Excerpt: “History of the Groove” Russell Buddy Helm ©2014 all rights reserved
May 18, 1978.
I was drumming with Gary Busey after the premier of the “Buddy Holly Story”. Buddy Holly’s widow was there and complimented us on our good sound. The bar was full of rock n rollers and film people. We were out in the country in Callabassas and lots of people were sitting in. A couple of girl singers were doing a great job on back up. When we finished I was at the bar and one of the back up singers approached me, “Don’t I know you?” she asked. “That’s supposed to be my line.” I said with a smile.
“No, really.” She insisted. We talked for a while, mentioning different people, different cities and we both said ‘Atlanta” at the same moment. She had been singing with Lowell George and Little feat and I was with Tim Buckley. We were both performing at Richard’s; a huge rock club. We both looked at each other and got embarrassed. The lost weekend came back to us both at the same instant. Bonnie Bramlett had also been singing with Little Feet and was determinded to take me away from Tim. That didn’t work out. Suddenly, a person from the past showed up; Mark Lindseys’ bodyguard. The huge bodyguard had sort of stalked Mark’s ex girlfriend. I knew he had kept an eye on me too, just in case the ex girlfriend might track me down. So I went out on the porch of the Saloon and he followed me out. There was a new Pantera parked in front of the saloon with a lot of other fancy cars. The bodyguard came up to me and pretended to be friendly. “Is that your car?” He asked. “Yeah.” I said. “Nice.” He said. “Look,..” I said, “I’m worried that somebody is going to steal my car while I go to the john. Would you stay here and keep an eye on it for a few minutes. I’ll be right back.” He perked up, suddenly feeling important. I slipped away from him, went out the back door and left for the night. I feel sorry for the owner when he tried to get into his own car.
Excerpt: “History of the Groove” Russell Buddy Helm ©2014 all rights reserved