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J. Geils Band: Lost and found
By John Benson
“Musta Got Lost” is not only a hit song by J. Geils but also the band’s current status amongst its classic rock brethren.
These days most popular bands from the ’70s and ’80s are seemingly squeezing every last drop out of their careers with an incessant touring schedule that keeps them in front of their fans as much as possible.
Then there’s J. Geils, which tours infrequently at best with its current lineup of original members Peter Wolf (lead vocals), Seth Justman (keyboards), Danny Klein (bass) and Magic Dick (harmonica) performing hits from the group’s catalog. The R&B-influenced blues-based act boasts radio-friendly songs such as “First I Look at the Purse,” “Looking for a Love,” “Give it to Me,” “(Ain’t Nothin’ But A) Houseparty,” “Love Stinks,” “Freeze Frame” and “Centerfold.”
Now the “Love Stinks” band is returning to the Rock Hall City as opener for Bob Seger’s Thursday show at Quicken Loans Arena, and a Jan. 22 show at Pittsburgh’s Consol Energy Center.
The Vindicator talked to frontman Peter Wolf about everything from the Rolling Stones to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum.
Q. Next year marks the 40th anniversary of J. Geils opening up for the Rolling Stones in a World Series of Rock show at the old Cleveland Municipal Stadium. Do you have any memories of that show?
A. Oh, we were touring quite a lot with the Stones. The great thing about touring with the Stones for me was what happened behind closed doors afterwards. That’s when the real party began. One thing I can say about the Stones, they really were concerned about doing their best, keeping it up and kicking it high. As well, I learned a lot from them as a musician.
Q. Your 2002 solo album “Sleepless” famously included guest appearances by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Now you’re releasing a new solo CD next year. Will that have any special guests?
A. I was supposed to have Bobby Womack, who was a friend of mine, but he passed away. I really don’t make albums to have guests. I had Merle Haggard, Neko Case and Shelby Lynne on the last one. But I’m not sure who will be on the next one. I love doing solo work because with Geils, we don’t tour that often. So it’s another outlet to me to express a lot of the music stuff I have in my head.
Q. As far as the J. Geils catalog, what is it about that material that still resonates with fans today?
A. I think it’s true with a lot of artists where certain songs and that type of music that became, dare I say, classical. And they became part of the historical aspect. We started out like the Stones, the Yardbirds and Eric Clapton as a blues-based rock ’n’ roll band influenced by the likes of Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters. And from that we created something else and that resonated with a lot of people. I still find it amazing younger fans still love to listen to classic rock. Those songs are etched in classical aspects of what we call rock ’n’ roll. Just as “Blue Suede Shoes” or “Hound Dog,” I can listen to Buddy Holly or the Everly Brothers and get as much enjoyment and even more than when I was a 10-year-old kid.
Q. Over the years, J. Geils has been listed as a possible inductee into the Rock Hall, but the band never gets the call. What gives?
A. It’s really out of our hands. It’s a committee that votes. It’s something that if it comes, it’s an honor. And if it doesn’t, there are a lot of important musicians that are still not in the Hall of Fame. And there are people who are in the Hall of Fame who I personally don’t feel are worth it. But I don’t want to sound like sour grapes. It is what it is.
Q. Finally, the question everyone wants answered: Does love stink?
A. [laughing] Love stinks but we all crave the smell.