Livingston, Bob 2008-10-08

Bob Livingston discusses his early musical influences, his experience running The Attic, and his musical career after the disbandment of The Gonzos. He delves into his international tours in India and concludes with stories from his tour around the United States in the mid-nineties

General Interview Information

Interviewee Name: Bob Livingston

Additional Parties Recorded:

Date: October 08, 2008

Location: Austin, Texas

Interviewer: Andy Wilkinson

Length: 02:02:23

Abstract

Tape 1, Side 1:

Video Start up, Livingston’s background and influences in music, Parents involvement in church, Organist at First United Methodist Church in Lubbock, Began singing as his brother played guitar, Brothers involvement in Lubbock bands, Bought a ukulele at twelve and could play by ear, Bought a Stella guitar from Sears, First gig at Jewish church party, Listened to Neil Sedaka and Buddy Holly as he pulled weeds, Picked up harmonica, straight-harp, Robby Gamble and Johnny Tull, The New Grutchly Go Fasties, Influence from First Methodist Church, Listened to Dorothy Abarrett play pipe organ, Beatles broadcast, Learned songs and played them during church camp, High school football experience, Monterrey verses the Spurs, Second string tackle on the Junior Varsity, Starting position at Lubbock High, Gigs after high school, Played a Gibson J-45 and Fender Twelve String, Studied art in college, Joined a fraternity

Tape 1, Side 2:

Gigs after high school (take two), Didn’t fit in with fraternity, Gig at basement of Ron’s ice cream shop, Joe Ely performance on Ave Q, Purchases a high-hat, Ely’s connection to Dorothy Abarrett, The Attic, Friday and Saturday night gigs, Joe’s Sunday night gig, Closing of the club, Brookshire Inn, Draft lottery, Draft number called and relocation to Aspen, Colorado, Aspen, Colorado, Brother’s gig at Restaurant Club Music and happy hour gig, Brother’s friendship with John Denver, Playing covers of Bob Dylan and original songs, After Gonzo, Bobbie Bridger and Slim Pickins, Timber Jack Joe, Breakup of the Gonzo Band, Bass gig with Ray, Benefit of Doubt, South Texas Nuclear Project, Record deal loss, “Something about the Night” record and Bruce Springsteen, India, 1985, Followed his wife and children there, Frank Block and Fulbright lecture program, Cultural gig in Mandras, Lost Gonzo band in India

Tape 2, Side 1:

India, 1986-1991, Livingston’s solo tours, Incorporation of local musicians and instruments, Experience working for the state department, What Country? Similar themes in music, Family involvement, “Country Roads” and other well known songs, Shut down with Regan administration, ’91 Bangladesh revolution, India, 1998, Tucker on percussion, India, Bangladesh, Nepal tour, Vignette in Calcutta, United States tour 1992-1998, House gigs and work at radio station, Tour with Jerry Jeff, Seven-week Middle East tour

Access Information

Original Recording Format:

Recording Format Notes:

Transcript: Transcript available on Dspace

https://swco-ir.tdl.org/handle/10605/358785

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