Got a call from my Hero today!

Russ Tkac · Posted 27 Apr 2005 6:00 pm

I was home at 3PM today when the phone rang. My wife answered it and handed the phone to me. The voice on the other end says "Hi, this is Sneaky Pete!" I had sent in to by his "Meet Sneaky Pete" CD and he was calling to find out what CD I wanted. I must have sounded like a fool on the phone. But, for a moment, I was an 18 year old again talking to my steel hero! Thanks Sneaky. You made my day!

Russ

John Ciano · Posted 27 Apr 2005 7:19 pm

Ain't he great!! I was fortunate to see him several times up close at the "Bottom Line" in N.Y.City. And after he was finished playing cards in the dressing room he was gracious enough to spend time with me. I remeber telling him that I figured out why they called him "Sneaky" and it was because
he did so much more than fills and licks.
His playing was the rhythm, it was the color and he gave the Burrittos a fullness without standing out as the steel guitar.
Experiencing his approach was a major influence on my own playing. My hero also!!

Bob Carlucci · From: Candor, New York, USA

I dunno Ciano, we're bumping into each other more now on the net, than we did back in the good old days in Jersey.. I also love Pete's unique touch and tone.. I guess I followed Buddy Cage a little closer, because it was easier to steal his licks,but boy, Sneaky Pete sends chills down my spine like NO other steel guitarist I've EVER heard!! bob

Russ Tkac · Posted 28 Apr 2005 2:40 pm

I thought it was one of my friends playing a joke on me. But, I usually can figure out the voice. When I realized it was Sneaky, I must have sounded like a complete fool! At least that's what my wife told me! She’s not to impressed with the steel but she likes the fact that he did stop-motion animation!

Russ

John Vaughan · From: San Jose, California, USA

Back about 1970 I got my first steel, a Fender 1000 D-8. Sneaky was also my hero and I called up A&M records (I was in Rhode Island at the time) and asked how to get in touch with him. The secretary said, "Give me your number and I'll have him call you". I did and he did, just about a half hour later. He told me how he tuned his steel and how his pedals were set up and got me on my way.

His playing on Gilded Palace of Sin is still about my favorite steel work ever. I also love his idea of "put the right note in the right place". Makes all the difference in the world.

JV

Mike Headrick · From: South Pittsburg, TN, USA

Russ,

About 18 months ago when I was formulating my Steels On Wheels CD, I sent Sneaky Pete some correspondence inviting him to play on some of the tracks. I never received an answer back and I thought he may have just considered it beneath him. When the CD was released I sent him a copy and got the nicest letter back. I then realized that he probably never got my email and if he had, he most likely would have played on the CD. He seems to be the gem of a guy I'd always heard he was. I know exactly how you felt when you got the phone call.

John Daugherty · From: Rolla, Missouri, USA

John, you must have had a long conversation if Pete gave you his setup.
I think he is playing the fender400 he got from me,years ago, when I was working with him. He put a GOB of pedals on that guitar and was the most unique player I was ever around. There was no way I could play that guitar when he got done with it and I heard that he added more stuff to it since then.

John Ciano · Posted 1 May 2005 3:16 pm

There is a picture of his guitar at www.duanemarrs.com/Gallery%201.html.
I remeber it having several pick-up on it and many knobs and toggle switches. His use of the MXR Phase 90 gave the steel a very pleasant sound and helped it fit nicely into non country tunes. "Love has no Pride"
by Linda Ronstat come to mind.

Russ Tkac · Posted 1 May 2005 3:19 pm

Mike,

I sent him a email and it didn't go through so I dropped him a note explaining my foolishness on the phone. His new band is suppose to be playing in Michigan in July and I'm planning on going. I probably should let my wife know.....naw!

Russ

David Yannuzzi · From: Pomona , New York, USA

After meeting Dan Dugmore in Nashville he gave me his phone number and I gave him mine. He was so nice and cool . I just started playing steel and had alot of ques.
Then a couple of weeks later I was back in NY and he called me to give me some more info.I was seriously hungover from the night before and not expecting a call From Dan. I think I sounded like and idiot and didn't even know what to say. Bad timming i guess .It was really cool that he went out of his way to call me . It meant alot and was just the inspiration I needed to keep on steeling..-Dave

[This message was edited by David Yannuzzi on 01 May 2005 at 06:01 PM.]

[This message was edited by David Yannuzzi on 01 May 2005 at 06:02 PM.]

Russ Tkac · Posted 1 May 2005 6:10 pm

My first good steel was inspired by Dan.

I should have kept at it when I started back in 74'

Russ

Mark Eaton · Posted 3 May 2005 2:53 pm

Saw Sneaky Pete play with Burrito Deluxe about 3-4 months ago in Santa Rosa. Fellow Forumite and ace player Dave Zirbel was there too, and perhaps some other members I don't know. There are rumors about Pete having health problems but his playing was just fine. He can get an awful lot of music out of that old 8-string Fender (it's a 400, no?).

------------------
Mark

John De Maille · From: On a Mountain in Upstate Halcottsville, N.Y.

Back in the early 80's, the band I was in opened for a lot of name acts,at the "Lone Star Cafe", the "Buritto's" being one of them. I got to meet Pete a couple of times. Without even knowing me, he let me use his rig to play our sets. I had never, ever, played through twin Session 400's before, and brother was that an eye opener. Almost blew me off the stage with the first note.Afterwards, we spoke about his steel and the effects he was using. He was very gracious to me and I'll always be a super fan of his.

Russ Tkac · Posted 5 May 2005 5:39 pm

Mike,

I received the "Steels on Wheels" CD today. Wow, what a great CD. Many of my favorite tunes all played superbly on steel. Mike you are one fine player! If you love the classic rock like I do get this CD you won't be disappointed!!!

Russ

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