, connected and rich

[@BluesLicks101]

decent? www.mtv.com/news/400485/guitarist-wachtel-busted-for-child-pornography/

[@da324]

He pleaded no contest because he was promised probation. His option was to go to trial and risk being found guilty. The prosecution wouldn't have done that if they thought it would be a sure win, just if the charges aren't solid. His wife's charges were dismissed.

[@ijeff2005]

@@da324 He (Wachtel) wouldn't have done that if he thought it would be a sure win! Normally you plead 'no contest' when you know you are guilty (or at least it is likely you will be judged guilty in court) and are trying to cut a better sentence deal; i.e., probation.

[@Avantimusicprojects]

@One Issue Voter Clapton killed his kid?? You're out of control, man. You're the first person I've heard who doesn't feel sorry and even blames him.

[@brewer9565]

Great interview. Waddy is a legend. It so happens I flipped on the car radio today and "Werewolves of London" came on and I was yet again taken by Waddy's playing on the song which he co-wrote with Warren Zevon. Loved his work with Andrew Gold also. Great, great musician. Thanks Premier Guitar!

[@sealisa1398]

Harry Wachtel was one of my patients in Miami, FL decades ago. When he told me his son played the guitar and was in a band I thought ‘oh yeah some band in North Miami at a calypso bar’....how wrong was I.

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

Wow, that is such a cool story! 😊

[@sealisa1398]

Eric John Schwab 100% true and his Dad was a nice man, he always came to his appointments offering cellophane wrapped peppermint candies.

[@thegratefulbrad3072]

Wow! You're Doctor Pimplepopper?!?! :)

[@BennieTarrMusic]

Haha what a cokehead.

[@TheDonzim]

@@TFT-bp8zk LOL good one

[@Avantimusicprojects]

I always admired that whole gang of musicians who played with James Taylor. Leland, Russ Kunkel, Waddy, Danny Kortchmar, their musicality was from another planet.

[@DrGingerHamster]

Waddy played on almost every important song in the 60s-90s. What a fantastic talent. Thanks for sharing with us Waddy

[@bigburns0909]

Simply a great interview from a guy with an endless string of stories. Agree, we need a book from Waddy.

[@mmmattf6968]

Can't imagine Stevie Nicks without him & neither can she! The Chicago Live concerts sound like HEAVEN!!

[@pamela8687]

Yes actually I’m so happy he’s been with her years now! I finally found him being interview now I find him very down to earth very intelligent music industry wow ! He is so funny ! Thank you Waddy

[@monstrok]

Such an underrated guitarist. About time Waddy received the spotlight!

[@wcjohnny1]

Agreed .

[@petedonaghyguitar]

I remember seeing his name on so many records back in the 70s. What a great career and what a cool guy.

[@dbuzard326]

Saw Stevie in Pittsburgh on the Wild Heart tour. Waddy starts 17 and Stevie comes out... Waddy keeps chugging that note. Stevie wanders off stage... back on stage... off stage. Good 15 minutes of just intro! Good job, Waddy!

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

Saw Stevie in Austin,Tx on the same tour.

[@jellyfish3333]

I have a video of that same gig; and you're right- Waddy was awesome playing those eighth-notes (not 16th) forever before Stevie comes out and starts singing! And don't you love the thick tone he gets with that LP!

[@stevelaferney3579]

A professional at work.

[@hegel2u]

That's crazy, I just read the great interview with him and Leslie West over at Music Aficionado, and was thinking, "Man, Premier Guitar needs to do a Rig Rundown with Waddy, that would be classic talking about that Les Paul he owns." And voila, here it is, they listened to me!

[@JohmathanBSwift]

I really wish the Rock&Roll Hall of Fame would have a section dedicated to all the Waddy's & Leland's .

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

Totally. These guys have made some legendary music.

[@JohmathanBSwift]

@@MrSpeed-lt8gr Completely agree .

[@kevinkuhagen1272]

Great idea...all the studio and sideman (sidewoman) talent out there.

[@JohmathanBSwift]

@@kevinkuhagen1272 I was reading the comments here ; I didn't know Waddy & Russ Kunkel,plus David Lindley, played on the Church's Starfish album. Then there's The Wrecking Crew that wrote and played on a number of albums . _copy&pasted_ The Wrecking Crew was a loose collective of session musicians based in Los Angeles whose services were employed for thousands of studio recordings in the 1960s and 1970s, including several hundred Top 40 hits. The musicians were not publicly recognized in their era, but were viewed with reverence by industry insiders. Then there's The Brill Building of NYC. The R&R HoF should have a section dedicated to these to times and locations. They're are some of the backbones of modern music and should have their own wing .

[@kevinkuhagen1272]

Johmathan .B. Swift, yes familiar with the Wrecking Crew. I’m a GIT grad who got to see Tommy Tedesco several times. I met his son Denny several times back when I lived and worked in the LA area. Fantastic musicians out there.

[@spudhead523]

Waddy is too modest, he can play with the best of them.

[@recabitejehonadab2654]

Spud Head He is a great player!

[@EphemeralProductions]

well he's been playing for like 60 years probably, I would hope so. lol

[@AudiophileTommy]

He IS the Best of them 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@colico14]

He's hella cool.

[@brianwood7237]

Got to see Waddy with the Winos twice back in the day...GREAT BAND Waddy gave a master class in rock guitar each night. The guy is national treasure. GREAT RIG RUNDOWN!

[@sammysouth8372]

For a super star and a highly sought after session man Waddy is so humble. What a great human being

[@stevehogan8829]

Waddy, not even considering what you've done.... what a far out cool time to live through. I've lived through it right with you and it's just been an amazing period of music... I can't imagine having the memories you've got... Thanks for all the enjoyment man.

[@chrispeterson73]

GREAT GUITARIST! Waddy makes it look so effortless and you can tell he's having a blast. Rock on Waddy!! 👍🙂🍻

[@celestelongway7315]

WaddY we Luv YA! Yeah! Your House gigs at the Joint in Bev Hills were superb!! So many super fave, smoking shows with Jamie Savko and Rick Rojas and the Stones' Bernard Fowler and that great drummer with the silver Ludwig kit ....... Waddy always delivered ! We know you stay really busy .............. but we miss those special gigs , baby! U and Savko's 1978 AC/DC Bon stuff just rules ! Your Who, Stones, Walrus, and Zeppelin blew the roof off every time! EVERY time yeah! Beverly Hills will never be the same! Thanks for sharing your super talented friends too! Pure magic! : )

[@davidyergensen4509]

John Bollinger, I'm impressed with your interviews. You seem to take the time to learn the details of your interviewees past, along with the details of their tools (guitars, amps, etc.) it makes for such a fun, informed interview. This is one of the best you've done. Thanks, and keep it up.

[@gr8guitarplayer]

Yeah, this one was. But I've seen some that were..., I'll say, not so good.

[@z_855turboR]

I watched a lot of this videos and every time I enjoy how he know where he is, and respects his heroes. Great guy

[@greghonan7364]

Yes and best thing is, unlike many others, he doesn't talk over the top of the guest and make it all about himself.

[@chasbodaniels1744]

Yep, John B seems to be an extremely cool guy who juuusssst barely keeps his inner fanboy in check. Haha. Waddy was an easy interview ... he’s a natural born talker.

[@cyrus1357]

John Bollinger>Mark Agnesi

[@tweedguitar9103]

Finally...Wally, the all time guitarist that always been there, in the zone.Thankyou Premier Guitars for recognising this man. Seriously, a documentary is in order. cheers

[@markholden1081]

tweed guitar who's Wally ?

[@thomasnodine4072]

A living legend-Thank You Waddy for sharing these stories and all your music !!

[@rhendrickson886]

I didn't realize until recently how I've been chasing this man's tone for decades. What a great player and cool guy. So chill.

[@eddiegalon3714]

that was deffinately one of the best Rig Rundowns. Great stories.

[@andyinoregon]

Waddy played on so many of my favorite songs in the '70s, and then my wife and I finally got to hear him live when Linda Ronstadt played at the U. of Toledo's Centennial Hall on Aug. 11, 1978. To my ears, he was always America's answer to Keith Richards.

[@davebird534]

What a cool guy waddy is ! I'm a guitarist from Nashville Tennessee as well. And I can tell you hes respected. With country musicians just as well as he is with rock guitarist. That dude has awesome tone and such a great Feel and perfect Vibrato with excellent control .hes extremely melodic. He never overplays, he just plays for the song. That's why hes been Such saught after studio musician

[@vincerusso5619]

Such a great player and apparently a really nice person! What a mellow interview…

[@splashesin8]

Love Waddy as a person, and guitar player. So much!

[@alanfisher1524]

I remember watching a TV interview by Leslie West ,and he said that this man taught him how to really play lead guitar ,hes a legend both are fck

[@larrybethune3909]

I remember seeing this Waddy with multiple bands on the Midnight Special. Gotta love that trademark hair.

[@richardchapman1270]

What a great man! Discovered him via my all time favourites from Stevie Nicks. Quiet and humble with it, too - not ashamed to say "the neck's too thick for me" and "I don't bother much with pedals"!

[@TheDonzim]

As a kid growing up in the 70s Waddy seemed to be everywhere and as a guitar player I thought he was living a dream jamming with the greats. Find what you love and learn to make a buck doing it. A legend!

[@kande6916]

I literally grew up following Waddy,s playing and appearing with all the big name bands !! Waddy could do anything he wanted with that lead guitar and make it talk and all the while look effortless!!! A true legend!!!!!!

[@electricladdyland]

Thousands of guitar players obsessing over pickups, woods, finishes, tenons, string brands, tubes, speakers, cables, mods, pedals on and on and on...they play the pizza parlor every 2 months. Waddy doesn't even know what brand hs guitar pickups are or what amp model he uses - plays all over the world with rock stars and on a thousand records, makes a million dollars. and he doesn't even shred like Yngwie. Go figure.

[@AnonYmous-jp8uu]

all about being cool and having a clue

[@loudaroundtown]

guitarist Waddy Wachtel was charged with child porn

[@douglasjaeger1559]

Yes, back in 1998. He “paid his debt to society” by serving 3 years probation, attending counseling, and paying fines, so what’s the problem?

[@markrushton1516]

Back in the day a lot of acts skated around this. Aynsley Dunbar had some issues. Nobody asked ages when people were backstage.

[@loudaroundtown]

@@markrushton1516 an underage girl backstage vs child porn on his computer - that's your defence ? gross

[@VonBluesman]

Great rundown and super cool stories by Waddy. It is amazing how nice and down to earth some of the best players are. Thank you and GOD bless !!!

[@andrewcross8244]

VonBluesman guess he left out the story about being convicted for possession on child porn. This Jew is no musician

[@Snakefinger1000]

Saw Waddy playing with Joe Walsh in the 1980s in Sydney Australia, what a night. They played songs from Walsh's Confessor Album. What a band.

[@reogh]

Such an underrated player after all these years. Thanks PG!

[@adamchaifetz5876]

What I am amazed at is his demeanor, he is so chill and relaxed. Great guitar player.

[@BennieTarrMusic]

Haha what a cokehead.

[@stickman55100]

The mark of an amazing guitarist: Waddy is able to pull out of the guitars a huge variety of tones. I saw him last night (3/10/23) with Stevie Nicks. No pedals, but a volume pedal. He was the star of the show!!!

[@garthok6224]

That lucky guy looking into music history in front of his eyes, listening his stories... thanks for sharing

[@hfwilke]

I think that was the best rig rundown ever. The stories that went with the guitars were fantastic.

[@cliffbarber6058]

Waddy's one of the best . Bohlinger is a great interviewer.

[@lamontprospect9974]

I'm 62 and I just heard about him for the first time on one of those off the Record programs with Uncle Joe benson. What an amazing guitarist. What an amazing career. He's got so many great stories. So humble, so professional, so driven, and more than anything else, so well respected.

[@pamela8687]

Find him too just now very very talented funny to. I just don’t like negative comment on apparent untrue People will say what they want against anything without totally backing up themselves. I REPORT COMMENTS LIKE THAT Sorry I don’t mean to sound off But he is with Stevie Nicks tours My favorite

[@tMatt5M]

Awesome interview!

[@Tim_Duran]

I just love these story's! The behind the scenes and the on-the-road-storys are awesome! 😄 Awesome videos.

[@grahamstuart9432]

Hands down the very best interview you have ever done. At least out of all the ones I've seen and I have seen a bunch. Thank you for Letting him control the interview. That was fascinating.

[@coolvibes3663]

I have learned of so many great guitarist through John's Rig Rundowns over the years, and this is no exception. I enjoy watching it for just the history alone. John is the man:)

[@nazznomad]

Best rig rundown in a long time. Could have done parts 2, 3 and 4. Amazing stories! Well done John!

[@markmarsh27]

I could listen to Waddy's stories for days. .... The Unknown Legend.

[@randybailin4902]

As a casual guitarist, I love these guys who live and breathe the instrument. They're living the life that I daydream about.

[@acegibson9533]

well it's not all its cracked up to be. My uncle was on the Def Leppard Hysteria tour. That was a 16 months long. Towards the end, it wasn't fun.

[@notbraindead7298]

A lifetime of playing a guitar in countless venues. His career justifies his standing as one of the best in the business. I thoroughly enjoy his work with the Immediate Family.

[@dannytwork920]

We were discussing our favorite lesser known players and Waddy is one of those that top my list. Refreshing to hear him talk about his gear.

[@CasperLCat]

Every Waddy solo is a perfect rock gem. It’s got a beginning, middle and end, it builds to a climax, it has swing and attitude. It tells a story without words. What else do you need ?

[@artysanmobile]

I had the great pleasure of recording Waddy with Linda Ronstadt at the Fox Theater in Atlanta in 1977. I was not familiar with him at that point and he flat knocked me out. What a creative and melodic player. I was very active on guitar at the time and learned a lot watching him during rehearsals and soundcheck. Wonderful to see him after all these years.

[@bobbyvoltage7171]

Awesome! It's Waddy! One of my favorites.

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

When the show ended,”Stevie nicks”,the lights came up,shows over,but waddy had to throw in a few extra licks for the crowd,was great.

[@sambrownsings]

Just saw Stevie in December. Waddy drove the whole set home with his rock n roll stylings. He's known Stevie since they were starting out at Sunset Sound in 1970. Cool history.

[@janebeatty9472]

Such a humble guy. He was there when all the creativity was happening on the West Coast music scene and artists would help one another reach their sound.

[@mwblackbelt]

Loved his work on Linda Ronstadt's albums

[@adanacman666]

i wish waddy would write a book just imagine the stories he could tell

[@markholden1081]

adanacman666 yes you are so right

[@warrenosborne1539]

As well as the stories that he can't tell. What happens on the road stays on the road.

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

Warren Osborne sure there’s s a few of those,lol.

[@bernie4366]

I'd love to hear them but he'll probably never tell. Waddy has been everywhere, seen everything and played with EVERYBODY.

[@coughforme21]

Best episode yet. Waddy is the dude.

[@bonitawilcox2909]

Obsessed ✨🎸....Waddy is phenomenal!!

[@scalfaroc]

Best Rig Rundown I've seen!

[@tiponin23]

This is absolutely amazing! What a great guy and artist.

[@sylvaguitars]

Could have watched that for another 2 hours

[@niptodstan]

Yes. Me too. I wish he'd played a bit though.

[@6000cs]

I read your comment, and thought, "yeah, sure...." Now, I'm right there with you. How engaging. Can't believe he supplied Leslie West with the old LP Junior.

[@Theo-hc5ob]

Oh, Hell Yeah

[@PC160]

London then was a magic time and place. It seems like there are "vortexes" that form in different places and times that draw people (usually artists) together.

[@BoogalooBobby1]

sporadic -Z o

[@obibaddad1991]

Saw him YEARS ago when he was backing Linda Ronstadt oh her early tour. Band was smoking hot but Linda was hotter.

[@chinto50]

I agree , I saw them in Toronto in the 70s Linda was amazing but I "noticed" waddy.. have followed him ever since

[@robertmichalscheck3072]

I saw him with Stevie nicks years ago.

[@coldroses5337]

Yeah, if that's with marotta or kunkel on drums, Kenny Edwards, Don Grolnick, Dan Dugmore and maybe Andrew Gold? Christ these guys were bad ass!!! What a band 🍷

[@drtimoshea4087]

I was there!

[@soundhealer6043]

It's interesting. I'm 54, American guitarist, started playing around 1977, played in mostly bar bands doing covers of EVERYTHING over the decades, and I've never heard of Waddy Wachtel. Don't know how I missed this fella.

[@poom641]

Because he's always been quite boring as a musician

[@warrenosborne1539]

This dude,, is on at least 40 or 50 of my favorite albums,, Thanx!!!!!!!!!

[@guitarslinger7214]

Waddy..what a guitar player ..Waddy..you deserve everything thats ever come your way brother.. .Rock on ....

[@JamesJohnson-hb1me]

All I can say is WOW! Thank you very much for the video!

[@jamesgiaquinto3907]

I love the stories. I can listen to them all day. Great interview undown.

[@johnm3152]

One of the best !! Great guitar hero and Rundown.

[@dog61]

I love how clearly delighted the guy doing the interview is.

[@lorenzo-zu1bv]

Love this guy. His humility is endearing. He's one of the best.

[@Hoagiemon]

One of the coolest players ever. And what a history in the business. Now I'm gonna go search for more of his video's. Already saw the Linda performance.

[@mrsimpson2022]

i can see John Bollinger in the rock and roll HOF one day. His knowledge and passion in these rig rundowns are as good if not better than any interviews Ive ever seen. The history and stories of Rock are being passed on through these much more than just the knowledge of the "rigs". Thank you John you bring out the best in folks..

[@zdcyclops1lickley190]

Another famous player that most people have never heard of.

[@lisag18]

Damn good guitar player and damn good singer. Love Waddy. So many years , i didnt know that he was a huge influence on my guitar playing

[@bluesdog88]

WOW there's some great musical history right there! Great rig rundown guys!

[@JohnPakalenka]

Hi Waddy! It was me that contacted your Face book assistant about the white Les Paul! Yes I still live in Denver! Nice of you to mention and recall the diamond shape chip! It was originally a 73 Goldtop Deluxe!

[@myvintagesunburst7418]

Waddy is not at all what I expected ; great interview .

[@MrSpeed-lt8gr]

First time I’ve ever seen what Waddy looks like. I first heard of him back in the 90’s when he worked with Gilby Clarke and the Stones. What a great and humble guy. And what a dream of a career he’s had.

[@jeffreyschmoldt7798]

Wow great interview. Waddy is such a great part of rock and roll history. He is so humble ..

[@finkboy66]

I play 'em - I don't know what goes in 'em. God Bless you Waddy

[@paddydaddyo]

I fucking LOVE this interview. Waddy is a true legend ...

[@shawnknapp3957]

Waddy should be in the hall of fame. The artists and hits he's been associated with is incredible

[@duanewelsh5611]

Great player, great guy. Always admired Waddy's playing. Would love to have one of his collector's choice Gibson's.

[@original_sin]

Waddy - charismatic and an excellent speaker with great stories!🎶

[@216trixie]

True Legend. Waddy might have played more gigs with more people than anyone. I saw him at the US Festival in '83, playing for Stevie Nicks. With Russ Kunkel on drums and Leland Sklar on bass. lol. !!!

[@markholden1081]

216trixie you seen them all. Dang

[@jodylowe8476]

My fav rig rundown by far. Great dude and great job.