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Rick Derringer and friends in special Stambaugh show
By John Benson
Rick Derringer will tell you he’s so much more than “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo.”
Sure, the famed rocker is mostly known for the ’70s hit, but the truth is this western Ohio native, who was raised along the Indiana border, enjoyed a Forest Gump-like career, being in the right place at the right time and working with the likes of Edgar Winter, Alice Cooper, Richie Havens, Todd Rundgren, Steely Dan, Cyndi Lauper, Barbara Streisand and KISS.
Now the musician is looking back with his 50th anniversary tour, which comes to Youngstown next Thursday for a concert at Stambaugh Auditorium. The show will celebrate the 50th anniversary of the release of The McCoys’ “Hang On Sloopy.” Derringer was the singer-guitarist of the “O-H-I-O” tune, which was a No. 1 hit and soon became the Ohio State University theme song.
As for Derringer’s Youngstown gig, he’ll be joined by Derek St. Holmes (Ted Nugent Band), Joey Molland (Badfinger) and Pat Travers (Pat Travers Band). Fans attending the show can expect to hear Derringer songs (“Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” “Guitars & Women,” “Still Alive & Well,” “Real American – Star Spangled Banner,” “Frankenstein,” “Free Ride,” “Living in the USA” and “Hang on Sloopy”), as well as selections from his guests’ career.
The Vindicator talked to Derringer recently about his upcoming tour, the lasting impact of “Hang On Sloopy” and his legacy.
Q. First of all, looking back over your extensive career, what memories do you have of playing Youngstown?
A. The Derringer Band was one of the favorite bands in Youngstown, so we got to play there pretty often. I remember it always being fun because we had such rabid fans. The Derringer Band had two members from that area, Neil Giraldo (guitarist) and Myron Grombacher (drummer). They went on to play with Pat Benatar. In fact, for the upcoming Youngstown show, they’re making a guest appearance. It’s going to be a very rare show. It’s a special one. People should just come to see that alone.
Q. People will invariably come out to hear “Hang On Sloopy,” which in September you performed live with the Ohio State University Marching Band at a Buckeyes football game. How did that song come about?
A. I first learned it in 1964. It was by a band called The Vibrations. It was a No. 1 R&B hit, so we knew the song and loved the song. We just jumped at the opportunity to record it. And right away in the studio after we were finished recording it, the engineers and producers were jumping up and down making the No. 1 sign. So we had a good indication people liked it, but we had no indication it would become a prediction that came through. It then became No. 1 in every country.
Q. What’s even crazier is The Rolling Stones covered the song not only back in the ’60s but also during the band’s most recent show at Ohio Stadium.
A. Part of the reason that they played it – and part of the reason we played on their tour in 1966 – was that they started their own record company called Immediate Records. They decided to make “Hang on Sloopy” one of their first releases on the label. They then realized it would be very cool for them to take us on the road. We got the opportunity to play with them all over the United States on their entire 1966 tour.
Q. In your mind, what’s the legacy of Rick Derringer?
A. I don’t know; that’s for the beholder to figure out. I just try to do what I do: Play music. One of the greatest parts of it is being able to play concerts in front of a live audience. I know people remember from the past whenever they’ve seen me live, some say it’s the best concert they’ve ever attended. That’s something I’m very happy about.
Q. Finally, it appears the only thing missing from your career is a call from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Do you think that will ever happen?
A. I don’t know. I don’t want to say anything bad. They seem to be in the pocket of Rolling Stone magazine. It seems like anybody in Rolling Stone or who is a favorite of Rolling Stone has a greater opportunity to be in the Rock Hall. Patti Smith, I love her – and I’ve written songs with her – but why would she be in the Rock Hall and me not. It’s just one of those interesting little quirks and there’s a lot of others. I have no idea what their thinking is about me. All I know is, I continue doing the best concerts I can and playing all around the world. It just goes on and on.