A long time ago (1972) in a galaxy far away (Max's Kansas City, I think), I saw Little Feat for the first time. A music writer friend (Ron Ross, whatever happened to you?) took me to see them, knowing I would love the music and the folks making that music. He was right on both counts. Those gents are among my oldest friends in the business, and truly it was not until Lowell George and Bill Payne told me the Transfer was great that I really began to believe it. Over the years our paths have crossed and recrossed, I have on occasion been invited to sit in and sing (and scat!) with them (a thrill!), and I still love them all.
The group started in 1969, and the original drummer, Richie Hayward, is still a member of the band. But Richie has been on hiatus in the past year, following a diagnosis of liver cancer. He has been waiting to be well enough, through treatment, for a transplant, but is now battling double pneumonia. His treatment options for that are constrained by the fact that his liver is so far gone that many drugs are off-limits. But there is no limit on prayer and hope and good wishes, and so I am asking you all now to hit your knees, or stand in the light or just be - whatever your personal practice is - for Richie, his courageous wife Shauna, and their kids.
And... if you are a drummer, you know who the man is. His groove may have helped to shape your playing. Hit the skins in tribute.
You can contribute to the fund for Richie's medical expenses here.
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