NorCal Music History Lesson #17

How a percussionist, bassist, and two keyboardists played their small part

Bongo Bob Smith, Larry Tagg, Charlie Peacock & Brent Bourgeois — circa 1987

Bongo, Tagg, Peacock & Bourgeois at your service! I uncovered this photo recently. It's from sometime between 1986-88—clearly we are "dressed" for some occasion. Lot of SacTown and NorCal music history here from back in the last century when our artistic worth was measured by a dubious metric: Are you signed to a publishing company and major label, and are your songs on terrestrial radio?

For me, these three men represent friendship, encouragement, and iron sharpening iron. Along with Joe Satriani, John Hiatt and a few others, we were the last wave of younger musicians affiliated with rock impresario Bill Graham and his crew—people like Bonnie Simmons, Mick Brigden, Arnie Pustilnik, and Kevin Burns.

Bonnie was inducted into the Rock Radio Hall of Fame in the "Legends of Rock Radio-Programming" category for her work at KSAN back in the day. The latter three men have all passed away. Gone, but not gone to history.

Our little moment with Bill Graham Management was the end of an era that began 20 years earlier at the advent of the Bay Area music explosion—which Bill was a main architect—along with others like attorney Brian Rohan and the great producer David Rubinson (who also managed me for a brief moment).

I was not close to Bill. His presence was reserved for history-making stars, not the still-yet-unproven or the just well known. Arnie and Mick were the managers. Bill gave me just enough time to feel important and valued, which I imagine was the strategy.

Once, Andi and I visited with Bill in his office and received the full legend, story-time hour. A huge photo of me, taken by Michael Yang, hung just outside his door. I also remember Bill coming backstage at the Fillmore West to congratulate me and offer some sage feedback. I'd just finished a set as an opener for Bourgeois Tagg. I have a classic photo from that moment, Bill with his scowling brow (though actually happy), right arm raised with his thumb pointing back to the stage. Me, soaked in sweat, towel around my neck, head down, and drinking in Bill’s praise. All with the imprint of background vocalist Clarice Jones’ lipstick kiss stamped on my cheek.

This and more stories like these will be available in February of 2025 when my memoir will be published by Eerdmans. Get in early and support my upcoming book launches by taking this one minute survey for me. Appreciate your help. Peace to you.

For a little trip down 1980s musical lane . . . see Bourgeois Tagg sing their hit, “I Dont Mind at All.”