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We were driving back from Dacono on
Sunday, April 28th --- my lady Lisa Torres, our good friend Debi Do
(Williams), and myself -- after performing at Jerry D's all day. It was a
glorious day filled with music, fun and laughter, and a packed house at the
world famous Jerry D's. The motorcycles were out in full force --- by the
hundreds --- it was a perfect day to ride -- a perfect day to relax and enjoy
good friends, good food, good drinks, and good times -- and a perfect day to
be a performer --- all the planets did align.
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But on the ride home ........ Debi
got a message that Barry Fey had passed away.
My heart sank deep and fast and I was to
tears before I could really fathom her words -- before they could really sink
in. I said "There has to be a mistake. Barry can't be gone". But
all my denial in the world didn't make it so. Mr. Barry Fey was gone.
As of this writing the cause is
undetermined -- much speculation --- knowing won't ease my heart any -- it
won't take away the shock ........... .......I wanted to say a few words on
the subject if I may.....if I may be self- indulgent for a moment....I wish
to share with you one of my Barry Fey stories.
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Barry
Fey in Denver on Monday, November 14, 2011. Photo: Cyrus McCrimmon,
The Denver Post
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We were 17 or 18 years old the first time
we had the opportunity to perform for Barry Fey. Our band at that time,
JAPETUS, consisted of drummer Bob Krushansky, bassist
Mark Derryberry, and myself.
By that time in our lives we were already seasoned veterans of the 3.2
circuit having been playing clubs since the ages of 13 or 14. We were young
and bold and motivated to be stars. We had the talent, the drive, ambition,
the chops, and (I thought) the material to make it HUGE. Barry was gracious
enough to grant us an audition. Drummer Bob had connected with Mr. Fey through
his father's business associates and made the arrangements.
We met at his office (at that time
in the Denver Tech Center -- the building no longer exists) and were welcomed
in. We set up and as we were getting ready to play he was telling us about
Tommy Bolin's new album (Private Eyes) going GOLD that week. We were big fans
(still are) and were (needless to say) impressed. When we were ready I asked
what he would like to hear --- original songs or cover songs. He said "I
already know Clapton can play. I wanna know if you
can". We performed a handful of songs and he made few comments ---
"that one reminds me of a THREE DOG NIGHT song"......" that
one's got a good hook" ..... "nice guitar
lick"........."good bass line"........"who
wrote that song? It's nice"....... .........All in all he was amazingly
gracious to 3 nervous teens who wanted to open for ZZ TOP. After he had heard
"enough" he told us "you don't sound like anyone else. You're
ROCK-N-ROLL but bluesy too, and melodic and hard rock ----- I don't know who
I'd book you with. You don't fit any category". (I thought that was
cool!) "I'm not going to tell you
to go run a lathe --- to give up playing or anything -- you guys are good.
Keep working at it and, if I can find a spot for you, I'll give you a shot."
We packed up and took off with more
energy and ambition to be better that the best!!!-------more rehearsals, more
writing original material, more exposure! We'll get there...........it never
happened. But I have always been appreciative of his courtesy --- taking the
time out of his more than busy schedule to indulge us. Who were we??
NOBODIES!! But he made time for us. Who would do that today???????? NOBODY!!!
In hindsight he very tactfully told
us to work harder and get more polished --- that we were NOT prepared for the
BIG TIME. He was right. And I thank him. Looking back, he did us the greatest
service by denying us -- my songs at the time were NOT very good, and he
saved us the embarrassment of finding out the hard way.
I have always had the utmost respect
and love for Mr. Barry Fey. Not many Denver musicians say that. I hear mostly
"Barry Fey is an asshole! He wouldn't let us play the RAINBOW" or
at "MILE HIGH STADIUM" or "open for the WHO" ------ to
these people I say "Hey! You weren't good enough! Barry knew that! He
saw that! It's his life! It's what he does! YOU are the asshole here!"
He had the knack for finding and knowing what would go global. He was
responsible for turning us on to the greatest rock acts that ever lived at a time when
music was our bloodline and the music was paramount.... our music DEFINED
us.......Janis, Jimi, Cream, the Doors, Zappa,
Jefferson Airplane, the WHO, Led Zepplin, Black
Sabbath, Jethro Tull, Ozzy, ZZ TOP, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Doobies, U2.........show me any of todays'
acts that will stand the test of
time.....that you will still listen to and believe in after 45
years.........yeah, thought so. I
couldn't think of any either.
.....I remember watching an
interview with Barry on TV one night. He was trying to promote the new RED
ROCKS season. It was in the early 90s before he folded FEYLINE. I don't
remember the station, or the interviewer for that matter. What I do remember
most is that he just kept saying "the music's terrific". That season
had a lot of grunge bands on the roster....tickets we not selling very well.
But the powers that be at the time were pushing grunge, and that's all we
got. I felt that Fey's heart was not quite in it
--- the industry had become so corporate, and you could see it in his eyes and hear it in his
voice that "the music's terrific" was what he, as a businessman, should say. And maybe,
just maybe, if he repeated it over and over enough he might even himself
begin to believe it. Just keep repeating the mantra..............it saddened
me to see the fire wane.
Mr. Barry Fey was the best. Period.
No other promoter has ever been, before or since the FEYLINE days, as
intuitive, smart, or business savvy. He had a gift. He had a style. He had a
HUGE influence on OUR GENERATION in an international way. You don't gain the
respect of icons like the ROLLING STONES, the WHO, LED ZEPPELIN, OZZY, or U2
by being a poser. Barry Fey was the REAL DEAL. He was the catalyst that
molded the soundtrack of our lives from the 60s to the 90s. There will never
be another. Today's world is a darker place. My opinion doesn't count for
much --- who the hell am I?? ---- but I am deeply
saddened at the loss of Barry Fey. I was nothing to him, and rightfully so,
but he was a true hero to me. My humble condolences to family and friends.
Prayers are with you.
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