Interview with Grady Walker of the Grim Reepers. Thanks to Mike Dugo for encouragement and Qs.
- Home town? Was it LA or any suburb?
We all lived out in the west San Fernando Valley. Canoga Park and Chatsworth area.
- Did you perform at Pandora’s Box or any of the Sunset Strip clubs?.
I don’t believe we ever played Pandora’s Box. In the mid-’60s the city came down with a strict 10:00 pm curfew. The infamous riots on Sunset Strip followed. After which the city council rescinded several of the clubs’ youth permits. We were all teenagers and weren’t old enough to get in a lot of the clubs after that. When we did play places we were too young to patronize, they would put us in a room we couldn’t get out of until they let us out to go on stage. I can’t remember where, but one club actually locked us in the booze closet. I always thought that probably defeated the purpose.
We recorded at Sunset Sound on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood. We spent a lot of time up on the strip.
- Did you make any TV appearances (other than Daniel Boone TV show)?
No.
- How did you get on Daniel Boone TV show?
I think our price was right. LOL… Actually, my father stood-in for Fess Parker on the Daniel Boone series. Fess had become familiar with us and he requested that we play. They had an orchestra, pop stars, and a comedian or two. We were for the younger generation.
- Did you open for any big bands?
We did open a few shows for a west coast band called The Peanut Butter Conspiracy. Spencer Dryden of Jefferson Airplane fame was a member. They were very popular.
Besides that, we played several variety type shows and festivals where there were name acts. We played The Teenage Fair at the Palladium. Seems like everyone, big-name acts, and small ones, played the Teenage Fair. During the 60’s it was a huge deal. A lot of gigs like that. We played everything from high school gyms to horse show arenas, night clubs to bowling alleys.
- How long and the years was the band together?
The band had been together a while when I joined. I joined sometime in 1966 if my memory is correct. Seems like it was maybe 1969 or 70 things finally came to a halt. Gregg Magie, the lead singer may have continued with that name for a while longer. I really don’t remember. We all just scattered for a while.
- Did any of you started in any other bands and was there any bands after the Grim Reepers split?
I can’t speak for anyone else but The Grim Reepers was the first professional band I was in.
After the Reepers I think most everyone continued playing music at some level. And to the best of my knowledge….
Ron Shipman, vocalist and harmonica player was drafted and went to Viet Nam in 1969 before the band dismantled. He survived and became a successful businessman.
Carlos Ortega, vocalist, and rhythm guitarist. I lost contact with Carlos, but I understand he got deep into his roots and Hispanic music.
Gregg Magie, lead vocalist. I also lost touch with Gregg. But I understand he kept right on rockin’. I know he was in the heavy metal band Sorcery. They did a movie called Stunt Rock and a few albums.
Scott Charter, Drummer. I know Scott never stopped playing. He was, and still is, a first call musician. We worked together after The Grim Reepers. Scott is still playing with bands up and down the west coast.
Mark Patterson, Lead Guitar, Mark played in several bands backing other artist after the Reepers. He toured with Barbi Benton, girlfriend of Hugh Heffner (Playboy Magazine). Had us all jealous.
Grady Walker, Bass Guitar. I never stopped playing. I played a lot of pick-up gigs and one-off deals. Around 1975 or 76 I met and formed a country-rock band with Bob Metzger (guitar), Ken Babel (drums) and Kathy McDonald (vocals) called Prairie Siren. After a period of time Bob and Ken went on to other things and Mark Patterson and Scott Charter replaced them. Half the Grim Reepers were back together playing country rock. We played all the Honky Tonks up and down the west coast. The Palomino; you name it.
Kathy McDonald is the sister of Michael McDonald (formerly of the Dobbie Brothers). Kathy and I were married in 1978. She had some tunes chart as Kathy Walker. Her record, Send Me Somebody To Love was featured in the movie and soundtrack album for “Coast To Coast” starring Robert Blake and Dyan Cannon.
I’ve co-written several tunes with Michael. I had a top 40 tune with him, Lost in The Parade. Michael and I also co-wrote, No Such Luck, Half Truth, and Christmas On The Bayou.
I’ve had songs I wrote and performed appear in the movies, “Out Cold” starring Terry Garr & John Lithgow and “Love At Large” starring Tom Berenger, Elizabeth Perkins, and Kate Capshaw.
I currently live in Nashville TN where I still play, write, produce, and engineer.
