Print
E-Mail
tool name
closeInduction, vindication
More than 300 people gather to cheer on Tacoma’s the Ventures
Chris Albert
Finally, The Ventures received musics highest honor by being inducted into the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame March 10.
The band that was formed in Tacoma 50 years ago, made surf-instrumental music popular with hits like “Walk, Don’t Run” and “Hawaii Five-O.”
More than 300 family, friends, musicians and fans gathered at The Liberty Theater in Puyallup to celebrate the occasion. They watched the broadcast live on the theater screen and spent the evening remembering a career that has meant a great deal to the identity of music in the northwest.
The members that were inducted were guitarists Don Wilson, Bob Bogle, Nokie Edwards, Gerry McGee and the late drummer Mel Taylor.
“These guys have worked hard,” said J.C. McCormick, nephew of Edwards and owner of J.C.’s Music. “It’s going to be like were right there with them.”
Along with B97.3, The Liberty and Venture Bank he helped sponsor The Liberty event.
“The award to them bringing the surf and instrumental guitar back to the surface again,” McCormick said.
And the award has been a long time coming. The Ventures have sold more than 100 million records world-wide and were first eligible for the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame in 1985.
In 2005, a movement started to get the attention of the selection committee with a Beach Party in Seattle. Signatures were gathered from fans to try to get the band inducted.
The event in Puyallup brought out several fans and friends including Lt. Governor Brad Owen and B97.3’s Mark Christopher.
Governor Christine Gregoire proclaimed the day “The Ventures Day” in Washington and the state senate transitioned their session with songs from the band twice, Owen said.
At the Liberty event, to commemorate the occasion five one-of-a-kind Wilson brothers guitars signed by The Ventures were sold and one was given away.
The winner was Larry Gray of Auburn who just happened to be the first through the door three years ago at the Beach Party that kicked off The Ventures walk to the hall of fame.
Although he is a big fan of the band he plans to give the guitar away to his friend who is also a big fan, but was unable to make the event because of health problems.
The Venturettes were also on hand. At times, the all girl group accompany the band the stage.
“We’ve been promoting for them for along time,” said Glenna Gibson, member of The Venturettes. “We are extremely proud of them.”
The Ventures still tour and are in the works to do some upcoming shows.