A memoir of 25 years (1975-2000) spent working in the world of records & music in Seattle, with occasional side trips into writings on Led Zeppelin and other adventures from my musical life.
HJ, this history is really amazing and wow, talk about being at the right place at the right time. I can only wish I saw that Ramones show, and the Talking Heads on that tour! –DC
Awesome history, including name checking some of the unsung/ little known pioneers of the Seattle music scene. Love how you drew a sort-of-straight line from these writers/musicians to what the rest of the world found later.
I didn't think of them as punks, just creative kids who loved music.
This entire era of the Seattle music scene is one that I missed out on (too young, didn't live here yet) and know very little about, so I appreciate this history and the connecting of the dots.
Another great write up about the scene in the 70s. I was in the thick of it and Cellophane Squares was where I met many of my friends on a daily basis. Good times volunteering to wrap records when it was busy in the shop. Would’ve liked to have worked there but alas, I was working at the College Inn Café and tips were ready at hand. Jim Irwin (Moving Parts, Medicine Show) was the cafe manager at that time.
One vital member of the Telepaths that was left off the roster was Gregor Gayden. He was at Roosevelt and a year older than me. He was tall, lean and had an incredible style. He sang lead vocals in 1976. He was a dynamic and fearless performer entering his brief time with the young band headlined at a dance at Summit alternative high school. Like many Telepath concerts, the audience was not very receptive and I believe the plug was pulled on that show. My memory is vague so someone else please fill in the gaps.
Gregor passed away January 30, 2008. Many of the people mentioned above in your article attended his memorial. He is sorely missed.
Geoff Cade passed away on November 4, 2010 after a long struggle with many of the challenges life throws our way.
Ben Rabinowitz passed away in January 2001 from brain cancer. He is still mourned by his friends and family.
Glad you enjoyed the post, and thanks for reminding us of Gregor - not mentioning him was an oversight on my part, I did know him and always thought he was a sweetheart of a guy. I knew he was involved in bands but did not recall that he was in the Telepaths - great to have others who were there fill in some of the gaps in my memory, thanks L. Meyer!
Geoff Cade and I never really clicked, as you mention he was a troubled individual - but Ben Rabinowitz & I hung out a few times and shared a love of Jeff Beck & rock guitar playing in general. His passing was a shock, very talented guy.
Thanks again for writing these wonderful memoirs for us. And no worries about Gregor. He was in the band for a brief time and although I think he was involved in other groups, I don’t recall what they may have been. Others have a better memory than I and could fill in those gaps.
I look forward to your posts and the rekindling of many events and memories long forgotten.
Wonderful write-up, Hugh! I was in high school during the events described, and was largely clueless about them. I grew up in the middle/working class East Bellevue neighborhood of Lake Hills. Yes, I lived a short walk away from the epicenter of a very different scene, the Lake Hills Roller Rink, where many hard rock/glam bands attempted to launch their careers. That wasn't my scene, either (too much cigarettes, booze and teenage puking for my taste).
HJ, this history is really amazing and wow, talk about being at the right place at the right time. I can only wish I saw that Ramones show, and the Talking Heads on that tour! –DC
Awesome history, including name checking some of the unsung/ little known pioneers of the Seattle music scene. Love how you drew a sort-of-straight line from these writers/musicians to what the rest of the world found later.
I didn't think of them as punks, just creative kids who loved music.
Also, you and I were just kids ourselves.
This entire era of the Seattle music scene is one that I missed out on (too young, didn't live here yet) and know very little about, so I appreciate this history and the connecting of the dots.
I was here, but also too young. Sigh.
Another great write up about the scene in the 70s. I was in the thick of it and Cellophane Squares was where I met many of my friends on a daily basis. Good times volunteering to wrap records when it was busy in the shop. Would’ve liked to have worked there but alas, I was working at the College Inn Café and tips were ready at hand. Jim Irwin (Moving Parts, Medicine Show) was the cafe manager at that time.
One vital member of the Telepaths that was left off the roster was Gregor Gayden. He was at Roosevelt and a year older than me. He was tall, lean and had an incredible style. He sang lead vocals in 1976. He was a dynamic and fearless performer entering his brief time with the young band headlined at a dance at Summit alternative high school. Like many Telepath concerts, the audience was not very receptive and I believe the plug was pulled on that show. My memory is vague so someone else please fill in the gaps.
Gregor passed away January 30, 2008. Many of the people mentioned above in your article attended his memorial. He is sorely missed.
Geoff Cade passed away on November 4, 2010 after a long struggle with many of the challenges life throws our way.
Ben Rabinowitz passed away in January 2001 from brain cancer. He is still mourned by his friends and family.
Glad you enjoyed the post, and thanks for reminding us of Gregor - not mentioning him was an oversight on my part, I did know him and always thought he was a sweetheart of a guy. I knew he was involved in bands but did not recall that he was in the Telepaths - great to have others who were there fill in some of the gaps in my memory, thanks L. Meyer!
Geoff Cade and I never really clicked, as you mention he was a troubled individual - but Ben Rabinowitz & I hung out a few times and shared a love of Jeff Beck & rock guitar playing in general. His passing was a shock, very talented guy.
Thanks again for writing these wonderful memoirs for us. And no worries about Gregor. He was in the band for a brief time and although I think he was involved in other groups, I don’t recall what they may have been. Others have a better memory than I and could fill in those gaps.
I look forward to your posts and the rekindling of many events and memories long forgotten.
Wonderful write-up, Hugh! I was in high school during the events described, and was largely clueless about them. I grew up in the middle/working class East Bellevue neighborhood of Lake Hills. Yes, I lived a short walk away from the epicenter of a very different scene, the Lake Hills Roller Rink, where many hard rock/glam bands attempted to launch their careers. That wasn't my scene, either (too much cigarettes, booze and teenage puking for my taste).
Thanks for sharing like a Howard jones type