MGB has played or toured with such diverse acts as...bo diddley,humble pie,mountain,spirit,yes,rem, the ramones,roger mcguinn,john mellencamp,marshall crenshaw,eric johnson,jj cale,dr. john,mick taylor,pat benatar,the B-52s,los lobos,denny laine,the pete best band,let's active,georgia satellites,atlanta rhythm section,sweet,mother's finest,dave alvin,tinsley ellis,widespread panic,hot tuna,kenny loggins,randall bramblett,the replacements, the romantics,alex chilton,fishbone,the db's,chris spedding,patti smith,steve forbert,delbert mcclinton,the dixie dregs,geoff guthrie,hampton grease band,the ventures,the candymen,son's of champlin,eugene chadbourne,black oak arkansas,mose jones,hydra,matt guitar murphy,the temptations,and many,many more...we can't remember..can you ??
Neye Benziyor?
...."at the time we started,we were inspired by the excitement of the beatles,the power of the who,and the songwriting of the kinks..so in our minds we'll never be half that good..but half that good is GOOD..we did it long enough that we became that...
we just wanted to be in a group,never thinking where it might take us--and look where it has--the guitar gave me a job,found my wife, raised my kids..the least i can do is play it best i can for anyone who listens...
when trying to press those first notes to "green onions" on my $25 guitar in 64,someone had said,"someday you'll stand on the planks at the cavern,or where jimi stood at the marquee,or the many rock festivals,and 40 years later you'll play the world, singing songs you wrote",i'd say you're dreaming,but bring it on..."
rock and roll still dreaming MGB 2007
the last of a dying breed rock band formed in europe in the 60s-and still alive to tell the story--the MGB has toured all over the world ,spearheaded underground guitar rock to a legion of fans worldwide ,and with albums including "direct hits","banned in america","right honourable friend",and "live at the cavern",the band has been described by rolling stone as one of the top 10 powerpop bands of all time.
with the addition of heir apparent jon on bass,the MGB has quickly gained the reputation of an explosive live act--and though both guthrie generations were born in the southern usa,both learned their rock trade with many years of playing festivals and pubs throughout europe--so much that in the usa,MGB is thought by many to be an english band--just one more case of carrying coals to newcastle--with the music that came originally from america.
in 2008,what you carry away from an MGB show is not history,nor rock pedigree,but an energy and attitude born of the love of music,not losing the edge of what got them started,but also a determination to break new ground--a fact born out from reaction from young crowds.
the long awaited upcoming release of direct hits/banned in america paves the way for new MGB songs for this generation and into tomorrow.
we love you guys so much, anything the guthrie family ever needs, i hope you don't hesitate to ask us first. Jon was one of the best friends i'll ever have in my life and i learned everything i know about rocking from your basement! take care, much love. -tyler
this friday night, FREE SHOW! the touchies will be playing at the soda bar at 930pm. (elcajon blvd.+36th) we are opening. with the fascination, hotel st. george, and so many wizards
Dearest Michael & Herb...My heart goes out to you and your families. I got a call from our mutual friend Tommy Pierson and learned of Jon's passing. I will never forget Jon, the innocent joy he took in seeing new places (as in the trip we met up on in S.F.) to the natural, raw energy he applied to his craft - Jon was a delight to behold.
I'm going to dig thru my achieves and see if i can find some footage from L'Pool, L.A. or S.F. and put together a video montage in memory of Jon.
Michael, This is the first I've heard of the passing of Jon....I am so very sorry for your loss. I will forever cherish the memory of serving as tour guide for you, Jon and Herb in San Francisco a few years ago, when we were all there for IPO. Driving you all across the Golden Gate, through Sausalito, and up into the Marin Headlands....I believe it was the Oasis "Definitely Maybe" disc serving as our soundtrack on such a beautiful day with good friends. His time was far too short, but the mark he left on me will never fade away. You take good care Michael. Respectfully, Tommy
I was totally impressed by your band. Jon was a huge part of that. He had a great teacher. I am glad to have spoken with you the times I have Mike and cannot imagine what you and your wife must be going through.
Thank you for the good music and especially the contribution you and your family have made to the Athens Music Scene. You have helped make it the best in the world to me.
Take much care and know that alot of people appreciate you guys.
Hey! It was wonderful to spend time with you guys and family yesterday. It just reminded me of why we are here, and how grateful I am to know y'all. You are AWESOME PEOPLE, as well as being the gifted folks you are. Love you all lots - from the Dearing-town!
Taken so sudden and I barely even knew the guy, but he sure could play! He left with people looking up to him and I know that he is enjoying a better life. My heart and prayers go out to the band and his family. God Bless!
Mike and Vanda... words fail me. All I know to do is to pray for your hearts to find some comfort and peace, and that the strength will come, to learn to carry on. - Deb
Online!
