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Richie Hayward Benefit Gig
Richie Hayward Benefit @ The Canyon Club, Los Angeles Richie Hayward still continues to be an inspiring influence to many drummers with his brand of raw, soulful rhythm & blues - the main ingredient for Little Feat’s unique sound. He has also had a rich career occupying the drum seat for such luminaries as Eric Clapton, Joan Armatrading, Ry Cooder, Bob Seger, Taj Mahal, Carly Simon and many more. In August 2009, Richie announced through Feat’s website that he had been diagnosed with severe liver disease. Moving from U.S. to Canada, Richie has no medical insurance so a small fundraiser was organised by friends. Word got out and the drumming community were alerted to his plight. |
Drummers Bruce Barber and Les Butts, invested time to organise a fund raiser bringing together musicians and the industry to raise funds towards Richie’s cause. The event was held on 4th October at the Canyon Club, Los Angeles. Fellow drummers, Gregg Bissonette and Simon Phillips stepped up to perform with Steve Lukather as did Herman Matthews (Session Great) and Tony Braunagel (Robert Cray Band) with Shaun Murphy (former lead vocalist Little Feat). Danny Seraphine also played with the California Transit Authority. Singer/songwriter and close friend Jackson Browne also performed a short set with percussionist Luis Conte. |
Chad Smith and Carmine Appice both donated signed snare drums for auction, raising close to $60,000 towards the total. Warm wishes were sent by drummers and the musical instrument industry including John Good (DW) who attended the event. “I have to say that when the benefit idea began five weeks before the October 4th date, Les Butts and Bruce Barber worked unbelievably hard. 90 musicians took part in that fantastic day. From the first downbeat to the final note played, everybody was so tuned into the mission; it went off flawless to say the least. Richie really wanted to be there but couldn’t due to his condition, he thought he was letting everyone down. I assured him that the whole idea was to help get him get back on his feet and we would all take care of the show. Everybody did their part for their friend Richie Hayward, I really don’t think he understands just how loved he is from fellow musicians to the fans that filled the Canyon Club. It was truly a beautiful thing to see and be part of, so many people giving of themselves because of what Richie has given to all of us” - John Good (DW) |
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"The first time I heard Richie I fell in love with his playing. He also is in one of the hippest bands of all time. He''s from Ames, Iowa and I''m from Creston, Iowa. Midwest does Rock! His time and groove will live on forever." - John "JR" Robinson “I''ve always loved Richie Hayward''s playing...he is always funky, soulful and always plays with a great feel and has plenty of technique. I was sad to hear of his condition He is one of rock''s great drummers and a nice guy!! I wish him a fast recovery from this awful sickness ...with love.” - Carmine Appice |
“The event was made from love not only from musicians but from the industry too, with signed snare drums, drumheads and memorabilia it just made the evening so so special. As far as drums, Richie Hayward influenced my playing a lot! He would play that swampy THANG, not swampy THING, that would just make me dance. Do whatcha you gotta do Richie, so you can come back here and have some gumbo with me.” – Herman Matthews “After having such a ball with my performances especially locking a duo with Herman Matthews, I walked through the packed house and saw so many musicians and fans that were part of this extended family of music, and to me that pays tribute to how much Richie''s drumming and the music of Little Feat has touched and entertained over the years. We miss you out there playing Richie, be strong and get well. I need to hear your greasy ass pocket again.” – Tony Braunagel (Robert Cray Band) |
"Richie Hayward has had an enormous effect on many drummers worldwide, myself included. His swampy, greasy feel and groove combined with an excellent, expressive and fluid technique gives him a unique sonic identity. He has skilfully and artfully blended R&B, Rock, Jazz, New Orleans Funk and Second Line drumming into a hearty bouillabaisse and in doing so has made a vast contribution to contemporary drumming, Thank you Richie and get well soon... we’re waiting to see you out on the boards again!!!" - Doane Perry (Jethro Tull) Further contributions still gratefully accepted, please direct any further donations to www.richiehaywardbenefit.com For more information: Report: Jerome Marcus |
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