Les Paul dead at 94.....

[buler]

Bummer. Thats all I can say.

B

 

[dhermann1]

Another one I kept telling myself I'd go to see while he was still around, but never made it. He had cancelled his regular Monday night gig at Iridium a couple of months ago. When I asked after him, I got the feeling he was not going to make it back. Yes, quite a bummer. But like Frankie Manning, he was doing what he loved almost till the last minute of a very long life. God bless him.

 

[LizzieMaine]

I got turned away from seeing Mr. Paul at the Iridium about four years ago -- and always hoped I'd get another chance. A big disappointment.

 

[Doctor Strange]

I also always expected to go see him play sometime, but I somehow never got around to it. D'oh!

 

[buler]

I was lucky enough to be able to get tickets for his 93rd birthday bash at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee last year. Took my mom to see him. She had always been a big fan but never had a chance to see him live. I'm so glad that we went!

B

 

[Lorena B]

Wow, i am glad someone made this thread as i was about to.

Is sad news that he passed away, he was a fabulous.
I admire him, such a talent.
RIP LES.

 

[skyvue]

I worked for a couple of years at Fat Tuesday's in the 1980s, where Les's weekly gig then took place. He was quite a character -- irascible, bawdy, often a bit grumpy, but underneath it all, a decent enough sort.

If you'd asked the FT staff back then if Les would still be playing more than twenty years later, I think, to a person, we'd have said, "No way." But play he did, and well.

RIP.

 

[mayserwegener]

Les Paul was the late great Danny Gatton's hero. Check the end (6.55) of this youtube for insight on Les Paul.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fBrcjMub_E

 

[Solid Citizen]

make EVERY note COUNT

Don Wilson of the VENTURES always wanted to meet Les Paul. Les could be very outgoing if he liked you other wise watch out. Several years ago Wilson finally met Les. He walked up to him stated his name & the group. It was as if the waves had parted, Les put him hand on Wilson's shoulder shook his hand & said Walk Don't Run. Wilson was completely blown away. Solid Citizen

PS Check out the CD Chester & Lester (With Chet Atkins)

 

[MrBern]

I worked for a couple of years at Fat Tuesday's in the 1980s, where Les's weekly gig then took place. He was quite a character -- irascible, bawdy, often a bit grumpy, but underneath it all, a decent enough sort.

If you'd asked the FT staff back then if Les would still be playing more than twenty years later, I think, to a person, we'd have said, "No way." But play he did, and well.

RIP.

That was a great room. Once I was seated at a front table, pretty much at his feet. He looked down at my meal & commented: That stuff is gonna KILL you!

He was quite a spirited man.

 

[rkwilker]

As I'm sure you all know, aside from all his innovations to the solid body electric guitar, Les pioneered multi tracking and delay effects. He was a real innovator and an incredible musician. I will miss him. I remember standing in front of the Iridium two years ago on a Monday afternoon with a friend debating whether to come back and see him perform later in the evening. We decided to pass as we thought we would have other chances to catch his show. I will always regret that decision.