Please feel free to share this video with any Townes group you might be a part of. I think there are a lot of folks out there who would enjoy this. Here's a playlist of Townes stories in case ya need it. ruclips.net/p/PLq77ejXzqZpkGCGHOLttSpTmlC0DZxxvP
@Otis Gibbs Thank You My Friend Mr. Otis, these stories keep the whole Townes Van Zant Spirit Alive in People...Remarkable times I'm sure were had by alot of friends of Townes...If you ever get the chance let us know how Townes wrote "The Quicksilver Daydreams Of Maria"...One of Townes really descriptive songs, most beautifully crafted...Thanks Again Sir Otis!!!
As someone who suffered from addiction for over 25yrs these stories are painful to hear. If I live until 12/23/23 I'll be clean for 10yrs and I have lived more in the last ten years than I could have ever dreamed. I hate Townes never got to write songs while he was truly happy and content. Thanks Wrecks for the stories and as always thanks Otis for another great interview.
Congrats, but I have to disagree. I have been clean for 15 years last week and now I’m a robot. I don’t really “live” as much as I exists. Just goin through the motions. I used to chase dope and run with people you couldn’t trust, now that was living. But to each their own. Congrats and stay the course.
@@dougdavey9782 I've found that there is a definite difference between living and surviving, and it is life's greatest tragedy that the more you live, the quicker you die. As in Townes' glorious "Rex's Blues", "Born to grow, grown to die."
I'd be hard-pressed to name a favorite Otis video. At this point there are a lot of really good ones. This one is special. You really sense the love and camaraderie these two men had for each other.
Probably your best clip yet, and definitely my favorite. I first met Townes in the 1970s, then met Townes's mom and Mickey White in the 1980s when I also saw Rex and Blaze. Like most everyone I am still amazed at how good Townes's songs are. These stories from Rex are wonderful. Thanks for posting the clips you put up.
Really special to hear these stories. Townes had a turbulent life but that didnt diminish the pure love that people have for him and his music. Thanks Wrecks , Otis
Great interview. I was a young wannabe songwriter in the mid/late 90s and happened into the Old Quarter where I met Wrecks and got to see him play but didn't know his history, although I saw the history in the photos all over the walls. That place was really special, and I could sense it. I went there occasionally to listen and even saw Hayes Carll quite a few times there performing back then. Wish I would have taken photos/videos.
Wow! so nice to see Wrecks .We struck up a friendship in the late nineties and he graciously let me play at the old Quarter " where lyrics count" when ever I was in town .I am a Canadian slide guitar singer songwriter and was working in the Gulf of Mexico as a chief cook on a R.O.V. support and saturation diving ship.I loved his cafe . Wrecks also played bass for Lightning Hopkins. God bless both of you!
I already have a beautiful baby girl named Townes.(took many months to convince my wife on that one) Now I'm thinking if we ever have a boy it's gotta be named Wrecks
What an interview. I’m so glad I’m still able to see Wrecks play at the Old Quarter. Brings back positive memories of Townes. Really appreciate this interview.
If you drink and smoke tons &tons, you lose your ability to taste and often don’t care to eat. Sadly, I’ve witnessed it in two different people who died in their 50s from these combined vices.
Nging was from a 6 grade educated Humboldt county logger, the rest was by a District Attorney who graduated from the Cali bar highest scores ever. That was in 75'. But these men worked liked dirty dogs never missing a day at both professionals. They also drank every night after work extra on the weekends. They were deer hunters, abalone pickers and as a girl boy I had a time! Playing fast and rich with my lawyer stepdad. And easy smiles while I learned to pick guitar from my grandpa, the logger, later an Operating Engineer local #3, Humboldt Co. California, the most beautiful place in all the world, he'd say.
History note l. The Old Quarter was in an ancient building at Congress and Austin, downtown Houston. With a long and legendery hustory. Rex abd the late Dale Soffar ran it for years including the taping of Townes' live album. Last I checked the bldg still stands as a law office. Rex retired back in Galveston and opened new Old Quarter. Still running after storms and pandemic JT is John Townes Van Zabdt, his son by his first wife. An excellent musician but too sane to make a career of it
I was to young to see the man live, but I'm still picking his songs in 2023. I found him one day when I got to looking at one of my colter wall vinyls and saw he wrote Nothin'. Been in love with his music ever since
There’s nothing like a natural storyteller talking about a best friend’s life and character. It’s the best way to get a sense of the person. From those who knew and loved them. This was terrific.
Absolutely, stumbled across you during covid and have discovered lots of great musicians that'd I'd never would have come across, guy Clark towns and great stories
Thank you for the interview Otis. Wrecks nailed it with the statement about the internet. I was only 4 when Townes died and became a huge fan in 2012, which really changed my outlook on music. When people say that he’s a “cult figure”, there’s a lot of truth to that. To me, Townes is a lot like air fryers and CrossFit, I tell everyone that I know about how great he is.
By sheer coincidence i remembered my youtube password today and found this from my old youtube subscriptions and arrived with a gallon of rotgut wine .... thought that was one of those odd coincidences that seem to follow me. repetition and comparison when you least expect it...often enough to where its disturbing. i liked the story and there was a general consensus yes he was pained but yes the good times have often been discounted..... i mean they were just as valid. i really liked this story because he didnt just play your typical places nor sing thin songs there was something to it. If On The Road was musical itd probably be his catalogue.
Brilliant timing Otis! Was just wondering when another Townes video may pop up. Gotta say that I’m around a lot of songwriters who have nothing to do with any genre near Townes, yet several of them have come up to me to talk about Townes. Most of us weren’t born until after Townes died, and those of us that were, were way too young to have any idea who he was, yet somehow all of us have such a deep appreciation for his work. These stories really help to almost help fill in the gaps of someone who seems to almost be a mythical being to us, considering how most of his stories have to be taken with a pinch of salt. Nonetheless Otis, thanks again!
Living history. Is their anything more important? I don’t think so. I think about Townes and what he was,he was just passing through and we’re lucky he left so much of himself for us to enjoy.
So this is the mystery interview in Texas. You've done some great interviews but this one is way up there towards the top. I'm one of those people who didn't know much about Townes until I started watching this channel a few years ago. The same is true for several other artists. Thank you Otis!
BURNING MONEY!!!!! Otis, you have the BEST interviews!!! I am reading A Deeper Blue and could not put it down- TVZ is fascinating- especially to an aspiring songwriter
Can always gig the next day for money. Honestly I'd all but kill for that in my life right now. Just be able to earn what's needed! Otis Gibbs u got the best channel on RUclips..I'll accept being penultimate good ...hee hee...thanks as ever..back to Wrecks brother Otis - Stephen Jules Otis career Rubin
One of the best interview stories regarding Townes. I met Townes a few times, both in NYC and in PA and Texas. Along with Guy and one time with Robert Earl Keene. He was a kid then. Every word Wrecks says is dead on cool stuff and the facts. Love this guy. My roommate hung out with Townes and Guy for a period of time. I believe prior 1979 around Austin or Dallas. Pretty regular. And we all hooked up in PA at a small club around 1997 with Guy shooting pool and we were drinking pretty good. Vodka straight up. Townes actually was staying sober due to not feeling well that day. Robert Earl Keene was driving the car and making sure everyone was safe. RIP T and G....
EPIC thanks!!!!!! First heard Townes FOR THE SAKE OF THE SONG on WDET Detroit college radio icon late night show of Liz Copeland Warner and I still have that night show I taped off the radio '97.. I was at art school in Detroit and played it over and over knew I had to hear and try to meet him but found out he passed.. So much I could say and it is truly awesome to hear Rex Bell.. Would be extremely great also to hear from Townesies kids if they are ever up to it..
One of my favorite neighbors in Terlingua is Butch Hancock and he plays an annual Townes event. His son Rory is playing and getting his chops down too! Cheers for this real fine piece of work Otis. Viva Terlingua!
Another great interview.....love the stories it was like being there....Glad your capturing these before all the the players are gone...Your doing good work I tip my hat to you sir....Thanks again
Thank you for introducing Wrecks Bell. I did not have much of an aware music life and I just heard about Wrecks, so I thank you for showing him to us. :)
Please feel free to share this video with any Townes group you might be a part of. I think there are a lot of folks out there who would enjoy this.
Here's a playlist of Townes stories in case ya need it.
ruclips.net/p/PLq77ejXzqZpkGCGHOLttSpTmlC0DZxxvP
@Otis Gibbs
Thank You My Friend Mr. Otis, these stories keep the whole Townes Van Zant Spirit Alive in People...Remarkable times I'm sure were had by alot of friends of Townes...If you ever get the chance let us know how Townes wrote "The Quicksilver Daydreams Of Maria"...One of Townes really descriptive songs, most beautifully crafted...Thanks Again Sir Otis!!!
Before I go I just want to say thanks 🙏 for making Saturday mornings better you are the best
My favorite 2 words on RUclips:
“Hey friends…..”
Otis, All your interviews are great. I think this one is the best yet. Thank you.
Agreed
Word.
yeah this is something very special.
Fantastic.
As someone who suffered from addiction for over 25yrs these stories are painful to hear. If I live until 12/23/23 I'll be clean for 10yrs and I have lived more in the last ten years than I could have ever dreamed. I hate Townes never got to write songs while he was truly happy and content.
Thanks Wrecks for the stories and as always thanks Otis for another great interview.
Congrats man. I agree with you. I wish we could hear happy clean townes.
So, did you make it? I’m sure you did :) Congrats!
Congrats, but I have to disagree. I have been clean for 15 years last week and now I’m a robot. I don’t really “live” as much as I exists. Just goin through the motions. I used to chase dope and run with people you couldn’t trust, now that was living. But to each their own. Congrats and stay the course.
@@dougdavey9782 I've found that there is a definite difference between living and surviving, and it is life's greatest tragedy that the more you live, the quicker you die. As in Townes' glorious "Rex's Blues", "Born to grow, grown to die."
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. Otis, this is one of the best yet. Thanks Wrecks. Years ago, I requested this. And you delivered! So awesome!!!!!
I did write my comment before i read yours😆❤️✌️
Incredible. Bless Wrecks Bell.
Appreciate the honesty & good feeling.
I'd be hard-pressed to name a favorite Otis video. At this point there are a lot of really good ones. This one is special. You really sense the love and camaraderie these two men had for each other.
Probably your best clip yet, and definitely my favorite. I first met Townes in the 1970s, then met Townes's mom and Mickey White in the 1980s when I also saw Rex and Blaze. Like most everyone I am still amazed at how good Townes's songs are. These stories from Rex are wonderful. Thanks for posting the clips you put up.
Whoa, you got Wrecks Bell!? What a pull!
Really special to hear these stories. Townes had a turbulent life but that didnt diminish the pure love that people have for him and his music. Thanks Wrecks , Otis
Great interview. I was a young wannabe songwriter in the mid/late 90s and happened into the Old Quarter where I met Wrecks and got to see him play but didn't know his history, although I saw the history in the photos all over the walls. That place was really special, and I could sense it. I went there occasionally to listen and even saw Hayes Carll quite a few times there performing back then. Wish I would have taken photos/videos.
Unbelievably great interview. I miss the 70s in Texas
I grew up in Texas and am sad that I missed it.
That was riveting! Thanks!
wrecks seems like a real standup guy, really enjoyed this clip, thanks for this documentation
Wow! so nice to see Wrecks .We struck up a friendship in the late nineties and he graciously let me play at the old Quarter " where lyrics count" when ever I was in town .I am a Canadian slide guitar singer songwriter and was working in the Gulf of Mexico as a chief cook on a R.O.V. support and saturation diving ship.I loved his cafe . Wrecks also played bass for Lightning Hopkins. God bless both of you!
“ I need to interview you!” Perfect. Great one OG.
I already have a beautiful baby girl named Townes.(took many months to convince my wife on that one) Now I'm thinking if we ever have a boy it's gotta be named Wrecks
Ride the blue wind high and free :D thanks for sharing
Best one ever !
Man, I didn't want that to end. I hung on every word. One year I'll go to The Old Quarter to celebrate Townes with everyone..
Good stories.
This one was amazing, Otis. Can't thank you and Wrecks enough.
I could listen to Townes stories all day and all night. He is the American William Blake
That was awesome thanks Otis!
I aint had a beer this year,,but I'll have a shot of Tequila in Memory of All The Memories🎸🍺
“there ain’t no dark till something shines”
what a treasure !
priceless !!
thank you otis
What an interview. I’m so glad I’m still able to see Wrecks play at the Old Quarter. Brings back positive memories of Townes. Really appreciate this interview.
If you drink and smoke tons &tons, you lose your ability to taste and often don’t care to eat. Sadly, I’ve witnessed it in two different people who died in their 50s from these combined vices.
In the world, he'd say. Miss him. Be seeing him soon though. We will sing again
Nging was from a 6 grade educated Humboldt county logger, the rest was by a District Attorney who graduated from the Cali bar highest scores ever. That was in 75'.
But these men worked liked dirty dogs never missing a day at both professionals. They also drank every night after work extra on the weekends. They were deer hunters, abalone pickers and as a girl boy I had a time! Playing fast and rich with my lawyer stepdad. And easy smiles while I learned to pick guitar from my grandpa, the logger, later an Operating Engineer local #3, Humboldt Co. California, the most beautiful place in all the world, he'd say.
I'm 64. Part of my upbri
Thanks Otis
First time I've heard about Townes and the gig stories are precious.
Rexs Blues is one of the greatest ever written.
It introduced me to Townes
I like your profile pic!
What a beautiful video. I could hear these stories 24/7 and not grow tired.
History note l. The Old Quarter was in an ancient building at Congress and Austin, downtown Houston. With a long and legendery hustory. Rex abd the late Dale Soffar ran it for years including the taping of Townes' live album. Last I checked the bldg still stands as a law office.
Rex retired back in Galveston and opened new Old Quarter. Still running after storms and pandemic
JT is John Townes Van Zabdt, his son by his first wife. An excellent musician but too sane to make a career of it
I was to young to see the man live, but I'm still picking his songs in 2023. I found him one day when I got to looking at one of my colter wall vinyls and saw he wrote Nothin'. Been in love with his music ever since
You've got so many killer videos on here, Otis!
So good to hear this stuff!
Great stories once again! From the archives.
Thank you Otis,Townes,and Wrecks. Wow!
There’s nothing like a natural storyteller talking about a best friend’s life and character. It’s the best way to get a sense of the person. From those who knew and loved them. This was terrific.
Of all the incredible Otis Gibbs interviews/stories this is my favorite. Gawd dang!
Thanks
Best interview so far love love this one thanks otis
thanks otis....you got a good groove goin' on.
Absolutely, stumbled across you during covid and have discovered lots of great musicians that'd I'd never would have come across, guy Clark towns and great stories
17:17 "Run Outta Town in your Home Town" would be a good song title for the song that Townes could have written about that night.
Your channel is so great man.
I am so glad you are getting these interviews thank you
How great to hear about Townes being rich and happy.
I appreciate these stories so much.
Thank you for the interview Otis. Wrecks nailed it with the statement about the internet. I was only 4 when Townes died and became a huge fan in 2012, which really changed my outlook on music. When people say that he’s a “cult figure”, there’s a lot of truth to that. To me, Townes is a lot like air fryers and CrossFit, I tell everyone that I know about how great he is.
Excellent Ottis, thank you thank you thank you, what stories✌️❤️
Babe wake up, new Townes lore just dropped
Thank You for bringing me back to life today.
By sheer coincidence i remembered my youtube password today and found this from my old youtube subscriptions and arrived with a gallon of rotgut wine .... thought that was one of those odd coincidences that seem to follow me. repetition and comparison when you least expect it...often enough to where its disturbing. i liked the story and there was a general consensus yes he was pained but yes the good times have often been discounted..... i mean they were just as valid. i really liked this story because he didnt just play your typical places nor sing thin songs there was something to it. If On The Road was musical itd probably be his catalogue.
Wow !! This is an awesome interview!! I could just sit and listen to this man all day!!! Thank you Otis ✌️😎
Brilliant timing Otis! Was just wondering when another Townes video may pop up. Gotta say that I’m around a lot of songwriters who have nothing to do with any genre near Townes, yet several of them have come up to me to talk about Townes.
Most of us weren’t born until after Townes died, and those of us that were, were way too young to have any idea who he was, yet somehow all of us have such a deep appreciation for his work.
These stories really help to almost help fill in the gaps of someone who seems to almost be a mythical being to us, considering how most of his stories have to be taken with a pinch of salt.
Nonetheless Otis, thanks again!
Jesus, that’s good stuff!
Outstanding again fine sir.
fantastic, thanks Otis
Living history. Is their anything more important? I don’t think so. I think about Townes and what he was,he was just passing through and we’re lucky he left so much of himself for us to enjoy.
Rex’s Blues is a great song no matter what your name is
This is one human being I would love to meet.
Thank you for you for the story.
Thanks Otis...great one.... Keep the townes stories coming!
So this is the mystery interview in Texas. You've done some great interviews but this one is way up there towards the top. I'm one of those people who didn't know much about Townes until I started watching this channel a few years ago. The same is true for several other artists. Thank you Otis!
I Love this- Lot's of us wish we could have a performing lounge like " the old quarter" in our towns ! Way cool Otis.
This is a great one
Perfect for a cold snowy afternoon. Thanks
Does anyone remember when Wrecks had that Easy Rider look? He was a Dennis Hopper knock off. Lol. Very cool dude.
This is incredible. You're a saint, Otis.
BURNING MONEY!!!!! Otis, you have the BEST interviews!!! I am reading A Deeper Blue and could not put it down- TVZ is fascinating- especially to an aspiring songwriter
Beautiful, thankyou
Amazing, thank you Otis!
Can always gig the next day for money. Honestly I'd all but kill for that in my life right now. Just be able to earn what's needed! Otis Gibbs u got the best channel on RUclips..I'll accept being penultimate good ...hee hee...thanks as ever..back to Wrecks brother Otis - Stephen Jules Otis career Rubin
One of the best interview stories regarding Townes. I met Townes a few times, both in NYC and in PA and Texas. Along with Guy and one time with Robert Earl Keene. He was a kid then. Every word Wrecks says is dead on cool stuff and the facts. Love this guy. My roommate hung out with Townes and Guy for a period of time. I believe prior 1979 around Austin or Dallas. Pretty regular. And we all hooked up in PA at a small club around 1997 with Guy shooting pool and we were drinking pretty good. Vodka straight up. Townes actually was staying sober due to not feeling well that day. Robert Earl Keene was driving the car and making sure everyone was safe. RIP T and G....
I live for the Townes stories on your channel. Makes my day when I see them pop up on my youtube feed!
One of "Your Best" interviews ever. "Thanks Otis!"
Pure Legend!! I love Rex's Blues! Great interview. Thanks Otis
Fantastic . I've heard of Rex (Rex's Blues) for years. Thanks
EPIC thanks!!!!!! First heard Townes FOR THE SAKE OF THE SONG on WDET Detroit college radio icon late night show of Liz Copeland Warner and I still have that night show I taped off the radio '97.. I was at art school in Detroit and played it over and over knew I had to hear and try to meet him but found out he passed.. So much I could say and it is truly awesome to hear Rex Bell.. Would be extremely great also to hear from Townesies kids if they are ever up to it..
Wow. What a great interview. Thank you.
I love this. Sang at the old quarter 10 or so years ago. Great venue and Wrecks is a national treasure!
Very Cool Thankyou. So interesting, informative and Entertaining.
This is gold man!!!
One of my favorite neighbors in Terlingua is Butch Hancock and he plays an annual Townes event. His son Rory is playing and getting his chops down too! Cheers for this real fine piece of work Otis. Viva Terlingua!
You outdid yourself man this is GOLD
Blown away by that one, Otis. Just awesome stuff.
Another great interview.....love the stories it was like being there....Glad your capturing these before all the the players are gone...Your doing good work I tip my hat to you sir....Thanks again
Thank you, Otis 🙏🏻
Many thanks and much Love to Wrecks. I laughed, I cried... Great interview and stories
Be good to you 🤍💛
Ride the blue wind high and free
She'll lead you down through misery
Leave you low, come time to go
Alone and low as low can be
I'm one of em too - SJOCR thanks Wrecks! Thanks TVZ! Thanks brother Otis
great stuff- thanks!
Yeah I agree with Brian. B. Best interview. Great stories. Well done and thanks.
Great piece.
Another day another great one Otis.
Thank you Otis ❤️
Thank you so much, Otis. This is incredible.
One of your best videos yet... Love it
Thank you for introducing Wrecks Bell. I did not have much of an aware music life and I just heard about Wrecks, so I thank you for showing him to us. :)
This was great! Thanks Otis. Wrecks speaks so fondly of his dear friend. Terrific stuff