Wielding a war-torn guitar with only three strings and keeping the beat on a homemade foot stomper, Seasick Steve rocked the world when he appeared on the Jools Holland show on New Years Eve in 2006.
"Seasick" Steve Wold performed his trademark song, Doghouse Boogie which tells his backstory of leaving home before the age of 14 and becoming a hobo.
Once the video hit Youtube, he became a worldwide sensation.
Writer, Matthew Wright claims to have uncovered a much different backstory to Steven Wold in his biography, Seasick Steve: Ramblin' Man. Among those claims are that Wold is really Steven Leach, a session musician who has performed in various acts over the years, including Shanti, a transcendental meditation band from 1972 and, most shockingly, as frontman for Crystal Grass, a French disco act from the mid-70s! Wright's research says Seasick Steve's hobo period may have happened, but was far more temporary than the blues musician previously claimed.
IS THIS THE REAL SEASICK STEVE?
Among the author's claims is that Seasick Steve is actually 10 years younger than he originally claimed and has been a session man in the music industry since the early 70's. Wright claims Steve has performed or worked with Mike Love of the Beach Boys, Modest Mouse and even spent time with Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin. ...And that's on top of the disco peroid when he briefly lived in France!
So was this whole act a fraud or just an exaggeration of Steve's actual past?
Sean O’Hagan noted in an Observer article, “The trajectory of his life since [1973] is hazy and, one suspects, he plays down the semi-settled years, sensing correctly that his mainly young audience prefer the myth to the reality.”
Seasick Steve realized the kids needed an old hero who didn't play slick music.
Hmm...Robert Zimmerman reinvented himself into Bob Dylan and he followed it up by bringing the goods. It appears Seasick Steve has done the same.
One peculiar observation on this whole story is the fact that Matthew Wright's book has been on the market since June, but the news is only breaking now, right as Seasick Steve releases his much awaited album, Keepin' The Horse Between Me and the Ground. The double record set features more of Steve's homemade music on two records, including a cover of John Hartford's "Gentle On My Mind."
Fan response to the book has been mostly negative, with reviewers unhappy that Wright didn't bother to interview old bandmates, an ex-wife or other people in the industry. Apparently, Wright relies mostly on newspaper clippings as his sources.
To get even more info on these revelations, check out The Guardian's article.
Personally, I'm going to buy the new album and play it loud. Also, I may have to go record shopping to find the Crystal Grass and Shanti albums so I can complete my collection.
...because sometimes a legend is more powerful than the truth.
-Shane Speal, "King of the Cigar Box Guitar"
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um, waiter, may I have a grain of salt to take with these stories please?
I never pay attention to the stories/drama about a performer. If I like the music, I listen to it
Eddie Van Halen was one of my early heroes of guitar and music, He has certainly had some problems throughout his life and comes across as an A hole on many occasions.The band Van Halen has changed singers many times, but I've followed along because I liked the music and that's all.
Whatever have been his life, I don't care!
We have a very good musician that's alla what I see!
Did one of you will be critic if he has be in a religious choral during his youth?
Sorry for my "typing", I have temporarily a keyboard I don't know (portuguese one).
You know I had to read all of that. Oily your awesome! Great story.
It's not uncommon for a performer to create a persona. A fake personality. The best example I can think of is Gene Simons of Kiss. I read an interview of his. A few years before they got big. He said he'd put on that costume. Go out on stage. No more self consciousness or fright. He could be that demon. He called it liberating.
As far as Sea Sick goes? Totally cool. He invented Sea Sick Steve. And he must be passionate about this persona. It's the only way he could have brought it to life. What's most important is the music. The music is the only real thing about Sea Sick Steve. if it was all about being an entertainer? There would be no passion behind the music. The music is real. That's what counts.
So i listened to that disco link. Now when disco was a thing I like some of the music. Actually learned a few songs. The guitar parts were fast moving and difficult. A total BLAST to play. Here's a link to Nile Rodgers talking about disco guitar. One of the best!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gF1d227_4ac
but that song....... I'd hide too. : )
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