Ventures '99

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The Ventures '99


I finally got to see The Ventures in concert when they played Corpus Cristi in June '99. As much as I love the Ventures I was not prepared for such a great concert. I know pictures don't tell the whole story, but this is the best I can do. Just click on these images if you want to spend all night downloading Ventures pictures.

	Did you guys get a picture with GOLD autographs like mine?

	Friday evening. Sound wasn't so great as it was outside. But a free Ventures concert! I'm not complaining.

	Bob may be showing his age, but he plays that bass like a wild man!

	I have always thought that Don's rhythm work is lost in the mix on their older recordings. That don't happen live! Don was kickin' butt.

	Nokie had taken Gerry's place at this concert and he was the hardest working member of the group. He was always first out to sign autographs both before and after the shows. The fifth wheel we called him is Bob Spalding. He has played on some of the Ventures recordings and was at this Friday night show.

	Here's Leon taking over for Dad. Leon did a great job, but sometimes his face made it look like he was having trouble keeping up with himself. Watch him do "Wipeout" on video.

	The next night at The Executive Surf Club the sound was much better. It was sort of inside and we were closer. I didn't expect the sound to be this good. Here is Bob starting off on lead as usual.

	Here Nokie has taken over the lead. Note: Nokie was playing Ventures music without a vibrato!

	Don is trying to make himself presentable for the camera! Don is not only rhythm guitarist, he is spokesperson, singer and comedian.

	Leon is starting to get that face going.

	Notice the front row of the audience. It's all Underground Fire members. Don thanked Underground Fire for it's support both nights.

	Here Don is about to do one of his trademark glissandos.

	And, of course, the show ends with "Caravan"! How many bands have drum solos that require help from the bass player?

	Underground Fire members meet face to face! The guy in back in the striped shirt is just cleaning up. The guy in the middle in the striped shirt is me! Left to right: Wes Jones, Bill Spalding, Wade Wilson, Dennis Cody, John Walker, Ron New, John Westmore.