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Steve Robinson - Astronaut, & Steeler Too!
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 5:13 am
by Lee Baucum
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."
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 5:27 am
by Joey Ace
Cool!
In a weightless environment, lugging the instrument isn't an issue. Dropped fingerpicks are also a non-concern.
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 6:18 am
by Jim Cohen
YOWZA! Our first steel player in space! Think we can get him to join the forum when he return?
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 6:37 am
by Ray Minich
"In space, nobody hears you flub..."
(Oh, Sigourney....)
Do you think he ever gets tired of being asked if he's related to Will?<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Ray Minich on 03 August 2005 at 08:06 AM.]</p></FONT>
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 6:53 am
by Webb Kline
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.
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 7:14 am
by Jeff Lampert
<SMALL>Dropped fingerpicks are also a non-concern</SMALL>
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
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 7:28 am
by Mike Mantey
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
<font size="1" color="#8e236b"><p align="center">[This message was edited by Mike Mantey on 03 August 2005 at 09:03 AM.]</p></FONT>
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 7:40 am
by Lem Smith
<SMALL>he took one of Del's cd's up with him to listen to on the space station</SMALL>
Now if THAT doesn't qualify for "cool", I don't know what it'd take!!!
Lem
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 8:16 am
by Ricky Davis
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
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 8:21 am
by Tom Quinn
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!
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 12:23 pm
by CrowBear Schmitt
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 ?
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 12:40 pm
by Boo Bernstein
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!
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 12:47 pm
by Klaus Caprani
That confirms it then!
This DEFINETELY is rocket-science
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Klaus Caprani
MCI RangeXpander S-10 3x4
www.klauscaprani.com
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 1:42 pm
by Charlie McDonald
AWRIGHT!
<SMALL>I still want to be a musician...when I grow up</SMALL>
Cool.
Could be the first steel music in space.
Right now!
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 1:59 pm
by Archie Nicol
Let's hope they all come home safe.
Arch.
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 2:12 pm
by Jeff Lampert
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
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 3:05 pm
by Ben Slaughter
All we need now is a brain surgeon who plays steel, then we will officially be the smartest musicians! Just ask us.
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 3:10 pm
by Webb Kline
Actually there used to be a brain surgeon at the local hospitalwho was a fine steeler. Dont know whatever happened to him.
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 3:24 pm
by Paul King
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.
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 3:47 pm
by Wayne Franco
Proof that steel guitar is out of this world
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 4:08 pm
by Paul Norman
Steve may have to do another (4th ) spacewalk. NASA has found another problem.
Hope they all get back safely.
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 4:22 pm
by Hook Moore
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
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 4:31 pm
by Charles Curtis
I believe the Apollo 12 astronauts liked country also, I was with them on a thirty-day 'round the world flight in 1970.
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 4:43 pm
by Joey Ace
What's the fuss about?
It's not uncommon for Steel Players to need day jobs.
Posted: 3 Aug 2005 5:09 pm
by Damir Besic
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