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If you have any connection to the San Francisco Bay Area music scene, Beserkley Records, Rather Ripped Records, KSAN, etc. during the 60s, 70s and 80s, you've probably heard of or met Gary Phillips, a.k.a. Gary Philippet.
Or you may have known Gary from Spokane or
Penrith Farms in Newport, Washington.
Your thoughts, memories, etc. are very welcome on this blog!
Please feel free to email your posts and any photos or audio clips to
bigfan@[REMOVETHIS]garyphilippet.com.
Your requests or suggestions for improvement are
gratefully accepted as well.
- Thanks!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
where else could I write it?
I'm so grateful to have known you.
Thank you for everything my friend.
Man oh man I miss seeing you, talking to you.
I love you, I gratefully think of you everyday
Monday, February 23, 2009
RIP
I knew Gary during the Beserkeley days. My band, the Young Adults, opened an Earthquake show at Keystone Berkeley in 1978 or so. Gary was always a big fan of the Young Adults and very encouraging about our musical efforts. I always enjoyed talking to him and while we were not close friends I remember his warm smile and easy going nature with great fondness. I recently reconnected with many friends from those days and was saddened by the news of his passing. My heart goes out to his family and friends. I was hoping we'd be able to reconnect through the Facebook Berkeley Punks pages. He's now part of the big endless song and I'll listen for his music when I go to sleep tonight.
Peace
jpoet
Saturday, February 21, 2009
What a shame...
I forget how he knew Simon, probably to do with the music papers Simon used to write for, and he only stayed for a few hours and played us a cassette of some music that he had recorded..but I do remember what a lovely man he was. One of those people
that you instantly take a liking to and remember down the years.
I was just idly googling, the way you do on a Saturday afternoon in February, and came across his name and I am really sad to hear that he has passed away.. my condolences to his friends and family
Judy Dyble
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
remembering Gary
Gary produced The Rubinoos first 45 rpm recording, Gorilla, which was included in the Beserkley Chartbusters LP.
I won't pretend that I appreciated Gary 'discovering' this tune for us to cover, but we did cover it, then I went on to Jonathan Richman, other things, as did the Rubinoos.
But I do have fond memories of Gary, Earthquake, Longbranch and visiting his little room in the attic of the house which was the home to Beserkley Records, at Eunice & Spruce. Gary had a love for music which inspired us all and an incredible music collection which informed us all too.
- Greg Keranen
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Meeting Gary
Speaking of soul, my brother Dan and I were living in the Bay Area after my escape from the Synanon Cult in 1975. Making the transition from inside the "Funhouse" to back "Down On The Streets" was a tough thing to navigate after forfeiting your God-Given right to think. Our forays across the bridge where Earth Quake would dish up some rock at The Keystone provided some needed social lubrication to begin to Rawk Hard Again is something I'll always be grateful for.
Over the next few Keystone gigs, we turned him on to SRB photo's and tapes of their live shows. Our cross-cultural Detroit-Bay Area bond was cemented with his favorite pic of Fred "Sonic" Smith that depicted a man on the prowl for that Perfect overtone...leaning back into a power chord with his left foot raised...exposing a boot so worn that the leather had separated from the sole of the boot.
Gary impressed me as being fairly spiritual...not particularly religious and that's a good thing as Jesus himself hated religion. When he would cruise into a town like a band on tour, Christ made it a point to sup with the whores, sinners, dope fiends and winos...much like a good rock n' roll band does while coming in to do a gig...spreading the life-affirming power of the art of Rock n' Roll. My prayer is that Gary went home resting in the peace & knowledge of being in Father's hands with all his humanity bought and paid for by the power of the blood of His Son.
Where the gun is cocked and the bullet's cold
Where the miles are marked in the blood and gold
I'll meet you further on up the road
Got on my dead man's suit and my smilin' skull ring
My lucky graveyard boots and song to sing
I got a song to sing, keep me out of the cold
And I'll meet you further on up the road.
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Where the way dark and the night is cold
One sunny mornin' we'll rise I know
And I'll meet you further on up the road.
Now I been out in the desert, just doin' my time
Searchin' through the dust, lookin' for a sign
If there's a light up ahead well brother I don't know
But I got this fever burnin' in my soul
So let's take the good times as they go
And I'll meet you further on up the road
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
Further on up the road
One sunny mornin' we'll rise I know
And I'll meet you further on up the road
One sunny mornin' we'll rise I know
And I'll meet you further on up the road.
-Tim
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Dennis Lanigan
Closest friends through high school and beyond, collaborating musically throughout the 60's, shaping our lives during a very turbulent, yet inspiring time, we bonded together through music and friendship.
Though many years had passed between visits, Gary's caring nature was very apparent when he came to visit us a couple of years ago. He was most concerned about our well being and was very pleased to find we were all fine, even though he seemed aware that his time was limited.
My sincere thanks to the Philippet Family for including me in their lives and to Gary for being such a good friend.
Dennis
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Saturday, September 1, 2007
A Memorial for Gary
September 15th,
in Newport, Washington
on the beautiful property where Gary lived since 1985, Penrith Farms.
If you would like to attend, contact Jim or Sherry at Penrith:
Phone: 509-447-0665
509-447-2996
E-mail: penrith@povn.com
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
Memories: from a roadie.
But needless to say Gary was living like a Rolling Stone and we had to leave town the back way. Finding our way to NYC with our Keith Richards in the back was better than the Gig. There were times when the GKB (Greg Steve Larry Gary Dave) found all the right harmonics with all the right people all at the right time. Whoa. What a great time. Gary you really did “rock”. I'm going to miss ya. My thoughts are with you.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
from Greg Kihn
That house burned to the ground during the big firestorm a few years back. Our time there was full of musical inspiration. Gary had been helping out the GKB in the studio and it was only logical that he start playing gigs with us. This led to a phasing out of Earthquake and a full time position in the GKB. We went on to have lots of hit records and toured the world. I like to think Gary was happiest then. He was a genuine rock star, a role he enjoyed playing (for a while). We were as close as brothers during this period. His little M.G. sports car was featured in several of our videos. I will miss Gary every time I hear one of our songs. Gary was a musician's musician. What a tragic loss.
-Greg Kihn
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Lisa Sheftman wrote:
...I thought Gary was brilliant (from the time I managed to sneak into an EQ concert at the age of 10)
Someone recently posted some EQ videos on YouTube, from a 1978 German TV show. Here's "Street Fever" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnRvDOIJ_0Y
and "Train Ride"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFnu0Qo_YtM
...some heroes are never worth letting go.
All the best,
Lisa
Monday, March 5, 2007
Greg Douglass
Gary's death hit me hard, considering that I hadn't seen him in 20 years. He and I were friends from the mid-70s on, when we met at Cippolina's rehearsal hall. I had immediate respect for his musical talent, his voice, and that amazing presence. It's weird to think of that driving force being absent from the planet. I corresponded with Gary during his illness a few times, and his attitude was just amazing. The last letter he sent to me ended with "Make sure you enjoy every sandwich." I have taken that advice to heart.
Gary was always my favorite rhythm guitarist. I knew when I walked onstage with Gary that I would have my ass kicked into playing well, even if I was tired or fucked up. The guy was Keith Richards with chops. He could be a tad volatile at times...as I'm sure you know!...but it was only because he cared so deeply about the music.
His picture, along with the rest of the Kihn band, hangs in the hallway on the way down to my studio, so I still see Gary in his prime everyday. It's a good memory to carry into the day with me.
Let me know any details about the memorial. Unless I'm in, like, Uganda, I'll be there.
Thank you so much for writing, Patrick, and thanks for turning me on to the marvelous web site. Please keep me updated.
Greg Douglass
Escondido CA
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Chuck Prophet
I'm still numb. Still haven't been able to get
my head around it. Gary's gone.
Just like that. It wasn't "just like that" but it
sure seems like it this morning.
Gary didn't want me to know he was sick. I wish I
would have pressed him harder, maybe then I would
have had the chance to say goodbye. But he didn't
want to get into the details. I suspect it had
something to do with him not wanting to be
anything less than a good hang.
Above all, Gary was always a good hang. That's
the way I always remember Gary. As a great hang.
Never one to put anyone out.
Living the good life up there outside Newport Wa.
Working the land. Away from the glitz. His second
act was all service. He took care of people. He
grew vegetables. Helped people back into society
by showing how to bale hay. Until he got so sick
that he couldn't climb up on that tractor.
All he wanted to do was get well enough to feed
those animals. He'd say, "man there's a certain
feeling you get down in the stalls at 5 AM. The
animals need me. Those Lama's are happy to see
me. I just want to be of service. If I could
just get that well again!"
One of the first times we reconnected after so
many years, Gary drove four hours up to a gig I
was playing in Seattle. 3 Am and we're loading an
SVT amp head into the van off the loading dock.
And somehow I'm having more fun than I had the
whole tour! That's what I mean by a good hang.
We're hanging out for ten minutes and I feel like
I've known him my whole life. Which makes more
than a little sense.
We would send each other Mix CD's. We took it
very seriously. Gary would tap into a vein and
surprise me. My favorites were the 7 inch singles
that he'd gathered from his days working the
counter at Rather Ripped. Often times' the store
couldn't make the payroll each week, so the owner
would say, "just grab as many singles as you
want".
Probably suited Gary just fine. He was never that materialistic.
All he wanted to do was get well enough to feed those animals.
I remember last year I had loaned a book to
Jonathan Richman who happens to be my neighbor
and was Gary's one time room-mate. We stood on
the porch shuffling our feet, talking about Gary
being sick. Jonathan raised his head opened his
eyes wide and said, "He might make it." And
somehow at that moment I believed he would make
it. Later when I told Jonathan that Gary was
slipping fast, I reminded him what he'd told me
and how I believed him.
Jonathan said, "I believed me too."
I have so many great memories of Gary.
Gary and I had electricity. Just two people when
we would start to talk it would flow. You touch
those two wires together and it sparks.
All those years ago, at the Keystone in Berkeley.
Playing pinball. I remember Gary showing me a
Yardbirds lick. One of the three licks that I
know. I play it every day.
Funnier than two motherfuckers he was. After the
surgery where they cut that massive tumor out of
him, he referred to it as "the baby".
Sure do miss the dude.
chuck prophet
(((belle sound))) 61 noe St sf, ca 94114
management: dan kennedy mummyheadMusic@gmail.com
mummyhead music: (520) 982-4650
http://www.chuckprophet.com
http://www.myspace.com/chuckworld
http://www.brink.com/bio/Chuck%20Prophet
http://www.bellesound.com/
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
note from richi ray harris
I can't believe I'm here and Gary's not.
Richi Ray Harris from Freedom Highway
Sunday, February 11, 2007
miss you
the last thing he said to me face to face before goodbye: "all there is is forgiveness."
i foresee your smile, Gary.
ron b. libby
Friday, February 9, 2007
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Tuesday, February 6, 2007
Bassist from "Freedom Highway" remembers
My Gary story; we had just finished a gig in Eureka,Ca. and sitting in the back of Bruce Brymer's (drums) van and it was pouring rain and crawling with police. I said something like ''I'd hate to be busted on a night like this''.
He replied something like : '' I'd get popped if it was for the band'' I just sat there and thought to my self ''what b---'s'' and didn't say a word. That was Gary.
I only have two regrets with Gary Philippet (that's how I knew him).
One; I never got to record with him and two; I never saw him again except the times I saw him on MTV. I'll leave you and Gary in peace. Ill miss him.
Respectfully
Scott Inglis.
Praise from Tom S.
Hello.
I only just now, as I type this, about Gary. While I never met the man personally, I have heard several great things about him. As I know a lot of people who did and/or were connected to them. It's too bad I never met the cat, as I heard he lived not too far from me at all.
As an unoffical collector of of all things Cipollina, I was deeply touch by the sheer raw talent of Gary. He seemed to appear to be the man who had been born with rock and roll in his blood, yet had a carefree way. His vocals were a marvel, all gritty mean and sweet and heartfelt at the same time. Along with a very sly sense of humor. All in all, Gary was very much something quite rare indeed!
I have uploaded some Copperhead recordings (legally) on the Live Music Archive found at http://www.archive.org/details/JohnCipollina) and will continue to upload some more soon. I know it's not much by them so far, but it will keep the spirit of this great musician alive! We shall not forget Gary!
While I am sad on this current, I would still like to give a big thanks for wonderful webpage available!
All the best,
-Tom S.
February 5, 2007 4:54 PM
Monday, February 5, 2007
Saturday, February 3, 2007
Great memories from Joanne Blake
My name is Joanne Blake. My husband Reb and I have known and loved Gary for over 40 years.
I first met him I believe, in 1966. He was in the band The Front Line. They had just toured with Sonny and Cher. The band moved into the house next door to my parents house on Blossom Court in San Rafael.
Being 14 at the time, you can imagine how exciting it was to have a "famous" rock band move into the house next door. After a few months of living it up and spending all the money they made on tour, they had the electricity and water shut off for non-payment. My parents had fallen in love with Gary and Dennis Lanigan and allowed them to run an extension cord to our house to power the amps and a few lights in the house. Also allowed them to shower at our house... and I think they even had a hose running from our backyard into their house to flush the toilet. In exchange, Gary cooked wonderful meals for us, and Dennis and Gary both gave my younger brother guitar lessons.
From day one I loved Gary. He was the big brother I never had, my best friend, and my savior when my 12 year old brother died very suddenly from a cerebral hemorrhage when I was 15. I am not sure I would have survived that experience, except for that fact that Gary was at my side day and night for a week or more.
Over the years we were in and out of touch but I always talked to him around his birthday (Reb's birthday is the day before Gary's, same age).
About 2 years ago he came to the Bay Area to do some production work, and stayed with us in Mill Valley 2 times. We got to renew our long time friendships over those 2 weekends and I will always treasure those times. After that we talked or emailed at least once a week.
I received a belated Christmas card from him a couple of weeks after Christmas, and after that he did not return emails or phone calls and I knew he was gone. We just found out from Mike Somavilla a couple of nights ago and we are so sad. I know Gary would want us to be happy that his suffering is over. Every time we talked, during his illness, he would tell me not to cry for him, but it was hard not to then, and hard not to now.
Thank you for putting together the wonderful tribute to Gary.
And as you said...many of us think of him as our BEST friend!
Thank you
Joanne (Harris) Blake
Thursday, February 1, 2007
A note from Pete Sears
I spent many happy and crazy months hanging out, playing music and recording with Gary, John Cipollina, Jim McPherson and David Weber at the old Quicksilver rehearsal house up on the hill in Corte Madera. We would occasionaly venture out and play a show here and there, like a live KSAN broadcast, or Bermuda Palms in San Rafael. Along with John, Gary was always a strong driving force behind the band. Gary and John's style of guitar playing and personalities always complemented each other well, as did Gary and Jim on vocals. We rehearsed for many months before we managed to come up with a name for the band, "Copperhead" (John's idea). I remember Gary as a generous and kind man, who lit up on stage (literally) and put all his energy into giving the audience the best possible performance he could.
Man, we had some good times. I haven't seen or spoken with Gary since I left Copperhead in 1972 just before they recorded their first album. I had to go back to England to record my third Rod Stewart album, and join a band Nicky Hopkins was starting up. As with other old friends who have moved on from this earthly plane (including Nicky), my biggest regret is not having reconnected with them again in later years - it's something that is always in the back of your mind. Then it is too late.
Gary will be remembered and missed by all those who loved him and his music.
My deepest sympathy goes out to his family and close friends.
See you down the line my old friend…and say hi to John, Jim and big Mark for me.
Your old mate,
Pete