Here are some
of my most memorable moments with "Uncle Ran..."
Randy Stonehill, "Guitarist
virtuoso".
The first time we saw Randy, he was
opening for Daniel Amos during the "Shotgun Angel" Tour. Randy came on
stage , a tall skinny kid, wire rimmed glasses, long curly hair, his trademark
patched bell bottoms and his red Humming Bird (a real sweet guitar). I was not overly impressed, as Randy walked on stage, after all we had come
to hear Terry & company. But from the first ring of his guitar, to the last note I was hooked, and had the satisfaction of meeting Randy and
his guitar for the first time.
His style of hooks, riffs and chords makes Randy one
of the most dynamic acoustic guitar players in the business today.
Randy Stonehill, "Man
of wisdom".
In 1981 an ill-fated concert was held in Illinois called the Illinois Jesus Jam. A private camp ground was rented
for the event. The owner and promoters apparently did communicate that the concert would not be gospel music with accordion and organs.
The line-up included Petra, Servant, Randal Waller Band, Barnabas, other hard acts, and Randy Stonehill.
The power was shut off Friday night while Barnabas was on stage, by an irate owner. Saturday a generator was brought in to power the stage, and again
Saturday night the power went off (again while Barbarians was performing since they did not finish the night before).
Sunday morning (the last day) was quite eventful. Randy was on stage doing one of his magical acoustic sets when we all noticed sheriff
deputies lining up across one end of the main stage area.
They appeared intent on "clearing the jesus freaks out of the campground".
Randy, (from the stage) encouraged us all to peacefully and
respectfully leave the area, go to our camps, pack up and head home. Which
we did, thus averting certain injury, not to mention a really bad witness.
Randy Stonehill, "Guitar
destroyer"
At another concert, Randy was playing
a new brown guitar, I think it was a Martin. He was also introducing "Shut
the Door" to the audience for the first time. Randy was using his guitar
as a percussion instrument, really getting into the song when he suddenly
stops and says "I 've poked a hole in Mr. guitar." He had put his finger
through the body of his new guitar.