Classic Les

I have told this one before, but someone asked for it, so excuse my repetition.

Les called me from N.J. to say he’d be in town to get a “Lifetime Achievement Award” at the Grammys and wanted to hang out when he got to L.A.

Les had heard about the “Rockman” and wanted one, so I asked a guy I knew to get us a couple. I had been doing some work at Lion Share Studios (Kenny Rogers’ place), and everybody asked me to bring Les by. Also, I had told Michael McDonald (ex–Doobie Bros.), who was nominated for a Grammy for his solo album, that I’d introduce him to Les. So, to kill three birds with one stone, I set it up for Les and me (and Les’ buddy, Wally Jones) to do it all in one night.

Michael was at the Palomino Club checking out a band, so we stopped by there first. Les kept asking who this guy was. I told him, “He was in The Doobie Bros.” We went in, but it was too loud and smoky for Les, so he grabbed my arm and said, “I gotta get out of here,” and turned around. I waved at Michael, then went back outside.

Michael, along with the Doobie Bros.’ bass player (can’t remember his name), came outside. Michael said, “I can’t tell you what an honor it is to meet you, Les!” and stuck his hand out. Les shook his hand and said, “Yes, and I’m a fan of the Ooobie Brothers” … not Doobie, “Ooobie!” I just looked at Michael and shrugged.

We got to Lion Share about 11:00 p.m., and the guy with the “Rockmans” was there and begged Les to sign his guitar, which Les did. We sat in the studio for hours talking, Les eating popcorn. Finally, I got up, grabbed Les’ bag of popcorn, and made a trail of popcorn on the ground heading for the door. I said, “Come on, Les, let’s go,” trying to bribe him to leave. It was 3:00 a.m. Les called me a dirty name but got up, and we left.

The next day, I went to Wally’s house, where Les was staying, to pick him up. I walked in, and on the table was a pile of parts and the black Rockman body, empty. I said, “You took it apart? Did you even try it?” Les said, “I had to see how the damn thing worked.” Classic Les. Every time I got Les something, he’d take it apart.

Terry had a way of telling stories that made you feel like you were right there beside him, watching it all unfold, one laugh at a time. This is one of my favorites. He told it a few times, always with that same spark in his voice. I’m sharing it here just as he told it.

That was Terry.

Finding humor in the moment.
Seeing the personality in everyone,
and never missing a detail worth remembering.

I’m so grateful to still hear his voice in stories like this.