So my “time away” was actually a two day major back surgery (last Tues & Weds). They tell me I’m making excellent progress which I’m very grateful for! Thank you for all your positivity and prayers. I won’t be replying too much but please know I appreciate you all very much! 💙
34 years ago, April 24 1989, the debut Blue Murder album was released! 🙃 Do you remember the first time you heard the band?
#onthisday
#fretlessmonster
On behalf of his family, it is with deep and profound sadness that we share the news of Jeff Beck’s passing. After suddenly contracting bacterial meningitis, he peacefully passed away yesterday. His family ask for privacy while they process this tremendous loss.
Jimmy Page and I. The Firm 1986. During his extended solos, I’d listen and watch him like a hawk, musically responding to his nuances and expressions, like we were having an intensely deep yet entertaining musical conversation. Precious memories.
Pic unknown
#flashbackfriday
35 years ago! Blue Murder’s debut album was released on April 24 1989. I remember where I was when I heard Valley Of The Kings on the radio for the first time. Where were you when you first heard it? 🤩🔥
#WaybackWednesday
#wbw
Happy 80th Birthday to the great Jimmy Page. Your creativity and vision inspires me more than ever. Truly grateful for the years we spent together. Enjoy your day 🙏🏻❤️
#JimmyPage
August 1989, Blue Murder toured Japan. I fell in love w/ Japan immediately. Tour was a great success & in many ways the peak of our glory. The pic was in the Roppongi Prince Hotel, no longer standing, THE Tokyo rock & roll hotel. Wonderful memories, never to be repeated. 🙏🏻🤩💙
I just heard that my friend, brother and fellow musician, Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali passed away. I share many wonderful memories with Frankie and will always remember him with a smile. Safe travels my brother. Love you 💙
One of my favorite shots of Jimmy Page and I from 1985. On the steps of The Firm’s Vickers Viscount plane. I loved having the name of the band on the side of the plane! Happy Birthday Jimmy!
Another airport selfie. 🤪 Heading out for 3 shows with
@Jason_Bonham
’s Led Zep Evening show. Looking forward to seeing JB and the guys - and jamming some Zep! What’s your favorite deep cut Zep tune we rarely hear live? Mine’s Gallows Pole.
The one and only time I met
@OfficialRJDio
and he made a big impression upon me. Such warmth, kindness and integrity. Rest well RJD. Thinking of you today. And thanks to
@rudysarzo
for making it all possible. 🙏🏻
From the beginning, The Firm had a very natural and easy chemistry. At 22 years old I couldn’t fully appreciate how special that was. I thought every band was like that! 😱😇😂
Christmas Day was really special. Feeling peaceful and happy. Rose-colored glasses make everything better. Happy Boxing Day everyone 🙌🏻🤩
#BoxingDay2023
Many ask. A Blue Murder reunion is not on the cards at the moment. Future who knows. But good things are brewing. Let’s keep it positive. I hear the talk about the album taking forever, is he ever going to get out there, etc. John’s in a great space. It will be worth the wait. 🙏🏻
Happy Birthday to my dear sweet Mum who would have been 89 today. In the first picture she’s playing what would be my first bass a few years later. I did hundreds of gigs with my parent’s band! I cherish all the memories. Happy Birthday Mum! ❤️🙏🏻
Fretless Bass with a pick and round wound strings! Do you approve? (Not all do!). 🤷♂️😂 Flashback from a couple of years ago. Thats my 1977 “Firm” Fretless.
I use
@drstrings
Sunbeams in case you’re wondering. 🔥🌝
#FlashbackFriday
“And on bass, Mr Tony Franklin”…
Thanks to
@GrammLou
his band, crew and family for their incredible kindness and support. I was sitting down as these were the first shows after my recent major back surgery. Music and friendship are part of my healing journey! Very grateful. 🙏🏻
It just occurred to me that the two shows I played with the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band at the Hollywood Bowl in October 2015, opening for Van Halen were Eddie’s last ever shows! Who could have known. Rest In Peace Eddie! TF pic by
@ILevene
It’s easy to see the contortion that was happening w/ my spine. Not related to playing. An incident in 2012 resulting in a fractured vertebra! I’ve soldiered on with natural healing ways. It was time to get it fixed. I continue to make good progress. Excited for the years ahead.
Made it to soundcheck (no minor miracle!). Flight delays etc. Arrived at the hotel at 4am. Hallowell Maine. Ready for tonight’s show with
@GrammLou
. Let’s do it. 🔥
Thinking of the great Freddie Mercury who left these earthly shores on this day in 1991. I was blessed to see he and Queen live six times. Simply the best. Bless ya Freddie!
@QueenWillRock
Many people don’t realize I’m available for recording sessions. Remote recording and the internet have opened up new possibilities that were simply impractical before. I’ve played on numerous songs and instrumentals from all over the world since the early 2000’s. Need Bass? 😊
So happy for
@GrammLou
and Foreigner on their upcoming Rock Hall Induction. Congrats Boss! A true gentleman and a phenomenal artist! Much deserved 🔥🙏🏻🤩
#rockhall
#lougramm
#foreigner
Saddened to hear of the passing of Cinderella guitarist Jef LaBar. In 2009 I did a one off project w/ him & late great Frankie Banali called Freakshow. Though was fraught w/ problems, a very strong album came out of it. Don’t even know if it was released. Safe travels brother. 🙏🏻
Happy Birthday to David Coverdale.
The Whitesnake picture was taken on his birthday, September 22, 1997, just before we played the Tokyo Budokan. Love ya DC! 💙
@Whitesnake
@davidcoverdale
38 years ago! March 23, 1985. The Firm. Pic by Mark Bowman.
Yours truly, Jimmy Page and Chris Slade.
@SladeTimeline
Frank Irwin Center
Austin TX.
#ThrowbackThursday
Do not be fooled by my chill exterior. Underneath is a driven, determined, focused, hardworking, dedicated, disciplined dreamer. Still with much to say and do, I will use my time as best I can, laughing and loving along the way! 🤩🙏🏻💙
Happy Saturday everyone!!
#SaturdayVibes
After the recent
@RockFantasyCamp
with
@yesofficial
Jon Anderson I’ve had requests to play Roundabout, so here’s an abbreviated version. I tried it on fretless & it didn’t have the right sound. Some serious faces & focus in this song! 🤪😆
@Fender
Full vid
Posting a “normal” picture of myself (with my Fretless P Bass!) after the confusion caused by the picture of me with a fretted Jazz Bass! 😩😂😂
Normality had been resumed! 🥹🙏🏻💙
Thank you for all your wonderful heartfelt messages and positive energy. 💙🙌🏻
I’m happy to say I’m making great progress. All my crazy, clean-living healthy ways definitely seem to help! 🤪 I appreciate you all! 💙💙
Jaco Pastorius is the reason I play fretless! When I first heard
@JACOofficial
(in 1979) I knew I had to have a fretless. Can you hear the influence?
Known largely as a Jazz player, he had an undeniable rock side. God bless you Jaco!
Thanks to
@BassMagOnline
for posting this.