Steve Robinson - Astronaut, & Steeler Too!

Lee Baucum · Post by **Lee Baucum** » 3 Aug 2005 5:13 am

As I am writing this, Steve is outside the space shuttle making needed repairs.

My wife heard a newscast this morning that said he played the "steel pedal guitar". I looked it up on the web and found several newspapers carrying this interview with Steve.

Tell me about your other interests or hobbies when you're not busy being an astronaut -

"I still want to be a musician and an artist someday when I grow up. I play music and I play guitar in a rock and roll band, and I play banjo and mandolin and bass and a pedal steel guitar."

Post by **Joey Ace** » 3 Aug 2005 5:27 am

Cool!

In a weightless environment, lugging the instrument isn't an issue. Dropped fingerpicks are also a non-concern.

Jim Cohen · Post by **Jim Cohen** » 3 Aug 2005 6:18 am

YOWZA! Our first steel player in space! Think we can get him to join the forum when he return?

Ray Minich · Post by **Ray Minich** » 3 Aug 2005 6:37 am

"In space, nobody hears you flub..."
(Oh, Sigourney....)
Do you think he ever gets tired of being asked if he's related to Will?[This message was edited by Ray Minich on 03 August 2005 at 08:06 AM.]

Webb Kline · Post by **Webb Kline** » 3 Aug 2005 6:53 am

Well, if he decides to go into music full time this will be a great help in launching his career and sending him into orbit with all the stars.

Jeff Lampert · Post by **Jeff Lampert** » 3 Aug 2005 7:14 am

Dropped fingerpicks are also a non-concern

No bar dings. And you can carry four Fender Twins with one hand to your gig so you have enough headroom.

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Jeff's Jazz

Mike Mantey · Post by **Mike Mantey** » 3 Aug 2005 7:28 am

I will tell you the story of our encounter with the man. He lives somewhere in Texas I believe and he flew into the Denver airport. He had the day to spend here so he called us and wanted to come visit our shop. We of course said ok, but we had no idea who he was. This was one of the most humble men I had ever met. Shaun got to talking to him a little bit and found out what he did for a living. Then we all were in a panic trying to talk to the guy. He and his wife are some of the nicest people you will ever meet, so needless to say we got our autographs and he took one of Del's cd's up with him to listen to on the space station and he is going to send it back with all the crews autographs. It is easy to understand why he didn't really want us to know who he was, but now we do. He was facinated by our guitars and he loves his music. It was a real honor just to be able to talk to this guy on a personal level. he is funny also.

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Mike Mantey
Sales & Production Manager
Mullen Guitar Co., Inc.
(970) 664-2518 www.mullenguitars.com
[This message was edited by Mike Mantey on 03 August 2005 at 09:03 AM.]

Lem Smith · Post by **Lem Smith** » 3 Aug 2005 7:40 am

he took one of Del's cd's up with him to listen to on the space station

Now if THAT doesn't qualify for "cool", I don't know what it'd take!!!

Lem

Ricky Davis · Post by **Ricky Davis** » 3 Aug 2005 8:16 am

Yes Steve is a Good pal and is the owner of the "Spirit Marlen".

When he was over at the house to pick this Marlen up; he wanted to learn the solo to "Because of the Wind" that Lloyd Maines played on a Joe Ely Album; so I taught it to him and every since then he sends me something from NASA(hat;shirt...etc)from time to time. You can't meet a nicer guy and a very good musical mind. I wish him all the luck up yonder; and they couldn't have a better guy on their team right now> Brilliant!!!
Ricky

Tom Quinn · Post by **Tom Quinn** » 3 Aug 2005 8:21 am

When I got my first steel in 1974, the local musical crew told me it was a musical instrument so complicated only "rocket scientists" could play it...

Now I know they were right!

CrowBear Schmitt · Post by **CrowBear Schmitt** » 3 Aug 2005 12:23 pm

Ricky, it would be a honour & a privilege to have Steve as a member here 4 sho'
how bout a steel retreat over at the ISS ?

Boo Bernstein · Post by **Boo Bernstein** » 3 Aug 2005 12:40 pm

I was watching "Good Morning America" this morning and the host who's replacing Charlie Gibson said that Steve is a musician "... who even plays the STEEL PEDAL GUITAR -- and that's a really difficult instrument!" You have to love it!

Klaus Caprani · Post by **Klaus Caprani** » 3 Aug 2005 12:47 pm

That confirms it then!

This DEFINETELY is rocket-science

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Klaus Caprani

MCI RangeXpander S-10 3x4
www.klauscaprani.com

Charlie McDonald · Post by **Charlie McDonald** » 3 Aug 2005 1:42 pm

AWRIGHT!

I still want to be a musician...when I grow up

Cool.
Could be the first steel music in space.
Right now!

Archie Nicol · Post by **Archie Nicol** » 3 Aug 2005 1:59 pm

Let's hope they all come home safe.
Arch.

Jeff Lampert · Post by **Jeff Lampert** » 3 Aug 2005 2:12 pm

Ricky, next time you speak to him, ask him to post how many cents flat of 440 he tunes his 3td string.

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Jeff's Jazz

Ben Slaughter · Post by **Ben Slaughter** » 3 Aug 2005 3:05 pm

All we need now is a brain surgeon who plays steel, then we will officially be the smartest musicians! Just ask us.

Webb Kline · Post by **Webb Kline** » 3 Aug 2005 3:10 pm

Actually there used to be a brain surgeon at the local hospitalwho was a fine steeler. Dont know whatever happened to him.

Paul King · Post by **Paul King** » 3 Aug 2005 3:24 pm

I do not know much about Marlen steel guitars but that steel is one nice looking guitar. I guess steel players cover all kinds job professions so I am not surprised one would be an astronaut. Who knows, maybe one day one of us might be the President of the United States.

Wayne Franco · Post by **Wayne Franco** » 3 Aug 2005 3:47 pm

Proof that steel guitar is out of this world

Paul Norman · Post by **Paul Norman** » 3 Aug 2005 4:08 pm

Steve may have to do another (4th ) spacewalk. NASA has found another problem.
Hope they all get back safely.

Hook Moore · Post by **Hook Moore** » 3 Aug 2005 4:22 pm

Years ago another astronaut was a big Conway Twitty fan and played "Hello Darlin" in space so John Hughey may be the first steel in space

Hook

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www.HookMoore.com

Charles Curtis · Post by **Charles Curtis** » 3 Aug 2005 4:31 pm

I believe the Apollo 12 astronauts liked country also, I was with them on a thirty-day 'round the world flight in 1970.

Post by **Joey Ace** » 3 Aug 2005 4:43 pm

What's the fuss about?
It's not uncommon for Steel Players to need day jobs.

Damir Besic · Post by **Damir Besic** » 3 Aug 2005 5:09 pm

Dang,Steve is playing my Marlen..great,,ha..that`s something to talk my grandkids about..

Db

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"Promat"
~when tone matters~
http://hometown.aol.com/damirzanne2/PROMAT.html