The Steel Guitar Forum

Had a great time visiting with Richard Sinkler last night at the Whiskey Barrel Saloon in Lodi, CA; he is still out wailin' on his Carter, and I have the pictures to prove it! Richard has had an unbelievably tough year, so be sending him all your best thoughts for a better 2014.

Best wishes for better 2013 from here on out and also 2014. Hoping everything gets turned around for a better life.

hang in there richard. i used to play lots of clubs in lodi.
as a matter of fact, i played a private party about 2 miles from there just the other night.
we got hot dogs and whiskey and $. even though i was half deaf. ..and of course, deviled eggs.

I'd say your chances for recovery are much better the more you stay out of hospitals, and the more you play good music! So keep it up, Richard! Very glad to see you are still playing!

Good deal, will try to go see him this winter.

It was nice visiting with you last night Gary. One of the things we used to do back before the internet and the forum, was to go out and see as many other players as we could. You don't see that happening very much any more.

I also want to say that I have gotten several emails and PM's about having to sell out to pay bills. I have a student that came to my rescue and loaned me the money for rent for that month. It is great to still be able to play and be a part of the steel guitar family (actually, I still would have felt like I was a member of the family no matter what. Been in it too long to leave).

It really has been a tough year for me, and the rest of the year and into the first part of next year looks to be just as bad. I came close to death twice this year, and believe me, it is no fun. I have to keep looking at the "Gone Home" section to see if my name is in there.

I really don't want this thread to turn into a pity party. I just felt that I "owed" it to the community to let them know what was going on.

Wow. Looking at the pics again, I realize how old I look. Time to get some Just For Men.

chris ivey wrote:hang in there richard. i used to play lots of clubs in lodi.
as a matter of fact, i played a private party about 2 miles from there just the other night.
we got hot dogs and whiskey and $. even though i was half deaf. ..and of course, deviled eggs.

Last night, I almost got "Stuck In Lodi Again". I followed my GPS to the gig and it got me lost. Sometimes I think the lady inside the GPS drinks too much.

And, on a sad note, this band is breaking up at the end of the year. I had a really good run with them. Real good musicians. Played mostly newer country, and older country that was "moderned up". It was the perfect compliment to my other band, which is classic country. The best of both worlds.

Wishing you all the best Richard and for a good 2014!

Wow. Looking at the pics again, I realize how old I look. Time to get some Just For Men.[/quote] Good to hear you are doin ok Rich.....btw, it's easier to just avoid lookin in a mirror lol.....good on ya bud....Stormy

Richard, your pedal steel fan club here in China is wishing you a healthy and happy 2014. You are one tough customer, so don't forget it. stevet

Steve... Am I supposed to choose one of them to be my wife?

...Good Luck Richard, I'm not sure I could pick between them.....

I know. Steve always teases me with these beautiful women.

Richard, as previously stated, this is your "fan club" but there is no reason it could not turn into a special fan club. Only Liu Mei in the last photo on the right is married. The second is a youngster at 26 while the others are 40 or older and all are divorced. Sorry but Chinese guys here don't treat there women well. While that may sound like a stereotype, I've seen this far too often here in Beijing in my 17 plus years living here. stevet

Richard,
I'm glad that you are still out there pickin'. Music is a great healer and as a musician do we really have a choice but to play? I really enjoy your posts and insight and am praying for a better 2014 for you.

Jim in Missouri

I was just searching YouTube for ideas for playing Merle Haggard's "Rainbow Stew" and ran across my friend, Richard Sinkler playing his take on it. Wow, great job, Richard!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yRDOrCFIY4c