Rock and Roll Never Forgets (The Rock and Roll Trilogy)

by Barbara Stewart

  After the wedding and Christmas festivities Andy and Beth went to Colorado for a few days. It was fun, but they were never alone there. A few days later they made a special trip to the cottage in Eleuthera to relax. The best of both worlds - get in some skiing and come home with a little tan.

  Beth was more in love with Andy than ever.

  Life is good… so very good!

  ~ ~ ~

  Music videos had become the big thing. The guys started taping videos for their songs for MTV. It was exciting and fun to watch them put a story to their music. Some of the videos were live recordings from their concerts. They liked those best. For some they actually filmed short, mini-movies to depict the story the song told. They hated those, but the times were changing and they had to keep up.

  They were ramping up to get in the studio again to start recording. Andy said they all got kinda “itchy” to get started. Nathan called one evening and told Andy he was ready. He said he had a tune in his head that he couldn’t shake. So Nathan and Dina came to Corpus Christi. Nathan and Andy got it all rolling again. They must have had enough of a respite. Andy always said when they got music in their heads they needed to let it out.

  Beth looked forward to them being there, especially Dina. Nathan was hardly in the door when it started.

  ‘Watching them start the writing process is really beautiful to experience,’ Beth thought as she looked on. They were all in the living room; Nathan picked up a guitar and played a melody. He played it once, and then Andy took the guitar and played it back with a little different spin. Nathan got another guitar and they played it together, only differently and a beautiful musical thought was born. They sat at the coffee table with a bottle of wine and kept playing, adding lyrics.

  January 29, 1985 ~ I swear I could see the wheels turning in their heads. Nathan would hum and mumble, jot something down on paper. Andy would look at it, think a minute then go through the same process, make some changes on the paper, and then they would play through it again together.

  That night, “One for the Road” became the first song they wrote for what would be their next album. That song led to another, and another, and another.

  ~ ~ ~

  By June with the songs written, it began. The studio was complete, and the guys were there sixteen and eighteen hours at a time laying down tracks. It was crazy and exhausting. Beth was happy they were home, and loved the guys being there in the studio. Her mission was to keep them fed, making sandwiches and casseroles for their meals, and baking cookies. She wondered sometimes, if she didn’t feed them, if they would remember to eat at all.

  Beth loved that she could be a domestic goddess for a while. Dina and Megan came out a couple of weekends to hang out while the recording was taking place. Christy, Little Mark, and Anna came, too. Beth loved her extended family being there. They lounged by the pool for hours. Not only was she a domestic goddess; Beth was turning into a bronze goddess as well.

  Andy and Nathan formed their own production company, Catch the Wind, and Roddy left the record label to come back to them as manager of the company. Beth knew that Andy was glad to have him back, not that he ever really went away. He still worked with Traveler those two years just in a different capacity. He and Vince relocated to the Corpus Christi area, too. Having her good friend so close made Beth happy.

  One For The Road would be the title of the album, for all the fans, the people who come to see them. Jimmy Buffett had Parrot Heads, The Grateful Dead had Dead Heads, and Traveler had Road Heads. They traveled in packs all over the country to get to concerts. Sometimes they would see the same fans over and over.

  This new stuff was different and the guys were anxious. Beth loved it. She loved to sit in on the recordings, and did a lot. She felt like part of the process being there in the middle of it.

  The Traveler guys worked so well together, ‘like a well-oiled machine’, and they were funny, especially when it started to get late. Andy’s comfy recording clothes were always wild pajama pants, a sweatshirt and a beanie cap. They kept it very cold in the studio so that it was comfortable for them. The later in the evening it got the more humorous they became, ‘punchy’ was probably a better word. They loved to play practical jokes on each other. At one point Mark put a headset on and Nigel had smeared peanut butter around the inside of the ear cups. There was always a jar of peanut butter close by. They lived on ‘peanut butter spoons’ for energy. And they always made it a good time.

  If they even made it to the house, they would shower, and then drop wherever there was a place to sleep, exhausted. Most mornings Beth would wake to find Andy sprawled all over their bed, wander around, and find the guys sleeping all over the place, on sofas, in the guest rooms; wherever they ran out of steam. The first one of them awake got everyone else up and got two pots of coffee going. Then they ate whatever was available, so Beth made sure there was always plenty available. Sometimes a bath was a lap in the pool and then they would head right back to the studio.

  ~ ~ ~

  July 13, 1985, was Beth’s thirtieth birthday and Andy had a surprise party planned. That morning the guys were in the studio early. Beth brought coffee and cinnamon rolls out for them.

  Andy grabbed her in a hug and said, “Guys, I know it’s short notice, but we’re gonna give it a rest today,” he told them. “I just decided that I’m taking my girl out for dinner. Dress fancy, Bethy,” he told her, nuzzling her neck.

  The idea of an evening alone with Andy excited her, there had been few lately. With all the hours they’d been putting in on the album, she missed their alone time. She chose a short, sassy, red cocktail dress that she’d bought on a recent trip home to Florida to visit her family, and Kimmy.

  “Aren’t you handsome,” she cooed seeing him dressed in a suit, waiting for her.

  “And you, my love, are dazzling,” he whispered in her ear, leaving a blaze of warm kisses on her neck.

  “Where are you taking me?” she asked, pushing him away, or she wouldn’t want to leave.

  “It’s a surprise,” he said and pulled her back into his embrace. “Come on,” he said taking her hand in his.

  Nathan let out a wolf whistle as Beth emerged to tell them all ‘bye’. The guys were going crazy with pent-up energy in the pool.

  Andy had finally bought the ‘rock-star car’, a Jaguar convertible that Beth joked about over the years when they would drive his old truck. As they drove away the guys all yelled “Happy Birthday!”

  “Top up or down?”

  “You are referring to the car, right?” she asked and Andy roared with laughter. It was warm, but she told him, “Down, definitely down!”

  They drove along quietly, Andy holding her hand in his lap. He finally pulled into the parking lot of Andelini’s, a quaint little Italian restaurant about fifteen miles away on the water. Beth knew she had picked well on the dress, and smiled.

  The maître d’ led them to a romantic, circular booth in the corner, and snuggled in. Andy ordered a bottle of Chianti, and escargot. Andelini’s was famous for their Traveling Minstrels and Flower Lady. No one dined there without a serenade and the purchase of a bouquet of flowers. It was one of Beth’s favorite places.

  Andy poured them each some of the wine, and took Beth’s hand as the Flower Lady appeared. She dressed in character, like an old world farm woman, big brimmed straw hat, apron, and a big basket of flowers. There were bouquets of pink roses, red roses, Calla Lilies, and daisies in her basket. Andy chose the Calla Lilies and she presented them to Beth with grand flair. Beth knew that he’d requested them, they were not a flower that was usually present in her baskets, and she smiled at his thoughtfulness.

  When she left them Andy brought Beth’s hand to his lips; “Have I told you that you are beautiful for an old woman of thirty?”

  “Yes, but you can tell me again, I can’t hear it enough,” she laughed.

  He pulled her closer and slid his hand up her back, to whisper in her ear, “You are so beautiful. My Bethy�
�” He brought her lips to his, and said, “Happy Birthday, my love.”

  The escargot arrived and they enjoyed it with the wine. One of the minstrels came over and began to play. They roamed throughout the restaurant, playing. As they approached their table, Beth settled back to listen; the music was very pleasant.

  They lingered over the meal and shared wonderful conversation. Beth noticed that the dining room was pretty much empty, she didn't think twice about it because it was a Wednesday evening. The waiter came and asked if they would like dessert, explaining that the selections were available on a dessert bar in an adjoining room. Andy took her hand in his as the waiter led them.

  “I don’t need dessert, but they make the best tiramisu, so maybe a small piece,” she told Andy.

  When they entered the room everyone yelled, “Surprise!”

  Beth looked around; Mom and Pops, Phyllis, Kimmy and Lane were there. Dina and Nathan, Vince and Roddy, all the Traveler guys and their families were there, too. There were balloons and gifts, and Vince made her favorite carrot cake. She loved that they were all there, dressed up and enjoying her special day.

  Andy worked it out with Vince, who’d become good friends with the Andelini’s. He and Roddy made all the arrangements for everyone to come in town, and more of a surprise for Beth, they were all staying at the house.

  ‘So much for being alone with Andy,’ she thought.

  Beth opened gifts from everyone but Andy. He disappeared for a few minutes. When he returned he had a big box, about three feet square, and Beth tore into it. She learned early in their relationship not to be dainty opening gifts when Andy was around. Inside was another wrapped box, and she laughed at the box inside the box. Shooting a look in Andy’s direction, he shrugged his shoulders and laughed. Again she ripped paper, only to find another box inside. Now, everyone was laughing. She tore into the third box to find yet another, and started flinging paper everywhere. As she ripped the paper from the last box she found a small gift box. She lifted the lid expecting to find a piece of jewelry, but inside was a key. Puzzled, she looked to Andy.

  He walked over to her, took her hand and led her to the door. When he opened it there was a red Mercedes 380SL convertible parked sideways with a big gold bow on top. She was so excited, and she drove them home in her new little car with the top down. When they got back to the house the partying continued until the wee hours of the morning. It was a special evening with all of her favorite people.

  123

  Rock and Roll Never Forgets

  Chapter Sixteen

  July 31, 1985 ~ It took seven weeks with a couple of weekend breaks for the guys to go home, but recording was complete, eighteen songs, DONE! Next comes the culling, mixing, sweetening, and engineering to get it just right. After that… my favorite part, choose twelve or thirteen songs for the album.

  Things settled down a bit, and Beth and Andy were getting back to normal, whatever that was in their crazy lifestyle. They hoped to release the album in time for Christmas sales. It would be a push, but Roddy was working with marketing to get it in the works. The title track, “One for the Road” would be released in a few weeks.

  You are there in the darkness,

  Always there,

  You are the lights in a sea of black,

  This one’s for you

  For all the nights you were there,

  This one’s for you

  ~ ~ ~

  By late September, “One for the Road” had made the top ten, where it stayed for several weeks. They released “Love Will Live”, Kimmy and Lane’s wedding song, as the flip side. Proceeds would go to Kimmy and Lane’s favorite charity. Anticipation over the new album was growing.

  The guys said this would be the last album for a year or two, they were burned out, and they were firm, no tour. They had been going fast and furious for more than a decade and they just wanted a break.

  Nathan was taking Dina and Megan to New York City to work with Susan Marshall on a musical. It was the story of a rock and roll group and their life touring that he’d let simmer on the back burner for some time. He’d worked with Susan to tweak it, and they were just about ready.

  Mark and Anna were settling into a new home in Kemah and wanted to enjoy it for a while. Maybe there would be another Traveler baby on the way soon.

  Both Scott Force and Dane Allen met with the guys and they were discussing a reunion album. Everyone believed it would come together, just not soon. The old and new members were game; the idea just needed time to stew a while. It was good they are talking again, especially Andy and Scott.

  ~ ~ ~

  Beth and Andy were ready to open the doors to their home. They planned an album release party for late October. As preparations began, Beth allowed Vince to take charge.

  Following that would be Christmas with a big celebration in Corpus Christi as well. Beth and Vince had their heads together planning and shopping for both for weeks. Together, they were in their glory.

  November 9, 1985 ~ The album party was perfect! There were over one hundred and fifty in attendance. There were tents outside for the spillover. Both Dane and Scott were there so maybe that reunion will take place sooner than expected. Guests included record executives, and promoters that the guys have worked with over the years. DJs and local dignitaries from Corpus Christie, Houston and Galveston joined us, and Phyllis came for the weekend, too. The morning host of “Good Morning Houston”, Kathy Rose, Andy, Nathan and Dina all went to high school together so we invited her to come and she brought a small crew to tape some stuff for her morning show. It was fun, but I have to admit… Dina being there and having a personal relationship with Kathy helped make it more comfortable.

  Almost as soon as the guests were out the door, Vince kicked into gear planning the Christmas celebration. He was a lifesaver, as Beth vowed to never again plan back-to-back gatherings.

  Beth was taking a few days to go home to Florida for Thanksgiving while Andy and the guys hit the road for two weeks of TV and radio, to promote the album’s release. Kimmy was hosting Thanksgiving dinner and Andy would be flying in just in time to sit down for the bird.

  ~ ~ ~

  The house looked like a picture in a magazine with the Christmas decorating that Beth and Vince had tackled. Vince found a twelve-foot blue spruce and placed it in the center of the foyer with all white lights. Beth decorated it with hand-made ornaments. Some were very special treasures from Nana’s collection, ornaments filled with memories that Pappy had given her. Some were ornaments that she found in their travels at craft fairs and festivals when she was able to sneak off, with security close behind.

  Many friends and family came in for the festivities. Some were friends from the band’s bar days when they were just getting started. Having them there was the guy’s way of saying thanks for helping them get started.

  Andy gave Beth a beautiful pair of topaz earrings for her gift. They were very different, very unique. ‘They look just like Andy’s eyes,’ she thought.

  ~ ~ ~

  A new year arrived, once more and their lives continued to move forward on a busy path. In early February, Andy had a business trip planned to go to Los Angeles for few days to work out some appearances that the guys agreed to, and Dina was coming to spend a few days with Beth for some girl-time and shopping.

  ~ ~ ~

  February 12, 1986 ~ Janice Joplin sang, “Take another little piece of my heart…” and once again, I feel like I’m living it. I feel my heart breaking one more time.

  Andy left on Thursday for L.A., Dina came on Friday and stayed through Wednesday. They shared a wonderful weekend of shopping and chatter. Beth had a routine doctor’s appointment Friday afternoon, and was sitting in the waiting area flipping through the People magazine that just came out that day. She leafed through the pages, and as she turned one more page she saw it…

  Whoosh… It felt as though it sucked the life from her body. Quickly, she got up and left, feeling like she couldn’t catch her breath.
She got in her car and drove, not really even knowing what direction she was going. It seemed she drove for hours, and a million miles before she stopped. She pulled into a Holiday Inn and stopped the car. She sat there for a while looking around, trying to get her bearings. Finally, she got out of the car and checked in. She went to the room to lie down, and stretched across the bed, knowing that at any moment her head would explode.

  She found the magazine in her purse. She must have walked out of the doctor’s office with it. She opened it again, and a flood of tears came as she flipped through the first couple of pages. Andy had been in L.A. for a week. He asked Beth to join him, but she had things she wanted to do, and some things she needed to take care of. Mostly, she looked forward to the girl time with Dina.

  What the hell? I asked myself that question over and over as I looked at the picture again. It was Claire Ferguson and Andy with a caption that read:

  “Claire Ferguson and Andy Stevens leaving The Lagoon Bistro in L.A.”

  After a while, she picked up the phone and dialed. “Roddy, it’s me,” she said when he answered.

  “Where in the hell are you?” he yelled quick, and frantic, “I’ve been worried sick!”

  It was dark, she glanced at the clock; it read 9:02. “Not sure really, I just drove and when I got tired I stopped,” she mumbled.