Mark Brend - Rock n Roll Doctor

[chadgumbo]

Hello Feat Fans,
I recently read Mark Brend's biography of Lowell George and recommend it to Feat fans everywhere.
My only disappointment came at the end of the book. Mr. Brend (or perhaps the publisher) mistakenly lists Lowell's date of death as July 29, 1979. I've always been of the belief that Lowell played his last gig on June 28 and passed away the following day on June 29, 1979. I checked the software included with Family Tree Maker and the death index provided by those folks lists his date of birth as April 13, 1945 and date of death as simply June 1979.
Any responses? I'm pretty sure June 29, 1979 is the correct date but would gladly stand corrected if I am in error. - chadgumbo 7/3/2004

[Thomas Engelmann]

You're right - June 29, 1979 is the correct date !

[ it's a typo, see context p131 and p134 ]

[chadgumbo]

Thanks Tom for the confirmation. I was pretty sure I was right about that. For anyone else interested in reading the book, it's also full of some wonderful black & white photos of Lowell and the band!
- chadgumbo

[MarkB]

Hello

Thanks for your kind remarks about the book. You are quite right - it is a mistake (as someone else pointed out, a typo, as the correct date is given elsewhere)

best

Mark Brend

[powerfunk]

.....how 'bout another plug for the book....in addition to the historical info and pictures....if you've ever attempted to play Lowell's music, you will likely find some interesting insights (including the tunings and equipment he used)....easily worth the price of admission....especially if you have any interest in developing a similar style of your own....THANKS Mark.

[chadgumbo]

Mr. Brend,
I guess I hadn't thought that my question might bring about a personal response from you... but I am honored and thank you for taking the time to do so.
For many years I have thought that a biography of either the band or Lowell would be a very worthwhile project for the author and a great read for music fans everywhere. I discovered the existence of your book during one of my visits to the Little Feat website and immediately made a trip to the Mall of America (75 miles for me) when I couldn't find it here in Rochester, MN.
The book was wonderful, and it holds a special place among my collection of books. Thank you for writing it!
- Chad Sietsema (chadgumbo)

P.S. Another Little Feat project that I had hoped would become a reality did so just recently as well... the production of a live concert on DVD, with the current band, "Live Highwire Act in St. Louis". And, of course, there is the "Rockpalast" DVD with the '70s line-up as well. As a Little Feat fan, it's been a great year!

[MarkB]

Chad, thanks again

...and to you, powerfunk. The Lowell guitar/gear information came from a combination of sources, including several print and audio interviews from the 70s, some e-mail conversations I had with Paul B in the band, and also some recollections from British slide guitarist Bryn Haworth. who was in LA in the late 60s and saw Lowell when he was just starting out on slide.

best to all

Mark Brend