The Rolling Stones’ American Debut: A Surprising Reception and a legendary Connection
The British Invasion was in full swing when the Rolling stones embarked on their inaugural tour of the United States in 1965.Among the eager fans was session guitarist Waddy Wachtel, who skipped school to witness their performance at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on May 1. Despite the Stones’ reputation for drawing massive crowds, the audience in Brooklyn offered an unexpectedly subdued welcome.
“The crowd was primarily there for the Tokens, a local vocal group who opened for them,” Wachtel reminisces. “Many left as soon as the Stones took the stage.”
“The venue was nearly empty when the Stones kicked off with ‘Not Fade Away.’ It was an incredible experience that transported you to another world.”
Wachtel would later establish himself as a prominent guitarist, collaborating with artists like Linda Ronstadt, Stevie Nicks, and bob Dylan. His journey eventually led him to cross paths with Keith Richards. Their first encounter occurred while Wachtel was touring with Ronstadt.
I received a call from a British lawyer saying Keith was looking for me. I replied, ‘Well, you found me-why not give him my number?’
– Waddy Wachtel
“During our tour in England in the mid-’70s, Keith attended one of our shows, and we spent a lot of time together,” he recalls.
This connection proved fruitful, as Richards later invited Wachtel to join his backing band, the X-Pensive Winos, for his 1988 solo debut, Talk Is Cheap.
“I got another call from that lawyer, who said Keith wanted to get in touch. I said, ‘Sure, give him my number.’ The lawyer informed me, ‘He’s at Larrabee Studios.’”
“They were working on the Hail! hail! Rock ‘n’ Roll documentary,” Wachtel explains, referring to the 1987 film about Chuck Berry, where Richards played a key role as guitarist and bandleader.
“The lawyer said, ‘You should call him.’”
“So, I called Keith, and he said, ‘Waddy, I’m assembling a band, and you’re my other guitarist.’ I was stunned. He added, ‘No auditions; you’re the one,’ which was a huge surprise.”
I said,’Well,this is my first electric guitar!’ Keith replied,’Yeah,that’s the ‘Tumbling Dice’ guitar.’
– Waddy Wachtel
When Wachtel joined richards and drummer Steve Jordan for rehearsals in New York City, he discovered that Keith had even chosen the guitar he wanted him to use.
“Keith told me,’You don’t need to bring a guitar.’ When I arrived, I opened the case he had prepared for me. Inside was a Gibson Les Paul TV model, the very same guitar that had been my first electric instrument.”
Wachtel contributed to all three of Richards’ solo albums with the Winos and co-produced the second, 1992’s Main Offender. He describes working with Richards as a delightful experience.
“there were moments when the studio sessions would hit a snag-things would break down, and the setup wouldn’t be right. I’d apologize to Keith, saying, ‘I’m sorry it’s taking so long.’ He’d respond, ‘No worries, mate.I’ve been through this before. It’s all good.’”
One particular memory encapsulates Richards’ legacy and his effortless charm. It occurred while they were recording Main Offender at the Site in San Rafael, California.
“one afternoon,while we were taking a break in the living room area-Keith’s bedroom was above us-he went upstairs to rest. We were watching TV when suddenly a Beatles concert aired-probably from Shea Stadium. the audience was in a frenzy, with girls screaming uncontrollably.”
He’s that Rolling stone who was screamed at for the first five years. They never heard anything they were playing onstage.
– Waddy Wachtel
“as we watched, Keith came down the stairs, glanced at the TV from across the room, and simply said, ‘Done that.’
“Steve and I exchanged looks, thinking, ’Yeah, right. It’s that guy.’
“He’s such a fantastic person-warm, approachable, and genuine. but he’s also that iconic figure-the Rolling Stone who faced the screams for the first five years. The audience never heard the music they were playing.”
Unless, of course, you count that first Rolling Stones concert Wachtel attended years earlier in Brooklyn.
