It was one of the best nights I’ve had in many recent days and I made a promise to one of the guitarists & the bass player that I’d share my experience with a post.
Promises…they are meant to be kept…it’s your word & in the end… our words & deeds are what matters most & the most important words are your prayers & your promises. So I’ll gladly keep that promise.
Deep Purple was being heavily advertised with another band as the opener. I had been hearing the radio ads for weeks… but on that Monday morning the ad was different. The Marshall Tucker Band was gonna be the opener. Now either my ears played tricks on me before, or this was a new development in the show.
I had just started a new job & had laid out a saddlebag full of cash for a new apartment, funds were tight…but I had to see the band that kinda started my rock & roll journey. Marshall Tucker played Milwaukee with either Kansas or Jethro Tull…it was one of the first concerts I saw…I was around 14 years old…yes this was the type of music I listened to over 47 years ago. Since those early days of concert going I’ve seen the Marshall I guess 4 times now, but this night was different & most special to my Southern Rock spirit.
Monday February 20th, 2023 at the Mahaffey Theater…8PM EST…I got there early hoping to get a good deal on a ticket, but no one was out selling so I drove around the parking lot, windows & moon roof open with the radio blasting. I finally parked & hoped the ticket booth was open. With minutes to spare I got a ticket, orchestra section, mid stage, 16 rows back….I was thrilled & excited I would be so close, but my expectations were soon exponentialized.
Don’t get me wrong “Smoke on the Water” & “Space Truckin” by Deep Purple are classics, but I was there to see & hear the Marshall. I walked in and they were just starting. As I found my seat, which was awesome, I noticed no one 4 or 5 seats to my left or right, but the place was pretty full. I had most of the row to myself as I listened & watched them do “Can’t You See”, then they went into “Take the HighWay” which had solos by Marcus on the flute & BB on the drums. It was an extended version of the song over 20 minutes long. They wrapped up with “Heard it in a Love Song.” I know, only 3 songs, but they were a last minute back up that played about 40 minutes I guess. It was an awesome short set…I was pumped & needed a smoke.
So I go outside, turn left & see two guys walking on the upper deck area, there was a ramp that went down to the lower area, I lit my smoke & took the ramp. I walk around the backside of the theater & no one’s stopping me, there’s no fencing, just a drive around & walk way…so I keep walking. I come around the back side & there’s their big red tour bus. I look to my left and there’s a picnic table, with several people at it…four of the band members & a few other folks. I’m like in partial shock no one’s asking what I’m doing there. I go closer, now I’m like 10 feet from the table and who walks out the back stage door… Mr. Doug Gray, the Marshall himself. He comes down the stairs, walks within 3 feet of me & I said, thank you for coming to Tampa…he looked at me & we hugged…I am not kidding ya’ll, one of my musical heroes still standing, & we hugged, a manly cowboy kinda hug. Best hug I’ve had in a long, long time. Thank you Doug 👍👍.
The story doesn’t end there. Doug went to the bus & I sat down with the band members. We talked about who knows what, I probably made an ass of my star struck self, but I stayed composed & didn’t even ask for autographs or pictures…I wanted to hear a bit of what it’s like being a musical road warrior. I listened as Ryan & Chris talked with Tony LeClerc of the band Twinkle about an old common friend of theirs & some of his antics. I shared a special moment with Marcus, BB & Rick thanking them & telling them about seeing the original band over 45 years ago. They have a new rhythm guitarist who I shook hands with as well. They were all genuinely gracious and treated me like I belonged at their table, which was so comforting.
I think it was Chris or Ryan that had a bottle of Crown, but they weren’t drinking much if any of it. I asked them if I brought some Captain Morgan over if they’d share a drink & they agreed, so I went off to the car & got the bottle, came back….& everyone was gone.
Guess they had to get on the bus, I don’t know why in the hell I left that table, but I did. As I looked around I seen a small white coffee cup, I wiped it out & poured a generous shot & saluted my musical heroes with a Captains cheer & went to my car.
Now in the past I’ve been known to escort tour busses out of town after a show & this night would be no exception. Their bus pulled forward a short distance & I pulled in behind them…& something wasn’t right.
The bus was way to wide…I looked closer & their engine compartment was wide open!! So I pulled up along side & beeped the horn. The driver opened the bus door, I told him about it & he got out & fixed it, came back & thanked me. Then for some reason I gave him a small antique ruler I had in the center console & asked him to give it to Doug. I was gonna escort em a bit but I got twisted around & lost sight of the bus not long after that, so I went home.
Since then I’ve listened to a lot of older Marshall Tucker songs on You Tube. I’ve discovered a bunch I hadn’t heard before. With over 20 albums, 50 years of touring, fans all over the world, platinum & gold records & a day (June 9th) named for them in South Carolina they are American Music Legends, & I am so grateful to have crossed life’s path with them.
There’s three songs I hadn’t heard before that are really good classic Marshall jams. Cattle Drive, Running Like the Wind & Virginia. I play harmonica to all their classics & now I’m practicing those three.
Perhaps one day I can show my appreciation for your music by playing wind harp for you guys. Til then be safe, be healthy & know you are loved & appreciated.
Oh yeah, one other mostly important thing. To those of you reading this I am no stranger to many rock musicians, they just don't know my name. Over the years I have met many celebrities & I always treat them like everyday people. I think they appreciate that & have faith they will appreciate this little nugget.
Music to me is more than a beat…it’s a message. If you listen closely to many rock & roll songs you’ll hear a message, not just any message, but a prophetic message of faith. The lyrics of a song make it complete, the beat just gets your attention. I paid cash for my ticket & got seven dollars in change. As I looked at the $5 bill it had a note on it…It said…..Jesus Loves You…& I have no doubt His hand & His timing was involved in this special night. So, to Doug & all the past, present & future Marshall Tucker Band members & fans, have Faith….Jesus Loves You too.
Thank you for a special night & sharing the gifts of your soul with an old Southern Rock spirit. 🐝
Hebrews Chapter 11 ✨✝️🕊🙏
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