I’m sitting here in my room at the South Point Casino and realized it’s been over a year since I last posted a blog. This past year of 2022 was extremely busy, both personally & professionally, & I could give you all kinds of reasons why I hadn’t posted anything, but they would just be lame excuses, so let me just say I’m sorry.
Needless to say, I had a great year of touring all around the country with Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, I even performed a show, along with Billy Sullivan, in New Orleans with our old boss, Gary Lewis. That was a nice trip down Memory Lane! And I was also involved with some very cool things at home in Cleveland.
Last April, Billy Sullivan & I were invited to appear on a show at The Beachland Ballroom called “A Celebration of Cleveland Rock History with Deanna Adams & Ray Carr” where we each talked about our music careers, both collectively and individually.
In July I appeared on the podcast “Level Up Cleveland”, where Brian did a detailed interview with me on my entire history and career in music. You can watch it by selecting this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avWoDdcBXJM
I performed in quite a few different shows around Cleveland with many of my musical friends throughout the summer: two separate shows at Cain Park, one with The Bill March Band & one with The Jeff Varga Band. And Billy Sullivan & I also played a couple of shows with the legendary drummer from The Raspberries, Jim Bonfanti at The Orchard in Port Clinton…all these shows were a blast!! Lastly, this past February, we performed in Frank Amato’s All-Star Jam at The Music Box. I usually don’t have the time to be involved in so many fun projects, so it was really nice being able to this past year.
On a very sad note, on January 2nd, Wes Coolbaugh, guitarist/vocalist from Love Affair passed away. We were just kids when we met, kids with big, big dreams. Together, we lived and exceeded all those dreams along with all the ups and downs that came with chasing dreams. We shared a deep bond & friendship that had lasted well over 50 years…we were family. A week ago, a celebration of life for Wes was held at Slim & Chubby’s. The place was packed & many of the people Wes worked with throughout his life performed, including a mini set by Love Affair. Even his youngest daughter, Karah, played a few songs. It was a wonderful tribute to a man that touched so many people’s lives. RIP Wes.
I just realized it’s been 20 years since I injured my right hand in a snow blower incident…my thumb was hanging by skin & my index & middle fingers were seriously damaged. At the time, I was told I might not play keyboards again. But, thanks to God Almighty, 8 weeks later I was back playing keyboards for a Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame benefit show. My fingers & thumb were still partially wrapped & I had to stick my hand in a bowl of ice between songs to calm the pain, but I got through the entire show. To say I’m grateful would be a huge understatement…thank you Jesus!
One more thing before I sign off: keep an eye out for a new, fun project I just got involved in…more to come on that soon!!
Wow, what a busy year for you. Thanks for taking time to blog.
The show at the Macomb Center was fab, as usual. It’s probably my favorite venue in Michigan, and you all seem to enjoy performing there as much as we love that they keep inviting you back. I hope we see more of you around the mitten state this summer. Have a good year!
Thanks!!
That was a beautiful blog, Rich.
Thanks Donna!
Hi Rich
It has been an eventful year for you! With so much more for you to look forward to. So sorry about your close friend Wes. I am sure it’s been difficult for you to process. 😔
I hope Albert Lee can stop by The Canyon Club again next month. I took a photo with him too. Lol. I’m a big fan of his and gone to many of his concerts.
Thanks for keeping us informed and see you in concert again soon. Keep smiling 🙂
Thanks…it was nice seeing you this past weekend.
Rich, this was a beautiful blog and I hope everyone can read this today. You are always so inspiring and write from your deepest feelings in your heart. Just like you write and compose and perform your music consistently all over the world for so many years now. You have been a very busy man, as long as I have know you. You have met so many famous, talented people in your industry and have experienced so much for so long that most of these great folks have become your true friends over the years. God bless our friend Wes, he is always gonna be in the rhythm of your heart. You’re talents and fans and friendships along the way have never suffered my dear friend and no apologies needs for the blog being delayed. Blessings for future blogs, we’ll be here waiting to read. Strive to be happy
Thank you Gina!
Rich, we so enjoy your performances as a Hermit with Peter Noone and are very grateful you recovered to continue sharing your gift with us. I love reading your blog, and hope many of your fans read it, as well because it gives us such a deeper understanding of the amazingly talented entertainer you are, with so many different genres of music for so many wonderful years. Thank you, and I look forward to catching you on tour soon. Wishing you safe travels and God’s blessings
Rich, we so enjoy your performances as a Hermit with Peter Noone and are very grateful you recovered to continue sharing your gift with us. I love reading your blog, and hope many of your fans read it, as well because it gives us such a deeper understanding of the amazingly talented entertainer you are, with so many different genres of music for so many wonderful years. Thank you, and I look forward to catching you on tour soon. Wishing you safe travels and God’s blessings
Thank you Paula!!
I always enjoy reading your Blog, Rich! Looking forward to hearing more about your new fun project 😃. Yikes regarding your snowblower incident 😳. PTL for healing and for all of the great years you’ve spent entertaining since! Take care, see ya this summer! 😎
Thanks Jill!!
Rich as usual your Blog is insightful. Sorry about your close friend Wes leaving way too soon.
No excuses for the delay necessary. Although I had asked a while back when would we see the next blog and I thought it was on the way, lol. But then life got in the way. Being busy with enjoyable things is always good.
I’ll be interested in seeing what your equivalent to “news at 11” is and I’m sure you’ll let us all know.
On a personal note we were able to continue attending a number of HHSPN shows. And as usual it’s always a pleasure when I have an opportunity to chat with you and Billy.
Take care, safe travels and may all of your planed endeavors come furition.
Bruce Kallenburg
Yes Bruce, it did take way too long before I finally posted another blog. I promise I’ll be more consistent from now on.
Don’t know how you do it all. And when you’re on the road with all those 3 am wake ups to catch flights! I need a nap after reading all this. You’ve had an awesome musical, dream come true, career. Selfishly, I hope you keep doing what you do for many years to come. Thanks for all the joy you bring to so many!!!
Thank you!
Super blog. Knew Wes and there is a hole where he stood. Great year in review. You are a good blogger. See you next week.
Thanks Debbie!