Petition to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Attachment 3 - Comments by Fans
About the Influence of The Ventures
The following emailed comments, and many hundreds more, from fans of The Ventures have
several common threads:
- They show that The Ventures brought, and continue to bring, sheer musical enjoyment to those
who have taken the time to listen to their music.
- They show that The Ventures had, and continue to have, universal appeal across geographic,
ethnic, and generational boundaries.
-
They show that The Ventures were, and continue to be, an important influence in the decision of
fans to take up music (and specifically the electric guitar and drums), either as a career or as a hobby.
-
And they show that The Ventures have a loyal fan base around the world who believe that they are
clearly deserving of the recognition that induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame would
bring.
Paul Moraga, California: I maintain a Ventures web site on the Internet called Virtual Ventures.
In the 8 months that my site has been in existence, I have received hundreds of e-mail messages from all over
the world and from every continent from fans of this influential group. I receive e-mail from places that I
didn't even know were exposed to rock and roll. Even today I am occasionally surprised when I receive an
e-mail from some distant corner of the globe - often I need to consult a map to find out where a person is
writing from (know off-hand where the Maldive Islands are?). Remarkably, the letters are similar - people
talk of their fond memories of first hearing The Ventures' rockin' guitars. They talk of treasuring their
worn-from-too-many-plays Ventures albums. They talk of being influenced by The Ventures to pick up a
guitar on their own. This wide-spread appeal, across national, linguistic, ethnic and generational boundaries
is what makes me consider The Ventures to be a truly great group. They have spread the American art of rock
and roll in their unique way across the world and they deserve to be recognized for their work.
Dr. John Paul Judson, Malaysia: The Ventures were the first (and perhaps the only) group who
have made an eternal impression on me. In fact, till today, I have been interested primarily only in
instrumental music and that is largely due to the Ventures melodies I had listened to when I was a kid. In
spite of my mother being an LTCL pianist, I was urged into becoming a guitarist solely by the inspiration
of the Ventures. While many artists of yesteryears have been long forgotten, the Ventures still live on in the
hearts and minds of millions of fans like me. The very fact that almost all their albums are being re-released
by CD companies stands testimony to the fact.
Tommy Seesselberg, New Jersey: I made a good living playing drums in rock and roll bands
for over 25 year until a drunk driver took the power to play from me because of an accident that crippled me
in 1992. But I've got to say that the Ventures were mine and many of my peers' inspiration to get in this line
of work . Through the years I've had the luck of meeting many famous drummers , Ringo, Buddy Rich, Louie
Bellson, etc. BUT when I got the chance to meet MEL TAYLOR ,I can't explain how I felt. It was like a
baseball nut meeting BABE RUTH. MEL was the warmest nicest person I ever met.
James Clifton Sparks, Texas: I am another longtime Ventures fan who first heard Walk, Don't
Run when it hit the charts. I was ten. It struck some chord in my being that vibrates to this day. They turned
me on to rock music. The Ventures were the first group I sought out at record shops. When I got my first
guitar, I learned from Play Guitar with The Ventures. Over the years I collected many of their works, which
I play more often than any other artists.
One of the things they did to move rock & pop instrumental music was to take a clean, uncluttered
concept of essential musical structures, and weld their own melodies and their interpretations of the hits of
the times into it with a purity of musicianship that has rarely been equaled. Just as "brevity is the soul of
wit", their particular music genre has been successful because of the singular purity of style coupled with
a brevity of tune length. This concept tells an aural story with perfect simplicity and elegant grace in each
of their works that "made it" in the sense of punch and beauty, whether a particular melody caught fire on
the charts, or stayed a smoldering "sleeper" favorite.
Another thing that sets the Ventures apart is that they haven't just "covered" the hits of others: they made
them their own, so that many of their version have outshone the originals because of the uniqueness of the
presentation. Of course, the commercially-oriented shrewdness and aggressiveness of their tunemanship has
made them a business success rivaled only by a few, mostly pop vocalists, because they've never rested on
their laurels, and also weren't afraid to venture out of the United States at a time when other musicians were
flocking to America.
I only saw them live in public once, during a Fourth of July concert in Austin, Texas, in the late '80s.
They got people out from under their shade trees and had us dancing by the dozens in front of the stage.
They played several of their most famous songs, including Hawaii Five-O and Telstar, then asked the
audience whether they wanted to hear surf music or country music. Surfers ruled, and they played a 2 hour
set of incredible sounds without a missed note. The temperature was a hundred degrees. They could have
played another 2 hours of their classic instrumentals without repeating a tune, and everybody knew it. They
played a couple of amazing encores, and left us all roaring with genuine delight.
The VENTURES deserve an honored place in the Hall of Fame. After all, they inspired many who are
already there. The VENTURES are All-American music pioneers, who also had the foresight to act as music
ambassadors to Japan, Australia, and several other nations.
Norman Knowles, California: I have been the sax player for many groups over the years. The
groups all included many artists that were influenced by the Ventures records. Some of the groups I worked
with in the sixties and still do are The Revels, The Centurians, The Impacts, The Tornadoes, The Sentinels.
Some members of these groups went on to record with The Turtles, Jefferson Starship, Three Dog Night, and
many others.
James M. Park, Minnesota: The Ventures totally captured my imagination (as well as my ears)
as a young teenager. That was 35 years ago. To know that they are still playing, still recording, still
motivating people to enjoy their disciplined, yet joyous approach to music is something I find inspiring. I've
picked up my guitar again, and now my son wants to do the same. Soon I'll have a new partner to help me
through "Walk Don't Run" and "Pipeline".
Kevin Lee Roy Howard, California: The Ventures rock! The "Ventures in Space" album was
an early breakthrough in the creative use of multi-track recording. I am both a musician and a sound engineer,
and the Ventures have continued to be a huge influence on me and my work over the years.
Danny Darling, address not given: Yes, The Ventures are the Original American Band. They
deserve a special place in the Rock Hall of Fame. I am a professional drummer and if it hadn't been for the
late Mel Taylor, I don't think I would be playing today. Myself, I have toured with Leon Russell, Joe Ely,
Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Buddy Knox, Jay Boy Adams, Lari White, Rick Vito, and others. To this day I still
play with the surf sound no matter what kind of music I play.
Wilson Pierre Lopes, Brasil: I was born in 1950 and knew the Ventures in the early 60s. I
formed an instrumental group with my friends because of the Ventures and until now I'm still buying their
CDs.
Bo Taavo, Sweden: Of course you got to join the Ventures in the Hall of Fame. The influence
of this group to young people all over the world to play guitar music is enormous. My son (15 years old) has
listened to my old Ventures records and his band is now learning to play "Ventures" instead of
punk-rock.
Carl Gregory, Texas: I was inspired to play both guitar and drums by the Ventures. The guitar
class I started in 1961 was built around playing Ventures tunes. They were not alone, of course, but really,
their induction is overdue. Did they do covers? -- so what did Elvis write? Did they play "suburban surf
music"? -- two words "Beach Boys". There are lots of genres in Rock and Roll, and in pop surf music, the
Ventures are part of the foundation. And then they transcended the genre and laid the foundations for much
of the Japanese music of the last twenty years, which along with Japanese animation is a cornerstone of the
electronic culture. Elvis is not Hendrix, and the Beatles are not James Brown, but they are all part of the
history of Rock and Roll. And none of them are the Ventures.
Hideki Soeda, Japan: The Ventures are the number one of the Rock & Roll Instrumental groups
in the world. They have influenced many musicians not only in Japan but in the world. Since their first
Japan tour in 1962 (at that time, Don Wilson and Bob Bogle only visited Japan, though), their popularity in
Japan has been growing and they are still influential to many young people who start to listen to Rock & Roll
music and musical instruments. To be frank, their popularity in Japan is much bigger than The Beatles.
William F. Hudson, Ph.D., Indiana: At a very early age I was exposed to all the greats - Chet
Atkins, Merle Travis, The Ventures. Because of musicians of this caliber, I had the drive to pursue the guitar
as my main instrument. I am 49 years young and one of the former Pharaoh's ("Sam The Sham" and the). I
grew up with the Ventures - one of my biggest thrills was meeting Nokie at a gig in Greenville, Mississippi.
The Ventures helped make GUITAR the premier rock instrument - PERIOD.
Ruben T. Umali, Texas: I learned to play the guitar in 1962 following Bob Bogle of the
Ventures' classic playing of Walk Don't Run, Bulldog and Rawhide. I have a 26-year old son who plays in
a rock band. He likewise started basics of guitar playing by learning Ventures' tunes.
Yuki Takatori, Georgia: As a die-hard Ventures fan from Japan, I have no reservation to say
that the advent of the Ventures in Japan made such a tremendous impact upon the teenagers of the '60s that
it can be compared, in the Japanese pop world, to the arrival of Commodore Perry's Black Ship. The music
of the Ventures became not only an object of admiration but a 'textbook' as well. Electric guitar bands sprang
up across the country for the first time and young people looked with disdain upon the older generations who
shied away from any musical instruments at all. It is impossible to talk about Japanese pop music without
influence from the Ventures.
Von Ehman, West Virginia: In my mind, from a historical perspective: "The Ventures" were
the first band to bring the electric guitar to center stage in popular music. Don Wilson, Bob Bogle and Nokie
Edwards set the stage for what was to come. The Ventures were the first band to popularize the electric guitar
on a mass level. This was before the Jimi Hendrix/English blues invasion. I don't know of any guitar player
in the 60's who wasn't in some way affected and/or inspired by "The Ventures." Every semi-serious to
serious guitar wanna be loved the Ventures. We'd all go to the local music store and check out the Mosrite
and Fender guitars, hoping some day we could get one and play like Nokie, Bob and Don. They provided us
with that dream. Nokie Edwards was a technical as well as a creative genius. He was one of my very favorite
lead players, if not one of the best guitarist I've ever heard.
Admittedly the Beatles were my favorite song writing band and Jimi Hendrix was my favorite guitarist,
on a creative level. I admit, I prefer music with vocals, harmonies and a message. But, the Ventures literally
taught me how to play the guitar. A lot of their earlier work was simple and the absence of vocals in their
work made it easy for a young person to concentrate on learning how to play the guitar. I have several of
their albums that I still listen to, to this day. One being the live one they did in the USA, England and Japan.
It's on my top 10, of all time guitar masterpieces. A must listen for any serious player.
Unknown to many "The Ventures" were very accomplished musicians and could play anything: from
classical to country to rock to Glenn Miller. They could do more than just play "Hawaii 5 0" and "Walk Don't
Run," the songs that most of us are most familiar with. To this day I still consider them the best 4-piece,
guitar based, instrumental band that I have ever heard. The kids playing today's "pop" and "alternative" could
learn a few things from the Ventures. One being, how to play the guitar. The Ventures deserve being in the
Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame.
I am a 45 [year old] native of Charleston, WV and have been playing guitar since I was 16 years old. I
am and have been a professional musician and artist most of my adult life. Though I've never been blessed
(or maybe damned) with having a real career I have written, arranged, produced and recorded five albums
in the last three years, on my own label, Ehman Records.
Charles E. Scheiderich, New York: The Ventures certainly have shown that they are truly
musicians of the times, having contributed to all of the various types of music. They have also demonstrated
that music is the universal language of the human race.
John W. Welsch, Arizona: In the 1960's, while still a teenager, I acquired an electric guitar and
began teaching myself to play it. Since none of my friends, parents or siblings played guitar, it was a rough
and rocky road to say the least! Then I found my first "Play Guitar With The Ventures" album, and I was
off to the races. Walk, Don't Run, Pipeline, Surf Rider, Perfidia, Lullaby of the Leaves and countless others
became part of my repertoire, and I quickly became part of a local "Garage Band" that lead me to countless
hours of creative pleasure playing everything from "Surf" tunes to The Beatles. Now, at the age of 45, I
continue to play rock guitar, and I'm proud to say, I have my three sons playing guitar with me. All three
(ages 9, 11, and 15) listen to, play and LOVE The Ventures and their unique flavor of clean, pure
instrumental rock and roll. In closing, I would like to reiterate my request to please honor this fine group of
musicians that have continued to give not only our country, but the world, so much pleasure. Walk, Don't
Run, to the Hall of Fame and enshrine my family's favorite band in remembrance of their huge contributions
to the Rock and Roll community today!
Don Overton, California: As a personal note, I spent most of my teen life in far away places
since my father was in the military. It didn't matter where I was (Phillippines, Okinawa, Japan, Guam, or
Germany), I could always count on their music to be a part of the teen scene, whether it be the American
community or the local. Many fond memories surface every time I listen to one of their songs.
Kelly Sites. Washington: I'm only 17 but I love the Ventures!
Stephen William Gill, California: The Ventures got me interested in music and off the streets.
I learned to play guitar with their "Play Guitar with the Ventures" series and am in the process of teaching
my son to play using their unique teaching method. I'm sure that if you conducted a survey, you would find
that a large number of the musicians already inducted were influenced to varying degrees by The
Ventures.
Abdullah Arshad, Malaysia: I have been listening to the Ventures since the 60s. I formed a
band during that period with school mates. Other bands were playing he Shadows in their performances.
We played the Ventures. I love their style. I was on the lead guitar. I remember playing Pipeline, Walk
Don't Run, Lonely Bull and the rest. We did quite well. The Ventures are so different and so down to earth
and so raw, no gimmicks such as the echo chamber to help them. Theirs is just plain guitar sound and they
are so good. they should be in the Hall of Fame.
Brett Richard Chloupek, Nebraska: I am only fourteen years old, but I have loved the Ventures
for a long time. Please induct them into the R&R hall of fame, they deserve it. They are by far the best
instrumental group of all time.
Thomas R. Nitzsche, Ohio: I am 33 years old and have been listening to the Ventures for 33
years. My father was the one who introduced me to the Ventures music and since that time The Ventures
have played a very influential role in my life. I have played drums since I was 4 years old and loved to play
my drums to Venture songs. As my drumming progressed through the years, I learned to have a style all my
own. I owe that to Mel Taylor. I love to listen to Mel Taylor play the drums. He was probably the #1
Influence for me to continue playing the drums. Even today I attribute a lot of my influence to the Ventures.
When a group like the Ventures can influence and inspire people, that is a band that others need to sit up and
take notice of. The Ventures still continue today to affect the lives of people all over the globe.
Robert Weiss, Iowa: After all these years of preforming, the Ventures are still picking up more
and more fans. I am 16 years old and have been listening to the Ventures for over 2 years. Listening to their
songs and learning how to play them myself has increased my guitar playing ability greatly. The Ventures
led the way for what rock bands are today with their great lead and rhythm section.
Hank Unck, Arizona:
No other group has defined instrumental rock as definitively as The
Ventures. Their influence was so strong on budding guitar players of the 60's that they almost
singlehandedly blew the electric guitar industry wide open. I remember the first time I heard The Ventures.
It was as if an electric shock went through my being. The electricity and excitement made me beg my parents
for my first electric guitar, a Sears Silvertone. Now 34 years later (I'm 50) I'm still playing guitar, and
although I'm heavily into Blues now, whenever I return to the comfort of my roots it's by playing Walk Don't
Run, or any number of other Ventures covers and originals.
The Ventures may not always have been the most original group around, but they are in that rarefied
league of those very few groups that had an enormous impact on the lives of people. Play a Ventures hit and
you'll see smiles, toe tapping and head bobbing, and a trip back to great fun and innocence. The Ventures
helped shape a whole generation of musicians and listeners.
Scott C. Tomlinson, Georgia: Without The Ventures' wonderful and unique style of
instrumental rock and roll, I would never have learned to play the guitar (and electric bass) at all. I know that
there were hundreds of thousands, maybe millions of guys and gals like me who learned their first licks from
practicing to Ventures' records until we learned to get it right. The overwhelming majority of us didn't go
on to become John Fogerty (not even close!), but we listened, we learned, and we enjoyed. For that reason
alone, they belong in the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, but there's more. Take two minutes and listen - really
listen - to "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue". That Ventures' song is as much the very essence of rock as the
Stones' "Honky Tonk Women", or any other great and influential tune you can name. Any group that can
do a song like that BELONGS in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, especially a group that's STILL DOING
IT thirty five years after "Slaughter"! 'Nuff said!
Clifford Gene Meloy, Wyoming: How can a R&R Hall of Fame have any credibility if the
Ventures are not in it? I am shocked to learn that they are not. Their records were great. Their record sales
were impressive. Their influence on guitar players was staggering. You must realize that the Ventures were
primarily an album group. Don't just look at the singles chart record. Look at the album sales record. Listen
to The Ventures in Space album from '63 and see why psychedelic groups credit them as an influence. The
Ventures focused on album projects more than singles long before the Beach Boys (Pet Sounds in '66) and
the Beatles (Sgt. Pepper in '67) made it fashionable. From almost any perspective the Ventures are an early
and important link in the development of r&r music.
Rich Goodwin, Arizona: The Ventures is the best guitar band of all time. I grew up listening
to the Ventures and learned how to play the guitar by their albums. My son who is now 12 years old is also
a big fan and is learning to play the guitar because of the Ventures.
Sergey Shulubin, Russia:
There are not so many fans [of The Ventures in Russia], at least
among people that are connected to Internet. :-) I have no exact information, of course, but Shadows are
much more famous here, in particular because some famous bands in former Soviet Union played their stuff.
Some interesting fact -- "Vibration" from [The Ventures' album] Super Psychedelics was opening theme
in every week political review on Soviet TV in '70s-'80s, but there was no copyright or something, so no one
in our country knows who was playing but EVERYBODY could recognize that tune. Also, I guess that
almost no one here knows that "Surf Rider" is Ventures original in spite of everybody heard that tune.
Personally, I'm trying, and it goes successfully, to spread Ventures music among my friends and relatives.
Now you could hear some themes on the live concerts in local rockabilly clubs. I personally came to
Ventures by the case -- it's funny, but I just was interested by name of the band -- it seemed to me that I heard
about them and it was time I was involved in instrumental music and started to buy Shadows stuff. And, of
course, after listening to Go/Batman [CD reissue of two Ventures albums] I became Ventures addict. I
started to buy all their music I could find. After getting my credit card I got possibility to buy it directly from
internet, so now I'm happy owner of 23 CDs including Play Guitar with the Ventures.
I could say more -- I have some kind of group and we are playing a lot of Ventures material. Hope to do
this was the reason that instigated me to buy guitar this year. Funny thing -- I, our bass player and drummer
work together in internet providing company here, so "Web Surfing" from New Depths CD seems to be
written exactly for us. :-)
Doug White, Texas:
My name is Doug, and I was a member of the Columbia Record Club in
the early '60s and when I received this album (In Space) I was a very, very happy 16 year old. You guys
[The Ventures] really do it right. And I am so pleased you are still doing albums. You guys are super!
Must tell you a little war story about a good friend of mine that came over to my house one day and player
your 1963 album The Ventures Surfing. Wow, what an album. Anyhow, my pal, Edgar Paul Heinen hooked
up his Gibson guitar and Fender amp with echo effects. Played along with your album by ear your "The
Lonely Sea" piece. And I wish you could have heard this guy play along with you. He was so wonderful
that I decided right then and there I wanted to play the guitar. My favorite then and now is "Walk, Don't Run
'64." Back to Edgar, when he played with you it was like you were all right here in my house, damn it was
great. Anyhow, I lost my pal Edgar in 1966 to that stupid conflict known as Vietnam. He was a great
person!
I played your "Walk, Don't Run" in a talent show at Fairchild AFB, Washington just prior to my
retirement from the Service. It was a tough job 'cause, I dedicated the music to Edgar and you could hear
a pin drop, it got so quiet after I stated he died in Vietnam in 1966. I was not after a prize, I just wanted to
play it in honor of my pal and play if possible as well as he did. It was one of my best runs and I did receive
a 2nd place trophy in Instrumental Solo. Maybe I should give back the trophy, 'cause I don't think I was a
Solo that night! Anyhow you guys have no idea how many young people you have inspired through the
years. Edgar and I were just a small piece of it. Thanks for being a part of my life and your wonderful
sounds will always live here. You see, I retired and I am living in the same house I grew up in.
Chuck Robbins, Pennsylvania: I am a Guitar Instructor and have been teaching for 38 years,
I have used The Ventures music and to date am still using it, I have students in all age groups that want to
learn how to play like The Ventures. They were and still are a great group and I have been influenced by
them a great part of my teaching career, and will continue to be. I think they deserve the opportunity to be
among the best in the world, in my belief they are truly the best in the world.
Jesse Micheal Tomlinson, South Dakota: I am only 18 years old and I listen to Punk
Rock-n-Roll. I don't care what kind of crap anybody gives me for listening to The Ventures, I will always
love them. They are one of the reasons why I started playing the guitar, bass, and the drums. So please let
these Sultans of Surf into the Hall of Fame.
Brandy Tucker, California: I am writing to cast a vote to induct the Ventures into the Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame. I may not be a "professional" or "famous" person, but I do play several musical
instruments, and enjoy many different styles of music. I know that this acceptance of different styles,
formats, and musicians was strongly influenced by The Ventures. I recall as a very young girl, my mother
would play the albums we had, and my family's favorites were The Ventures' albums (at least until Queen
came along!). This band's ability to play everything from TV theme songs to classical music highlights their
diversity, and it is obvious that many developmental music styles have their roots in The Ventures' classic
surf sound. Hard driving rock, the "surf sound", even punk and rockabilly styles and musicians, pay homage
to The Ventures in their music. It is time that we pay homage to this "American Band" by inducting them
into the Hall of Fame.
Denny Allen, Kentucky: As a teenage musician growing up in the late 50's and early 60's in
Louisville, Kentucky, I bought several of The Ventures early albums and believe it or not, their arrangements
of songs like "Caravan," "The 2000 Pound Bee" and countless others actually helped me to learn the
Saxophone. I would play along with the melodies and imitate the guitar-licks - converting them to the
Saxophone. Learning from their music allowed me to become a much in demand Saxophonist and I ended
up doing shows with Bo Diddley, Chris Jensen, Paul Revere & The Raiders, Andy Kim, and I was part of
the horn section for "The Spiral Staircase" - plus numerous local bands in the Louisville area. Somehow
though, I never thought of The Ventures as a Surf Music Band. Their stuff to me was just good old
instrumental Rock 'n Roll that made you want to dance. That quiver-stick guitar sound along with the strong
crisp and clear back beat of the drums you just knew it was The Ventures.
Randall Graham, Colorado: The Ventures were a very early and positive influence in my life
and in my appreciation of music in general. I clearly remember swimming in the public pool in Twin Falls,
Idaho when I first heard "Walk Don't Run" play over the loudspeaker. The Ventures were instantly inducted
into my personal hall of fame and have been there ever since. Another "Ventures milestone" for me was the
trade I made with my best friend when I gave up my "Visible V-8" model for a 45 RPM copy of "Walk Don't
Run". The Ventures' music helped me grow up through the 60's without getting caught up in the drug
craziness by helping me keep my feet on the ground and remembering where I came from. I think their music
is timeless and will go on forever. Now, 38 years since I first heard that song I'm finally getting around to
taking bass guitar lessons and you can bet I'm going to be learning to play my favorite Ventures music!
Fergus Raphael, Canada: I am a 16 year old guitar student, who just heard The Ventures a few
months ago. Since then, I have bought 9 CD's and learned over 30 of their songs. I love the Ventures.
Jay Currier, North Carolina: At a music festival I heard a local surf band that played that
Venture music stuff. I was blown away. I soon took an interest in 50's-60's non-vocal surf music. My dad told
me about The Ventures and Dick Dale. I also bought a surf CD - "Jenny McCarthy's Surfing Safari" and I
made sure it had a few Ventures songs on it. Of course, I love the Beach Boys and I always thought they were
the only surf band. No way. The Ventures' music had an important role in rock 'n roll music. I kind of play
the guitar and I can never play like them they're so good. I wanted to find more info on them so I made a trip
to the library to find a web site. I was shocked to find out they had some 200 albums and like 1000 songs.
I visited the hall of fame and I saw that many great artist were not in it and that they had many worthless
'70s-'80s, punk rock people that couldn't write a song or play instruments. The Ventures symbolize a good
image of classic rock with the California surfing atmosphere. Any band I like are definitely legends and The
Ventures are at the top of the list. Jay Currier, 13 years old.
Paul Kirby, Nevada: The Ventures [are] simply the very best instrumental group in the world.
I met them under extraordinary circumstances. I was dying of a neurological disease in 1964 in a hospital
in Phoenix, Arizona. All I asked was that The Ventures visit me before I had my brain operation. Well, they
personally came up to my hospital room at St. Joseph's Hospital and saw me the night before I was to have
brain surgery. I was quite surprised to see The Ventures walk into my room with their manager, Stan
Wagner, at that time. I shall never forget how kind and thoughtful these legendary instrumentalists were to
me at such a critical time. It shows that they cared about their fans, since I was one of the biggest Ventures
fans that I know of. I tried to play every song that they recorded note for note. I still have all of their albums
and every other day put them on the turntable and practice with them. I only wish that they would be
inducted in to the Rock and Roll of Fame because I can think of no better place for their legacy to live on.
I can only tell you that these gentlemen were, in my opinion, and still are the best instrumental group in the
world. Please don't ignore this fact. They [are] wonderful to all Ventures fans and they were great guys to
me. THEY DESERVE THE BEST!
Hector Rincon, Mexico:
I'm very surprised it's a terrible mistake to have The Ventures out of
the Hall of Fame. I'm from Mexico, here the band's music is very well accepted, and particularly for
musicians and guitar players, their influence is out of discussion. I think I'm talking in my name and many
others. In my free time, I play with an amateur rock band. When I begin playing the electric guitar, my first
influence was The Ventures. I have a very big debt with them. I'm 25 years old, this is not a problem to enjoy
their music, which is universal. Many people of my generation know songs as "Walk Don't Run," "Hawaii
5-0," "Wipe Out," "Caravan," "Telstar." The best musicians must have a place in our memory. Justice for
The Ventures!
Bill Palin, Massachusetts: This band should definitely be inducted in the HoF! I'm only 19 and
a fan, not because my dad likes them. In fact, I was upset when he dragged me to see them at the Middle East
in Cambridge, MA. At this small club they rocked! I mean, I knew the songs, but hearing them live changed
all lukewarm feelings towards them. I only wish I brought my tape recorder with me.
Jeremy Irons, Florida: I am 10 and I think The Ventures are the best instrumental group there
is. Every single song that I heard was great!!! I learned how to skateboard with their music.
Michael Aaron Buyukoz, Australia: The Ventures is probably the best thing I have ever known
in this life of mortals. I have been listening to them for 38 years, since the age of 9 years. Whenever and
wherever I hear a Ventures tune, my heart jumps up immediately. I get filled up with life and optimism. With
their music all the cruelties and miseries of this world fade away. Twanging, sparkling, mellowing,
crunching, foot-tapping, smiling sharp sounds of Bob Bogle, Don Wilson, Nokie Edwards, and Mel Taylor
fill the air. I have lived, studied, and worked in 6 countries, including U.S.A. In all those countries I have
played electric guitar for 26 years. All these years I have been playing The All Mighty Ventures
instrumentals: Walk Don't Run, Pipeline, The House of the Rising Sun, Apache, Ghost Riders in the Sky,
Diamond Head, Rap City, Driving Guitars (Ventures Twist), Bulldog, Yellow Jacket, and many more.
Richard Wright, Canada: Personally, I am astounded that The Ventures are not honoured
members of the Hall of Fame. They have virtually penetrated the world with their music and almost
single-handedly brought Rock & Roll instrumentals to International prominence. As a boy, in 1960, I first
heard "Walk, Don't Run" in The Eskimo Caf‚ in a small Northern Canadian mining town. As the jukebox
played almost everyone in the restaurant stopped talking, eating and laughing. They stared at the Wurlitzer
(?) and began tapping toes, drumming on tables and even playing "spoons." It was a magical moment. As
the last strains of the song died out, there was an awkward pause and then a spontaneous burst of
applause...to a jukebox yet! I had never seen that type of public spontaneous reaction to a jukebox song
before or since...particularly among restrained Canadians.
I began saving for my first guitar and for the next fifteen years played in various R&R bands. Today, my
18 year-old son, who has studied at the Royal Conservatory of Music and appreciates and plays a wide
variety of music, said he'd give anything to hear The Ventures live. Please correct this grave oversight and
induct The Ventures into the Hall Of Fame! After all, they are a group about to celebrate 40 years of
continuous popularity and have made an enormous contribution to instrumental rock & roll. They blazed
a trail for guitar instrumentals and paved the way for the others.
Frank Canino, Illinois: The Ventures in my opinion, are the most talented group of people to
ever pick up the guitar. They handle a breathtaking amount of musical styles with masterful skill. They are
not just a surf band as often labeled. Their styles range from rock, country, and blues to classical, jazz, and
hard rock. They are the DEFINITIVE band, mastering every style and fad of the last 40 YEARS with ease
while adding there own unique twist on it. As a guitarist of 19, having been influenced by this band since
8, I'm a young fan. I know of about 20 people in my school who are fans -- just my school! They are still
tremendously popular. I know I'll probably never get to thank them personally, so getting them inducted
would be my satisfaction. Thank you Bob, Don, Nokie, Howie, Mel, Johnny (Durill), and especially Gerry,
who inspires me to push the limits of my Strat every day.
John Daughtry, Arizona: My interest and subsequent learning to play the guitar was the result
of buying and listening to every album I could afford to buy each time The Ventures released a new album.
My love of all guitar and instrumental music was the result of listening to the ubiquitous, beautiful sounds
of The Ventures. I still own a Fender Stratocaster because of The Ventures. My grandchildren are learning
to play the guitar because of their love of The Ventures' music.
Ben Leitch, Illinois: I am a 23 year old musician and a big fan of the Ventures. For about ten
years they have been a source of guitar inspiration for me and many others. Even though the Ventures gained
fame through covering other artists, I believe that their renditions of many great songs are in a class of their
own.
Stan Icenogle, Wyoming: I am a drummer and the late Mel Taylor was a big influence on my
style. Whenever anybody I run into says how much they like "Wipe Out" by "The Surfaris", all I have to is
play "The Ventures" version, particularly on the 'live' album and all of the sudden, "The Surfaris" recording
isn't so hot. What a loss upon Mel's passing.
Jeremy Winters, Georgia: I was introduced to their music about a year ago and I Love listening
to them play their guitars. Because of their playing, it has made me strive to be better at my guitar playing.
I have learned to play "Walk Don't Run", "Walk Don't Run '64", and I am personally working on learning
"Underground Fire". Their music, will live forever.
Jeremy D. Wielopolski, Michigan: I am but a mere 21 year old from Michigan who plays guitar,
trying to create a band. I was raised by my Mother on "Oldies," and my Father on "Classic Rock." One of
the greatest influences and "pulls," if you will, to playing the guitar was The Ventures. "Walk, Don't Run"
has deeply rooted itself into my guitar mind, always popping up in some form while I'm playing around with
my axe. While at work or walking around my hometown, I find myself humming songs by The Ventures
more than any other group. I dress like Kurt Cobain, talk like Limp Bizkit, but think & live like The Ventures
songs feel, and "feeling" is the biggest part of music.
Kenneth Paul Cubala, Illinois: I am a college-educated aspiring musician/ composer/songwriter.
I did not have the fortune of being around when "The Ventures" first began their vast influential contribution
to Rock and Roll music. However, when I was younger, my father, in his great interest and taste in music,
introduced me to the beauty and timeless sound of The Ventures. I distinctly remember him putting on songs
from his collection of "Venture" albums one evening and saying "This is Rock and Roll. If you can learn
how to play like this then, you'll be great." Through listening to his albums, he also pointed out to me the
sounds of the instruments in there various parts(Rhythm Guitar, Lead Guitar, Bass Guitar, and Drums). That
evening meant a lot to me, first, in that it was quality father/son time and second, it fueled my already
existing drive and childhood dream to be a great musician. To this day, "The Ventures" are still one of the
most influential bands for me in my songwriting, sound, and presentation. Their songs, to me, represent fun,
heartfelt, and enduring musicianship.
Vachik Yeganian, California: In late 60's I started getting drums lessons and the next year I took
the second position in drummer contest in Tehran, Iran. I was inspired with Ventures music and in 1969,
while in high school, I formed an instrumental band called 'The King Bees'. We started playing all Ventures
music, and became the first ever instrumental band in a high school in Iran. During those years, we played
'The House of Rising Sun, 'Night Stick, Walk Don't Run, etc. We never got the opportunity to see and meet
the legendary 'Ventures', but were inspired with their power. They provided strong influence every where
in the world.
Alan R. Lunt, Hawaii: The Ventures were responsible for thousands of youngsters taking up
the guitar, and they contributed to the formation and sound of many budding garage bands of the sixties.
Many guitar artists of the 60's, 70's and 80's were inspired to learn guitar as a result of hearing the Ventures
on the radio and records. Accompanied by the Beach Boys and Jan & Dean, they were leaders of the
evolution of "Surf Music" into the American music vocabulary. Finally, they were consummate musicians,
mastering their instruments as well as Segovia, Montoya, and Chet Atkins!
Scott K. (sirens@aol.com): This weekend me (age 15), my cousin (13), and my friend (13)
played a local talent show. There wasn't a winner but we probably would have won. With me on lead guitar,
my cousin on drums, and friend on rhythm we played [the Ventures'] Surf on Guitar [medley]. We ended up
getting the most applause and a standing ovation! Because of the lights we couldn't see the crowd, but I knew
we were a hit when the whole entire crowd screamed TEQUILA! That's all for now (Amazing Teenage
Ventures Freak).
Jonathan (samvann@aol.com): Hello, I'm another "Amazing Teenage Ventures Freak". I played
with some old guys at a hot rod show. I stepped up there, and everybody expected me to play Nirvana. I
ripped it up with Wipeout (that's all they knew). They want me to come back to the next show..... I wish more
people my age (15) played surf guitar.
SFC John Fisher, North Carolina: The Ventures were introduced to me by my cousin in the early
'60s, and I have always regarded their music as the most thrilling, skillful, and melodic music I've ever heard.
I remember the first time I heard them like it was yesterday. Somehow they distilled the vibe of that era into
their sound and provided the soundtrack for a young new generation. The fun, the pretty girls, being a brave
adventurous kind of guy -- its all there in their music, and it has inspired young people to do the things that
made America great. I play guitar and often mentor young rock guitar enthusiasts. All to often they believe
hammering out simple, distorted power chords is what guitar playing is about. By introducing them to the
Ventures music, they become transformed as if by magic. The Ventures truly deserve to be in the Rock and
Roll Hall of Fame.
| < Attachment 2
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| Attachment 4 > |
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