Pappa_Surf
Joined: Oct 28, 2008
Posts: 671
Winnipeg, Canada
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Posted on Sep 13 2015 11:55 PM
According to Leon Taylor's Facebook page, Don Wilson has retired from touring.
"Last show today at Sankei Hall Breeze in Osaka Japan. We say farewell to a friend an innovator and a Legend, Your contribution to the music world will live on forever. We will carry the torch for generations to come. Thank you for the fantastic journey Don Wilson. You will be missed! The Ventures Forever." (Leon Taylor)
At first when I read that post I thought he had passed away, but reading comments it became apparent that he had retired.
When I interviewed Don (interview can be found in Downloads section) he was super nice (same goes for Bob Spalding and Fiona Taylor). The interview which I thought would take 15 minutes or so wound up being much longer because he was in no hurry to rush off to something else. He gave me a t-shirt and some guitar picks and I walked away completely blown away that someone who had been a touring musician for all those years could be such a gracious man. What a true gentleman.
I wish Don a long and happy retirement.
— https://www.facebook.com/index.php?lh=9353f9155b5ff32e14c998495fd00da4&#!/rich.derksen.7
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Badger
Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4537
Wisconsin
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Posted on Sep 14 2015 06:48 AM
I will always hold him as one of those who showed how you could simply have fun on stage and exude enjoying what you do.
Well earned & he remains (for me) the face that comes to mind when someone says "The Ventures."
— Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel
DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.
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JohnnyMosrite
Joined: Jun 14, 2006
Posts: 913
New York City area
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Posted on Sep 14 2015 06:51 AM
The guy is in his 80s.. enough is enough. Hiking over to Japan on a plane twice a year and living out of a suitcase is probably "getting old" -pardon the pun.
I see that Spalding's son has stepped into the Ventures. I thought Bob and his son along with Leon Taylor were starting V2 (i.e Ventures II).
I'm guessing going on as the Ventures makes more sense than starting a new group -especially in the music business today. The "Ventures" name still has some (music) business value.
So - Nokie has left, Bob Bogle and Mel Taylor have absolutely left. And Don Wilson is heading for the rocking chair (good for him). That's the end of a very long phase one, folks. I hope phase two thrives as well.
And where does this leave Gerry McGee? He seems to go on and off the radar since his wife's passing.
J Mo'
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Pappa_Surf
Joined: Oct 28, 2008
Posts: 671
Winnipeg, Canada
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Posted on Sep 15 2015 12:47 AM
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Ron
Joined: Sep 18, 2007
Posts: 73
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Posted on Sep 15 2015 09:00 AM
We can only wonder how many youngsters decided to take up the guitar as a result of hearing the Ventures, and of course Duane Eddy around 1960.
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fenderfan
Joined: Jul 13, 2008
Posts: 783
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Posted on Sep 15 2015 04:35 PM
Ron - I'm definitely one of them!
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Brian
Joined: Feb 25, 2006
Posts: 19345
Des Moines, Iowa, USA
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Posted on Sep 15 2015 05:33 PM
All the best to Don Wilson!
— Site dude - S3 Agent #202
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"It starts... when it begins" -- Ralf Kilauea
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Badger
Joined: Nov 16, 2013
Posts: 4537
Wisconsin
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Posted on Sep 15 2015 05:36 PM
fenderfan wrote:
Ron - I'm definitely one of them!
Ditto. Lots of Chet Atkins getting played by my parents but, along with a handful of others at the time, I thought the Ventures were "it."
("Explain to me again, Mom, why I'm taking piano lessons....?")
— Wes
SoCal ex-pat with a snow shovel
DISCLAIMER: The above is opinion/suggestion only & should not be used for mission planning/navigation, tweaking of instruments, beverage selection, or wardrobe choices.
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