Working For Bocephus

[@otisgibbs]

Paul told me this story when we were recording my album, Souvenirs Of A Misspent Youth. I begged him to let me record him telling the story and he was nice enough to do it. I still think it's one of the funniest and most heartbreaking musician stories I've ever heard. Here's a link to the record we recorded the day he first told me the story. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ipSXq4qcbKahfbc

[@simmons1969]

I’ve told this story to several drummers. They love it!

[@RedneckEngineerMakerDude]

I met Hank Jr. in Midland Texas in the mid 70's. I was 16 years old. He was doing a telethon at KMID TV. Me and a couple friend's of mine were able to sneak into the room that he and the Yellow Rose band hung out in while not live on TV. Friendliest music star I've ever met. He fed us McDonalds hamburgers, signed our belts and hats and let us sit right beside him. After a while, some tall skinny guy came into the room and said that the room was getting too crowded and someone needed to leave, and since he didn't know us, it was "WE" who had to go. Hank Jr quickly snapped and told him if he felt too crowded by his friends it was "HE" who needed to get out! That tall skinny guy left and we stayed put with Hank Jr. I'll never forget that!

[@shaunclifton5281]

Damn Good story !

[@NormalRabbit12]

What did you do after the skinny guy left 😂

[@jasonlinton9902]

Great story i have a hank jr story i think it was 87 in wyoming i seen hank live he came out drunk as hell he cussed us all out for 20 minutes sang two songs went to the back and came back after 15 minutes with a 30/30 and no cloths on just his cowboy hat and underwear jumped up on the piano and started shooting the gun up in the air Lol!! It wa a awesome

[@NormalRabbit12]

@@jasonlinton9902 I would have died laughing 😂

[@brocknielsen7923]

That is a dream story

[@johndrew1235]

In high school, in 1987, my good friend Ted was the world's biggest Hank Jr. Fan. He had a really cool Black satin jacket with the big Hank Jr./Ruger gun logo on it. He got into a fight at a gas station with a guy from our high school one afternoon and the guy stabbed him in the stomach. He survived the stabbing, but his jacket, sadly didn't. His mom wrote to Hank's fanclub address, I believe, and Merle Kilgore sent him a get well card from Hank and a brand new jacket. I'll always remember that..made me a life long Hank and Merle Kilgore fan. I just told my 16 year old son the tale a few days ago as we drove by that same gas station.

[@jrh4ua1]

Awesome story

[@g2guns562]

Thanks Ottis Gibbs, Hank Williams Jr,is my favorite country singer in the world. Bocephus is a legend in his own time on his own doing he is a stand alone kind of a guy , dont give a shit about only what he wants and thinks 😉

[@tucker8804]

Thank you Otis for putting this on your KZbin channel. I remember hearing this from your pod cast years ago. It’s still a great story. Again,thanks!

[@lewhite99]

Great story and enjoyed how he told it. You have to appreciate his honesty

[@Nightdog1978]

Bill Marshall played drums with Hank Jr. for years. He's a friend of mine here in Memphis, TN. I don't know how he did it but he did indeed!!!

[@mlarle]

I knew Bill when he lived in brentwood

[@GRBAquatics]

Totally Hilarious guy and very entertaining storyteller. Thankyou from Australia.

[@msdixiepearl]

It’s great to see your copy of “Father and Son” and read the comments of those who have read Larry’s work. He was a huge music fan and is sorely missed by so many here in north Mississippi.

[@robbygaume600]

My favorite video yet. Very funny story, and mentioned Stan Lynch, my favorite Heartbreaker.

[@macknroll1]

"He fired my ass, and fired Paul Griffith" and "He fired everybody just as hard as he could go".......

[@elvisfan6475]

BOCEPHUS, HANK Williams Jr always puts on a great show

[@gailrobinson2688]

One of the most incredible road stories ever ‼

[@MrMarkar1959]

🎸 How freaking crazy!! I saw Hank Jr. in Emans @ Ball State U. in mid80's,,He was beating on a tom shirtless singing Kaw-Liga!! wildest Concert i ever tripped out at. Bocephus for President🎸

[@JTB75]

I was at the KC show. I was 16 or 17 and that was the first show that I was going to with just my friends and I, but the day of the show my dad got some free tickets so he took my aunt, uncle, and little sister, they had great tickets down low and our tickets were in the lawn seats, but when Hank started showing his ass my dad my dad came truckin up the hill and found me and my friends and made us leave when they did because he was sure that a riot or stampede was going to breakout.

[@tripg.4690]

Ahhh….Father & Son. One of my all time favorites. Everything by Larry Brown is pure greatness. Wish he’d left us with more.

[@jeffrey99massey]

Larry Brown is my favorite Southern writer, and that includes my beloved Faulkner! First thing I noticed on this video was his book.

[@Rocknrollerrink]

I dig seeing the books, the tape recorder, the cat, and the whole visual thing. Great story lol. Poor southpaw drummer.

[@JonNewquist]

Fun interview! I could not suck it up to even be in the same room as Hank Jr, much less share a stage or play in his band - no matter how hungry I was.

[@bolivingston1400]

Hank Jr had his own Tour bus. Road crew had their own Tour bus also. I saw them whenever I was at one of his concerts

[@billtice5057]

Hey Paul… Saw you many times at Humphrees with A-Train back in the day! Great to hear this story! 🍻

[@tankhalffull]

Just love your interviews... funny, insightful and always interesting....

[@filobeto1691]

Hot damn Otis I smiled and laughed all the way through!

[@pamartin]

Really enjoy these "basement" tapes! The candor,wit,Radio Shack tapes are awesome!!! Keep on trucking!

[@djhrecordhound4391]

What kind of guy is Bocephus? I dunno, ask Hank III lol

[@donniemunden3283]

Paul Griffith does an excellent interview. Keep the great content coming.

[@christophersmith8486]

Love your stories man

[@julesotis13]

ill admit i didnt know what to expect on this one so im very glad this turned out to be an honest engaing amusing as all ur posts thanks Otis

[@joeurbanowski321]

Wish I had the link Otis.. for the fabled KC show… I don’t know if it’s gonna be like watching a car fire…? Or more sadly,a house fire… You got the best vids Otis..!! A man with his finger on the pulse of Country…and Western..music and folklore..👍🏼❤️

[@josephtravers777]

He played down here in La. back in the late '70s. Got so drunk he could barely stand up and play. He got heckled so bad he should have just left. Lots of people wanted to kick his butt. He's lucky he got out alive. David Alan Coe got decked onstage by a drunk the previous year. Crazy times.

[@russharland2155]

I think the Kansas City Tape needs to be heard - at least in excerpts!

[@Sam-fc8ik]

It’s on here

[@rodbelding9523]

It's all over youtube. Just look up Hank Jr. drunk live, and that's it.

[@kent2360]

Cadillac Jack's #1 son by Kevin Gordon is one of the best records ever written. Drums were killer.

[@otisgibbs]

Hell yeah!

[@jeffreybiscoe6]

Got to see Hank in Philly a crazy show seeing country rock in a city that is not country crowd. I think Hank was loaded that night it was still a good show.

[@olebubby]

One of my all time favorite sideman stories…

[@otisgibbs]

Being a sideperson is a hell of a way to almost make a living. ; )

[@tjsmith3741]

As a bass player, and recovering Drummer. That, is a hilarious story!

[@commontater8630]

Not surprising to hear Hank Jr is so petty and self-centered. I can't think of a single record of his I ever cared for. Big star, yes. Big fizzle, as far as I'm concerned.

[@commontater8630]

@@getwhatyougive Yep, you said it.

[@dales6301]

Love Hank III

[@LeeKelleyondrums]

What a crazy story. Guess I’m glad I’m right handed…Even though Hank sticks to only jammin’ on guitars and piano these days. Really been enjoying the stories you’ve been sharing and those in ‘em, Otis. 👍🏼✌🏼

[@eliazcruz1229]

HEY MY FRIEND OTIS .I apologize havent seen your stories lately ,im back and there not stories i regard them as actual history that you bring to us unselfishly .I never seen one i didnt like .I thank you for taking the time and energy to really give us an insight as to what really went on .Thank you again for all your hard work sincerly Lee Cruz

[@lindellsiler5994]

Thanks! You have no idea how bad I needed that today. What a roller coaster ride.

[@SuwanneeHomestead]

Saturday morning drinking a cup of coffee and had almost spit it out 3 times! Great story. 😂

[@jonmorales9703]

Being from close proximity of Oxford ms great to see Larry brown fathers and sons everyone who is Otis fan should check out Larry Brown great writer . Oh yea Bob Dylan is a fan of that matters . Joe, Fay, his short stories , miracles of catfish, his book about his years as a firefighter and starting to write.

[@martyb8845]

I work for General Motors in Kc in the early 80s. I saw hank Jr. 1983 I believe. I was 20-21 years old and thought this was going to be a crappy country show blah blah. Jr and his band rocked the joint down! It was awesome!! Instant fan of hanks and country music came into my life going to the show thinking it was going to suck. It didn’t!

[@flyemhard]

what don't kill you will make you tougher.....

[@iamtheoceanr]

Larry Brown was an amazing author! I've read most of his work. Really hard-hitting stories.

[@thefstopshere]

Hysterical and so perfectly captures the trials and tribulations of being a sideman in the music biz.

[@jessicawells5145]

Me and some friends had dinner in Nashville with a man named Dixie Matthews,he told us he was the piano player for Hank Jr.very nice person.

[@RoseCityMusicClub]

It was meant to be he did it because that whole Louisiana golf Coast Mobile, Alabama Shreveport is

[@Jeffbambam]

I love Hwjr's ,Bocephus, thunder head Hawkins ,rock'n Randall's music but I have heard some horror stories about his attitude towards people and his inflated ego ( none of it did i witness first hand ). But im still a diehard fan of his music.

[@InfamousGUNN]

Great story thank you Otis for sharing being a Right handed guitar player and a lefty drummer I can completely understand this story love it!😎

[@dogpaw775]

LMAO, love honesty and humility.

[@Theweeze100]

Great Musician story!!!

[@guitarhillbilly1482]

Mack Vickery wrote several of Hank JR's songs on his early albums [1966-1968] Mack and Merle Kilgore wrote a hit for Faron Young during this era - " She Went a Little Bit Farther ". Hank Jr went on to become a great artist and songwriter in his own right. The irony is he is not actually a JR.

[@Ivearted]

I haven’t looked at Hank JR since I learned about his sister and the way she was treated by her family. God bless her.

[@chadjustice8560]

His sister? The one who no body knew about until much later who then just showed up claiming it before even showing any evidence lol how would you have reacted?

[@commontater8630]

Otis: shamelessly exploiting your cat in the thumbnail preview! ;-)

[@williamsherman1089]

LoL

[@CreativeWarrior-]

Pure GOLD!!! Hahahahahahah!

[@kshepard52]

Fired for being left-handed: "... one of the ex-wives" Hahahahahahahahahaaha!

[@jordanminor8572]

If there’s one new Larry Brown reader because of this one, I’d call it a success. “Fay” is my favorite but I can see why you chose “Father and Son” for this one.

[@donny_doyle]

Guys I love this story! As a lefty, I feel yer pain!

[@CatCasual]

Fuck that was good. Thankin.

[@RBZ3]

Great story Otis!

[@thealleys]

You can listen to the Kansas city show audio on KZbin somewhere. There was a time I might of thought what happened was cool. Not so much anymore. It'd be one thing if you were going to see Johnny Thunders and expected a disaster.

[@WadeParish]

Wow. What a great story.

[@tomyot77]

She was such a class act. Tom T was a song writer with such deep meaning songs about life and just living a normal life.

[@daddydothang8635]

Hank senior is hands down my favorite country singer and songwriter. I have NEVER been able to listen to Junior's music; it almost makes me sick to my stomach. Honestly, it's nice to know there's no reason to like him as a person. Communication is extremely important, and anyone who doesn't even engage his band members is a turd. 😂😂

[@HootNightowl]

I gotta say, that was just gosh darn funny, as hell! I'm gon share that, every chance, I get. The "no feelings, left to hurt" thing, put me on the floor. I've been there, friend.

[@acp865]

Hi, Hank Jr fan since 1982. That’s a heck of a story, but a professional bum rap, too. Loving these other stories. I kind of figured out through the years that he was a self-absorbed jerk at times, but I still loved his song writing and his performing style. I have two questions that have been nagging me for years. Hope someone can answer. Question 1: How did he get the idea to write Montana Café? Question 2: In Country State of Mind is that Mickey Gilley that comes in at the tail end of the song saying “I know where Hank Jr is“? Thanks in advance! - Tony

[@HootNightowl]

I always thought that was Merle Kilgore, at the end?

[@acp865]

@@HootNightowl Hey, that’s a thought. I never thought of that. Thanks.

[@elliottcrews4997]

In my teens and early twenties (mid 70s to mid 80s) I was a huge Hank Jr. fan. I saw him several times. I finally got sick of his wallowing in his Daddy's memory, name dropping, repetitive songs and realized he had become a caricature of himself and lost interest. Years later I saw an ACL rebroadcast of a show from that period and I was shocked at how bad it was. I guess I had just sobered up? As a lefthander all I can say after this story is that, "the struggle is real."

[@rickybyrd1426]

I couldn't have said it any better my friend. From the mid 70s up to the early 80s, the music was great. Then after 1983 it's like what the heck happened? He started doing all that slick over produced junk like "I am for love" "Major Moves" and worst of all "Born To Boogie" (Yuck) In my opinion after he and Jimmy Bowen made all that money, he just wasn't hungry anymore. He didn't give a shit what he recorded, as long as the fans kept buying the albums. I can only think of one song from the mid 80s that I like, and that's "Country State Of Mind". Beyond that, give me the days of "Hank Williams Jr And Friends" and songs like "Susan's Floor" "Feeling Better" and "Baby I Loved You".

[@djhrecordhound4391]

@@rickybyrd1426 I read Jimmy Bowen's book "Rough Mix" years ago. His production style got slick, and he was one of the first to denounce vinyl as a viable format in the early 80s. To me, it's when country first left its classic era behind.

[@rickybyrd1426]

@@djhrecordhound4391 Oh yes sir I totally agree. I actually read that very same book several years ago. He was all for tearing tradition apart, and he came across to me as a real a hole. No wonder him and Hank Jr got along so well.

[@rodbelding9523]

I can agree that Hank is a caricature of himself now. Nowadays he performs with a hat and guitar strap that say ICON in all caps, how much more conceited can someone get? He has a few albums that are outstanding, but nowadays he's so full of himself that it's hard to take him seriously anymore.

[@rodbelding9523]

@@rickybyrd1426 Agree completely. From 1977-1983, Hank made some of the best albums of all time. Then after 1983 his sound changed completely, and to this day I can't put my finger on why. Honestly he just sold out I guess.

[@MrStannyboy]

Great story!

[@mikeballew8385]

Funny story... but it leaves a sour taste, it really does.

[@jeffclyburn8000]

Pure gold.....👍👍🍻😎

[@justinthyme2666]

Off topic, but that Larry Brown book was one of my favorites when I read it several years back. I need to revisit it

[@BulldoggerJK]

I was at the KC show with a friend who didn’t like country. Missed the openers. Hank was so wasted he couldn’t remember the words to his songs. A few songs in he flips us off and tells us to kiss his ass. You know you’re in trouble when people start chucking $5 beers at the talent. The stage was open and we could actually see Hank get in the car and leave. He did the same thing a few weeks before somewhere else. I remember telling my friend I hoped that wouldn’t happen and it did.

[@GhostRider-mm6ky]

I was the biggest Bocephus fan and when I was 6 I actually wrote him and joined the fanclub he sent me a letter and a autograph and a lil Bocephus badge I wore everywhere ... 40 years later I just bought his new album and still his number 1 fan 😂

[@harrybarker1408]

good vid dood!!!

[@rodbelding9523]

Okay this is pretty funny. Plays in Hank's band, and gets fired from Hank's band, all without ever meeting Hank.

[@mikedavis3841]

Rock on dude 👍👍👍

[@chrisgabriel9871]

Best family ever.

[@JoJo1955]

Back in the 1960s and1970s, the best country gig was at a place called 'The Pines' in Anchorage, Alaska. I played there many times off and on (keyboards) - eventually it was torn down - but when the 'stars' hit town, they would go there after their gigs at the high school auditoriums (because there were no big venues to play at). Anyway, Hank Jr. comes to town, plays his gig with his band and promised to meet and greet his fans at the Pines. Only he never showed. Of course not. In the end, he didn't win over any new fans because he called Anchorage a 'gravel pit in the middle of nowhere'. Well at least he was honest but still not a class act. Ego as big as the galaxy. Meh. Sort of like when I played behind Jeannie Pruitt ("Satin Sheets") (didn't bring her own band and I was a local hire) and she fired me onstage. A few words to her from my mouth had me packing my equipment while onstage. But thanks for sharing another musician's story in the country music industry. Yep, it can suck BIG TIME. Love the humor though...it's the only way you get through all of it. :)

[@rodbelding9523]

I'm actually surprised Hank dissed Alaska, I know back in the day he hunted brown bears and wolves there a lot.

[@fintanoclery2698]

The Grateful Dead played in that high school gym in 1980. Had a tape of it decades ago. Great comment.

[@ardenevox]

Otis, I could watch your cats all day.

[@Mosey410]

The struggle is real brother , lefties unite

[@hazegreen1896]

lol, in high school I got dragged to a Hank and Skynrd combo show. And maybe i decided it was a good idea to take some psychedelics to put an edge on it. Wow it was weird...The crowd was insane and Hank was about the same level of wasted as the crowd. I remember walking around and noticing everyone seemed to have snuck in 5ths of booze and were going nuts. Skynard kind of rocked though. it was early 90s and was Skynyrd 2.0, but they were fun. I def want to hear the KC tape now....

[@rodbelding9523]

The KC tape is all over youtube, just look up "Hank drunk live" and that's it.

[@jlaw9336]

Hank cud be a crank.

[@dales6301]

I have seen the documentary about Jr's sister and reccomend it. It was very kind not to bash Jr as much as they could have but it's not hard to figure out what is not shown.

[@dales6301]

A musician gets hired, works hard and long to learn his part, first gig is in a large venue, plays perfectly and the band loves him. Then gets fired with no explanation, only a "drop him off". Guy is crushed and embarrassed, only to later learn he was fired due to no fault of his own. Yeah, tell everybody.

[@sartainja]

Great but sad story.

[@EzeeLinux]

Is there any chance you might have one of these with Hayward Bishop?

[@jameswarner6899]

I love old bocephis

[@billhillyer334]

You grip me by the neck peal my head back and pore words in my brain i just love it, I've never done them but have you ever done mushrooms ...?

[@divingduck1970]

Never have I heard anything good about Bocephus. Did David Allen Coe ever open for him? What an event that would be, something for the whole family to enjoy, an evening of wholesome entertainment.

[@travissmith9451]

Yes Coe did open some shows for Jr. It was '83 or '84. The highlight of the show was seeing Warren Haynes for the first time (he was in Coe's band). I told everyone within earshot that guy is going to be a huge star.

[@divingduck1970]

@@travissmith9451 WH played w/DAC? Didn't know that.

[@travissmith9451]

@@divingduck1970 Yes Warren was with Coe for 2 or 3 years in the early 80's. If you like Warren check out "Rich Hippies", it's a band Warren and a couple of other guys that left Coe's band put together in Nashville. You can find it here on KZbin.There are several clips of Warren with Coe on here as well.

[@MDavidG1]

@@divingduck1970 Yes he did. That was when he met Dickey Betts and played on his 1988 album Pattern Disruptive. The next year The Allman Brothers reformed and Warren was brought into the band by Dickey.

[@rodbelding9523]

@@travissmith9451 When David Allan Coe had Warren in his band, that's when Coe was at his best. The live shows with Warren were phenomenal.

[@stevenlewis3226]

Either Merl Kilgore or the bandleader should have this story taped to this back. They should have known what was about to take place. Drop them off.

[@jtfritchie]

Nice kitty

[@Buzzdog1971]

One of the best shows I ever saw was Bocephus, he played every instrument on the stage with full solos. The worst show I ever saw was Bocephus where he stumbled across the stage slurring and forgetting lyrics.

[@christianman73]

I hear you. From the stories of my old classmates, at least back in the '80s, he could be great live, but he could also be a trainwreck, and when you bought a ticket, you never knew which Hank, Jr. you would be getting!

[@rogerhughes4128]

Why don’t you leave them boys alone and let them sing their song

[@DavidLee-rx6uo]

Otis .Love Frankie Im sure he has some stories to tell

[@rogerwilliams2629]

Great story! Wacked, but great!! LOL

[@msdixiepearl]

Speaking of Larry Brown, be sure to check out “Larry Brown Sings Three Songs” here on KZbin. It is incredible!

[@jlarrybrewer1149]

I wonder if Paul knew Fred Carter Jr?

[@nolarocks]

How can we hear the Kansas City Tape?

[@rodbelding9523]

It's on youtube. Look up Hank Jr. drunk live. That's the tape.

[@tomlewis5542]

Your cat is groovy

[@Caperhere]

Did he get some good work after the Bocephus debacle?

[@dewdew34]

You were "left out" ...

[@TEXASLOYAL]

The rodeo stage has always been a revolving stage for all acts

[@td8778]

What’s the story with the “Kansas City Tape”?

[@BST501]

❤