Will be watching Lloyd on Sunday 3rd Sept

[Ken Byng]

Just off to catch a flight to Nashville via Chicago. Lloyd Green has been confirmed as one of the players at the Show Pro 'Pick-Nic' event, hosted by the wonderful Jeff and Gloria Surratt in the grounds of their home in Mt. Juliet just outside Nashville. I am really looking forward to this event, as Lloyd's live appearances are selected very carefully these days. Some of Nashville's top musicians will be present. Needless to say that my trusty camera will be at the ready.

[mick hearn]

A gig to remember I should think Ken. Enjoy yourself. Oh and if you get a chance to speak to Lloyd give him my regards. Only kidding of course. He will say "Who the hell is he".

Isn't it a worry now that you wonder how long the greats are still going to be around with so many gone. That's another reason to enjoy.

[Ken Byng]

Yes Lloyd is getting on now Mick. He's 79 now, but he keeps himself fit. He has done almost as much in one lifetime as all the other steel players in the world put together, excluding Mr Franklin of course.

I've just booked into my hotel room. It's hissing with rain, and I haven't slept for 24 hours so I am just going to take my night time pills and get some shuteye.

[Zumbilly(Murdoch)]

Ken,Do'nt worry too much about missing Coronation Street Just have a great time on Broadway.
remember to bring back a large bag of licks to share around with the poor guys at home.
Say Hi to Mike Sweeney for Me if You see Him.
Billy

[Ken Byng]

Hi Billy. I think that Mike Sweeney is Nashville's best kept secret - a superb player. I will pass on your best wishes. By golly did it rain here last night. For a minute I thought I was back in bonny Scotland.

The forecast for Sunday is very good, and Jeff and Gloria are pretty lucky with the weather when they host their annual event. I have just charged up my camera's batteries ready for Sunday. I'm off to Bobby Seymour's old store this afternoon. It's now owned and run by Bobbe's secretary Michelle, and Bob Hempker. I think that Vic Lawton was looking to sell off his share in the business as he is really busy playing these days. For those of us who are old enough to remember, Bob was in the Loretta Lynn band that used to perform at Mervyn Conn's Wembley shows in the 1970's. He's a great picker.

[Danny Mitchell]

What a great trip you have lined up, Ken

Thanks for keeping us posted with your 'Adventures In Steel-land'. Very interesting, indeed.

Although, that wasn't much of a catch up kip Take it easy out there on them thar highways!

[Ken Byng]

Jeff Surratt has just posted this on my Facebook page.

"I think you'll enjoy this event, we have some special things happening, nobody knows about, yet! You'll be happy you made the trip".

Talk about dangling a carrot! I'm going to be guessing all the way up to Sunday now.

Tomorrow night I'm meeting up with BSS member Charley Hill for a night at the Nashville Palace bar. He's a good guy, and knows Lloyd well. He may even have his West Highland Terrier Dixie with him. He usually does.

[Ken Byng]

Well it was a surprise this morning. I had breakfast with not only Charley Hill but Mr Nashville Sound himself, Lloyd Green!! I tried not to ask too many questions of Lloyd, who is very affable and humourous. It was a long breakfast, but a very enjoyable one as you can imagine. Charley and Lloyd invited me to go out with them this evening. I did have other plans, but......I could change them. I told Lloyd that McMiser sent his regards, and he said "What - that tight bar steward from Scotland"!!! So Malcolm's fame has reached Nashville.

I had Ronnie Miller sitting on my left, and Lloyd to my right. Ronnie is Charley Pride's steel player. Here are a couple of pics from the morning. Both Ronnie and Lloyd will be at the Show Pro pick-nic tomorrow. Boy am I looking forward to that.

[Ken Byng]

Wow - what an incredible day. Lloyd Green is 79 years of age and played for almost 2 hours bless him. He played lots of his hits, including I Can See Clearly Now, Halfway To Paradise, Venus Moon and many others. I have corresponded with Lloyd in the past but never had the pleasure of being in his company. He was absolutely swamped with well wishers, but gave his time freely for all who wanted a bit of time with him or a photo opportunity. A gem of a man. My friends Mike & Joanie Johnson and Buck Reid turned up too which was nice.

Performers in addition to Lloyd were Rusty Danmyer, Robbie Turner who was brilliant and Russ Pahl who played rhythm guitar for Lloyd on a couple of numbers. In the audience were Doug Jernigan, Steve Hinson, Ronnie Miller, Jerry Fessenden and some others who I have forgotten.

Some pics of the event. Danny Mitchell - I am having breakfast with Mikey Johnson in the morning (Monday), and I will ask him your question then.

[Ken Byng]

Rusty Danmyer and Robbie Turner.