4-Jun-08 - David Gogo while in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada writes...

Did you know that I was Bo Diddley's guitarist for a night? What a day that was!

I was woken up to the news that Stevie Ray Vaughan had been killed. Fuck! What a shock.

After a few calls to some of my blues buddies to confirm the worst, I left my girlfriend's place and headed to my parent's house. In the midst of my sorrow I got a phone call asking me to play guitar for Bo Diddley at Harpo's in Victoria that night. Hmmm... interesting way to lose the blues!

I had to scramble to get some gear together (all my stuff was in Vancouver, guitar included!) and head down island with my buddy Michael.

Bo had a band of top notch cats from Vancouver and we rehearsed at sound check. He was very friendly and musically astute. He told me to play like I would at my own show. He said, "I can tell that you're good, so play the way you always play, don't be shy. But I'll tell you just one thing. Whatever you do, DO NOT play the Bo Diddley beat! That's what I do!"

So I didn't! We did two sold out shows that night which the band and I opened with a few songs dedicated to Stevie. Bo really liked that and compared the day to the way he felt when he heard about Buddy Holly's death. An amazing night with an amazing guy. Ride on, Mr. Diddley!

1-May-08 - David Gogo while in Melle, Germany writes...

Back in Europe!!

During my brief time home, I got a real good whiff of good old Canadian touring. Riding the back mountain roads from Kelowna to Rossland to Cranbrook while being chased by a snowstorm. Nothing like it!! Beautiful country, I love it . Never been to Rossland or Trail before, if you can believe it. Drummer Gordan Grant Baird was worried between tokes that he might be travelling with a gay couple because of Jay's and my obsession with antiqueing! Jesus Christ!

The old Vangina barely made it home with a broken water pump. You'd think it was a boat with all the money I spend repairing that damn thing!

Had a gas rocking the Yale. I hope it keeps it's funk after the renos.

Flew in day of show to Switzerland to start the Trower tour. I was knackered! What a treat touring with Robin and band. I'm learning things! Nice fellas. Had a good bullshit with Pete the drummer over the merits of the Kinks. Now there's a re-union tour I'd love to see!

I caught six songs from Shelby Lynne in Vancouver the other night. Mesmerizing.

I have a rare day off on the road here. Good thing - it took me 45 minutes just to get a fucking drink at the hotel bar... maybe I'll go for a swim. Perhaps a back wax first?!?

4-Apr-08 - David Gogo while in Bierbeek, Belgium writes...

Well, despite the weird little beds, this hotel seems alright. Free wireless internet, free tea in the lobby and a vending machine that sells beer in the hallway. Too cool ! You go, Belgium!

The hotel in Hamburg wanted 17 Euros for internet. 17 fucking Euros!! That kinda defeats the purpose of Skype!

While in Hamburg I went to see Albert Lee. That little bugger can play! He got Kingsize Taylor up to sing from the old Star Club days.

Gonna rock Belgium tonight -- looking forward to it.

I have a strange itinerary this trip. A couple shows then a couple days of press, and so on. Hard to keep the Rock on an even keel, but at least it's a little easier on the fingers!!

I love my Habs. To show that I'm a gentle sportsman, I won't mention anything about the stinkin' Leafs or the Canuckleheads... Ed: oops he just did ;).

1-Apr-08 - David Gogo while in Bremen, Germany writes...

Am I really in Europe again?!?

The shows in Denmark were cool; very enthusiastic crowds.

I just taped a Radio Bremen show that will be aired on Sunday. I think you can get it on these internets somewhere...

I'm excited to be touring with Robin Trower soon. I've been a fan for a long time.

YouTube is my new TV on the road. Check out: "Jimmy Jams With Elvis", "Mr. Show Teardrop Awards" and all "Derek And Clive".

Going to Hamburg tomorrow. Hoping to go to the Star Club then see Albert Lee in the evening.

The summer is starting to shape up nicely. Keep checking the "Tour Dates" as we have to wait to announce some dates.

iTunes is my other addiction out here. My playlist is kooky: Albert Collins, Kim Carnes, Cheech and Chong, Badfinger, Tonic, Johnny Winter, Jim Gaffigan, The Boxtops... you get the picture!

Enjoying the evening off, but a man can only eat so much schnitzel!! Guten Nacht!

3-Mar-08 - David Gogo while in Hornby Island, British Columbia, Canada writes...

I went down to the local Co-op to grab a paper and check the hockey scores and... what a kick in the gut. We lost Jeff Healey.

During my recent European tour I saw posters all over for his upcoming performances there. I took this as a sign that his health had improved but, sadly, this was not the case. I was lucky to have Jeff guest on She's Alright on my Vibe album. When I perform the song live I have to dig deep to try and nail the solo he played!

We've lost a huge talent and a hell of a nice guy.

26-Feb-08 - David Gogo while in the Maple Leaf Lounge at the Toronto Airport writes...

Almost home! Only two more planes...I didn't count on the 24 hour layover in Stinktown!

So, Bob Gainey... I hope it is better to give than to receive! I understand trading Huet on a business level but I hope it doesn't upset the team chemistry.

Can't wait to be back on the coast. Europe was geat, but hey...

Looking forward to getting back into songwriting soon.

I think I need a big, juicy, fuckin' steak... maybe tomorrow!

22-Feb-08 - David Gogo while in Luxembourg writes...

Wow! Real castles! Groovy!

So my new favourite thing is German guys who smoke in the laundromat. Thanks , guys! I think I prefer my own stink over your ashtray!!!

The shows have been great and we've been very busy with TV and radio spots during the little downtime we have. It's been great but I'm looking forward to being home for a while... which isn't happening as I am going to Toronto for the Indie Awards. Nice to be nominated!

Wish I could have seen the big Habs/Rangers game. Trade deadline is right around the corner....

Went to the Dachau site yesterday. Powerful stuff. We don't get to check out alot of sites because we're so busy but we got up early for this...

I can't believe that I'm coming all the way back over here in a month! Gotta go, soundcheck time....

13-Feb-08 - David Gogo while in Aschaffenburg, Germany writes...

Well, I'm back here in the Europe after a quick trip home to do laundry.

Had a fabulous gig on Hornby Island (of course!).

France was good. Great people, amazing food and wine.

Now I'm back in Germany where gas stations have a better selection of booze than most liquor stores back home!

I'm not much for junkfood, but I kinda like those Bounty bars. I much prefer dark chocolate over milk, though. Guess what? This morning in Nurnberg I found Bounty Dark! Who says life on the road isn't exciting?!?

We've rejoined the Wishbone Ashers, so back to bigger venues and serious touring. I do get to do some sight seeing today, sooo.......See ya!!!

27-Jan-08 - David Gogo while in Bochum, Germany writes...

Well , so far so good! The Wishbone Ash tour has been fun. We seem to be gaining some new fans and meeting longtime followers too.

Wishbone Ash and crew are very easy to get along with and they draw a great crowd.

Despite the number of cities we go to, there's not much time for sight seeing! Very busy! However, I'll be on the lookout for Jagerschnitzel tomorrow in Berlin!

Oh yeah, we're playing as a trio on this tour. That is not my favourite scenario but I'm still having a good time with Ronald Oor on drums (played with him a few years back) and Ruud Weber on bass. Both are Holland based and good guys. We're having some laughs.

I am trying to shake the cough I got in the prairies recently, what a big fat drag, but the Saskatchewan and Alberta dates were fantastic.

I'm going home for a few days on January 28th, then returning to Europe for the second leg of the Wishbone Ash tour on Februry 4th with dates starting in Paris! Forever Onward!

11-Dec-07 - David Gogo while in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada writes...

Well, well. What a year! I'm very proud of the ongoing success of Acoustic. It was my first album recorded at home and I didn't expect it to be received so well. Let's go back over the last twelve months... Co-hosting the K-ROCK afternoon show with Rob Berg in Edmonton... Riding with Johnny Winter in the motor home... Rocking the blues in Florida... Tons of fun in Toon Town during Juno week (the Moet became scarce!)... back to fabulous Pittsburgh... Hosting the Vancouver Island Music Awards... Paradise Hornby style at the 8th annual blues camp... Rochester, NY briefly... Habs legend Steve Shutt and wife checking out my show at the Montreal Jazz Festival... Getting dusty in Rock Creek and wet in Grand Forks... Opening for Buddy Guy in Bellville with a broken guitar... Losing my passport but still getting to Duluth for the show... Ken Hamm's wedding in Forget , Saskatchewan... Checking out Valdy in Port Credit... Finally back to Europe - Recording at the BBC and Radio Breman, too much fun in Holland especially with Benno at the Bella Vista B & B in Apeldorn... Hanging in the 'Jaw during the WCMA's... great shows in the Belle Province... back home for some solo shows and Christmas on Gogo mountain. I hope you had a good year, too. Let's make next year even better!!

7-Oct-07 - David Gogo while in Apeldoorn, The Netherlands writes...

What a show last night! Great googly-moogly! We rocked 'em and socked 'em! Great audience.

Two more shows and we head home. Next stop Moose Jaw! It is nice to be recognized by the WCMA's. "Acoustic" seems to be doing alright for a homemade record!

Our little return to Europe has been very encouraging. Nice to see that we still have fans here! Looks like we'll be heading back in the new year.

Licorice, hard boiled eggs, gouda and whisky...

3-Oct-07 - David Gogo while in Bremen, Germany writes...

Well, it's been a pretty good trip so far. Our recording for The Paul Jones Show on BBC Radio was great. Total pro crew, great sound, great guys to work with. We recorded in Studio 3, where The Beatles, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Bowie and many others have worked. Went to Camden Market for some shopping and, yes, LEATHER PANTS ARE BACK!!!! Picked up another DVD of "The Old Grey Whistle Test", amazing. This was only topped by finally getting my hands on a copy of "Derek and Clive Get the Horn"! Hoisted a few with Jon Amor, as well . It was so nice to play Holland again -- good times. So far we've headlined a festival in Duiven and played club dates in Assen and Verviers, Belgium. Last night we supported Dan Baird (Georgia Sattelites) in Hanover, Germany. We have a night off tonight (on the hunt for schnitzel! ), and my thoughts will be with The Habs on their season opener in Carolina. I'll update soon!!

19-Jun-07 - David Gogo while in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada writes...

It is with great sadness that I find out about the passing of Richard Bell. Richard is "one of those guys" whose talent and coolness reign supreme. One of the few men that I enjoyed hugging. 

11-Apr-07 - David Gogo while in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada writes...

O.K., O.K., The Habs got so close, yet so what! Huet's injury and their poor play in January and February cost them a playoff spot. That's all I'm saying about that for now!!

Let's see... Ah, yes The Junos! What a great time in my favourite city of Saskatoon! FYI, for all the pissed off viewers out there, the actual broadcast is merely a formality for us Juno attendees. There is so much more, including the Saturday night gala dinner where 32 awards are handed out! I attended and performed with Mr. Jim Byrnes (winner in our category). I also taped " Fuse " for CBC with the lovely Elizabeth Sheppard and her trio, did two shows with Mr. Chill, played with Colin James and Big Dave McLean at Buds, and drank all the champagne in Saskatchewan! Hung out and chatted with Barney Bentall, Bruce Allen, The Hip, Trevor Hearst, Russ Courtnall, Mark Norman, Sass Jordan, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, Wil, Pat Steward, John Ellis, Jack Semple, Joel Fafard, The Mighty Popo, Eileen Laverty (not enough! ), Jack Layton... You get the idea!! Anyway, thanks for your support, it was a gas!!

1-Mar-07 - David Gogo while in A Plane on his way to Fort Lauderdale writes...

Ahhhh, the joy of being stuck in the airport for six hours! Drinking martoonis in snowy YYZ waiting to head to sunny Florida for a show and a couple of days of vacay. I guess I should mention my pleasant surprise at being nominated for a Juno. Unexpected, but nice. I get to go back to Saskabush as well! Had a blast playing two more sold out shows with Johnny Winter (who was kind enough to let me hitch a ride with him!) in Alberta. Had too much fun being Rob Berg's co-host on KROCK in Edmonton all week. Great interviews with Little Steven, Jack Layton, Mark Norman and Mr. Chill. Check out the link. Got word that Bob Walsh may record one of my songs for his upcoming album! Glad to see Souray rocking hard for the Habs, things have been tough lately !

10-Dec-06 - David Gogo while in Innisfil, Ontario, Canada writes...

It's night time in the big city ..... and I've been listening to Bob Dylan's "Theme Time Radio Hour" like crazy. Excellent stuff!
The acoustic shows have been very cool, both solo and with M. Chill. The new material has been going over very well and it's been interesting touring like this. New towns, earlier shows, good food .... A guy could get used to this!
My Habs are looking mighty and I go home soon. Looking forward to writing up a storm when I get back.
If you get a chance request my Christmas single "Santa Claus Is Back In Town" with your local radio station. It's a solo version of the Elvis tune with just me and my 1930 National guitar.
Ran into my old friend Mark Norman and he invited me to see The Who with the Pretenders opening on a night off in Toronto. Great stuff! Hung out with my buddy Miller (former Bourbon Tabernacle Choir) and Johnny Fay from the Hip (their new album sounds HUGE!).
Have a great holiday season and I hope you get your stocking stuffed!!!

4-Oct-06 - David Gogo while in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada writes...

First of all, my apologies to everyone in Pittsburgh for not making the Robin Trower show at the Rex. I'm not one to miss gigs, but sometimes circumstances are beyond your control. Red tape & visas!! Instead, I'm home on sunny Vancouver Island preparing to tour behind my new acoustic album. Judging from the response so far, this is going to be a fruitful couple of months coming up. It will be a challenge hitting the road all by my lonesome, but an exciting one. Keep checking the tour dates and check out Acoustic if you get the chance. Time to go, but remember one thing; I want these motherfuckin' snakes off of this motherfuckin' plane!!

19-Jul-06 - David Gogo while in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada writes...

Fuck-a-luck-a-ding-dong!! What an insane tour schedule lately! Rochester, New York on Thursday, Bella Coola, British Columbia on Friday and Nanaimo Sunday. Yeesh!

Guested once again on the Brother Wease show in Rochester before opening for Johnny Winter on a gorgeous afternoon.

But then it was back in the van to drive five hours to Ottawa to find that the hotel screwed up my reservation and I had to go somewhere else, cutting my sleep time from three hours to two. If I'd known that I was gonna lose an hour I would have gone to Cracker Barrel!! Pricks!! Luckily there was an open seat between me and Miss Swan on the plane so I managed to bag a few Z's in between snippets of the Keith Moon biography I'm reading.

The flight into Bella Coola was a bit of a bum tightener, but what a beautiful spot with super nice folks. Wish we could have hung out longer, but it was back to the Island where I got to get some quality river/BBQ time in on Saturday before doing the big Blue Rodeo gig in Nanaimo on Sunday. Nice to be home and hang with some of the people I haven't seen for a while. And we managed to rock as well!

Recording acoustic stuff at home before heading back to Pittsburgh this weekend ....

12-Jun-06 - David Gogo while in Pittsburgh , Pennsylvania, USA writes...

The Hornby Island Blues Workshop was once again a fantastic event. I don't know how, but it just gets better every year. I'll put some photos up on the gallery soon.

I jumped in the studio right away with Becky Abbott from the Ottawa band to record some demos then down to Tacoma and back up to the Island for a couple of quick shows. I then flew out to Ottawa to meet up with the band and we headed to Washington DC to tape some live shows for Bluesville on XM satellite radio (we're # 2 on the charts this week!!). Thanks to the crew there for being so easy to work with. Host Bill Wax gave us the tour of this amazing facility. Incredible. I can't wait to hear Bob Dylan's show! We headed out to Pittsburgh in search of a good Porterhouse steak, with mixed results. Checked out Gov't Mule on a night off. We'll be playing with them soon in Buffalo. Finally got to play Moondogs and had a blast. Nice to see people so enthusiastic at a first time headlining show in a new city for us. Thanks to Ron and his crew for showing us a good time. I think I'm gonna eat some wings and watch the Stanley Cup Finals tonight...

6-May-06 - David Gogo while in Memphis, Tennessee, USA writes...

Had a fairly low key time in Nashville. Some of the folks I was hoping to write with had previous commitments, but I managed to bang a couple of songs off, including one with Tom Hambridge. Thanks to Erik Johnson and his wife Joan for once again being wonderful hosts. I had to rent a car and the fine young man at Budget gave me a Lincoln Town Car for the price of an economy vehicle. I said, "thank you, young man!" Went to Katy K's Ranch Dressing and realized that I was too fat for some of the clothes I wanted, but just fat enough for others. I soon found out that there isn't a train that goes from Nashville to Memphis and I had to take a bus. I thought that this sounded pretty "blues" and it appealed to my romantic side. This was until I realized that I was about to board the Loser Cruiser! Good God Ya'll!! I figured, "if ya can't beat 'em, join 'em!" and decided to sit next to the craziest motherfucker I could find. Hmmm.... Ah, yes! The gentleman in the soiled red blazer and scarf sucking butter and biscuits off of his long dirty fingernails was my man! Unfortunately, when we had a quick stop for smokes in Jackson (which is "Halfway to Memphis") he stood outside the bus and watched us drive away leaving his blazer, scarf and cane! (see photo gallery) When I pulled out my laptop, my fellow passengers stared at me as if I was from the future!! Anyway... Got to Memphis and headed to the Beale St. Music Festival and ran into some friends from home who were taking a Highway 61 vacation that sounded cool. Got to see a gloriously ragged performance from Big Star (Alex Chilton was acting just like Alex Chilton), Robert Randolph and B.B. King. Today it's BBQ ribs, a radio show and then The Killer -Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, and Bo Diddley. Great googly - moogly!!

2-May-06 - David Gogo while in Nashville, Tennessee, USA writes...

Did you know that Pittsburgh rocks?!? We were only there for half a day but the show opening for Johnny Winter kicked ass!! Great audience; looking forward to getting back there in June. One great thing about touring in the US is Cracker Barrel restaurants. We ate there five times in three days. We love it so much that we added it to our venacular. Here's how to use it: anything that is incredibly good is "Cracker Barrel", as in " Did you see Kovalev's goal? It was Cracker Barrel!" or "Duane , your new boots are Cracker Barrel! ". Alright! Just got into Nashville. I'll keep you posted as to what's going on .....

24-Apr-06 - David Gogo while in Québec City. Québec, Canada writes...

Wow, what a cool little city. Too bad I don't have time to explore a little bit. I was here on a high school band trip once. Guess I'll have to come back some time. The Johnny Winter shows were great. He just keeps getting better. We got to spend a little time with him last night listening to blues and chatting. The crowds were fantastic and it looked like we won some new fans. As George Thorogood told me, "My two favourite words in show business are ' Sold Out ' "! Opening for guys that do sell out is a real treat. I could get used to this!!!

6-Apr-06 - David Gogo while in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada writes...

Let's see, here... I've been writing towards a new limited edition acoustic album to be released in Canada in the early fall. The initial reaction to the release of Skeleton Key in the US has been very positive. Look for an upcoming appearance on Elwood Blues' House of Blues Radio Hour.

After a quick show back home on Gabriola Island it was out to Ottawa for two sold out nights at Tuscon's. Next was a not sold out show in Rochester!! Had fun on the Brother Wease Show with the Doo-Wops. Buffalo was next as we rocked the Tap Room. Headed up to Toronto for the Canadian Music Week schmooze and Ken Whitely's amazing gospel brunch with the Campbell Brothers and Dave Wall, then home quickly to pack for SXSW in Austin. Great town, great food, great event. Highlights were Zoe Lewis, Mojo Nixon's Jalapeno Pancake Breakfast, meeting Pamela Des Barres and Peaches!! Bummers were Betty Lavette not playing and too much to see that I couldn't make.

I got home just in time to whip down to Victoria and check out Savoy Brown and sit in! After hitting Hornby hard and fast (I'll be back soon), the Morden Mine benefit was a big success. All proceeds went to saving the last remaining coal mine tipple on the island. I like that kinda stuff.

Soon it was back on the plane after the Canadiens' thumping of the Leafs and off to Ontario for shows in Brechin and Bellville. Check out the info for the T.V. show that I did the music for on the homepage and keep checking the tour date page, it changes all the time. Looking forward to the Johnny Winter dates coming up, guaranteed to be a blast!!!

12-Feb-06 - David Gogo while in New Orleans. Louisiana, USA writes...

What an experience!! The concert was fantastic. Kudos to the CBC crew and the House of Blues for pulling it all off. It was great hanging with all the fabulous musicians from both sides of the border. Ate delicious food (of course), drank some hurricanes and bourbon. That's some of the good stuff... Then there's the reality of Katerina. Myself and a few of the fellas took a tour of the city and saw things we've never seen before (and hopefully never again ). The destruction and devastation reaches far and wide. Nothing you've seen on TV or in a magazine can capture what it's like there. Life changing...

20-Jan-06 - David Gogo while in Nashville, Tennessee, USA writes...

Nashville Snowline! That's what I arrived to last night, but it's a beautiful, crisp day today. I'll be writing and hanging with various characters all week trying to whip up some hits. If I'm lucky I'll get some good BBQ, some gaudy shirts and see a Preds game. I'm in heaven now that Gainey and Carbonneau are steering the ship for the Canadiens. The boys are back in shape now! Thanks to everyone who voted for me at the Maple Blues Awards. Although I didn't win the category that I was nominated in, my name was on the " Guitarist of the Year " award that Jack DeKeyser won!! I guess it was a screw up, but I wouldn't let Jack get away with it that easy (check out the photo gallery)! Back in December, the Johnny Winter shows went great. Anyone who has seen Johnny in recent years and was disappointed, be sad no more! It's a long story, but he's back! There is a little more recovery to go from his hip injury, but I couldn't believe the difference in his playing and singing from two years ago. It's great to see the mighty Johnny Winter back in form. Check the tour dates for more shows with him soon!!

19-Nov-05 - David Gogo while in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada writes...

With my condolences...

Guitarist Link Wray Dies - "Father of the power chord" was seventy-six!
Link Wray, the electric guitar innovator who is often credited as the father of the power chord, died earlier this month at his home in Copenhagen, apparently of natural causes. He was seventy-six.
He may have died quietly, but Wray's life was notable for its enthusiastic devotion to volume. "Rumble," the guitarist's 1958 signature song, had the unique distinction of being widely banned by radio stations across America despite the fact that it had no words.
Link Wray Tribute Page

9-Nov-05 - David Gogo while in Montréal, Quebec, Canada writes...

I came to town a day early for the gig so I could see my beloved Habs in action. I got a great seat and saw a great game. They're finding ways to win this year, and the Bell Centre is the best place to see a game. I can't believe I'm still on the road, it still feels like summer! When I was home I sat in as a guest of Bob Walsh at the Yale in Vancouver and played some shows in Victoria, Nanaimo, Campbell River and on Gabriola Island. As well, I've been working with Tina Jones (who sang on "Vibe" ) writing and arranging songs for an album of hers that she has asked me to produce. We'll have to find the time in our busy schedules, but it's going to be fun. I found out that I'm nominated for "Electric Act of the Year" at this year's Maple Blues Awards. We'll send something out on the mail list soon to let you know how to vote. If you have time, harass your local radio station to add "Hey , Juanita"!

18-Oct-05 - David Gogo while in Swift Current , Saskatchewan, Canada writes...

Ah, yes. Chillin' in Speedy Creek. Does life get any more glamourous?

Had fun in Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer with Tony D. Had some laughs listening to Mitch Hedberg CDs. Too bad he's gone. I drove solo through Alberta today, all excited to eat at Mario's in Medicine Hat. Only had a quick stop at Timmy's around noon so I was starving and anticipating a fine meal only to pull up and discover that they're closed on Mondays. FUUUCCCKKK!! Sorry about the profanity, but a guy on the road has to set goals and it can be very disappointing when your dreams are crushed!! Listened to Chris Rock, John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band, Dan Penn, Elvis Costello, Rod Stewart, Big Star and some of my new demos along the drive. Big drive again tomorrow, gonna relax with some red wine. Something from Spain would be perfect. Off to Winnipeg, fly to Ontario, back to the 'Peg for two shows, then back home. How much steeped tea can a man drink?!?

21-Sep-05 - David Gogo while in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada writes...

Well, I was home for a whole day and a half and now I'm travelling again! I'm going to hook up with Tom Hambridge today to try and whip up some hits. Tom filled in on drums for me in an emergency situation back in the day and now he's in town opening for Thorogood. He's based out of Nashville now and has been getting his songs recorded by some cool people. It'll be nice to hook up again. Looks like I'm gonna stay an extra night seeing that Alvin Youngblood Hart will be at the Yale. His new CD is great. Listened to it driving from Fredericton to Halifax and liked it so much I was yelling at the stereo (shades of Bad Lieutenant)! On Friday it's off to Victoria to see Robert Plant. Music. If I'm not playing it, I love watching it ....

14-Sep-05 - David Gogo while in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada writes...

Wow, this is a big country! I had to get up at 5 AM to do some morning radio, but my computer's clock (still on Pacific Time) read 1 AM! Yuck!

The shows have been excellent, and I've been a busy little boy on the "days off". I set up a makeshift studio at my manager's place in Ottawa to continue work on music for Hollywood and Vines; spoke at a press conference dealing with satellite radio; and have had interviews up the wazoo.

It was fun to rock at the good old Rainbow in Ottawa last weekend. In fact I haven't had that much fun in some time. A friend played me Marcia Ball's version of Randy Newman's Louisiana 1927. Always a poignant song, it certainly takes on a whole new heaviness after recent events.

On a personal note, despite the bitterness of the NHL lockout, I must admit that I'm chomping at the bit in anticipation of seeing my Montreal Canadiens rock this year!!

2-Sep-05 - David Gogo while in Burlington, Ontario, Canada writes...

Well, we did it! The big B.B. King show in Toronto happened. Our short but rockin' set seemed to go over well, winning some new fans. The main man himself, Mr. King was fantastic! Great singing, guitar playing, and showmanship. The biggest thrill for me personally was getting invited over to B.B.'s hotel the next day where I spent an hour with him and some friends. What a gentleman and gracious host. B.B. told jokes, talked about music and philosophized about life. It was an experience I'll never forget. I learned a lot in a short amount of time from an amazing man.

14-Aug-05 - David Gogo while in Omaha, Nebraska , USA writes...

What a cool (but brief) trip. We managed to do alot in three days -- breakfast in Buffalo; lunch in Chicago; and dinner in Omaha! The Lafayette Tap Room in Buffalo was a lot of fun. Great food (real wings!), great people, great music. We got to be real blues/rock stars in Omaha headlining the festival here and jamming at the hotel later on. Enjoyed watching Dave Hole and his band as well. Now about this whole going to bed at 3 am and getting up at 6 am to catch two flights and then drive for seven hours thing... Oh , well. I guess that's the part I get paid for!

12-Aug-05 - David Gogo while in Buffalo, New York, USA writes...

Well, I'm not sure what was better, sitting side stage watching Dickey Betts for three hours last night, or going to Rochester's legendary House of Guitars! Both were amazing.

Since my last entry I have to say congratulations to Karen Ryan and her husband for winning the big trip to the Ottawa Blues Festival to see our show with ZZ Top. They seemed to be having a great time, and the show was a gas (see our press releases for details).

So far, so good on my quick U.S. tour. Rochester last night, Buffalo tonight, then off to Omaha.

We felt like rock stars at the Maple Ridge Festival the other night which was recorded for CBC Radio. It was nice to play some B.C shows again. As much as I enjoy playing new places, I love B.C.!

On a sad note we lost two good people recently. The great Long John Baldry was a gentleman and a larger than life character. I'll miss running into him on the road. Also recently passed was Mark Vyse who was my guitar guy back in the EMI days. Mark was a true team player and a sweet guy. We had a lot of laughs over in Europe and back home, and it was nice to hook up with him again in recent years. Both will be missed .

12-Jul-05 - David Gogo while in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes...

On the road again! I spent most of June at home for a change mostly writing, including the music for a new television show called Hollywood and Vines starring Terry David Mulligan and Jason Priestley. This is something new for me and it was a challenge and fun. I hope they'll send me a case of wine!

The summer festival season has started again and so has my sleep deprivation. We did two shows at the Montreal Jazz Fest, over 10,000 people on the outdoor stage and about 700 at the Spectrum that night. I returned a few days later as a guest of Bob Walsh who drew the hugest crowd I've seen in a long time. Amazing. Then it was off to Thunder Bay for two rockin' shows as part of the blues walk during the Blues Festival. Colin James, Big Dave McLean and Eric Webster joined us for a jam on Friday that was a blast. Next was Mt. Tremblant where we were having a great set until the sky opened up and drenched everybody! Oh, well . Gotta go and put new strings on for tonight's big show with ZZ Top!

31-May-05 - David Gogo while in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes...

Let me catch up a little bit here. I had my best time yet at the 6th annual "Hornby Island Blues Camp". It just gets better every year, thanks to all the hard work by the Blues Society and community and the enthusiasm of the students. We did our usual round of concerts on the island and in Courteney and then I stole Kenny " Blues Boss " Wayne, Ron Casat, Donald Ray Johnson and Bill Johnson for a show at the Queens in Nanaimo. If I do say so myself, it was one of the best nights of blues my home town has seen in quite some time. We also had some fun shows in Comox, Pender Harbour and Gabriola Island during May. There are so many beautiful places to check out on the west coast, and it's nice to be able to do it while working! I'll give a belated report on my trip to South by South West in Austin, Texas in my June entry .....Soon!

27-Apr-05 - David Gogo while in Winnipeg , Manitoba , Canada writes...

Hey there - We have a new system here running the Road Notes so I screwed up my entry from SXSW in Austin; I'll have to catch up with those stories next time.
Just finished a great little acoustic tour through the prairies with Colin Linden and, for two shows, Colin James. What a blast! I'm not sure who enjoyed it more -- us or the audiences! Our buddy Terry David Mulligan presented Colin Linden with a birthday cake onstage in Calgary, which was the only thing besides steak that we ate on the whole trip (O.K., we broke down for clubhouse sandwiches at the fabulous Wagon Wheel in Winnipeg! ).
It was nice getting to know both Colins a little better and trade some licks. Playing strictly acoustic was a bit of a switch for me as well, but it was refreshing.
Managed to see some friends (not all of them unfortunately) in each city including a great stroll down Broadway in Saskatoon. Caught up with Brent Parkin at The Windsor who was filling in for Big Dave McLean and he sounded great as ever.
All in all it was a cool trip made easier by our rented Lincoln Town Car! Good music, good food , good friends, good weather, good wheels! Ya gotta love it!!

26-Jan-05 - David Gogo while in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada writes...

Thanks to everyone who voted for me, I'm very proud to win "Guitarist of the Year" honours at the Maple Blues Awards! Kudos to the Toronto Blues Society for a job very well done organizing the ceremony and the Blues Summit. I was glad to be there for the entire event and found it informative and fun.
Just played the Yale in Vancouver, trying to keep the fingers warm. The new version of Cry Harder is being sent to radio very soon. Keep yours ears open, it's a little different than the album version, but I like it. I hope you do, too. Don't be afraid to request it starting in about two weeks. Keep checking the site for new contests and gigs that will be posted soon. Rock on --- Gogo

3-Jan-05 - David Gogo while in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada writes...

Happy New Year everyone! What a tremendous and busy 12 months. As crazy as it was, I look forward to even more this year.
Congratulations to Shauna Fay for winning the guitar contest. I managed to have it signed by George Thorogood, Jimmie Vaughan, Gord Downie and Johnny Fay from the Hip, Kim Simmonds, Junkhouse, Colin Linden, Dany Heatly of the Atlanta Thrashers, Richie, Fred and Paul from Little Feat, and Donnie " Mr. Downchild " Walsh. Thanks to Rick Everett from Kick FM in Winnipeg for presenting the axe to Shauna. I'm going to miss it! We'll be having a new contest very soon , so stay tuned .
As much as it was great to rock my way around the country over the last few months, it feels good to be home for a little while. As well as songwriting, I've been in the studio with Rick Salt remixing our new single "Cry Harder". We'll put it out soon to radio, so keep your ears open.
I'll be heading out to the Maple Blues Awards and Conference in a few days. Thanks to all of those who took the time to vote, it means a lot to me.
On a sad note, 2004 saw us lose two cool guys who were huge friends of the arts community; David Grierson and Barry Newman. Both helped me in my career and they will be sorely missed.
Gotta go now, talk to you soon.

5-Nov-04 - David Gogo while in North Bay, Ontario, Canada writes...

What a month! Thanks to everyone for your support for "Love in the City"! Keep those requests coming in! The Western leg of the Downchild tour was fantastic, as were the shows we did on our own. I also had my own adventure in Avola! Check out the Log Inn if you get a chance. Vancouver, Victoria, Nanaimo, Kelowna, Kamloops, Lloydminster, Edmonton, Calgary, Yorkton, Winnepeg, Thunder Bay, Sudbury and North Bay tonight, and I ain't done yet! It's hard work, but it's great to be busy. Playing the new songs is refreshing for me, and people seem to really like them. Just got nominated for two Maple Blues awards. Remember you can vote on-line at by clicking here!! Let us know what you think the next single should be. Gotta go rock. Talk to you later!! -- Gogo

12-Sep-04 - David Gogo while in Mississauga , Ontario, Canada writes...

A quick update from the road. Having a lot of fun at the Southside Shuffle and Niagara Falls, made even better with Canada scoring in overtime at the World Cup of Hockey (we had to listen to it on the radio in the van backstage!). Had some great chats with Kim Simmonds and saw Savoy Brown rock the house twice. Also hung out with Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, Donnie Walsh and Downchild, Jimmy Bowskill and others. Hard to believe that the festival season is over now, what a busy couple of months! I better get ready for more insanity touring once the new album comes out.....See Ya -- Gogo

8-Sep-04 - David Gogo while in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada writes...

Wow, what a summer! Before I look back, I want to say how excited I am about my album "Vibe". We just finished it, and I feel it's the best one yet. All the songs are new, and I'm really pumped to get it out and start touring behind it. We're already getting a good response to the first single "Love in the City" (phone your local radio station and request it!), and there's plenty more where that came from! The album hits stores Oct 12, but I'll have advance copies at my shows starting Oct 1 in Toronto.
Lots of shows coming up including many dates with "Canada's Blues Band" Downchild! I was honoured to be asked to play on a couple of cuts on their new album, and our shows together are gonna kick ass! I'll write in a couple of days and talk about the summer shows and the recording of "Vibe" . See Ya -- Gogo

3-Jun-04 - David Gogo while in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada writes...

Let's seee.... What's happened over the last few months...
My Habs beat the stinkin' Bruins (sign Kovalev!)... Juno controversy... quick but fun trip through the prairies... the 5th annual and best ever (so far) Hornby Blues Workshop and concerts... two unexpected but truly appreciated awards... and now the pressure is on to write and record a new album during the crazy summer schedule ahead of me!
As much as it's nice to be home writing for a while, I can't help but get excited about the many festival shows upcoming. Not only are our sets going to be fun, but we get to open for a lot of cool people. My frequent flyer points are starting to add up as well!
Writing for my new album is going well with co-writes with Tom Wilson, Craig Northey and John Capek as well as my own material. Brendan Hedley from the west coast band has contributed a track as well, and the goal is to have 100% new material. I hope you like it when it comes out in September. See you at a festival near you this summer!!

18-Feb-04 - David Gogo while in Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada writes...

What a trip this has been so far. I'm waiting around the train station right now (how blues is that?) after watching my Habs lose at the Bell centre last night. This has been about the only bummer lately, though. Since my last entry we rocked Kamloops despite almost getting snowed out, did the Mike Bullard Show again and got to hang out with Dougie Gilmour and Mike McDonald. Played two very busy nights at Tucsons in Ottawa along with a workshop in the afternoon and a great acoustic show at the Blacksheep. Then it was off to Quebec City for my first show there in ten years! Hope to get back there more often - great place. After a quick solo show in Kingston supporting Blackie & The Rodeo Kings (I'll see them more this week), it was down to T.O. for a total rock concert opening for Johnny Winter (who I finally got to meet!) and the next night at Healey's. Down to Windsor the next night to play with the very talented Larry McCray. Don't miss this guy, he's the best I've seen in a long time. He had the great Johnny B. Gayden on bass, and it was great to catch up with him and eat Marco's fabulous sandwiches! And, oh yeah, we got nominated for a Juno!! Cool...see you soon..

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