Saw Jaco on Weather Report's Birdland tour @ the Uptown in KC. At the beginning of his long solo he doodled for a couple of minutes then walked over to these two side by side slave heads that had 2 big knobs each, & while holding a note with his left hand, in one sweeping motion wiped those 4 knobs all the way full. You not only heard it you felt it intensely. Then he proceeded to do his magic on the most incredible solo! So honored to have experienced that.
What a Brilliant Story, Tony! Asking Jaco, if you could play his Bass! Brilliant!😂 Amazing you were only 23, at the time, and fully accomplished! What a Career! I wish you Many More Years of Success! I'm glad UA-cam exists, where we can go and hear these types of stories nearly 40 years on! Cheers!
I saw The Firm in 85 in CT then 86 at Meadowlands. I met you Tony in 89(89) Blue Murder in Poughkeepsie NY- lol you guys were at a Pizza Place and you took the time to talk to fans after playing video games.. Can't wait for the book. Some of your Roy Harper appearance have made their way onto CD unofficially titled " Transmission Impossible- Jimmy Page". Thanks for the info- I have it on cassette!
Thank you for recalling that night for us Tony! Jaco was truly spectacular! I saw you twice with The Firm and you blew me away! I think you are an amazing and very underrated musician!!
That’s awesome, I saw you guys for my 18th birthday the following day at the Capital Center Largo MD. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen in my life. Great 18th birthday. And who would’ve thought Jimmy played with Jaco the night before😮 wow Jaco jam was 38 years ago today
Thank you for sharing this amazing story! P.S. It's a shame all legendary clubs of NYC, including Lone Star, do not exist anymore... Thou I was lucky to see some amazing acts and unexpected jams there.
Wow! Fantastic orator, I promise to find your book. Blue Murder got me to this, I had no idea what a great singer you are. I played a guitar show with you and Reeves Gabriel in Florida, your article about fearlessness came soon after. I jammed with Jaco @ the Button South in Ft Lauderdale just before his passing, sadly he was in rough shape, I have a video. I loved Jaco and I thank God for you, carrying a torch and continuing an unbelievable career. Huge Blessings! Leroy
Thank you for these amazing words. Much appreciated. Yes it’s incredibly sad what happened to Jaco, but what a legacy and inspiration he gave us. I humbly carry his torch - or a spark of it! I’ve had an incredible journey, which God willing will continue as long as possible. Thanks for being there along the way.
Wonderful! You got the chance to meet Jaco and for you it was surreal. I got to meet you and for me that was surreal. It was at a Thoroughbred Music guitar show in Clearwater Florida. You could not have been more gracious. Watched you play The Rain Song on fretless 5 string and I was mesmerized. Later that day you jammed with Reeves Gabrels. We, months later, had a phone conversation due to your Fender connection and again you were very patient with a fan. There is a saying- "don't meet your heroes", I ,however, have been very fortunate. Now, NEW BLUE MURDER!!!
I agree. Love these war stories. It was fun war. Ha! I think most of we "Boomers" are realizing how lucky we were to grow up when,where and how we did! We simply hit one of history's greatest jackpots!
What an amazing story, thank you for sharing! I absolutely loved the Firm! I was fortunate enough to see you play and you guys were amazing! You’re still one of my favorite bass players, Tony. Cheers!
Tony. I remember '84-'85 at the Boston gardens (the original venue), I saw you with the firm.you did the purple Haze riff and the audience flipped out! Great show by you, Paul, Chris, and pagey!
Tony, I'm glad I stumbled on this video. I've been a Jaco fan for many years but also a Page fan as well. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. Cheers!
Thank you, Tony, for sharing this story and for being instrumental in getting two of my heroes, Jimmy and Jaco together. I only really got to know you and your work about 10 years ago. I love your friendly, genial style and your 'fretless monster' approach.
Thank you for sharing this story. You have genuine chops as a raconteur, I was seeing what you were saying. Still curious about what was played, and if they found some grooves. Jaco played with Jorma Kaukonen around that time, so I could see him adapting to Page and running down some blues songs. The fun you had still shows on your face. Bless you, sir!
I truly appreciate that. These stories are very meaningful to me. As are the people involved. I believe there are bootlegs of the evening, certainly of his jam with Jammy. Plus other sets around that time.
Beautiful story , you seeing your bass idol and hooking him up with jimmy on total accident and making Jack’s probably dream come true and seeing how magic it can be , I think it is sweet that you have trouble sharing words , and even asked to touch his bass hehehe . But the best part is that you made a memory that not many will ever have , it’s beautiful beyond words 😊❤
It’s a very special memory. And having come to know the Pastorius family many years later, this was apparently a meaningful moment for Jaco also. None of knew that Jaco was struggling with mental health at the time. He was bipolar, and sadly would be gone just two years later. 🥲
@@FretlessMonster people now days are more understanding than people were than sadly , but the world lost an amazing bassist , ❤️ value and treasure the memories you made and the knowledge you gave him , the memory that he loved sharing with his family
I’m glad I watched the whole video. It was truly enlightening as well as entertaining to me. I love those kinda stories man. Thanks for sharing Tony. 😊
Thank you Tony, for recounting that with so much warmth, grace, and humour. So many Jaco stories miss on those counts, and so many of Jaco's detractors fail to pick up on those qualities in the man and the music. You certainly do not.
I truly appreciate that. I have so much love, reverence and respect for Jaco and his legacy. Its easy to forget how powerful and profound Jaco’s influence was when he first hit the scene. He was and still remains a game changer in my eyes. 🙏🏻❤️
@@FretlessMonster I'm honoured that you would read that and reply! Thanks for keeping the fretless flame alive and bright. Our friend Jaco would certainly approve!
I saw The Firm in Dayton Ohio, while partying in the parking lot, a limo drove by and i happened to notice WOW, that was Jimmy Page. Anyhow, he had that same flower shirt on as in the still shot on this video. AWESOME! Rock on !!!!
Wow! What a special moment. I'm sure it was a gift to everyone involved. Jaco knew no boundaries. If it was good he played it. Thank you for your story
Hi Tony. thanks for a lovely story. a story all us bass players would have loved to experienced. Im a 77yr old bassist. been playing since 1962, both fretted and unfretted. The impact Jaco had throughout that time was amazing. Like you I remember hearing he had died and it really hit me so hard. I was in a theatre pit that night and I really had to pull myself together to finish the job. It was all such a sad event for all us players I wonder what he would be playing if still around today.?
Oh wow. I cannot imagine what it would have been like if I was playing at the time! Well done on keeping it together. Who knows. He was a shooting star
What a great story, Tony. I love your playing. The first time I heard The Firm, I'd never heard a bass style like yours. Wish I could play with you sometime.
Thanks' Tony! I enjoyed all your work on the Bass these past years starting with The Firm. Your the reason I picked up playing fretless! Wish you the best.
What an absolutely great story! Jaco was from a different dimension - and I mean that in the best of ways. Playing or not playing, that had to be an absolute freakish thing to witness!
Tony thanks for uploading this. Tony I had a chance to meet Jaco. But I was too scared to talk to him. Jaco and Jimmy two of my biggest musical influences on the stage at once. Mind-blowing!
@@FretlessMonster Jaco was playing at this place called Chuy’s Cho Cho in Tempe, Az. With his Word of Mouth band. It’s a small club. He walked right by my table to get to the stage. This is a place where you could talk to the guys after the gig. I was so close I could touch him. But I was too scared! This was in 1982 😁
Thank you Tony for telling us your story. Jaco, Jimmy, you, all influenced me. To hear that you all met, as well as in my own musical influence/experience, is really cool. If that makes any sense.
By this show Jaco was at the end of his rope. The Weather Report didn't want anything to do with him, and he was couch-surfing between playing small gigs. He had run out of people to help him, not that he really wanted help. When he moved back to Florida, that was the end. Unemployable, it was only a matter of time. But I'm grateful for the short amount of time he was here. He certainly left an indelible legacy. Thanks for the story. I saw you with the Firm in Oakland and really enjoyed the show.
Thanks for that. Yes it’s very sad. Little was known about bipolar at that time. I believe he was attempting to escape the dark episodes of his condition with drink and drugs, which of course only made things worse. It’s heartbreaking really. But what a gift he left us! Cool that you saw the Firm. Magical days for me. 🙏🏻😊
@@FretlessMonster Hi Tony, thanks for the reply. Even if he had accepted the treatment he clearly needed, I think the best case scenario is a Syd Barrett-type of existence. Which if you consider it, wasn't that bad for him. Quick story, in 1988 I traveled to Jamaica with my ex and we were approached by a musician looking to sell his original reggae cassettes. The only catch is they were at his house about a 20 minute drive from Ocho Rios. This felt sketchy, but we hired a taxi for the drive to his modest bungalow. When we walked in we were treated to a glorious video of the Caribbean. He put on the cassette and cracked a few beers. But when we went into the main room, on the wall was only a single piece of art, the promotional picture of The Firm in the size of a massive poster. Full color, with all 4 of you. It was hilarious...instead of Bob Marley he chose The Firm! It was a good day!
As I’ve said, you were awesome on that tour. Best live sound I’ve heard. (Never saw Rush live lol). Cool hearing the bassist who inspired me to go fretless talk about the bassist who inspired him to do the same. I’m a couple of years older than you but I never heard of Jaco until after I bought my fretless and was taking lessons and my teacher said “That’s a Jaco line” when I was doing a solo exercise. Life is funny that way.
Great story! I only learned of the genius of Jaco after picking up the bass a few years ago. I'm looking for that Jaco and Jimmy video now. Thanks for posting this!
What a wonderful story! I LOVE that you were the spark of this legendary event! I worked in NYC and used to walk past the Lonestar daily. I have a million memories of the first Firm tour and that MSG gig. In fact I was at the ARMS concert where Jimmy and Paul played Midnight Moonlight for the first time. It was a New York City song for me. The smells the feel was COMPLETELY NYC to this day! It was glorious! Sadly I encountered Jaco in one of his street sickness moments in those months... thank you for this story Tony!
Thanks for that. So cool you were right there at that moment. A unique time for sure. Probably never to return. Midnight Moonlight was the spark that led to The Firm. I have a special place in my heart for that song. Yes Jaco had more than his share of dark days. Very sad. But what a huge legacy he left us. He was a force of nature, a game changer 🙏🏻🤩
@@FretlessMonster indeed Jaco was! Such a seminal time for musical exploration as a fan... I cannot imagine what it was like as a musician! Love your work.
I was there that night with friends, we got to meet all of you but for Jimmy, he was busy watching Jaco. Robert Cray and his band opened up. Jaco met everyone, shaking hands with us outside before we all went in.
So cool. There are some doubters (who no doubt were NOT there) who said it never happened - the recording and pictures were fake. Great that saw it. It DEFINITELY happened!! 😂👏🏻
That is so fascinating that Tony didn't have a lot of knowledge of Led Zeppelin, when I started out three of the first songs I learned on bass were Led Zeppelin songs and that was a pretty common experience for most of us back in the mid eighties and worked through a good chunk of the Zeppelin catalog later.
Thanks for sharing Tony your story.just surreal bro.Jaco,Jack Bruce and Stanley Clarke in my knowledge and love are my favourite bassist's ever.... respect 👍 always
Great story man! Haha, you're the reason I pulled the frets out of two of my basses back in the day, and I think I played barefoot for a while as well. Great hearing you reminisce about things that happened when I was seeing you the way you saw Jaco. I would have been around 14 at the time this story took place, and can only imagine if I had walked into a little bar and seen you playing.
@@FretlessMonster Thanks for making this video. I met Jaco around the same time in NYC and I'll never forget the big hands and Strong handshake. The strongest I've ever felt from anyone. How lucky we were to have met him. Mike Stern's a great guy too. So was Hiram. RIP Jaco 😎
Great story. I was smiling as I was living vicariously through you. What a great life you have lead, especially meeting and hearing Jaco in person - with Jimmy Page no less!!. Tragic story with Jaco's suffering and untimely and brutal ending.. Glad you were able to provide him with such a happy experience on this night. I think only bass players and extreme jazz aficionados really appreciate what a completely unique musician he was.
Thank you for that. You truly caught the spirit of what the video was about. He was a force of nature. A uniquely gifted musician. I was humbled in his presence. His demise was sad indeed, but what a legacy and inspiration he gave us. The real musicians and artists know who he is… as do a lot of the rock players. He was a rock star to us. 🤩🔥
I Got to take a couple of lessons from Jaco in October and November of 85 at the drummers collective in NYC. Jaco was in good mental health at that point. Unfortunately it didn't last too long.
I used to regularly go into Greenwich village back in the 1980s. Not only did I see Jaco on numerous occasions when he was living on the street, but I also jammed with him at the open jam at the Blue Note Jazz club! He then told a waiter to go get me and bring me to the bar so he can meet me! I then hung out with him next to the stage, at a side table. Throughout the rest of the jam, we sat and talked while he was checking out my guitar!
What a great story, and very well told! I picked up the bass with Jaco as my inspiration...40 years later I still can't play 😂 However, I do try to introduce others to him to keep his memory alive. Truly one of the greats.
Thank you for that story Tony. I also love that video of you, David Gilmour and Kate Bush perfoming Running up that hill. 3 icons on stage together. Wow!
You are wonderful with your stories! I cannot wait for the book to be released. You are one of my favorite bass players and am glad we share the same interest in the legend of Mr. Pastorius . Get that book out boss! Gonna dig it and thank you.
Thank you, Tony! Your story has inspired me to pick up my fretless again. I have a story about Tony Levin. He played a show in Lawrence Kansas with the California Guitar Trio one night. 2 hours before the show I met him in a laundromat doing Landry! I couldn't believe it! We took a picture together next to the washer. Later that night during the end of the show they played a Acoustic song in the middle of the audience. While nobody was looking I went up on stage and strummed his stick that he had laying on the stage. I'm not crazy but I am a carrier. Lol. Thank you for the story Monster!
Great story Tony... it's clear to see Jaco meant a lot to you. And to not only see.. but actually get to meet and interact with him in that particularly unique setting, must have been mind blowing! Thank you.
Saw Jaco on Weather Report's Birdland tour @ the Uptown in KC. At the beginning of his long solo he doodled for a couple of minutes then walked over to these two side by side slave heads that had 2 big knobs each, & while holding a note with his left hand, in one sweeping motion wiped those 4 knobs all the way full. You not only heard it you felt it intensely. Then he proceeded to do his magic on the most incredible solo! So honored to have experienced that.
Amazing! That was him in his prime. So innovative and creative. A visionary and a force of nature 🔥
What a Brilliant Story, Tony! Asking Jaco, if you could play his Bass! Brilliant!😂 Amazing you were only 23, at the time, and fully accomplished! What a Career! I wish you Many More Years of Success! I'm glad UA-cam exists, where we can go and hear these types of stories nearly 40 years on! Cheers!
Great. Thanks for that.
Yes UA-cam and other outlets are really good for this stuff. There’s some amazing content on here. 🙏🏻🤩
I saw The Firm in 85 in CT then 86 at Meadowlands. I met you Tony in 89(89) Blue Murder in Poughkeepsie NY- lol you guys were at a Pizza Place and you took the time to talk to fans after playing video games.. Can't wait for the book. Some of your Roy Harper appearance have made their way onto CD unofficially titled " Transmission Impossible- Jimmy Page". Thanks for the info- I have it on cassette!
Thank you for recalling that night for us Tony! Jaco was truly spectacular! I saw you twice with The Firm and you blew me away! I think you are an amazing and very underrated musician!!
Truly appreciate that. It was fun to recall that occasion
Jaco was untouchable. Unmatched innovator.
For sure.
@@FretlessMonster Not to take away from your own genius and mastery of the instrument Tony, and not to mention Perfect Hair back in the day too!!!
Absolutely loved this deep empathy story about Jaco , his magic comes through in your words about him. Thank you so much for sharing
Truly appreciate that ❤️
I agree I don't think Jaco ever realized how many people loved him and how he would truly be remembered forever.
Great era and special musicians we grew up with. You guys made my generation so special. Thank you all
A very special era indeed.
Thank you for Sharing. Let’s keep this man alive…
Yes!!! ❤️❤️
I saw the Firm in 85, Hollywood Sportatorium. Both your bass solo and Chris's drum solo blew me away
Love hearing that. Thanks so much 🤩👍🏻
These stories are AMAZING! I truly hope you give us more soon.
Thank you so much.
Love hearing stories from Musicians!!! Thank you for sharing! 🎶🥰🎶👍🏽
👍🏻👍🏻😊😊
Quite literally 3 legends all together! I love these blasts from the pasts, there is always something to behold and take from them.
Great! Thank you!!
@@FretlessMonster Cheers Tony!
That’s awesome, I saw you guys for my 18th birthday the following day at the Capital Center Largo MD. One of the best shows I’ve ever seen in my life. Great 18th birthday. And who would’ve thought Jimmy played with Jaco the night before😮 wow Jaco jam was 38 years ago today
Wow. I love hearing that. Thanks for sharing!
Fantastic, Jaco and Jimmy on stage
The stars and planets were definitely aligned that night. 🌠
For sure!!!
Thank you for sharing this amazing story!
P.S. It's a shame all legendary clubs of NYC, including Lone Star, do not exist anymore... Thou I was lucky to see some amazing acts and unexpected jams there.
It was a definite special and rare time period.
My neck was always sore after leaving here-the stage was at right angles to wherever i was it seemed.
Amazing stories and teh balls on your Tony for asking Jaco to play his bass live gave me a chuckle! You're the man!
Haha. Thanks. I was either brave or naïve. 😩🤷♂️🤣
@@FretlessMonster Rather brazen antics there Tony!
Well played!!!
SO AWESOME!! LEGENDS!!
I first saw Jaco with Pat Metheny in Boston in 1973. Might have been his first jazz gig outside of Florida.
Magic! Early days.
@@FretlessMonster It was advertised as Dave Holland on bass to get bass players to come, as Jaco had no fame at the time.
Wow! Fantastic orator, I promise to find your book. Blue Murder got me to this, I had no idea what a great singer you are. I played a guitar show with you and Reeves Gabriel in Florida, your article about fearlessness came soon after. I jammed with Jaco @ the Button South in Ft Lauderdale just before his passing, sadly he was in rough shape, I have a video. I loved Jaco and I thank God for you, carrying a torch and continuing an unbelievable career. Huge Blessings! Leroy
Thank you for these amazing words. Much appreciated.
Yes it’s incredibly sad what happened to Jaco, but what a legacy and inspiration he gave us. I humbly carry his torch - or a spark of it!
I’ve had an incredible journey, which God willing will continue as long as possible.
Thanks for being there along the way.
Thank you kindly. Wonderful memory, story telling.
Thanks for watching 👍🏻😊
Wonderful! You got the chance to meet Jaco and for you it was surreal. I got to meet you and for me that was surreal. It was at a Thoroughbred Music guitar show in Clearwater Florida. You could not have been more gracious. Watched you play The Rain Song on fretless 5 string and I was mesmerized. Later that day you jammed with Reeves Gabrels. We, months later, had a phone conversation due to your Fender connection and again you were very patient with a fan. There is a saying- "don't meet your heroes", I ,however, have been very fortunate. Now, NEW BLUE MURDER!!!
Thanks for that. It means a lot.
I wouldn’t hold your breath on BM though. 🙃🤷♂️
This is excellent Tony! I’d love a storyteller series from you telling road stories. It could be quite popular. Cheers!
My book will go into a lot more detail. I’m sure there will be more stories.
I agree. Love these war stories. It was fun war. Ha! I think most of we "Boomers" are realizing how lucky we were to grow up when,where and how we did! We simply hit one of history's greatest jackpots!
Thanks for sharing this story, Tony. Great memories of the music life.
Great. Thank you. It’s nice to share this stuff.
Thank you for bringing this touching Story to Life again 🎸🎶🎵
Thank you. Really appreciate that.
It’s nice to share these precious memories
Appreciate your kind reply 🎸🎶🎵
Thank you Tony for sharing this nice story.
Jaco is the boss for eternity…🙏🏼
Yes he is. He’s the man!
What an amazing story, thank you for sharing! I absolutely loved the Firm! I was fortunate enough to see you play and you guys were amazing! You’re still one of my favorite bass players, Tony. Cheers!
Thank you so much!!
Tony. I remember '84-'85 at the Boston gardens (the original venue), I saw you with the firm.you did the purple Haze riff and the audience flipped out! Great show by you, Paul, Chris, and pagey!
Thanks so much!! I have such fond memories of those days!
Tony, I'm glad I stumbled on this video. I've been a Jaco fan for many years but also a Page fan as well. Thank you for sharing this wonderful story. Cheers!
Great! Thanks for watching!
Thank you, Tony, for sharing this story and for being instrumental in getting two of my heroes, Jimmy and Jaco together. I only really got to know you and your work about 10 years ago. I love your friendly, genial style and your 'fretless monster' approach.
Thank you so much. It was a very special occasion for sure.
Thank you for sharing this story. You have genuine chops as a raconteur, I was seeing what you were saying. Still curious about what was played, and if they found some grooves. Jaco played with Jorma Kaukonen around that time, so I could see him adapting to Page and running down some blues songs. The fun you had still shows on your face. Bless you, sir!
I truly appreciate that.
These stories are very meaningful to me. As are the people involved.
I believe there are bootlegs of the evening, certainly of his jam with Jammy. Plus other sets around that time.
Great story! Thanks for sharing it.
Beautiful story , you seeing your bass idol and hooking him up with jimmy on total accident and making Jack’s probably dream come true and seeing how magic it can be , I think it is sweet that you have trouble sharing words , and even asked to touch his bass hehehe . But the best part is that you made a memory that not many will ever have , it’s beautiful beyond words 😊❤
It’s a very special memory. And having come to know the Pastorius family many years later, this was apparently a meaningful moment for Jaco also. None of knew that Jaco was struggling with mental health at the time. He was bipolar, and sadly would be gone just two years later. 🥲
@@FretlessMonster people now days are more understanding than people were than sadly , but the world lost an amazing bassist , ❤️ value and treasure the memories you made and the knowledge you gave him , the memory that he loved sharing with his family
Great story, Tony. Thank you for sharing it. Rest in peace, John Francis Pastorius, III.
🙌🏻🙏🏻💔❤️
I’m glad I watched the whole video. It was truly enlightening as well as entertaining to me. I love those kinda stories man. Thanks for sharing Tony. 😊
Thanks for watching. It was fun to share. An unforgettable night.
Thank you Tony, for recounting that with so much warmth, grace, and humour. So many Jaco stories miss on those counts, and so many of Jaco's detractors fail to pick up on those qualities in the man and the music. You certainly do not.
I truly appreciate that. I have so much love, reverence and respect for Jaco and his legacy. Its easy to forget how powerful and profound Jaco’s influence was when he first hit the scene. He was and still remains a game changer in my eyes. 🙏🏻❤️
@@FretlessMonster I'm honoured that you would read that and reply! Thanks for keeping the fretless flame alive and bright. Our friend Jaco would certainly approve!
I saw The Firm in Dayton Ohio, while partying in the parking lot, a limo drove by and i happened to notice WOW, that was Jimmy Page. Anyhow, he had that same flower shirt on as in the still shot on this video. AWESOME! Rock on !!!!
Oh that’s killer! Must have taken you by surprise 🤩🙃
Sincerely thank you for gifting us with this lovely story! Enjoyed every word of it!
🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️
What a great story, thanks for sharing ❤
Great!! Thanks so much. 👍🏻🤩
Wow! What a special moment. I'm sure it was a gift to everyone involved. Jaco knew no boundaries. If it was good he played it. Thank you for your story
Thanks for that. It’s still incredible to me, even after all these years. I was there, yet it feels like a dream, surreal.
Great story, Tony! Thanks for the music.
Thanks! Truly appreciate that 😊👍🏻
That's cool, that's cool, Tony. Your stories are priceless and always welcome. Thanks a lot!
Truly appreciate that. I love to share them!
Hi Tony. thanks for a lovely story. a story all us bass players would have loved to experienced. Im a 77yr old bassist. been playing since 1962, both fretted and unfretted. The impact Jaco had throughout that time was amazing. Like you I remember hearing he had died and it really hit me so hard. I was in a theatre pit that night and I really had to pull myself together to finish the job. It was all such a sad event for all us players
I wonder what he would be playing if still around today.?
Oh wow. I cannot imagine what it would have been like if I was playing at the time! Well done on keeping it together.
Who knows. He was a shooting star
Absolutely inspiring story. Thank you Tony!
Great insight, Tony... thank you!
Great! Thanks for watching.
What a great story, Tony. I love your playing. The first time I heard The Firm, I'd never heard a bass style like yours. Wish I could play with you sometime.
Wow. Thanks so much
Thank YOU for the STORY!
fantastic, thanks so much for sharing that story w/ us!
Great. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for sharing, Tony! Great story!
Thank you 😊
Thanks' Tony! I enjoyed all your work on the Bass these past years starting with The Firm. Your the reason I picked up playing fretless! Wish you the best.
Thanks so much. That’s amazing to hear. Have fun on your Fretless journey! 👏🏻
Amazing story!! Thank you so so much for sharing!! :D
Great!! Thanks for watching!!
What an absolutely great story! Jaco was from a different dimension - and I mean that in the best of ways. Playing or not playing, that had to be an absolute freakish thing to witness!
Thank you. And yes indeed. He was one of a kind, a force of nature.
Sad that he left us, but grateful that he came. He impacted us all.
Tony thanks for uploading this. Tony I had a chance to meet Jaco. But I was too scared to talk to him. Jaco and Jimmy two of my biggest musical influences on the stage at once. Mind-blowing!
Trust me. I totally understand that!!
Musical heroes for sure!
@@FretlessMonster Jaco was playing at this place called Chuy’s Cho Cho in Tempe, Az. With his Word of Mouth band. It’s a small club. He walked right by my table to get to the stage. This is a place where you could talk to the guys after the gig. I was so close I could touch him. But I was too scared! This was in 1982 😁
What an amazing story. Jaco was a legend. As are you and, well, of course Jimmy. I’m looking forward to more of the stories.
Thank you Tony for telling us your story. Jaco, Jimmy, you, all influenced me. To hear that you all met, as well as in my own musical influence/experience, is really cool. If that makes any sense.
I understand… and thank you!! 👍🏻🤩
Thank you so much for that story.
Thank you Tony for sharing this with us. ❤🎉❤🎉
Awe..this was great Tony , I saw Weather Report when they played at the Apollo in Glasgow, this was magic thank you.
Thank you.
Cool you saw him with the mighty Weather Report. 👍🏻😊
This dude has the perfect voice for telling stories!!! Thnx for this! 🤘✌
You’re very kind. Thank you!!
By this show Jaco was at the end of his rope. The Weather Report didn't want anything to do with him, and he was couch-surfing between playing small gigs. He had run out of people to help him, not that he really wanted help. When he moved back to Florida, that was the end. Unemployable, it was only a matter of time. But I'm grateful for the short amount of time he was here. He certainly left an indelible legacy. Thanks for the story. I saw you with the Firm in Oakland and really enjoyed the show.
Thanks for that. Yes it’s very sad. Little was known about bipolar at that time. I believe he was attempting to escape the dark episodes of his condition with drink and drugs, which of course only made things worse. It’s heartbreaking really.
But what a gift he left us!
Cool that you saw the Firm. Magical days for me. 🙏🏻😊
@@FretlessMonster Hi Tony, thanks for the reply. Even if he had accepted the treatment he clearly needed, I think the best case scenario is a Syd Barrett-type of existence. Which if you consider it, wasn't that bad for him. Quick story, in 1988 I traveled to Jamaica with my ex and we were approached by a musician looking to sell his original reggae cassettes. The only catch is they were at his house about a 20 minute drive from Ocho Rios. This felt sketchy, but we hired a taxi for the drive to his modest bungalow. When we walked in we were treated to a glorious video of the Caribbean. He put on the cassette and cracked a few beers. But when we went into the main room, on the wall was only a single piece of art, the promotional picture of The Firm in the size of a massive poster. Full color, with all 4 of you. It was hilarious...instead of Bob Marley he chose The Firm! It was a good day!
As I’ve said, you were awesome on that tour. Best live sound I’ve heard. (Never saw Rush live lol). Cool hearing the bassist who inspired me to go fretless talk about the bassist who inspired him to do the same. I’m a couple of years older than you but I never heard of Jaco until after I bought my fretless and was taking lessons and my teacher said “That’s a Jaco line” when I was doing a solo exercise. Life is funny that way.
Ha! That’s so great. Thanks for watching.
Great story! I only learned of the genius of Jaco after picking up the bass a few years ago. I'm looking for that Jaco and Jimmy video now. Thanks for posting this!
Great. Thanks so much. Yes Jaco was a force of nature. Changed bass forever
Thank you for sharing Tony a fabulous account
Thank you.
What a great story. I’m very much looking forward to the book!
Appreciate that.. truly.
What a wonderful story! I LOVE that you were the spark of this legendary event! I worked in NYC and used to walk past the Lonestar daily. I have a million memories of the first Firm tour and that MSG gig. In fact I was at the ARMS concert where Jimmy and Paul played Midnight Moonlight for the first time. It was a New York City song for me. The smells the feel was COMPLETELY NYC to this day! It was glorious! Sadly I encountered Jaco in one of his street sickness moments in those months... thank you for this story Tony!
Thanks for that.
So cool you were right there at that moment. A unique time for sure. Probably never to return.
Midnight Moonlight was the spark that led to The Firm. I have a special place in my heart for that song.
Yes Jaco had more than his share of dark days. Very sad. But what a huge legacy he left us. He was a force of nature, a game changer 🙏🏻🤩
@@FretlessMonster indeed Jaco was! Such a seminal time for musical exploration as a fan... I cannot imagine what it was like as a musician! Love your work.
I was there that night with friends, we got to meet all of you but for Jimmy, he was busy watching Jaco. Robert Cray and his band opened up. Jaco met everyone, shaking hands with us outside before we all went in.
Nice!
@@FretlessMonster I’ll never forget that night but it was so wild to see Tony posted about this. Sweet!
So cool. There are some doubters (who no doubt were NOT there) who said it never happened - the recording and pictures were fake. Great that saw it. It DEFINITELY happened!! 😂👏🏻
Why would people feel the need to claim this is fake? Why? Haaa, wow!
Well, I’m a witness. I got you, bud.🤙🏼😎
Thank you for sharing such a historical event you had.
So awesome watching one of my heroes talking about when he met one of my heroes! Just too cool!
Love that. Thank you 🙏🏻🤩
Glory days. I think this is something of a time that‘s over. Thanks for sharing
It was an amazing time period for sure.
That is so fascinating that Tony didn't have a lot of knowledge of Led Zeppelin, when I started out three of the first songs I learned on bass were Led Zeppelin songs and that was a pretty common experience for most of us back in the mid eighties and worked through a good chunk of the Zeppelin catalog later.
I hear you. It’s a fascinating story in itself how Led Zep eluded me in those early days. I adore them now.
"No jazz stuff" from what I recall Jimmy as saying to Jaco. Always loved your playing Tony... great vid!
Yeah. No Jazz for Jimmy.
Great story! I remember seeing the Firm in Detroit and Toledo front row, back to back nights. And Tony's amazing solo and jimi Hendrix montage
I love hearing that. Thank you 😊
Thanks for sharing Tony your story.just surreal bro.Jaco,Jack Bruce and Stanley Clarke in my knowledge and love are my favourite bassist's ever.... respect 👍 always
Great thank you
I saw the Firm and what a great night it was , and how fabulous to hear you tell your story.
God bless from Nige.
Thanks Nige. God bless
What an awesome story. Thanks for sharing man
Great story! Thanks for sharing!
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Great story man! Haha, you're the reason I pulled the frets out of two of my basses back in the day, and I think I played barefoot for a while as well. Great hearing you reminisce about things that happened when I was seeing you the way you saw Jaco. I would have been around 14 at the time this story took place, and can only imagine if I had walked into a little bar and seen you playing.
Wow. That’s great to hear that.
Barefoot too. You were all in 👏🏻🤩
it must have been surreal for sure. you and Jaco having a bass contest on stage would have been a jaw dropping experience.
Amazing story! I was fortunate enough to see you play with The Firm at U of I about a week prior to this. A concert I'll never forget.
Truly appreciate that.
Awesome story! Thanks so much for sharing this. So cool that you made this historic jam happen :)
Thank you. It’s all still so surreal and amazing to me. Like I’m a spectator of my own story! 🤷♂️🤪
@@FretlessMonster Thanks for making this video. I met Jaco around the same time in NYC and I'll never forget the big hands and Strong handshake. The strongest I've ever felt from anyone. How lucky we were to have met him. Mike Stern's a great guy too. So was Hiram. RIP Jaco 😎
Great story. I was smiling as I was living vicariously through you. What a great life you have lead, especially meeting and hearing Jaco in person - with Jimmy Page no less!!. Tragic story with Jaco's suffering and untimely and brutal ending.. Glad you were able to provide him with such a happy experience on this night. I think only bass players and extreme jazz aficionados really appreciate what a completely unique musician he was.
Thank you for that. You truly caught the spirit of what the video was about. He was a force of nature. A uniquely gifted musician. I was humbled in his presence.
His demise was sad indeed, but what a legacy and inspiration he gave us. The real musicians and artists know who he is… as do a lot of the rock players. He was a rock star to us. 🤩🔥
That was great thanks for sharing that memory and really looking forward to your book!
Thank you so much.
another great share Tony, thanks!
Thank you
Kool story, that would have been amazing to be present! Can't wait for your book Tony, keep up the great work, Cheers!!
Thanks so much
thank you for sharing Tony…
I Got to take a couple of lessons from Jaco in October and November of 85 at the drummers collective in NYC. Jaco was in good mental health at that point. Unfortunately it didn't last too long.
So cool that you got to take some lessons with him.
What an amazing story Tony, WOW. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks my friend! 🤩👍🏻
Great story! Thank you for sharing.
Wonderful thankyou.
I used to regularly go into Greenwich village back in the 1980s. Not only did I see Jaco on numerous occasions when he was living on the street, but I also jammed with him at the open jam at the Blue Note Jazz club! He then told a waiter to go get me and bring me to the bar so he can meet me! I then hung out with him next to the stage, at a side table. Throughout the rest of the jam, we sat and talked while he was checking out my guitar!
Wow. What a memory
What a great story, and very well told! I picked up the bass with Jaco as my inspiration...40 years later I still can't play 😂 However, I do try to introduce others to him to keep his memory alive. Truly one of the greats.
Haha. That’s very honest of you.
Yes Jaco was definitely one of the greats. Great that you can introduce him to others.
Rock history .. Thanks Tony ..🤩
🙏🏻🤩👍🏻
Wow totally enjoyed that ! Thanks for sharing 😁
Appreciate that. Thanks for watching
Beautiful Tony! Thank you
Thanks so much 🤩👍🏻
Thank you for that story Tony. I also love that video of you, David Gilmour and Kate Bush perfoming Running up that hill. 3 icons on stage together. Wow!
Thanks so much. I’ve been fortunate to be front row at some incredible moments. Very grateful
Great story. Thanks for sharing, Tony. Wow...23 y/o and playing to a sold out MSG and meeting Jaco all in the same trip.
Within a day of each other. Surreal and amazing for sure.
What an amazing story. Thanks Tony!
You are wonderful with your stories! I cannot wait for the book to be released. You are one of my favorite bass players and am glad we share the same interest in the legend of Mr. Pastorius . Get that book out boss! Gonna dig it and thank you.
Thank you so much. The book is moving along nicely. And yes, Jaco is simply amazing.
Thanks for telling it. I am happier for having heard it.
Thank you 😊
Thank you, Tony!
Your story has inspired me to pick up my fretless again.
I have a story about Tony Levin.
He played a show in Lawrence Kansas with the California Guitar Trio one night.
2 hours before the show I met him in a laundromat doing Landry!
I couldn't believe it!
We took a picture together next to the washer.
Later that night during the end of the show they played a Acoustic song in the middle of the audience.
While nobody was looking I went up on stage and strummed his stick that he had laying on the stage. I'm not crazy but I am a carrier.
Lol.
Thank you for the story Monster!
Wonderful. Have fun with your Fretless.
And that’s a great story about Tony Levin!
@Tony Franklin - The Fretless Monster
Thank you, Tony!
If you pick up Tony Levin's
Book " Beyond the Bass Clef"
He has a story about Jaco!
Great story Tony... it's clear to see Jaco meant a lot to you. And to not only see.. but actually get to meet and interact with him in that particularly unique setting, must have been mind blowing! Thank you.
Thanks so much. Yes it was all wonderfully surreal and mind blowing!
Thanks for Sharing 🙏🏼
Like you, Jaco had a profound impact on my playing. Thank you so much for sharing your memories.
👏🏻🤩🔥