I thought it would get this out there if I posted under Robbie's name...I'm Joyce, Robbie's old lady, and yes, it's true - Robbie passed away this morning at his home. His best friend, Mike Lewis called me, and I've spoken with the coroner, so this isn't just a rumor. His kidneys had failed, he'd just started dialysis. We spoke on the phone last Thursday and he sounded great - he even said he'd be coming by. We've known this was inevitable - but you're never prepared for when it actually happens...
Setlist:
0:00:00 - Rattlesnake
0:03:55 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:05:17 - Bye And Bye
0:09:18 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:10:29 - Overnight Bag
0:14:16 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:15:45 - C.C. Rider
0:21:22 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:24:23 - Wild Northland
0:27:03 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:28:20 - New Minglewood Blues
0:32:21 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:34:33 - Juke
0:37:38 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:39:08 - Asia Minor
0:43:21 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:44:54 - The Promised Land
0:48:27 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:49:50 - One More Saturday Night
Personnel: Matt Kelly - harmonica, guitar, vocals
Robbie Hoddinott - lead guitar
Bob Weir - rhythm guitar, vocals
Dave Torbert - bass, vocals
Chris Herold - drums
Summary:
The original Kingfish line-up was fronted by multi-instrumentalist Matthew Kelly and ex-New Riders bass player Dave Torbert, the primary songwriters in the group. Fleshed out with the impressive instrumental skills of Robbie Hoddinott, Chris Herold, and Mick Ward, the band became a popular club act in the Bay Area. Following the death of Mick Ward in a car accident, the group soldiered on as a quartet. When the Grateful Dead officially retired from the road in late 1974, all the musicians were free to pursue outside projects, so Bob Weir, a long-time friend of Matthew Kelly, began sitting in, officially joining the group by the end of the year. Weir's arrival had two major impacts on the band, which can be seen as both a blessing and a curse. The Dead's organization ran their own label, Round Records, so the musicians could essentially produce and release albums free of record industry interference. The upside was that Kingfish got a contract with the Dead's label, recording an impressive debut album, which considerably raised their profile. However, to the existing band member's eventual dismay, the vast contingency of Deadheads now perceived the group as Bob Weir's backing band. Regardless, the group became a very popular touring band and delivered many a great performance.
Headlining a hometown bill that also featured The Sons of Champlin and the Keith & Donna Godchaux Band, Kingfish deliver a high-energy performance to close the night. Needless to say, this was a fine night for Deadheads, who got to experience four members of the Grateful Dead performing on the same bill, but outside the familiar musical context. Performing selections from their debut album as well as several choice covers and yet-to-be recorded originals, this set captures Kingfish during the peak performing months of Weir's tenure with the group.
They kick the show off with Dave Torbert fronting the band for the rocking shuffle of "Rattlesnake," a song the group hadn't recorded. Bob Weir takes lead vocals on "Bye And Bye," a rearranged gospel number that gets a reggae treatment from the band. Next up is "Overnight Bag," another unrecorded number at the time. This straightforward rocker finds the group hitting their stride before they relax into a nice bluesy "C.C. Rider," which Weir would eventually resurrect into the Dead's repertoire several years later.
Following a slight delay to tune back up and determine what to play next, the group treats the audience to "Wild Northland," a delightful country flavored Torbert track from the first Kingfish album. Its live debut, this song is not known to have been performed since and this may indeed be the only live performance. Bob Weir fronts the band again for a rollicking take on "New Minglewood Blues," a classic jug band cover from the Dead's first album. A staple of Weir's repertoire throughout his career, Kingfish's take on this song is arguably more compelling than the Dead's own version, thanks in large part to the harmonica embellishments from Matthew Kelly which propel it along. Kelly gets an opportunity to really cut loose on the following number, "Juke," a high-energy harmonica fueled instrumental in the tradition of James Cotton.
One of the best songs from their debut album is next, with Torbert's "Asia Minor," featuring scorching solo breaks from Hoddinott and a propulsive rhythmic backing from Torbert, Weirm and Herold. The first set ends with an energetic romp through Chuck Berry's "Promised Land," another Weir-led staple borrowed from his Dead repertoire. Hoddinott, who is delightfully high in the mix, cooks up a storm on guitar.
Unfortunately the recordings of the second Kingfish set from this night is currently MIA. However, the encore is also here; a more relaxed, but nonetheless celebratory take on Bob Weir's most popular rocker, "One More Saturday Night," which brought this monumental night of Bay Area music to a close.
Chris Herold had another band called Heroes that used to play in the Bay Area in '77, they did some recording at Weir's but nothing ever came of it. Saw them at the Shady Grove on Haight Street a number of time, tight unit.
Saw Kingfish open for ELO 1978, Spectrum. No Weir, wonder which personnel were present from the 1975 staff ?? Meaning:
Matt Kelly - harmonica, guitar, vocals
Robbie Hoddinott - lead guitar Bob Weir - rhythm guitar, vocals
Dave Torbert - bass, vocals
Chris Herold - drums
I was at the Spectrum 1978 gig when Kingfish opened for ELO--September 18, 1978 to be exact--still have my ticket. Dave Perper had replaced Chris Herold on drums for this tour/show--that was his first tour with the band as their Trident LP had just come out. Michael O'Neill has replaced Robbie on guitar by this tour. Fun times--I was never an "ELO Head" but they were pretty interesting that night-I seem to hazily remember when they opened, they came up from the stage that rose up through the stage floor. We sat right on the side of the stage and had a great view of Kingfish and ELO. We wnt for Kingfish as me an the gang would wear out the Live N Kickin LP back in the day. Then, when Danny "Rio" DeGennaro joining Kingfish years later, another local connection as we used to see his band all the time at this dumppy bard in Levittown whose name escapes me and at John and Peters in New Hope. RIP Danny, we had some good times
A good video of Kingfish doing a 75 Winter Land Show with Bobby. He sure could play that guitar. I miss the good ole days. When the music was raw and experimental.
You can still get this CD in certain places--captures an FM broadcast for the great, long departed King Biscuit Flour Hour radio program--I used to tape them on my Maxell's of WMMR broadcasts
Anybody here in the zone go to the Kingfish show at the Trenton Motor Speedway, August 25, 1975--they opened for Aerosmith along with Mahogany Rush, Ambrosia, Poco, Slade and Neils Losgren. My buddy from high school--his brother worked security and gave my friend a super cool t Shirt from the show. I never met anyone else that was there but reviews put the crowd at 15,000 or so hippies.
"...Spectrum 1978 gig when Kingfish opened for ELO--September 18, 1978 to be exact..."
Thanks Seth for that info. I still recall that "Trickster" was originally the scheduled opener, some one-hit wonder band, but they cancelled a week or two before the gig. So Kingfish took over the opener slot.
ELO had the Space-Ship stage which opened up like a clamshell or cheeseburger, with smoke & lasers. Some venues on that tour it was mobile, and moved from the wings to center Ice, but at the Spectrum it sat there and opened up, revealing the ELO amidst a laser-encrusted Fog. Top of the clam held the lighting rig.
I think it broke down a lot, so they scrapped the mobility part and just set it up wherever it was supposed to be.
I also had thought Robbie had left us back in the 80's. Then one fine day in the mid-90's I overheard a couple older freaks on a San Francisco MUNI bus saying "Robbie just got out". Apparently he did some time (?) Shortly thereafter, I saw an ad for a band I had never heard of before or since, "featuring" Robbie Hoddinot. I went to that gig at The Last Day Saloon and got to enjoy Robbie playing in an ensemble band setting, and enjoyed it greatly. Got to speak to him and gave him a hand painted/tie dyed Kingfish shirt that my friend had made. Robbie was a helluva a nice guy and a great player. He will be greatly missed. Rock In Peace, Robbie.
Tune in tonight on "Morning Dew" on WBAI ~ 99.5 FM,1:00 ~ 3:00 AM (EDT ~ Don't forget to set your clocks ahead at 2;00 AM) Also Streaming globally at www.WBAI.org , we pay Tribute to Robbie Hoddinott , amazing lead guitarist of Kingfish . Very sad to hear the news of the passing of the late, great Robbie Hoddinott, just one day before his 63rd birthday. Kingfish easily being one of Bob Weir's best side projects, Robbie added a tight, muscular guitar sound to a mesmerizing band, with songs like "Asia Minor" and, "Hypnotize". One of the greatest guitarists of the "Psychedelic Cowboy Seventies". I got to meet and see Robbie play just one time in San Francisco. He was a very sweet guy. I gave him a hand painted Tie Dye made by Cranford artist Mark Laico. Rock In Peace, Robbie...
So sorry Joyce Koller, to hear that Robbie has passed on. Grateful to know that his guitar wizardry on the Telecaster will live on forever. Glad to have spoken with him and seen him play once.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Thumbkinetic
I thought he OD'd . . . like
I thought he OD'd . . . like 20 years ago?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: DNB - Best band & fans in the land!
damn
damn
such a talent... thought he was recovering, and returning to performing a bit
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: treat island
From his page on Facebook:
From his page on Facebook:
I thought it would get this out there if I posted under Robbie's name...I'm Joyce, Robbie's old lady, and yes, it's true - Robbie passed away this morning at his home. His best friend, Mike Lewis called me, and I've spoken with the coroner, so this isn't just a rumor. His kidneys had failed, he'd just started dialysis. We spoke on the phone last Thursday and he sounded great - he even said he'd be coming by. We've known this was inevitable - but you're never prepared for when it actually happens...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Dave
RIP Robbie
RIP Robbie
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Lance minimum goad Newberry
That guy could shred.
That guy could play.
Considering the stories of the deeply dire straights he traversed it's amazing he lasted this long.
I heard many stories of him begging for change on Market Street outside the Warfield before & after Jerry shows.
It did sound like things had gotten better for him, so good for him.
It's funny, I've thought about him a bit lately. Seeing the Family Band a few times recently, Ross James's playing has at times reminded me of Robbie.
On it goes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T4ytWN56Sqo
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: long live the dead
wow
wow
go to the show....... reminds me of NYE at the Stanford theater with Osiris opening (Pig's little bro Kevin played with Osiris I believe)
saw him recently at DonQs
didn't look all that well, but some of his playing was good. reminiscent of the golden days - dude could play
long live rock
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: long live the dead
who wants to go to WINTERLAND
who wants to go to WINTERLAND!
Published on Dec 29, 2014
Kingfish - Full Concert
Recorded Live: 10/4/1975 - Winterland (San Francisco, CA)
More Kingfish at Music Vault: http://www.musicvault.com
Subscribe to Music Vault: http://goo.gl/DUzpUF
Setlist:
0:00:00 - Rattlesnake
0:03:55 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:05:17 - Bye And Bye
0:09:18 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:10:29 - Overnight Bag
0:14:16 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:15:45 - C.C. Rider
0:21:22 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:24:23 - Wild Northland
0:27:03 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:28:20 - New Minglewood Blues
0:32:21 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:34:33 - Juke
0:37:38 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:39:08 - Asia Minor
0:43:21 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:44:54 - The Promised Land
0:48:27 - Stage Ambience / Tuning
0:49:50 - One More Saturday Night
Personnel:
Matt Kelly - harmonica, guitar, vocals
Robbie Hoddinott - lead guitar
Bob Weir - rhythm guitar, vocals
Dave Torbert - bass, vocals
Chris Herold - drums
Summary:
The original Kingfish line-up was fronted by multi-instrumentalist Matthew Kelly and ex-New Riders bass player Dave Torbert, the primary songwriters in the group. Fleshed out with the impressive instrumental skills of Robbie Hoddinott, Chris Herold, and Mick Ward, the band became a popular club act in the Bay Area. Following the death of Mick Ward in a car accident, the group soldiered on as a quartet. When the Grateful Dead officially retired from the road in late 1974, all the musicians were free to pursue outside projects, so Bob Weir, a long-time friend of Matthew Kelly, began sitting in, officially joining the group by the end of the year. Weir's arrival had two major impacts on the band, which can be seen as both a blessing and a curse. The Dead's organization ran their own label, Round Records, so the musicians could essentially produce and release albums free of record industry interference. The upside was that Kingfish got a contract with the Dead's label, recording an impressive debut album, which considerably raised their profile. However, to the existing band member's eventual dismay, the vast contingency of Deadheads now perceived the group as Bob Weir's backing band. Regardless, the group became a very popular touring band and delivered many a great performance.
Headlining a hometown bill that also featured The Sons of Champlin and the Keith & Donna Godchaux Band, Kingfish deliver a high-energy performance to close the night. Needless to say, this was a fine night for Deadheads, who got to experience four members of the Grateful Dead performing on the same bill, but outside the familiar musical context. Performing selections from their debut album as well as several choice covers and yet-to-be recorded originals, this set captures Kingfish during the peak performing months of Weir's tenure with the group.
They kick the show off with Dave Torbert fronting the band for the rocking shuffle of "Rattlesnake," a song the group hadn't recorded. Bob Weir takes lead vocals on "Bye And Bye," a rearranged gospel number that gets a reggae treatment from the band. Next up is "Overnight Bag," another unrecorded number at the time. This straightforward rocker finds the group hitting their stride before they relax into a nice bluesy "C.C. Rider," which Weir would eventually resurrect into the Dead's repertoire several years later.
Following a slight delay to tune back up and determine what to play next, the group treats the audience to "Wild Northland," a delightful country flavored Torbert track from the first Kingfish album. Its live debut, this song is not known to have been performed since and this may indeed be the only live performance. Bob Weir fronts the band again for a rollicking take on "New Minglewood Blues," a classic jug band cover from the Dead's first album. A staple of Weir's repertoire throughout his career, Kingfish's take on this song is arguably more compelling than the Dead's own version, thanks in large part to the harmonica embellishments from Matthew Kelly which propel it along. Kelly gets an opportunity to really cut loose on the following number, "Juke," a high-energy harmonica fueled instrumental in the tradition of James Cotton.
One of the best songs from their debut album is next, with Torbert's "Asia Minor," featuring scorching solo breaks from Hoddinott and a propulsive rhythmic backing from Torbert, Weirm and Herold. The first set ends with an energetic romp through Chuck Berry's "Promised Land," another Weir-led staple borrowed from his Dead repertoire. Hoddinott, who is delightfully high in the mix, cooks up a storm on guitar.
Unfortunately the recordings of the second Kingfish set from this night is currently MIA. However, the encore is also here; a more relaxed, but nonetheless celebratory take on Bob Weir's most popular rocker, "One More Saturday Night," which brought this monumental night of Bay Area music to a close.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hiHs3JE9I0
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: long live the dead
and before...
and before...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_s2rTENDNo
do any of you appreciate talent?
check out the Hags some of youz all guitar playa fans
fun night from the memory vault
>>> Freedom / Get High<<
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: long live the dead
and for desert - the look and
and for desert - the look and feel of 1968
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYe1HnZvioA
(any chuck sperry fans out there- richie???)
hell - i'll stop
after this
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Cin0QzuEss
another absolute fave - opened for cream at my first arena show in 1968 ( yes I was minus 10 years old)
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: long live the dead
boot from 1968
boot from 1968
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sHFS525D0s
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bluelight
RIP Robbie
RIP Robbie
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Ausonius
Saw Kingfish in Philly in '75
Saw Kingfish in Philly in '75, great band. RIP
Chris Herold had another band called Heroes that used to play in the Bay Area in '77, they did some recording at Weir's but nothing ever came of it. Saw them at the Shady Grove on Haight Street a number of time, tight unit.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Lord Kalvert
Very hot player back in the
Very hot player back in the day- really pushed the original Kingfish over the top with that Tele.
Not sure what he did later on.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: cb
Loved Kingfish
Loved Kingfish
RIP
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V7a-cGY-VGQ
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Woz
Bummer, he was a great
Bummer, he was a great guitarist despite his troubles. RIP.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Mylar
Dang.RIP Robbie.
Dang.RIP Robbie.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sycamore Slough
RIP
RIP
Saw Kingfish open for ELO 1978, Spectrum. No Weir, wonder which personnel were present from the 1975 staff ?? Meaning:
Matt Kelly - harmonica, guitar, vocals
Robbie Hoddinott - lead guitar
Bob Weir - rhythm guitar, vocalsDave Torbert - bass, vocals
Chris Herold - drums
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Lord Kalvert
El Camino Real - 6-8-75..I
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Greasyheart
Hey Sycamore Slough/ Disco
Hey Sycamore Slough/ Disco Stu
I was at the Spectrum 1978 gig when Kingfish opened for ELO--September 18, 1978 to be exact--still have my ticket. Dave Perper had replaced Chris Herold on drums for this tour/show--that was his first tour with the band as their Trident LP had just come out. Michael O'Neill has replaced Robbie on guitar by this tour. Fun times--I was never an "ELO Head" but they were pretty interesting that night-I seem to hazily remember when they opened, they came up from the stage that rose up through the stage floor. We sat right on the side of the stage and had a great view of Kingfish and ELO. We wnt for Kingfish as me an the gang would wear out the Live N Kickin LP back in the day. Then, when Danny "Rio" DeGennaro joining Kingfish years later, another local connection as we used to see his band all the time at this dumppy bard in Levittown whose name escapes me and at John and Peters in New Hope. RIP Danny, we had some good times
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: My Name is
A good video of Kingfish
A good video of Kingfish doing a 75 Winter Land Show with Bobby. He sure could play that guitar. I miss the good ole days. When the music was raw and experimental.
http://www.jambands.com/news/2017/03/07/kingfish-guitarist-robbie-hoddin...
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: gentleheart
Kingfish Flour Hour
Kingfish Flour Hour
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/j1xn9axgbmyvaau/AAB1KGIXM9NPPm8pL8ObUyeJa?dl=0
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Greasyheart
You can still get this CD in
You can still get this CD in certain places--captures an FM broadcast for the great, long departed King Biscuit Flour Hour radio program--I used to tape them on my Maxell's of WMMR broadcasts
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Greasyheart
That photo above looks the El
That photo above looks the El Camino Park gig in Palo Alto, 1975
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Greasyheart
Anybody here in the zone go
Anybody here in the zone go to the Kingfish show at the Trenton Motor Speedway, August 25, 1975--they opened for Aerosmith along with Mahogany Rush, Ambrosia, Poco, Slade and Neils Losgren. My buddy from high school--his brother worked security and gave my friend a super cool t Shirt from the show. I never met anyone else that was there but reviews put the crowd at 15,000 or so hippies.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Sycamore Slough
Spectrum 1978 gig when
"...Spectrum 1978 gig when Kingfish opened for ELO--September 18, 1978 to be exact..."
Thanks Seth for that info. I still recall that "Trickster" was originally the scheduled opener, some one-hit wonder band, but they cancelled a week or two before the gig. So Kingfish took over the opener slot.
ELO had the Space-Ship stage which opened up like a clamshell or cheeseburger, with smoke & lasers. Some venues on that tour it was mobile, and moved from the wings to center Ice, but at the Spectrum it sat there and opened up, revealing the ELO amidst a laser-encrusted Fog. Top of the clam held the lighting rig.
I think it broke down a lot, so they scrapped the mobility part and just set it up wherever it was supposed to be.
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: dj_easy_wind
I also had thought Robbie had
I also had thought Robbie had left us back in the 80's. Then one fine day in the mid-90's I overheard a couple older freaks on a San Francisco MUNI bus saying "Robbie just got out". Apparently he did some time (?) Shortly thereafter, I saw an ad for a band I had never heard of before or since, "featuring" Robbie Hoddinot. I went to that gig at The Last Day Saloon and got to enjoy Robbie playing in an ensemble band setting, and enjoyed it greatly. Got to speak to him and gave him a hand painted/tie dyed Kingfish shirt that my friend had made. Robbie was a helluva a nice guy and a great player. He will be greatly missed. Rock In Peace, Robbie.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hiHs3JE9I0&list=RD3hiHs3JE9I0#t=0
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: dj_easy_wind
Tune in tonight on "Morning
Tune in tonight on "Morning Dew" on WBAI ~ 99.5 FM,1:00 ~ 3:00 AM (EDT ~ Don't forget to set your clocks ahead at 2;00 AM) Also Streaming globally at www.WBAI.org , we pay Tribute to Robbie Hoddinott , amazing lead guitarist of Kingfish . Very sad to hear the news of the passing of the late, great Robbie Hoddinott, just one day before his 63rd birthday. Kingfish easily being one of Bob Weir's best side projects, Robbie added a tight, muscular guitar sound to a mesmerizing band, with songs like "Asia Minor" and, "Hypnotize". One of the greatest guitarists of the "Psychedelic Cowboy Seventies". I got to meet and see Robbie play just one time in San Francisco. He was a very sweet guy. I gave him a hand painted Tie Dye made by Cranford artist Mark Laico. Rock In Peace, Robbie...
So sorry Joyce Koller, to hear that Robbie has passed on. Grateful to know that his guitar wizardry on the Telecaster will live on forever. Glad to have spoken with him and seen him play once.
Rest in Peace Robbie. <3
March 7, 1954 ~ March 6, 2017
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: Bluelight
Missed the show. Is there a
Missed the show. Is there a stream DJ Easy Wind?
Top of Page Bottom of Page PermalinkFull Name: dj_easy_wind
Yes there is, Odyseus...only
Yes there is, Odyseus...only one hour this week due to time change...
If you missed the Live Broadcast, you can still listen 24/7 with our Podcast Player. You can scroll to 60 min. mark::
http://nuarchive.wbai.org/mp3/wbai_170312_010000mdew.mp3