While I appreciate your perspective, as one who worked at AWHQ from 1972-1979 I think you missed some shows that were pivotal to AWHQ and the burgeoning Austin music scene:
1. Count Basey and his orchestra (demonstrating longhairs could enjoy a diversity of music)
2. B.B. King (black blues at its finest)
3. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band ( promoting his first album; tickets $1.25; Laura Bush rumored to attended)
And let us never Freddie King, who kept AWHQ afloat more than once with his concerts at no charge to AWHQ.
I thought that Spencer Perskin/Shiva’s Headband was on the first playbill but perhaps I’m mistaken. I seem to remember them playing “Ebeneezer” and “Take Me to the Mountains” there the day after they played for about 15 people at Morti’s Pizza Parlor…but memories play tricks…and who can tell anymore?
You are correct, Billy. They played with the Hub City Movers. I, too, was there. As I understand it, Spencer was a key to Eddie Wilson’ search for what became AWHQ. Shiva’s was like the house band for the Vulcan Gas Company, Austin’s first rock ‘n roll venue.
Thanks Mark. Appreciate your input. I don’t know if many people remember Morti’s which was at 34th and Guadalupe but Spencer must have liked the food and decided to play there occasionally…perhaps just for fine tuning. Regardless, I saw SHB there a few times and it was always enjoyable and interesting.
Another fine article, Michael! ... Unfortunately, I was not in Austin for much of the Dillo -- a long, painful story -- but my favorite show there was the Earl Scruggs Revue. Earl and his sons, Gary and Randy -- along with some fabulous additions -- absolutely tore it up!
Only went to the 'Dillo one time, but I still have the t-shirt.
It was 1974, about to graduate from Baylor. Drove down with a girl I was hopelessly in love with but she was only in "like" with me, and one other couple. Went to see the New Riders of the Purple Sage who had a monster hit with "Panama Red". Opening act was Roger McGuinn as a solo artist. He did lots of old Byrds songs, of course. Arrived at the Dillo completely stoned and had the ravenous munchies. Ate one of their nachos (it was served on an entire fried tortilla, NOT on chips) and the jalapeño lit me up. Could barely speak when a dude with a shaved head (a la Randy California of Spirit) saw my struggles and handed me a cold beer.
Saved my life.
The girl I was with went on to marry a total douche bag, then died in a house fire nearly seven years ago after he left her.
I'm still here, and I still have the Dillo t-shirt and some photos.
Great stuff. I wonder if anything is happening somewhere that equals the Austin music scene of years past. Maybe somewhere? Hopefully if not now then one day .
While I appreciate your perspective, as one who worked at AWHQ from 1972-1979 I think you missed some shows that were pivotal to AWHQ and the burgeoning Austin music scene:
1. Count Basey and his orchestra (demonstrating longhairs could enjoy a diversity of music)
2. B.B. King (black blues at its finest)
3. Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band ( promoting his first album; tickets $1.25; Laura Bush rumored to attended)
And let us never Freddie King, who kept AWHQ afloat more than once with his concerts at no charge to AWHQ.
I thought that Spencer Perskin/Shiva’s Headband was on the first playbill but perhaps I’m mistaken. I seem to remember them playing “Ebeneezer” and “Take Me to the Mountains” there the day after they played for about 15 people at Morti’s Pizza Parlor…but memories play tricks…and who can tell anymore?
Great remembrances Michael. Thank you
You are correct, Billy. They played with the Hub City Movers. I, too, was there. As I understand it, Spencer was a key to Eddie Wilson’ search for what became AWHQ. Shiva’s was like the house band for the Vulcan Gas Company, Austin’s first rock ‘n roll venue.
Thanks Mark. Appreciate your input. I don’t know if many people remember Morti’s which was at 34th and Guadalupe but Spencer must have liked the food and decided to play there occasionally…perhaps just for fine tuning. Regardless, I saw SHB there a few times and it was always enjoyable and interesting.
Another good one, Michael!
Another fine article, Michael! ... Unfortunately, I was not in Austin for much of the Dillo -- a long, painful story -- but my favorite show there was the Earl Scruggs Revue. Earl and his sons, Gary and Randy -- along with some fabulous additions -- absolutely tore it up!
Only went to the 'Dillo one time, but I still have the t-shirt.
It was 1974, about to graduate from Baylor. Drove down with a girl I was hopelessly in love with but she was only in "like" with me, and one other couple. Went to see the New Riders of the Purple Sage who had a monster hit with "Panama Red". Opening act was Roger McGuinn as a solo artist. He did lots of old Byrds songs, of course. Arrived at the Dillo completely stoned and had the ravenous munchies. Ate one of their nachos (it was served on an entire fried tortilla, NOT on chips) and the jalapeño lit me up. Could barely speak when a dude with a shaved head (a la Randy California of Spirit) saw my struggles and handed me a cold beer.
Saved my life.
The girl I was with went on to marry a total douche bag, then died in a house fire nearly seven years ago after he left her.
I'm still here, and I still have the Dillo t-shirt and some photos.
Life goes on.
To Michael Corcoran
Michael, if you’d like to chat about the early (1968-79) Austin music scene let me know. We could perhaps do a FaceTime.
Ya had to be there... If not, there's this book, by this guy...
Great stuff. I wonder if anything is happening somewhere that equals the Austin music scene of years past. Maybe somewhere? Hopefully if not now then one day .
Great insight on an old hangout (which I frequented in my youth). Just saying. Ketch