2010 Iowa Rock n Roll Hall of Famer, Johnnie Bolin
Yes, It's official! The cat is out of the bag and I'm thrilled to announce this news on our TommyBolin.biz website. Johnnie Bolin and his band, DVC, are being inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Tommy Bolin and his band, A Patch of Blue, were inducted into the IRRMA in 1999. Now, his little brother, Johnnie Bolin will finally join his brother as one of Iowa's legendary rockers for his accomplishments and contributions to music. Along with his band memeber's of DVC.
Song writer, vocalist and lead guitar player, John Bartle who grew up in Sioux City with both Tommy and Johnnie will get the recognition that he deserves as well.
Both, J. Bartle and J. Bolin,brilliant musicans started playing and creating music as teenagers with one of their fellow Sioux City rockers, Tommy Bolin. Well off in pursuit of their own careers as Tommy's career exploded. His raw talent and ability caught the attention of Jazz veteran's Billy Cobham and Alphonse Mouzon as well as music lover's in all aspects of the music industry. His name and music spread like wildfire. Just as soon as his albums hit the shelves, so did the newspapers announcing his death. That was 33 years ago.
Now, today, I have the priviledge to announce DVC's induction into the 2010 Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!
I know I can speak for each and everyone of them by saying thank you for all your nominations.
Biography
Formed in the USA in 1980, DVC comprised Bob Forest (guitar, vocals), John Bartle (guitar, vocals), Max Padilla (bass) and John Bollin (drums). Their energetic brand of hard rock encompassed excellent dual guitar interplay and harmonies from Forest and Bartle, but more attention focused on the fact that John Bollin was the brother of the late Tommy Bolin. The group's 1981 self-titled debut for Alfa Records thus attracted substantial press coverage (not least due to the presence of a cover version of Bolin's "Teaser"), but once the novelty had worn off rock journalists looked elsewhere. In retrospect, this was a minor travesty considering the strength of the group's own compositions.
Link for the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame page:
http://www.iowarocknroll.com/news.php?id=140
Fast Johnny Ricker's comments after playing KC:
Fast Johnny also played guitar. He's more the bluesy style player. Together, he and Jeff pulled off a perfect sound.
Here's what Fast Johnny had to say:
Hi Tamy,
This was an incredibly special night. Diving into the wide range of the world of Tommy Bolin's music was inspiring to me. Listening intensely to the music always yielded another layer of depth to Tommy's musical legacy. I felt a strong connection to it. The era of rock from the late 60's through the beginnings of fusion has always been my favorite, and Tommy's music was right in the middle of it!
That said, the added dimension to this show was the personal connection to the players who were there at the time the music was actually conceived! This was not just a tribute...it was a reunion. Not only the musical direction from Tommy Stephenson, but the personal context of what was happening in the lives of the players at the time was incredible insight into the music.
Playing with Tommy Stephenson, Bobby Berge and the special surprise to me, having Johnnie Bolin come to rehearsal and play on the gig was an irreplaceable experience. I've been a fan of Jeff Scheetz for years, and although we've played on the same bill, we had never played in the same band. Matt Waddill, the extremely talented bass player in Jeff's band, captured the parts (bass and vocals) beautifully. The combination of the musicians and material was a players' dream and goes on my list of 'favorite gigs ever'. Let's do it again!
Tamy, thanks for all your help with the show and organizing the story of it. Looking forward to working with you often in the future!
Johnny Ricker
Jeff Scheetz comments on playing KC reunion:
Jeff played guitar in the Energy/ Tommy Bolin Reunion show. He's more of the shredder/rocker style player.
Matt Waddill is the bass player and vocalist that Jeff mentions in his email to me. Matt plays in Jeff's band. You will see plenty of pictures. He killed on bass and vocals all night. My favorite was Dreamer!
Here's what Jeff had to say:
Hey Tamy!
Hope you are well and staying warm! I will pass this on to Matt but he is
not much of a computer guy - I don't even know if he has an email address!!!
:o) - Thanks for all of your work Tamy!!
I had a GREAT time doing the Bolin show. Was fun to get to play with some
great musicians, and it was so cool to be able to play in front of people
that appreciate music!!! It's nice to see people get into it when the songs
last 12 minutes with lots of extended soloing and jamming - just like the
good old days when the music mattered! AWESOME to share that all with the
audience.
One of the cool things for me was as I was learning the tunes, to get to
really dig into Tommy's style and learn some of his playing idiosyncrasies.
He just had a way with phrasing and especially rhythmic timing that was a
little different than what you would expect. That was what made it his own -
he could do something really simple, but just put a little twist on it - his
own "signature" if you will, and that made it stand out. And that is
probably one of the reasons that people still dig him today. His willingness
to just "jam" and experiment and improvise is what really attracts me to his
playing and his whole vibe, and we had a really cool bunch of players
together for this show that were on that same path.
Hope to get to do it again!
jeff
JEFF SCHEETZ
Official Website - for info, music, video, and guitar lessons.
Myspace
Facebook
YouTube
K.C. photos for the rehearsal are up on photo page
Part 2: The rehearsal
The rehearsal was amazing! To try to set the stage for this, I have to describe the location and setting. Unfortunately, Gary Miller (drummer for Fast Johnny) was out of town and we didn't get the opportunity to meet him or thank him. However, he was kind enough to let us use his studio. This studio would blow your mind. Besides the obvious things that would be in a recording studio, there was a lot of unusual art and the sound board that was used to mix Michael Jackson's "Thriller". You'll just have to look closely at the photos to pick these things up. Beth had a ball snapping all the shots.
It will be easy to pick up on is all the work these guys did to recreate Tommy's music. Having 3 original band members there was the foundation to the success of the show. Watching and listening to Tommy Stephenson, Bobby Berge and Johnnie Bolin going through each tune and saying Tommy would have done this like this or do you remember how Tommy wanted this part or that part. It was what these guys actually worked up with Tommy Bolin in the beginning. It was bone chilling, exciting and sometimes really sad.
Jeff Scheetz, Fast Johnny Ricker and Matt Waddill had gone over and above what they needed to do to know this material and style. It made the rehearsal very smooth and they dug how it went down when they added the drums. It all came together in that studio that night. An experience all in itself. An experience none of us will ever forget! Hopefully, I can pass it on to all of you.
Photos on the photo gallery tab, Part 2: The rehearsal...
Remarks from Tommy Stephenson after KC show...
Hey everyone,
I cannot tell you how rewarding the Tommy Bolin & Energy Reunion/Tribute concert was to me after all these years!!!!!!!!
We had a great group of musicians, and a great radio station,
( KKFI ) 90.1 in Kansas City.........and there staff, make this the "event" that all of us have been waiting for for, in my opinion, and everybody that had written, phoned and contacted me on Myspace. With the help of "Stormin Normin"......."Arjey".........and all the rest of the wonderful "jocks" at the station...........plus Bobby Berge, Johnnie Bolin,
Jeff Sheetz, Fast Johnny Ricker and Matt Waddill, we pulled off one of the finest concerts I have EVER had the priviledge to take part in, during my many years of performing with the world's greatest musicians!!!!!!!!! I was, and remain truly humbled by the outpouring of overwhelming remarks I have been bombarded with in regards to our concert. My very grateful thanks goes out to all the fans of Tommy Bolin & Energy, and my heart soars, as the excitement continues to keep coming in from around the world about the performance. I know that Tommy is always with me in spirit...............but he was on that stage with us that night.........and we made him proud of us........
as his music lives on..........and will it continue to do so in the future!!!!!!!! My thanks to everyone. We will be back.............So is it written...........so it shall be!!!!
Tommy Stephenson
All hoodies are shipped!
Just to let everyone know who ordered hoodies for Christmas, they were all shipped Monday, December 21. All shipped priority mail. Those who live in the U.S. will have them the 23rd.
Thank you everyone for your orders and to all have a very Merry Christmas and safe holiday season from Johnnie and I @ www.tommybolin.biz!
Now, I can start Part 2. The rehearsal....
Kansas City show: Part 1 Radio Interview photos
After an adventure like the one we just went on, it is impossible to get photos done in a couple days. What we've decided to do is hand it to you in separate parts.
Part 1 - KKFI 90.1 radio interview and the guys (and gals) meeting
Part 2 - The rehearsal
Part 3 - Day of show, hanging in Kansas City
Part 4 - Sound check at the Crosstown Station
Part 5 - THE SHOW
Anyone that has any photos or experiences that they would like to share can send it to me via email.
tamy@tommybolin.biz
Kansas City was touched by magic at sold out show
WOW! The Energy/ Tommy Bolin Reunion show was definitely touched by Tommy Bolin magic at last Saturday night's sold out show. To truly understand the meaning of that, you would have had to been there. Johnnie Bolin, Tommy Stephenson and Bobby Berge, original members of Tommy's bands have used those exact words to describe the way they felt after playing the show at the Crosstown Station in downtown Kansas City. Jeff Sheetz and Fast Johnny Rickers did an awesome job on guitars and vocals. Matt Waddill rocked out the bass and mad vocals. Especially, on one of the most powerful versions of Dreamer that made the listeners go nuts. As the night went on Tommy's presence was felt as these guys got in a groove that took us back in time. To the more experienced Energy and Tommy Bolin fan the solos and jams instrumentally blew peoples minds. The band and crowd were like one.
I just got off the phone with Johnnie and his exact words were "It actually takes a couple days to comprehend or absorb what just happened." Before that, talking to Tommy Stephenson, he says "We gotta keep this going!" Mike Litel, from KKFI, same thing. Very excited about future shows of this nature.
So, I'm going to organize my thoughts and photos (Beth's photos).
Anyone that has anything they want to add can email me at tamy@tommybolin.biz
To be continued....
HOODIE ORDERS IN...
Hoodie orders are in and will be done in time for Santa to deliver them on time for Christmas. We appreciate all the orders and fantastic response.
In doing the orders like this, we will be restructuring the way we take orders to guarantee delivery and availability of items you order.
It's very difficult for Johnnie and I to keep everything in stock, especially sizes in so many different shirt styles. It will mean a longer delivery time but it will be much more efficient! We love happy fans!
Energy/Tommy Bolin Reunion in Kansas City tonight
KKFI, 90.1 and Stormin" Norman are throwing a reunion show at the Crosstown Station in Kansas City, MO tonight. Featuring Tommy Stephenson, Bobby Berge, Johnnie Bolin, Fast Johnny Rickers, Jeff Sheetz, Matt Waddill and special appearence by the Archive's own John Herdt!
What a blast it's been getting ready for this show. Radio interviews, rehearsal at enormous home studio, Big Dudes Music store and sound check at the Crosstown Station.
Now, I'm late for the show but I found a computer that I could use to update our site and by GOD, I did it!! This is exciting news. Johnnie and I are both feeling great. Where did 2009 go?
Stay tuned....
Photos from 33rd Annual Tommy Bolin Memorial
The memorial show went super. Especially with the freezing temperatures in the great state of Iowa. Lot's of new faces which always makes us happy. The word is spreading and so is the love and memories of Tommy and his music.
Here are pictures of the band, special guests and fans.
The Bartle-Bolin Blues Band
featuring: Johnnie Bolin, John Bartle, Jerry Peterson, Sam Irish and Charles Sanders
Special guests:
Bobby Berge. Jesse Christen
I'm having problems withthe server. I will post more tomorrow....
Christmas special "Teaser" hoodies one week only
Back by popular demand, Teaser hoodies! We will be taking orders for one week only. Ending Tuesday December 15th, So, don't hesitate.
Event hoodies from the 33rd Annual Tommy Bolin Memorial held at The Chesterfield on Dec. 4th. These will be shipped before Christmas by priority mail in order to get them to you by Christmas. International orders may take longer.
More news, a letter from Johnnie and photos from the event as soon as I get home safe in this blizzard we're having in Iowa!!!
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow....
Order the hoodie one size larger than the t-shirt size you wear. These are very good quality and very warm.
Lots of catching up to do...
It's been a long time since our last update. We apologize for that. We'll report all the lastest news since the Bolin fest as quickly as we can.
Three things I'd like to announce are that the fest was a huge sucsess. With donations going to the Sioux City muesum. Which will be the new home for Tommy's memoribiia. We're really proud of that. Second, the most recent Rockestra, a quarterly Sioux City event featuring our most talented local musicians and the local orchestra. This show honored the Central High school class of 1069, The year Tommy would have graduated. Teasar was included in the set list. Johnnie and I loaned our Tommy Bolin guitars to them to play for the trribute. It was a sold out show. Johnniie was on drums. Last but not least, there was a huge response in nominating Johnnie Bolin into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. That is all we know at this time.. Just to clear up rumors that we have any more news on that. We're keeping our fingers crossed and will inform you as we receive any news.
I'd, also, like to apologize for any confusion on recent merchandise orders. I will be contacting everyone to verify item ordered. We are out of stock now. However, anyone that has placed an order it will get to you!
Stay tuned....
Nominate Johnnie into Iowa RocknRoll Hall of Fame
I have just updated Johnnie Bolin's page on this website with all the information you will need to fill out the form for nominating Johnnie to be inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for 2010. You can use his discography and accomplishment listed in your letter of recommendation to the board of directors.
Nominations must be in by 12 a.m. September 15th to be considered. I have provided the link directly to the nomination page below.
Thank you in advance for taking your time to make sure Johnnie will be inducted into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. As he deserves this acknowledgement and will be there with his brother, Tommy.
Any questions may be emailed to me at tamy@tommybolin.biz
Another successful fest....
These fests just keep getting better every year. It's wonderful to see all the returning Tommy fans and to meet the people face to face that contribute so much over the years. The part that is beyond words is the tons of younger fans that keep filling up these venues. They are already huge Tommy Bolin fans, passed down through our networks proving that Tommy and his music won't be forgotten and will continue to be celebrated.
This years fest was dedicated to Sioux City's local musicians. Part of the proceeds going to Sioux City's local muesum that will display Tommy's memoribila directly from the Bolin home here in Siouxland.
The turn out was fantastic, as well as the music. People were "blown away" by the talent and original music that is right here. Just as Tommy was from right here!
We'd like to thank everyone for coming this year!
Photos and more info will be posted soon.....
Z98 Radio Interview at 12:20
Turn your radio to 97.9 today to listen to Sioux City's rock station with Andy Mattson at 12:20. We'll be giving away a pair of tickets to Tommy Bolin Birthday Fest. Tamy will be talking with Andy and Chopper Scott along with Josh and Matt from The Outlet.
Yesterday, we were in the studio with Tim Stokes and Matt Miller from Small Change. Tomorrow morning at 9 a.m. Johnnie Bolin, Johnny (Whitesugar) Angeleno and Tamy will be talking with Chopper Scott more in depth about our donations to the new Sioux City Muesum and history on the Tommy Bolin festivals. We will give people information on how to get tickets to the festival and the $5 raffle tickets to win an autographed electric Dean guitar. You don't have to be present to win, just be by your phone so we can call you to find who you would like to have autograph that beautiful guitar.
So, tune to Z-98 for all your fest updates!
Line up for the fest - First band @ 1 p.m.
The Outlet
Brandion Olsen -Lead Vocal
Josh Rodasti - Keyboards, Vocals
Josh Weber - Guitars, Vocals
Matt Wiest - Guitars, Vocals
Josh Danderand - Bass
Adam Ferris - Drums -
Check these guys out @ Myspace.com/theoutletrocks
2:00 p.m
Strategy with Bobby and Jimmy Marshal and Bob Dawdy, Jr on drums.
3:15
Shallow Haze
Ross Larvick - Drums
Tony Dawdy - Bass
Jason Berg - vocals, guitar
Chistian Nies - lead guitar
website under constuction
4:40
Small Change
Ryan Baker - Lead vocals, lead guitar
Matt Miller - Bass, vocals
Tim StokesDrums and vocals
Check these guys out @ Myspace/smallchangerocks
6:00 p.m.
66 Crush (six-six crush)
Justin Aduddell-vox, guitar
Brad Olson-bass
Jesse Aduddell-skins
Check these guys out @ Myspace.com/66crushrocks
7:30 p.m.
Bobby Berge's Bashers
Jesse Christen - guitar,vocal
Sam Irish-Bass
Dave Napier - Sax
Yours Truly. Bobby Berge - Drums
Check these guys out @ Myspace/bluesbashers
9:00
Tommy Bolin Tribute Band
Ryan Baker - Lead Vocals, lead guitar
Hal McCormack - Lead guitar
Jesse Christen - vocals, lead guitar
Sam Irish - bass
Terry Brooks - keyboards
Dave Napier - sax
Bobby Berge - drums
Johnnie Bolinl - drums
(That's right... dual drummers...both from the original Tommy Bolin Band)
10:30
Black Oak Arkansas
Mr. Jim Dandy - Lead vocals (original member and founding memeber)
Hal McCormack - Lead guitar
Mr. Ricky Lee - Rhythm guitar, vocal (original member)
George Hughen - Bass
Johnnie Bolin - Drums
Check these guys out on Myspace/Blackoakarkansas
Autographed Dean Guitar Raffle
We will be selling $5 raffle tickets for an autograhed Dean Guitar from Ray's Mid-Bell at the 2009 Tommy Bolin Birthday Fest, also.
The winner can have their new Dean guitar autographed by musicians of their choice after the drawing that will be held at 11 p.m.
Raffle tickets will be available to purchase Wednesday. Anyone interested in buying tickets can email me to reserve numbered tickets now. I will send a confirmation email to you including the number of your ticket.
E-mail is tamy@tommybolin.biz
Good Luck!!!
2009 Tommy Bolin Festival
This years Bolin Fest will be featuring local musical talent, since Tommy was a local musican and Johnnie Bolin still is. Sioux City, Iowa has so many brilliant musicians on the scene, why not honor them and promote them?
Hope you'll all join us this year on Aug. 1st @ Chesterfield's, starting at 1 p.m. to celebrate Tommy on his birthday.
This year we are selling laminated commemorative tickets. Admission is still $10. However, if you order them throught the website or locally before day of show, you can buy 2 and get a 3rd one free. Available on the merchandise page.
Our band line up: The Outlet, with Brandion Olsen on lead vocals, Strategy w/ Bobby and Jimmy Marshal and Bob Dawdy, Jr on drums. Shallow Haze featuring Ross Larvick on drums. Small Change w/ Ryan Baker, lead guitar and vocals, Matt Miller, bass and vocals and Tim Stokes on drums and vocals. Then 66 Crush will be taking the stage. Followed by Bobby Berge's Bashers, Tommy Bolin Tribute Band w/ Johnnie Bolin and Bobby Berge both on drums, Sam Irish on bass, Dave Napier on sax, Terry Brooks on keyboards, Jesse Christen on lead guitar, Hal McCormack on lead guitar, Ryan Baker on lead guitar and vocals. All star cast in the Tribute band!!!!! Headlining will be Black Oak Arkansas featuring the one and only, Jim Dandy on lead vocals, Ricky Lee, original member of Black Oak on rhythm guitar and vocals, George Hughen on bass, Hal McCormack on lead guitar, Bobby Berge on drums, original member of Zepher ,Tommy Bolin Band and Bobby Berge's Basher's. Also, on drums, Johnnie Bolin from DVC, Chill Factor, Tommy Bolin Band, Dare Force and 20 years with BOA!! Hellva line up for music.
Honestly, all these guys have too many credits to their names. I don't want to leave anyone out or not list everything I can about each mucisian playing this fest. Starting with The Outlet, all the way to BOA. I will post each band, the players and their myspace pages.
Support your local musicians!!!!! Don't miss this....
Tickets available now
2009 Bolin Fest in Sioux City, Ia on Sat Aug.1st
Well, it's that time of year again!!! I'll have to say, that this is one Bolin fest a lot of people must have had their fingers crossed for. Johnnie is still with us! Happy, healthy and playing like a mad man.
The fest will be at Chesterfield's on 4th St. Saturday, Aug. 1st. Which is actually Tommy Bolin's birthday. It always makes it a special event when it lands on this day.
It will be actually be outdoors, as well as indoors. We have a line up of bands scheduled to play the outdoors set-up most of the day and into the night. We have another band playing indoors probably @ 9 p.m.
I will get more details to you as soon as I have them signed in blood...
kiddin'....
Bobby Berge's birthday bash
Celebrating Bobby's Berge's birthday bash at Stryker's Lounge in Sioux City, Ia. Saturday, June 27th. Playing in the band will be, of course, Bobby Berge. With Jesse Christen, Sam Irish and Terry Brooks. There will also be special guests and friends sitting in an jamming to make this a special musical event.
The Quality Inn is offering a special rate of $59 if you mention Bobby Berge or Tommy Bolin.
I know several people are coming from Denver, Wisconsin, Illinois, to mention a few. Everyone is welcome. No cover!
For more information go to www.tbolin.com
Awesome Biker Nights totally AWESOME
The Tommy Bolin Tribute Band kicked off Awesome Biker Nights on Friday, June 19th with a bang. Special thanks to Val Greger for getting us in this year!
It was fantastic to see Johnnie Bolin in such good health and spirits! Right next to him, Bobby Berge, on his drums to set up the dual drumming that took everyone by surprise. With Sam Irish on bass, Gary Gunderson on vocals and guitar, Jesse Christen on vocals and guitar and introducing a local guitarist, Ryan Baker on vocals and guitar. They all pulled it together for a great evening of Tommy Bolin's music.
Ryan Baker did an awesome job on vocals! He, also, had the priviledge of playing my Tommy Bolin Tribute guitar. I'm sure that it is the first time people in Sioux City have seen the guitar up front, close and personal.
A photo page will be up soon....
And heerrreee'zzz Johnnie....
Here are a few recent photos of Mr. Johnnie Bolin taken recently by Beth Anderson. Our friend and, I guess, personal photographer?! Thank you for all your help and support, Beth!
Ladies and Gentlemen:
There will be plenty more after our gig this Friday night at Awesome Biker Nights!!
Awesome Biker Nights, June 19th and 20th, 2009
This will be the 2nd year for the Tommy Bolin Info and Merchandise Tent in downtown Sioux City, Ia. We had so much fun and success that we'll be returning this year!
The big news is that Johnnie Bolin and Bobby Berge will be appearing with the Tommy Bolin Tribute Band! We will have many special guest musicians there to make it a very special performance. Of course, Sam Irish on bass and vocals, Gary Gunderson and Ryan Baker on lead guitar and vocals, Jessy Christen on lead guitar and vocals, for starters. Johnnie and Bobby will be dueling it out on double drums! You won't want to miss this!
Starting at approximately 6 pm on the west stage.
See you there!!!!
Back in .biz
Hello everyone! As announced yesterday on our own Z-98 radio station with Andy and Chopper Scott, Johnnie and I taking baby steps back into the .biz. Our first official business getting Johnnie back in the drummer seat will be Awesome Biker Night on June 19th in Sioux City, Ia. Also, featuring the one and only Bobby Berge! Appearing will be a Tommy Bolin Tribute band, starting approximately 6pm on the west stage. Following their first live event will be Edgar Winter and Boston. We will have our Tommy Bolin vendor tent again this year.
More news shortly... Don't touch that dial....
We're still kickin'
Hey everyone! Sorry for the absence. Things have been very overwhelming here. It's starting to settle down. Johnnie is doing great! I saw him for the first time yesterday and he looks healthy, happy and terrific! He has lost a ton of weight and is in great spirits.
Unfortunately, I don't have access to my computer, merchandise, etc. They detected mold in Johnnie's house and it's undergoing restoration.
We have every intention to continue our business but we have so much work to do to catch up. Please have patience with us. We'll be back on track as soon as we can.
Addition to Photo Gallery
Go to Photo Gallery, fan photos to view anyone wearing any Tommy Bolin t-shirts or buttons. Be sure to add your name and where you're from, if you want that posted! Please send jpeg format. Show off your shirts!
John Herdt has also posted some pics on www.tbolin.com.
Let's get some audience participation - I would like everyone to see and know that there are Tommy fans all over the world!
Send photo to tamy@tommybolin.biz
Damian and David Coverdale and guys of Def Leppard
Olga Simmons, Wally and Lee Z and Eric Sardinas & Rodney
Jim Wilson, daughter Taylor and Vinnie Moore & Tamy
Steve Baeker, John Waldon and Sal Serio
Mike Heuvelman, Glenn Hughes & Johnnie Bolin
Bluebird, 1998
Damian with Bernie Torme and Dougy White
