You know I’ve been wanting to write some reflections on the Stagecoach Festival for several weeks now, but with all the other responsibilities I have I just didn’t have the time until now. I know it’s over a month since we played but I thought I’d just jot down some things that were special to me.
Poco was actually asked to play the year before when the Eagles performed but because the promoters wanted me to join in with the band (and I couldn’t commit because I had just had my 2nd hip replacement), it was held off until this past April. As it turned out, it was a perfect timing that it happened that way – maybe it didn’t seem “perfect” at the time – but it was.
When the band was onboard and the date was set and Jimmy accepted the invitation it just seemed natural to reach out to Timothy. It was certainly going to be a “highlight” if he decided to join us and when he accepted everyone was very excited. I know when the word got out, Poco fans were beside themselves looking forward to the reunion.
There was a lot of preparation that went into making it happen with everyone busy with individual projects so we went about learning songs that none of us had played together before. But it all came together up in Santa Ynez where we got together for the first time in years. Timothy came up and joined us for the rehearsals and it was quite a reunion –old friendships were reaffirmed and new ones were established. We were all looking forward to the week ahead and especially that George Grantham was going to be there as well. It was during the rehearsals that Jack Sundrud told me he had been over to see George and he wanted to sing on “Pickin’ Up The Pieces”. If that could happen it was going to take our reunion to another level. After three shows (and a very long over night drive on JM’s bus) the week’s preparation was over and we were all gathered together in Indio for the reunion. All the anticipation and waiting was over and there we were, all on stage making music together that spanned 40 years – awesome. Not only that but George and Timothy sang on many songs no one anticipated – it was pure joy for all of us. (Had this happened a year earlier, it might not have happened.)
One thing about reunions – most of them come and go and for whatever reason something doesn’t click, there’s always drama. But I can certainly say (from my perspective and talking to everyone after it was over and just memory) this reunion was different – the music was good and it was played “from the inside”; but most importantly – the friendships were real and everyone really enjoyed our time together – both players and fans alike. It was probably just a moment in time that will never happen again but because it did – we sure had some fun and then some. Thanks to Paul at Golden Voice for making it happen.
RF
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Richie, Thanks for sharing.on Stagecoach. Somethings don’t happen for a reason as some things do. As have met the members of Poco over the years, the love and respect everyone has for eachother is awesome and amazing.
Andy
good lord, i thank the web, the net and all that made possible for me, living so far away, to witness via electronic media this wonderful reuniom
Being old, i am a fan of the original buffalo springfield, and then of course of Poco.
thanks Richie and thanks all for all the good vibes you still share with us.
I have been relishing in the videos on YouTube of the Stagecoach Festival and can tell you that I have been brought to tears. To hear this music brought to life again is very special. I am so pissed I missed Richie Furay at Copper this summer when my friends from Down The Line were there was especially disappointing. I will see you play this year – if you will cooperate by doing some shows.
I am an old rock and roller from the 60s – The Heard. There are not many of us left and I just found out today that our singer has just started his second bout with cancer in 5 years. Pray for us.
I have tied in with the Heartsfield band over the past few years and just finished our 11th album. We were a couple years behind Poco, but had our own brand of music which we cannot stop making. Let’s hook up. We played together many decades ago. We should do it again.
richie,
thanks for this gem.
so much water flowing underneath the bridge
let the water come and carry us away.
i met you at the taste of denver (1990?) backstage when you sat in with the dirt band.
we talked about having to share a bathroom with daughters.
i got to meet one of my country rock heroes at the time which matters little now as my heroes have become as human to me as myself and so even more inspiring than before.
thx for all the great music over the years.
i’ve got a reason still resonates.