Do you remember the Ventures and Babbitt the drummer who played "Walk Don't Run"?Do any of you remember the USAF Four Star General George Babbitt from Tacoma, WA? Anyone who thought the military is all spit and polish and discipline?Pretty interesting. General Babbitt was a drummer at one time for the Ventures.This is cool. Watch it. You will love it if you like rock n' roll.Some of you probably don't remember the Ventures. Those that do, enjoy the clip. It should bring a smile to your face.
What a special freaking moment...fortunate for us that YouTube exists.
Posted by: JoelinPDX | April 30, 2012 at 10:50 PM
This is a great clip! When I was in the Air Force stationed in Okinawa during the late 1960s, The Ventures came to the air base in Naha on their way home from Japan. That was one awesome evening on the 'Rock'! Everyone in the club was yelling, "play Walk Don't Run" and when they did,we all felt like were back home.
Posted by: Bob Karm | April 30, 2012 at 10:54 PM
A VERY cool video indeed!!! And so right....it brought a huge smile on my face!! And Bob, What a thrill for the soldiers back then! (Great comment!!)
Posted by: PLOG | May 01, 2012 at 07:26 AM
The intro here is provided by Don Wilson, who co-founded the Ventures with the late Bob Bogle. (Bob passed away in 2009, a year after The Ventures' induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.) Don turned 78 in February of this year (2012), and is still the best rhythm guitarist in the biz. I was lucky enough to see The Ventures live at the Crystal Ballroom in PDX about a year ago, and they sounded just a solid as ever after five decades in business!
Sundazed Records have reissued five of The Ventures '60's era Liberty/Dolton albums as domestic-product CD's for the first time: Surfing; Telstar/Lonely Bull; In Space; The Fabulous Ventures; and Walk Don't Run: Vol. 2. All use the original LP album covers, track order, and stereo mixes...all recommended! Telstar and In space have been on CD in the US since 1982, the others have been out of print since the mid-70's at least!
best, M. ;-}
Posted by: Mike S. | May 01, 2012 at 08:14 AM
Thanks Mike for all the info and thank you, Mr. Stump, for sharing such a wonderful video!
Posted by: suzanne | May 01, 2012 at 09:47 AM
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_T._Babbitt,_Jr.
Check out the General! He was way cool.....and a drummer to boot!
Posted by: Joe Cook | May 01, 2012 at 07:56 PM
For much more on the Ventures, check out their website! Their online store is usually well-stocked with CD's, DVD's, posters, and much more! Many of the CD's and concert DVD's come from Japanese sources and are otherwise hard to find. There's also an online tribute book for Bob Bogle (and for longtime drum king Mel Taylor, who passed away in 1996; Mel's son Leon has filled the drum chair for The Ventures ever since. You'll see him giving way to the General in this video), which is still open for contriobutions...
Go to: www.theventures.com
Best, M. ;-]
Posted by: Mike S. | May 01, 2012 at 11:21 PM
Thanks once again for the "Great Memories!"
Posted by: Don McFadden | May 02, 2012 at 10:03 AM
GOD bless all oue vets THANKS
Posted by: Robert Ungar | May 30, 2012 at 06:44 AM
My wife and I lived next door to the general and his wife at Chanute AFB, IL in 1965 and early 1966. They are two of the nicest folks we've ever met.
Posted by: TucsonDave | June 02, 2012 at 05:56 PM
Wow brings back some great memories when we were young.
Posted by: Deborah (Basnett) Outman | June 25, 2012 at 09:37 AM
We are originally all the way from a totally different continent, Asia, but we still remember "The Ventures" from the Rock and Roll time in 1965 on North America. What a band and what country, "America uber alles"! as the Germans would say and may Rock and Roll live forever!!!
THE VENTURES, YES and the DRUMMER, YES!!!! So proud we are to live here.
Posted by: Gerrit and Millie Fisser (we are Dutch) | July 23, 2012 at 03:40 PM
TOO cool! Love it!
Posted by: Darlene 'Dee' Bishop | July 30, 2012 at 10:24 AM
Oh the memories of those days when we danced to this song as we did others in the 50's and 60's. What a great way to recall those wonderful days of our youth. Thanks for the memories as Bob Hope used to say. Beverly
Posted by: Beverly | August 08, 2012 at 09:16 PM
I would lhave liked to see Nokia there with you. It was great but I did miss him
Posted by: Joyce | August 10, 2012 at 01:34 PM
Thanks General Babitt, for your service to our country and your great performance (You still have your "Chops"). I opened the show for the Ventures in the '90's at The Belly Up Tavern in Solana Beach, Ca. Still one of the fondest memories of my career!
Posted by: Billy Bacon | August 10, 2012 at 10:17 PM
what memory's. Thank you so much Venture's and our debt to you General Babitt. God bess all of you.
Posted by: Joannie Bassett | August 21, 2012 at 07:10 PM
Oh my gosh..! I was just grinning all over. This is awesome!
Posted by: Joanne Harrelson | August 27, 2012 at 03:50 AM
Was fantastic......such wonderful memories...thank you!
Posted by: Kiran Tellis | August 27, 2012 at 09:40 AM
Cool Video,Cool sound! We listened to this sound as kids on the radio in Africa where we were growing up!There was no TV or videos,so we just listened to the sound on the radio which was played again and again and so we remember it so much!At that time we had no idea who was playing this sound and we did not care.So it is a great priviledge to see the artists on video for the first time ever!Well done to all for bring back the memories and putting a face to the sound after all these years!
Posted by: DKP | August 28, 2012 at 06:18 AM
My husband served 21 years in the Air Force and I was so excited to forward him this video. The Ventures were big in our lives and the General was big in his!!
Posted by: Lovella Thompson | August 29, 2012 at 07:22 AM
Thanks so much for sharing. As the wife of a retiree, I have to say--AF guys ROCK! :)
Posted by: DBinVA | August 29, 2012 at 07:24 AM
Remember it well, and played it a bazillion times on my hi-fi back in the 60s. My son may still have a copy of this; he saved a lot of my old 78s and albums. THIS is real music!! Love it!!
Posted by: Arletta Rud, Eau Claire, WI | August 31, 2012 at 01:01 PM
ole lord we miss the old Folly Beach Pier!!!
Posted by: johnny whetsell | September 01, 2012 at 05:17 AM
I to was in the USAF & a Venture fan. My VERY FIRST album was "Walk -- Don't Run." But out of the 12 albums I still have, I can't find Walk -- Don't Run. I even bought the CD with Walk -- Don't Run on it & to my surprise, Walk -- Don't Run is still not in stereo! Still, it's great misic. Thanks Bill.
Posted by: Gregg Reber | September 03, 2012 at 04:20 AM
Reminds me that I met a guy surfing at Seal Beach about 15 years ago named Don Kutyna. We were learning then and used to see each other on the weekends. He didn't tell me what he did, except that he was in the Air Force. Long story short -- he got transferred to Colorado Springs where he became a 4 star general, commander in chief of Norad. He later on became the only military person on the Challenger commission.
Posted by: Mark O'Brien | September 03, 2012 at 07:13 AM
WOW,WALK DON'T RUN,GREAT SONG,HAVE NOT HEARD IT IN 50 YEARS.JOHN--CT.WAS AT CHANUTE,LITTLE BEFORE THE GENERAL.
Posted by: JOHN ALLISON | September 04, 2012 at 01:37 PM
I AM IN CT.FRIEND FROM FL. E-MAILED ME ,GET ON THIS SITE.WOW-----WOW
Posted by: JOHN ALLISON | September 04, 2012 at 01:41 PM
I was wounded in Vietnam and spent time in the hospital on Okinawa in 1968. When I became ambulatory I saw a USO show with the Ventures. I sat in the front row. Being from Seattle it was great to hear live music from home. And let's not forget the Hawaii Five O theme music. A belated thank you for the great entertainment you guys provided.
Posted by: Bill Tidwell | September 05, 2012 at 09:10 AM
I spent 26 years in the Air Force, and never met a general who didn't deserve to be a general. George Babbitt is a classy guy, and he makes me proud to wear the same uniform. Now the Ventures....well that's better than four stars! Go George!
Posted by: Terry | September 06, 2012 at 07:52 PM
We loved the Venturers
While shooting pool there
At my girl's home one H.S. summer
We'd gather, my friends & I,
Strut around the table while
Listening to these gods of guitar
Posted by: Bro Mugwa | September 11, 2012 at 08:00 AM
FOND MEMORIES
Posted by: DOTTIE MYERS | September 12, 2012 at 04:03 PM
Brought a tear to my eye....
Posted by: Jim | September 13, 2012 at 07:21 PM
what a cool video. I learned to play guitar from listening to the Ventures. I still have most of their early vinyl LPs . .the first six I think. Back in 1960/61 learning how to play Ventures music was a given if you wanted to play rock & roll here in Portland Oregon.Saw them live at the Greenwood Inn in Beaverton sometime in the 80's . .before Mel died and it was a great show.
Posted by: john duval | September 16, 2012 at 07:34 PM
I saw the Ventures in Japan sometime between '65-'67 with my girlfriend Reiko and sat eleven rows from the front. When I go to YOUTUBE to look at that concert I keep looking for myself but to no avail. I think I even bought a shark skin suit (without lapels) and wore beattle boots after seeing them perform. ha! Good memories and the music I listen to today.
Posted by: Roger Glubka | September 19, 2012 at 07:43 AM
Makes me want to dance and enjoy memories and all. Thanks to those vets....Nancy Prkins Dunn ex Navy
Posted by: Nany Dunn | September 22, 2012 at 11:26 AM
I remember the ventures since high school and when I was in the Marines in Vietnam. Always a great time to here them play.
Posted by: Ben Eyre | September 24, 2012 at 04:01 PM
AW Reet!
Beautiful.
Posted by: Lenny | September 24, 2012 at 05:31 PM
You all still have it!!! Great job!!
Posted by: Kathy | September 25, 2012 at 06:38 AM
This brings back many memories. I should have never sold my drums!
Posted by: Michael Moldenhauer | September 26, 2012 at 07:51 AM
i grew up listening to the ventures. in my house thats all that was on the stereo
Posted by: rick | September 26, 2012 at 05:07 PM
Because of walk dont run, I learned how to play guitar!!!
I play an original 59 jazzmaster and this song is one I play where ever my band plays, a real crowd pleaser. I have the original Dolton 1st album with George on drums, Nokie, Bob and Don. The Ventures I feel have always been under-rated and the guitar licks are classy and tasteful. lot of energy and toe tapping surf tunes. Good job guys and thanks from one of your dedicated fans. You are all 4 star generals !!!
Posted by: Tim | September 27, 2012 at 12:10 PM
so truly impressed..General Babitt
Only goes to show what young people can go on to become
Anyone out there ever see the booking foto of Mr. B. Gates from Holbrook Az ???? He looks like any other garden variety hippie kid in the 60's....I think he was apprehended by law enforcement for hitchking or some other major offense
Just goes to show....APPLAUSE FOR GENERAAL BABITT !
Posted by: George Wrentmore | September 29, 2012 at 05:57 PM
Great!!!!!!!!Enough Said
Posted by: Jan Gardiner | September 30, 2012 at 01:45 PM
Saw The Ventures in Bangkok '68 R & R. Had all their 8 tracks on my Muntz stereo.
Posted by: Jim Hlebek | October 01, 2012 at 04:29 PM
What a great presentaion of Guitarists!All of these remoind me of my youth
Posted by: JOHN MARTIN | October 01, 2012 at 06:03 PM
Maybe it's just me, but i still think his greatest servie to our country was probably the drumbeat to "Walk Don't Run"...that's worth 4-stars in anybody's book!
Posted by: Speed | October 01, 2012 at 07:47 PM
My husband of ALMOST 60 years was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota in the early 60s. This brought back lots of memories of those times! God bless you all ,you still sound great!
Posted by: Diane | October 02, 2012 at 06:27 AM
I played the drums from 1962 to 1980, and in may early years, I [played every Ventures songs there were.,,,,,,After the "Ventures" era, I played heavy progressive metal music. My set was much larger than his (20 drums, 14 cymbals-all Zildjian of course, and I used 13 microphones so that I could be heard,Double Bass Drum, naturally, My favorite was the "Ventues" version of the classic "Wipe out" what a great era and what a great time I had!)Memories will never be forgotten evan though I had polio, then 40 years later "post polio syndrome. then a heart attack and while I was on the operating table I has several strokes all in a row, I couldnt awake from the surgery for 3 weeks, but here I am! I strongly agree that my drumming saved my life!Thank you "Ventures" you made me ROCK everyone's world !!I am a sculptor now ! jack weidler
Posted by: jack weidler | October 02, 2012 at 12:40 PM
This is one of the best emails that I have received in recent weeks. It is a very real uplifting experience in spirit and at the same time it will bring smiles to your face. The tribute was outstanding. Being old enough to remember the Ventures in my old Plymouth Fury along with a reverberation unit on back speakers. As a fellow retired military officer, congratulations sir. It was a great tribute to General George Babbitt and the Ventures as a fantastic musical group.
Posted by: William B. Janiga, LTC, U.S. Army Retired | October 02, 2012 at 02:31 PM
The Ventures inspired me to learn to play guitar way back in the 1960's when I was 17 years old. This was my all time favorite instrumental. Warching this video made me dig out my electric Silvertone guitar and play that arrangement once again.
BTW., I'm now 65 years old..
Big John NYC
Posted by: John Hotetz | October 03, 2012 at 05:37 AM
THE GREATEST INATRUMENTALIST GROUP, OF ALL TIME. I ASSOCIATE THEIR RECORDINGS, WITH THE BEST YEARS OF MY LIFE, WONDERFUL , BEAUTIFUL, GIRLS IN H.S., AND AT OUR SCHOOL DANCES.
WALK DON'T RUN IS GREAT, BUT I BELIEVE THEIR MASTERPIECE WAS "S L A U G H T E R O N T E N T H A V E N U E "
I HAVE PLAYED GUITAR SINCE 1954. THERE IS NO BETTER SOUND THAN 3 ELECTRIC GUITARS, AND A MASTER DRUMMER, TIME KEEPER, HEART OF THE BAND.
THERE WILL NEVER BE ANOTHER GROUP, LIKE THE VENTURES. I AM SO GLAD I HAVE EVERYTHING THEY RECORDED.
TO TAKE A JIMMIE SMITHE ORGAN MASTERPIECE RECORDING OF SLAUGHTER ON TENTH AVE, A 7 MINUTE RECORDING, AND HAVE THE VENTURES CONDENSE IT INTO LESS THAN A THREE MINUTE RECORD, IS A STROKE OF GENIUS.
I LOVE THE MUSIC OF THE VENTURES, TREASURE THE MEMORIES, AND THANK GOD FOR THE GROUP.
Posted by: thomas edward diganci | October 03, 2012 at 12:32 PM
WATCHED THEM AT THE "ARANETA COLLISEUM" WAY BACK .....GREAT INSTRUMENTAL BAND ! RAW HIDE IS MY MOST LIKED ....
Posted by: [email protected] | October 04, 2012 at 05:52 AM
What fond memories this brings me back to. That's why I picked up a guitar so many years ago.
Posted by: James S. Johnson | October 04, 2012 at 05:09 PM
A friend sent a link to this today and what a surprise! I had no idea that Gen Babbitt was the original drummer. Their instrumentals were fantastic at the time of little transistor radios. And every high school band played at least one of their selections. I'm a retired Air Force Chief and really enjoyed seeing Gen Babbitt reliving his glory days with the Ventures!
Posted by: Bob Powell | October 05, 2012 at 04:49 AM
Wonderful! Brings back memories of high school years, and college years.
Posted by: Mary | October 05, 2012 at 05:44 AM
AN UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES OF THE PAST BUT STILL NICE TO HEAR TO THE PRESENT DAY. EXCITING AND MARVELOUS!!!!!!
Posted by: VAL B. UNARSE | October 05, 2012 at 06:20 AM
I always will love this song...Great memories of dancing in our livingroom with my parents when we were kids--we all love 'The Ventures'. I didn't know of the original drummer until I received this video or his service to our country. God Bless to that and to the United States of America.
Posted by: Sheryl Fechter | October 05, 2012 at 11:05 PM
George Babbitt was one fine Air Force officer. I worked for him in his last assignment before retiring. Wasn't a bad drummer either.....
Posted by: Ray | October 06, 2012 at 10:28 AM
I had the honor of working with General Babbitt to prepare him for this concert performance. I was he Drum Instructor when we were both station at Wright Patterson Air Force Base. He is one of the nicest, warmest people I have met, and his wife is a wonderful soul too. Knowing the Babbitts was once of the best parts of my Air Force career, and spending sundays at Quarters One working on Drumming with General Babbitt was an honor and a pleasure.
He spoke about returning to Washington state when he retired from service, and we often talked about him starting a band when he moved there. General....I hope you and Mrs Babbitt are enjoying your post Air Force lives.
Sammy K
www.slamminsammyk.com
Posted by: sammy k | October 07, 2012 at 11:23 PM
thank you ipad for changing some of my words and ruining my grammar! SK
Posted by: sammy k | October 07, 2012 at 11:25 PM
Saw the Ventures play live in 1966 at the Navy Relief Festival in Corpus Christi, Texas. The were my FIRST EVER ROCK CONCERT! I still love their music and my local classic rock band plays a couple of their tunes... including "Walk Don't Run"! This was pretty cool!
Posted by: Joe Graham | October 08, 2012 at 05:44 PM
What a wonderful memory. I own 13 of the Ventures albums and still listen to them occasionally on my first and only Dual turntable. My favorite album was "Another Smash" with Ginchy, Lullaby of Leaves, Lonely Hearts, Wheels, Ghost Riders, others. And after my Air Force years i worked at Wright Patterson AFB, OH as a civilian and retired while Gen Babbitt was commander of AFMC. I'm now 70, where have all the years gone?
Posted by: Thomas Brown | October 09, 2012 at 05:01 AM
Iwas at that concert,held at Independence Hall,Wash DC
AS a young military wife, and an avid concert goer, took advantage of the free concert as part of AirForce summer concert series.with my girlfriend, drove to DC, only 30 min ride, and ran as soon as doors open to get front row seats.
still one of my memorable concerts.
Posted by: Aida Barredo | October 09, 2012 at 02:16 PM
This is just a fantastic video. I have played drums for over 30 years and I relly believe that the magic moment for the General was when he said that he was able to play with his band again after 36 years even after all that happened during that time. I know exactly how he must have felt sitting behind his trap set, being able to reconnect with his old band mates and play a song with them that he helped to develop into the hit that it was (and still is). What a great experience for him that must have put him in a fantastic space! From one drummer to another: NICE job, General!
Posted by: Billy Beat | October 09, 2012 at 02:43 PM
Looks like our parents were wrong about Rock and Roll.
Posted by: Suzanne Glaser | October 10, 2012 at 02:28 PM
Brings back many memories
Posted by: Sharon Leger | October 11, 2012 at 06:01 AM
I grew up on rock and roll. If Tom Brokaw's World War II generation was the greatest generation then the rock and roll generation was a very close second. Long live rock and roll and long live the Ventures.
Posted by: Dwayne Yant | October 11, 2012 at 06:21 AM
From 1958 to 1965 I was a drummer in a rock and roll band named the"Abstracts" in the Kansas City area. In 1962 I had the honor of jamming with the Ventures in a Kansas City night club where band members gathered after gigs. I don't remember General Babbitt being the drummer. It is really ironic that I also became an Air Force officer and gave up the opportunity of being a professional musician. I retired from the Air Force with twenty years service as a Lt Col. General Babbitt likely has 35 years of active duty. This is pretty common for four star generals.
Posted by: Garold Lindsey | October 11, 2012 at 03:42 PM
I am seriously old these days (81) and was in my 30s when the Ventures did "Walk, Don't Run." I loved it then and still love it! Their music, guitars punctuated by drums, remains unmistakable to anyone who heard it in those early years. Thanks for the information about their original "All Star" General. (I did not know that.) My late husband was USAF on a B-36 out of Walker AFB during Korea and was also a harmonica virtuoso. This was one of his favorite tunes, and he would have loved the connection to USAF. Thanks so much.
Posted by: Elaine Cummings (Swieczkowski) | October 11, 2012 at 04:23 PM
Great memories....I still have the Walk Don't Run Album, which should be worn out by now as I have always called it "my music to clean house by"! Put that album on the old stereo and boy did I rock n' roll fast thru the house. Thanks for the great music & video, and thanks for General Babbitt's service to this country.
Posted by: Sandy Coleman | October 11, 2012 at 09:07 PM
I've often thought that we never know how many lives we've touched. All of these guys have touched so many, including mine. You inspire us to do our best in all we do. Thanks so much. General Babbitt, you deserve so much respect in so many ways.
Posted by: Pat Frey | October 12, 2012 at 09:17 AM
I was stationed at Kadena from Jun 64 to Dec 65, AF46130 (ammo bee bee stacker). A few of us airman started a rock'n'roll band called "The Thangs". We played the clubs and always played a few Ventures. I still have a reciept for $100.00 for playing a gig at the Kadena Airman's club. That was more than the AF paid me in a month. Loved the "Rock" and the Ventures.
Posted by: MSG Steve Oles, USA Ret | October 12, 2012 at 04:16 PM
I REMEMBER GOING TO A PLACE CALLED "THE SPANISH CASTLE" TO DANCE IN THE EARLY 1960'S. THE CASTLE WAS BETWEEN SEATTLE AND TOCOMA, WASH. ANYWAY THEY PLAYED THERE AND WERE VERY GOOD TO DANCE AND LISTEN TO. LOTS OF GOOD MEMORIES.
Posted by: CURT DECKER | October 12, 2012 at 09:09 PM
Brought back some great memories!!
Posted by: Bobbi | October 13, 2012 at 05:53 AM
I saw The Ventures live at Mount Pleasant High School in Wilmington, DE in 1966 (I think). They were wearing Beatles suits! One of the best concerts I've ever seen. I still have all their original vinyl albums on the Dolton label. Thanks for posting this.
Posted by: Ralph Spoilsport | October 13, 2012 at 12:56 PM
Cannot get the sound and the speed test does not work either.
[email protected]
Posted by: Alex Hegenbart | October 15, 2012 at 09:57 AM
I WAS STATIONED AT A STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND AIR BASE FROM 1964 TILL 1967. WE USED TO LISTEN TO THE VENTURES IN OUR BARRACKS ON LONG PLAY ALBUMS.GLAD TO KNOW THEY ARE STILL WITH US.
Posted by: ANTONIO TORRES SGT U.S.A.F. RETIRED | October 15, 2012 at 11:23 AM
This is unblievable. I was stationed at Chanute AFB while he was there 64 and 65 and I too learned to play guitar listening to The Ventures. I knew every song they did note for note. If I only had known Gen. Babbitt was their drummer I would have bugged him to death trying to get him to come to the airmens club to play. I used to entertain the airmen every night playing them Ventures tunes on guitar in the barracks long after lights out. I was in the 3348 sqdn.
Posted by: Freddie Wooton | October 16, 2012 at 12:24 AM
Thanks for the Memories im 58 and have been playing guitarand have been a professional for 45 years,I loved the Ventures walk dont run was the firstsong I learned in its complete form and I also bought every relese of that song walk dont run 65. the lp,s of them live ect.I was a big fan one question? where are the signiture Mosrite guitars that had that real knarly sound,real rock guitar,now thereplaying strats?still great viedo.
Posted by: Jan wickline | October 16, 2012 at 05:05 AM
Really Cool Video!!!! Brings back alot of memories!!
Posted by: C.Barry Skeete | October 16, 2012 at 06:19 AM
Though couuntry is my favorate, I well remembered and enjoyed the Ventures and the beat they brought to our world. It was a time of 'peace and love' amongst my generation and after hearing them once again I say "Rock on Ventures" and "Keep the Beat of Peace" General Babbitt. God bless music and the many ways it has always effected our world with it's various beats of rhythm.
Posted by: Maureen Erb | October 16, 2012 at 09:27 AM
I always have love this song!! Brings great memories!! Wondeful video!!! Thanks General Babbitt!!!
Posted by: Lupita Horn | October 16, 2012 at 12:10 PM
Good job General! You make us Veterans proud!
Posted by: Nam Marine | October 16, 2012 at 08:07 PM
From Ohio, A Big Thank You General.
May God continue to Bless you....!
We all thank the Vets. Without you
where would we be...!
Let us hear from you again.
Posted by V.Derrenkamp / October 16,2012
Posted by: Virginia Derrenkamp | October 16, 2012 at 08:52 PM
This was absolutely WONDERFUL. Music - what a gift for all to enjoy. Thank You...I wasn't very old when this came out, but sure listened to the radio when the song was being played....Thanks for the memories. Wreatha/Esterhazy, Sask. Canada
Posted by: Wreatha CURTIS | October 16, 2012 at 09:00 PM
watching the general you could actually see him, if just for the moment, turn young again. Beautiful.
Posted by: Jack Simpson | October 17, 2012 at 10:05 AM
Fantastic great things & music can bring! How wonderful this video is!
Posted by: Andrea | October 17, 2012 at 01:37 PM
Gotta love a drummer that everyone in the room has to salute!
Posted by: Kurt Wittman | October 18, 2012 at 06:45 AM
I was at that show with The Ventures at the beginning of a short tour in February/March 1998. It was at DAR Hall in Washington, DC with the Air Force Band. Daisy Jackson organized the concert for us. Great lady. A couple of weeks later, we had a show in Dayton, OH where the General was stationed at the time so we got to see him in his official capacity as well. Great memories. The band is still going strong and just got back from their annual tour of Japan: 48 shows this summer to celebrate the anniversary of their first visit to Japan in 1962!
Posted by: Fiona Taylor | October 18, 2012 at 07:55 AM
type to slow to post, THANKS TO ALL VETS
Posted by: Dick Eynon | October 18, 2012 at 09:15 AM
What a gift for those of us who grew up and learned to play the guitar around The Ventures. Walk Don't Run was the first full song (I could play the intro to Peter Gun) I learned to play and went on to learn so many others. For those with good memories, The Ventures put out two instructional LP's, each for one of their songs. The first one was for Walk Don't Run. Can't remember the other, but what great albums. Nookie used to play at The Cowboy Poetry Festival, sitting in with various groups and a lifelong friend of mine happened to see him and tell him about me and my love for their group and my guitar playing. Nookie asked for my phone number and called about a month later. It was such an honor and a thrill to talk to one of my early idols. A true gentleman.
Posted by: Robert T. | October 18, 2012 at 11:31 AM
Wow !! super job Hats off to the General and all our vets and Hats off to the Ventures..
Posted by: Tom T | October 18, 2012 at 12:41 PM
I'm 65 and this video made my eyes mist. I've loved the Ventures since I started playing guitar when I was 14. How could you ever get tired of listing to Walk, Don't Run. Barry T.
Posted by: Barry Thompson | October 18, 2012 at 03:55 PM
Go General go... rock on!
Posted by: oldretrobiker | October 18, 2012 at 05:07 PM
Great video. Anyone remember their Mosrite guitars? When I first heard the Ventures back in the 1960's that's what they were playing. Made a big impression on me at the time. Looks like they are using Fender guitars in this video.
Matt
Posted by: Matt | October 19, 2012 at 02:18 PM
How do I pin this on Pinterest?
Posted by: Judy Dollard | October 19, 2012 at 05:04 PM
My wife and I, and about a dozen friends, attended a Ventures concert in South Korea in 1972 or 1973 that was held at one of the universities there. (I think that it was Yongsei, but I wouldn't swear to it.) It was a great concert, but the surprising thing about the concert was that the large audience which was probably 95% Korean obviously was intimately familiar with the music of The Ventures. Great concert; great audience, and a great night we still remember forty plus years later
Posted by: Max | October 19, 2012 at 07:49 PM
Great video! I was only about seven years old when this came out, but I had 4 older siblings, so I liked what THEY liked.
Posted by: John Spurlock | October 20, 2012 at 02:56 AM