In this post of the Medicine Men blog, we are interviewing George R. (Ronnie) Smith of the Double Barrell Band.
MM: Ronnie, thanks for taking time to talk with us about the Double Barrell Band.
First, I gotta ask. What’s up with spelling Barrell with two “L’s”?
DBB: I’m not exactly sure when and how that came about. However, the actual name “Double Barrell Band” came about when Randy (I think) was on the phone, trying to book our debut gig at Swampland in Toomsboro. They needed a band name and we didn’t have one. So, I’m pretty sure he just said “The Double Barrell Band” off the top of his head.
As far as the two “L’s” is concerned, I have a DBB concert poster from 1979 and it was spelled correctly, with just one “L”. Somewhere along the way we must’ve thought it’d be cool to change it up. After all, the DBB was formed from the ashes of another band called Variation…except spelled “Varyashun”. So, you can see where our heads were.
I like to say that the two “L’s” are a complimentary nod to the two Lamb brothers Kerry and James….the two musical pillars of the DBB lineup. Despite having to always explain it to people, it actually helps keep our band separated from the other Double Barrel Bands out there. Yep, if you go on Youtube, you can find several other DBBs
MM:I read that the DBB was formed in 1978. What was the inspiration for forming the band?
DBB: As I mentioned, we had formed Varyashun. I was like 17 years old and really just learning to play guitar. Keith Arnold (sax) and myself were in the same grade and were already friends. I met Kerry at school. He was a year ahead of me. He could play guitar like nobody I had ever seen. He was light years ahead of me. Even now, looking back, I am amazed at the stuff he was doing at 17 and 18. He was a huge Elvis fan and could nail all those great James Burton licks. Not many people my age were playing that kind of stuff…at least around here. It just blew me away. So, I just kinda attached myself to him and hung on for dear life. We formed Varyashun and I took the opportunity to learn everything I could steal from him. No doubt about it I learned a lot from him. I really wasn’t good enough to be in a band, but he was too nice to tell me how bad I was. His brother James was the same except he was a Fender bass wizard…an unbelievable player, still to this day. In my opinion, nobody around here could touch what they were doing. James however, wasn’t in Varyashun . He was a little older and in college at Georgia Southern. Well, as luck would have it, about the same time that Varyashun was folding, Kerry’s brother James (and future DBB vocalist, Randy Barlow) were either graduating or out of school on break…not really sure. Either way, it just so happened that they were back in Cochran. I distinctly remember, them stopping by a Varyashun rehearsal. We were practicing to do a set at the Cochran Fair. After practice, we asked them sit in for fun. I was shocked that we nailed 3 or 4 songs in no time flat. So, when Varyashun played the fair gig, we brought James and Randy up as special guest to do those songs. I guess that was very first hint of the DBB. A couple of days later, I got a call from Randy asking me if I wanted to put a band together. So, Keith, Kerry and myself migrated from Varyashun and joined James and Randy to form the not yet named Double Barrell Band. A week or so later, Lacy Royal, who was school friend of James and Randy, was asked to come join us on piano. I didn’t know him at the time, but I vividly remember coming to a practice one day and he was there.
I believe, Terry Lassiter was DBB’s original drummer, but I’ll have to ask the other DBBers to see if he came with us from Varyashun. I just don’t remember.
Greg Berryhill who is still our awesome manager, was our school buddy (and a distant relative of mine). He was the music loving non-player who hung out with the band. We put him to work and he still does an excellent job. Our old sound man Wayne Williams also participated in the reunion but his schedule doesn’t allow him to do it now. As far as inspiration for forming the band? I wish I could say it was something deep, but I think it was really just a bunch of guys that loved music that wanted to play music. Our paths just happened to cross.
MM: What is the band lineup now and how many changes has the band had over the years?
DBB: James Lamb-Bass
Keith Arnold-Saxaphone
Kerry Lamb-Lead Guitar
Lacy Royal-Keyboard/Piano
Randy Barlow- Vocals
Ronnie Smith-Vocals/Rhythm Guitar
Rusty Mullis-Drums
Greg"The Hammer"Berryhill/ roadie/produce/merchandise/p.r.
Amazingly, there is only one change from the original lineup. Rusty Mullis has taken over on drums because Terry had some health issues. Terry did however participate in the reunion. That was such an amazing experience….like stepping into a time capsule. We just picked up right where we left off 30 years prior. There was a period in the early days that we lost James to another band(I think we’ve just about totally forgiven him for that). Anyway, That was a tough slot to fill, but bass duties were taken over by Michael Maddox, who was another excellent player. Also, Jack Morris drummed for us for a while.
MM: What was the average age of the members when the band was formed?
DBB: Well, Keith, Terry and myself were the babies. We were about 17. Kerry was 18 James, Randy, and Lacy were probably about 21 or 22. Ironically, this is about the age Rusty Mullis was when he came onboard for DBB in 2010.
MM: How long did it take for the band to start performing gigs, and what were some of the bands first gigs?
DBB: Not long. We weren’t a bar band. We played Swampland, arts and craft festivals, and opry house type venues, benefits…etc. I also remember us playing at some large talent contest in Macon. I think they did it for a year or so. I forget what it was called. Anyway, we went and played “Folsom Prison Blues”. We were feeling pretty cocky until the act after us…. a 10 piece band that sounded like Earth wind and Fire.
DBB: I had toy instruments as far back as I can remember. You know, plastic guitars, toy drum set. When I was in 2nd grade I lived in Macon. I actually formed a ”band” with my two neighbor buddies. I mean, we couldn’t play a note on those toys, but that didn’t keep us from pretending. We’d strum and bang along to Monkees and Beatles records. The band was called “The Bandits”. It was even written on the bass drum head with a black magic marker. In fact, I recently contacted both of those fellows (they’re brothers) via Facebook and was pleasantly surprised that they are both musicians. We had a little reunion and actually played together again for the first time in 40 years. Amazing feeling.
MM: What was the biggest influence on the DBB when it was first formed?
DBB: Elvis and southern rock. Period
MM: With the band forming in 1978, the members all had to be a bunch of broke kids. Where did the band get financing to equip the band to perform gigs? Did you get a lot of family support?
DBB: Kerry and James had worked and saved their money to by a nice Fender Telecaster and a Fender Precision Bass. Those were the nicest instruments in the band. I wasn’t as patient. I had worked and save enough to buy a no-name Les Paul copy. I mean it literally had no name on it. It didn’t even qualify to be a Harmony or Sivertone. I think I paid 125 bucks for it. I ordered it from an ad in the back of an old Hit Parader magazine. I still have the guitar and the old Kustom amp with the tuck and roll upholstery that I used back then. We had just enough gear to get by. Although, I do remember Terry Lassiter obtaining a bunch of PA gear from a family member at some point. We used that for a while. That came in handy. Family support? You bet. As a matter of fact. Kerry and James folks rarely miss a DBB performance to this day! Plus, their dad, Mr. JR Lamb regularly cooks for the entire band when we rehearse. That’s pretty incredible.
MM: What led to the band originally breaking up or disbanding? Or did you guys just decide to take a break?
DBB: We were so young and each of us were starting to develop other interest. Also, some of the older members were getting jobs…and girlfriends. It just sorta dissolved.
MM: When did the band get back together and what series of events led to the DBB reforming?
DBB: It was through Facebook. Say what you will about it. I’m sure there are good and bad things about Facebook, but it was THE tool that allowed the DBB members to reconnect in 2010. Once we all found out that all of us still lived in middle Georgia, it wasn’t long before we were discussing a reunion. When it happened, it was just so much fun. It was like we had a time machine. We plugged in and started playing the old tunes. Honestly, it was like it was just another DBB rehearsal in 1979. It was however, in reality, the first time we had played together in 30+ years. We had a blast. So, we decided to do it again. Then we said, “Hey, why don’t we do a public performance?” So, we were given a slot at the popular annual “Battle of Guitars” concert in Chester. All our friends and family were there. Everyone was wearing their newly printed black DBB T shirts that we had made. It was so much fun….and kind of surreal even.
Well, after that, more gigs kept popping up. So we just kept on doing it. The plan was/is…we’ll just keep doing it as long as we’re all having a good time. Of course, being in a band requires a certain amount of discipline, but we try to keep ourselves from becoming overly serious about it. If it ever becomes a chore or something that we dread…we’ll stop. So far, that hasn’t happened.
MM: Honestly, is it more fun playing with the band now or back when it was first formed and why?
DBB: For me? Now, because I’m a better player. Of course, that’s not saying much, because I was really terrible back then. I’m still learning, but I’m not hanging by a thread anymore. That wasn’t always the case in the old days. Plus, we’re adults now. We don’t have a whole lot of teen drama these days…….well, we usually don’t.
MM: What does a typical DBB set list look like and how do you all come to an agreement on the set list?
DBB: We are a cover band. We play stuff from the 50s 60s and 70’s and 80’s. However, I don’t think we are totally typical. I personally like it when we steer clear of the cliché’ covers. I mean we have a few. No doubt about it. The dancing audience expects it…and sometimes demand it. But, there are so many forgotten gems out there, that you don’t really HAVE to do Mustang Sally. Our favorite thing to do is to pull out a song that everyone remembers and loves, but they haven’t heard it in 20 years. Glen Campbells’s “Wichita Lineman”, Ringo’s “It Don’t Come Easy”, or Roy Orbison’s “Anything You Want” all come to mind. You just don’t hear them as often as you hear “Brown Eyed Girl”. However, as our manager Greg Berryhill always preaches; “ You gotta give the crowd what they want.”
DBB: Well, besides the fact that it’s a lot harder to fit us all on stage (nothing to do with gear or equipment) I think we are all better players. Plus, I think there’s more attention to detail too. We are definitely more aware of dynamics. We’re just a better band all around.,.,no pun intended.
MM: Does the band have any original material in the set list? If so, what genre would you place it in?
DBB: Not at this time but we have been discussing it.
MM: Modesty aside, how much better is the equipment of the DBB compared to when you first formed?
DBB: Much better. First of all, Kerry already had a nice sound system, but we recently purchased a couple of nice powered subs to give our sound that big bottom end everyone expects these days.
Over the years I have built a decent collection of guitars and amps. This gives me the option of swapping off guitars depending on the sound I need on a particular song. That was never the case way back when. Now, I can be like a utility player. If the song needs acoustic, I play it. We do a few Stones songs that are in open G tuning, so I have a guitar just for those. I have a Fender Strat, a Fender Tele and a couple of Gibson Les Pauls now, so I have no excuses.
Kerry and James both have a nice collection of guitars too. Kerry has a Les Paul and a Tom Anderson Tele fitted with a Roland synth module. That thing is really amazing. He is able to play horn fills with Keith to really thicken the sound. He also recently bought a new Fender Telecaster Select. It really is a beautiful instrument. It sounds amazing and seems to be his current “go to” guitar…for good reason. James has several nice basses including a Lakeland signed by Jerry Scheff (Elvis’ bassist). Let’s see… Lacy bought a new keyboard and amp rig recently. Until then he was using an old Fender Rhodes that belongs to Kerry. Funny story…back in the old days, he had an ancient (even then) Wurlitzer portable piano. It was one of the tan ones with screw in legs. Anyway, he used it with an old Fender amp that someone had painted blue. When we were at that talent show that I mentioned earlier, before we started playing, that amp suddenly start making a sound like a motorboat. At first very slow “putt…..putt…..putt….putt” then it got faster “puttputtputtputt”. It was soo loud! Poor Lacy was over there banging on the top of the amp with his fist. I don’t think it impressed the judges too much. So, yes, we are much better off these days. Plus we are constantly looking to improve our gear.
MM: Now that the members of the DBB are all older, with families and careers, what are the goals of the band?
DBB: We are realistic. We know what we are. We’re a bunch of old guys in a cover band. It’s not likely that we’re gonna get picked up by Warner Brothers and go on tour. I’m pretty sure our goal is to just have a good time doing what we love to do…and hopefully putting smiles on a few faces and helping uninhibited people cut the rug. That’s it. If we happen to make a few bucks for guitar strings, drum sticks and post gig Waffle House visits… that’s all the better.
MM: What are the biggest challenges of the band performing now as opposed to back in the late ‘70’s?
DBB: Getting everyone together on the same day.
MM: What would you say is the biggest highlight of the DBB?
DBB: We really enjoyed sharing the same bill recently with the veteran soul-rock band Wet Willie. We’ve always loved them and they can still rock with the best of them . I’m pretty amazed by them. Jimmy Hall’s vocals are stronger than ever.
We also had a great time recently performing in concert at the Hawkinsville Opera house with our old buddies “The Rocky Creek Band” . Those guys have been together forever. There was a surprisingly strong turnout and the sound in that room was really good.
I think I can speak for the rest of the band though and say that one of the biggest DBB highlights is playing a street dance for a huge hometown crowd at Cochran’s Country Fest. We’ve done it two years in a row and are scheduled to do it again this year(Oct 19). They always have the entire street blocked off and we’re on a flatbed trailer parked in the middle of Second Street. It’s very family friendly event and we have the best time doing it. All our friends and family always come out. We love it.
Lastly, I have to mention the annual “Double Barrell Band New Years Eve Countdown in Cochran concert”. It’s something we started a couple of years ago and hopefully we’ll do again this year. It’s just the “cherry on the cake” after the street party. A super fun way to ring in the new year without a long drive.
MM: Overall, would you say the DBB is a band that is very disciplined and organized as far as rehearsals, performing and preparing for a gig, or is the band seasoned enough to have the liberty to be a little more laid back and easygoing?
DBB: We’re pretty disciplined. At least I think we have a method for making the best out of the time we have available. Since there’s so many of us, it’s sometimes tough to get everyone together for rehearsals. So we basically depend on everyone doing a bit of homework in preparation for those coveted few “band practices”. Via Facebook or maybe at a Huddle House band discussion, we’ll decide which songs we want to attempt. When possible, each of us will learn our respective parts to those songs at home. That way, we sort of know our parts before we ever count off the song. It makes band practice much more productive. It’s a great way to get on top of tough songs that’d otherwise be impossible during one rehearsal.
MM: Who is/are the member[s] that really keep the band focused?
DBB: Greg Berryhill. No doubt about it. He is the only non-player but he is arguably the most valuable member of the DBB. I can’t overstate how important GB is to this little band. We probably would not have gone past the reunion night if not for his hard work and cheerleading. He does all the stuff that musicians are usually terrible at…and then some. He was always our buddy but we are so lucky to have him helping is out. He does it all.
MM: How does the DBB think music has changed over the years?
DBB: I can only speak for myself.
In popular music there seems to be less and less actual instruments being played. There is a lot of technology getting used in new music and it’s all over my head. However, when the technology is used to to make untalented people seem just slightly less untalented, now that’s pretty rough. Personally I don’t hear a lot of soul in popular music, but that’s nothing new. That statement has probably been made for decades.
With that said, there are TONS of great music out there. There is an endless supply of great untapped artists online. It’s all just a few clicks away. Pretty incredible actually.
MM: What drives the DBB to keep performing?
DBB: Not to beat a dead horse, but it’s just the fun of it. We still get a kick out of it.
MM: What is your idea of the perfect gig?
DBB: A concert setting in a 500 seat auditorium with an excellent sound system and a full house of paying DBB ticket holders….oh, and a fully stocked green room catered by Scotts BBQ, La Cabana or El Rancho.
MM: How do you see the importance of local talent such as the DBB in the community?
DBB: I think the local folks like seeing the local talent “show out”. I mean, we’re not on Late Night with David Letterman or anything like that, but I think it’s sort of the same way they might enjoy cheering for their local high school football team. I think people want to be proud of their hometown talent. I love it when our fellow Cochranites tell us how much they enjoyed the show…or even better, when they drive 50 miles to hear us play in Macon. They’re cheering on the hometown team! That means a lot.
MM: Ronnie, in closing, take some time and share your inspiration for performing, what you like best about playing, and what impact you hope your music has on people.
DBB: Again, speaking for myself, I’m not really sure what gave me the music bug. I have had it as long as I can remember. Way before I could play a note I loved music. I used to listen to whatever records we had. I remember listening to this one Mason Williams album we had about a million times. I thought “Crimson and Clover” was the heaviest thing I ever heard when it would come on the radio. Music just spoke to me like nothing else. I have tried my best to perform it for over 30 years. Some of the best times I’ve ever had involved playing music. I don’t hunt, fish or play golf. Music is my thing. Beyond that, there is a special thrill that comes with playing a song well enough that people clap, whistle, cheer,,,or just tell you afterwards that they really enjoyed it. It doesn’t always happen but that’s what you aim for. I think that’s the payoff.
Honestly though, if I never got on a stage, You would most likely still find me in my music room plinking away.
