This was originally written following the death of Ventures guitarist Nokie Edwards. More recently, I had intended to use it in my forthcoming book The Greatest Record Ever Made, but it doesn't quite fit in with my current plan for the book. It's presented here for your enjoyment.
THE VENTURES: "Walk--Don't Run"
In the late '80s, probably around '88 or so, The Ventures were scheduled to play at a bar located in a shopping center in Seneca Knolls, a suburban area north of Syracuse. In another manifestation of Syracuse's frustrating feast-or-famine existence, The Godfathers were elsewhere in Syracuse that same night, and The Bodeans were also appearing at yet another local venue. I wanted to see all three shows. But there was no real choice: I had to see The Ventures.
The Ventures were one of the most influential groups of the early '60s, and the most influential American instrumental rock 'n' roll combo. I can say that without denying the sheer magnificence of Dick Dale & the Del Tones or Link Wray, or the importance of The Shadows in England. I became a fan in the early '80s, via an oldies radio spin of "Walk--Don't Run." Riveted. There was no way I would or could pass up a chance to see The Ventures play live.
I don't remember the name of the bar. The floor in front of the stage had been garnished with sand, to conjure a beach party ambiance. Soon, the band was on stage. Nokie Edwards had left the group by then, so the Ventures I saw were the "Hawaii Five-O" line-up of Bob Bogle, Don Wilson, Gerry McGee, and Mel Taylor. The owner of the venue introduced, "The best fucking dance band in the world, THE VENTURES!!"
Enthusiastic applause, followed by something like a half-second pause for effect. Maybe a quarter-second. Maybe a full second or more. No time at all, but a seeming eternity, a tantalizing tease. You know what I mean. That brief moment when time stands still, when a performer or a group knows intuitively that he or she or they is about to claim you in full. A half-second. Quarter-second. Less than a tick, yet a sweet, enticing forever. Mel Taylor's drums rolled. That guitar intro.
The Ventured opened their show with "Walk--Don't Run."
The Ventured opened their show with "Walk--Don't Run!"
I've had the pleasure and good fortune to see a lot of terrific shows, from The Kinks to The Ramones to Paul McCartney. No one grabbed me from the get-go better than The Ventures did.
The Ventures played two sets, and they were magnificent. I can't remember whether or not they played "Surfing And Spying," the great tune The Go-Go's wrote for them, but they certainly delivered an accomplished and invigorating victory lap through their catalog o' tunes. I think they did "Hawaii Five-O" twice, and I know they did both "Walk--Don't Run" and the slightly-different "Walk--Don't Run '64." There were even a couple of vocal numbers. It remains one of my most cherished concert memories. The Ventures are in The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. Sometimes, even that inept organization gets things right.
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Our new compilation CD This Is Rock 'n' Roll Radio, Volume 4 is now available from Kool Kat Musik! 29 tracks of irresistible rockin' pop, starring Pop Co-Op, Ray Paul, Circe Link & Christian Nesmith, Vegas With Randolph Featuring Lannie Flowers, The Slapbacks, P. Hux, Irene Peña, Michael Oliver & the Sacred Band Featuring Dave Merritt, The Rubinoos, Stepford Knives, The Grip Weeds, Popdudes, Ronnie Dark, The Flashcubes,Chris von Sneidern, The Bottle Kids, 1.4.5., The Smithereens, Paul Collins' Beat, The Hit Squad, The Rulers, The Legal Matters, Maura & the Bright Lights, Lisa Mychols, and Mr. Encrypto & the Cyphers. You gotta have it, so order it here. A digital download version (minus The Smithereens' track) is also available from Futureman Records.
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