On this day...more years ago than I care to write, this photo of me and the original Gary Myrick and the Figures line up was taken by my good friend from high school Laura Holk. It wasn't the first time I saw the band..that was at the old Starwood in Hollywood with Laura and her brother Greg.
Greg Holk was one of those young dudes that just knew ahead of time what music was going to be cool. The first time I ever heard bands like the Gary Myrick & the Figures...or even the Sex Pistols or Adam and the Ants, was because Greg had gotten a hold of the music and played it for me.
This photo was taken after the first time I met and interviewed Gary when the band performed the first of several shows at the old Distillery East in Escondido. I know many of you remember that place (long since closed but the building still stands).
I've stayed in touch with Gary over the years. Gary was an integral part John Waitt's band at the height of John's solo success, and played with other bands like Havana 3am with Paul Simonon of The Clash. as well as many other projects.
I've included that first photo taken as well as some interesting videos of Gary both recent and awhile ago below.
Gary Myrick is still one of the best guitarists in the world and is still performing, teaching, and is about to go out on tour with Los Lobos later this year...
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