The world of music is often filled with memorable encounters, and for Don Walker, a series of chance meetings with rock legends has left an indelible mark. His journey began when he was contacted for a concert at Kirkland Ski Resort, featuring artists such as Dave Mason, Elvin Bishop, and the Sons of Champlin. This event turned into a pivotal moment in Walker’s life, opening doors to a world he had long admired.
Upon arriving at the ski resort, Walker immediately got to work. As he helped set up the stage, he noticed that the forklift driver struggled to position the speakers. Drawing from his experience operating forklifts on a ranch in northern California, Walker stepped in to assist. His quick actions caught the attention of the head of FM Productions, who subsequently offered him a chance to go on tour. Without even having an apartment in Chico, Walker eagerly accepted the opportunity.
While managing access to the stage, Walker had a brief, yet significant, encounter with Elvin Bishop. As the Sons of Champlin wrapped up their set, a man in a worn straw hat approached the stairs without the necessary credentials. Walker initially turned him away, but when fellow roadies informed him of the man’s identity, he quickly chased after Bishop. Apologizing, he brought the musician on stage to join in a jam session.
Later that evening, as Bishop performed, an unexpected moment unfolded. A new straw hat was thrown onto the stage, which Bishop picked up and humorously pointed out Walker, acknowledging him for his earlier assistance. In an unexpected twist, Bishop switched hats, placing his old one on Walker’s head while calling him “a pretty good guy.” The audience erupted into cheers, and Walker cherished that hat for many years.
Following the concert, Walker found himself behind the wheel of an RV, tasked with driving Dave Mason and his band to their next gig at Cabrillo College in Santa Cruz. Unfamiliar with maneuvering an RV, he accidentally scraped the vehicle while navigating a curve on Highway 50. As dawn broke, the group ran out of gas in Los Gatos. With no cell phones to call for help, one of the crew members ventured out to find a gas station. Fortunately, Walker discovered that the step of the RV had only grazed a reflective post, resulting in no significant damage.
As the day wore on, a tow truck arrived to transport the group to Santa Cruz. Once they arrived, Walker took a moment to rest in a grassy area, where he unknowingly sat beside one of his idols, Neil Young. Despite his exhaustion, Walker failed to engage with the legendary musician, a missed opportunity he has come to regret.
Years later, during a visit to Union Square in San Francisco, Walker had a surprising encounter with Young once again. While waiting outside an Italian restaurant, he spotted Young and introduced himself as “Don Walker, FM Productions.” Young, recognizing the name, greeted him warmly as if they were old friends. The two shared a brief moment before Young continued on his way, leaving Walker with another memorable story.
The staff at the restaurant, witnessing the exchange, treated Walker and his wife like royalty, complete with complimentary wine and special arrangements for their return to the hotel.
Walker reflects on these experiences with a sense of nostalgia and amusement. His journey from a roadie to encountering music legends highlights the unpredictable yet fascinating nature of the music industry. As he shares these stories, it becomes clear that the connections formed, however fleeting, can resonate throughout a lifetime.
Don Walker, now a resident of Chico, continues to cherish his memories from those days on the road, forever marked by his encounters with the giants of rock music. He can be contacted via email at [email protected].