Frequently Asked Questions

To submit a question to Bob, click here.

1. How long have you played the pedal steel guitar?
   
   For over 20 years now. I started out playing steel in country rocks bands (covering Marshall Tucker and the New Riders of the Purple Sage), then went into western swing and old real country for a couple of years (stuff like Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, Hank Williams, Asleep At The Wheel, Willie Nelson). Then I discovered David Lindley and Ry Cooder and played a lot of lap steel and slide guitar. I came back to traditional steel with Freakwater in the early 90's, then more of a country rock style with Wilco and Blue Rodeo in the late 90's. I have no idea how I started playing it. I would not have the patience now.
   
2. Why did you leave Wilco?
   
   When I was hired it was understood that I was hired to play the Being There tours and after that we would part ways. It was a marvelous time because our touring lasted almost two years and I got to do some pretty amazing things and meet some pretty amazing people. The last thing I did with them was pedal steel and slide guitar on Mermaid Avenue (see discography) which was such an honor. We have some pretty good laughs when we get together these days.
3. How did you join Blue Rodeo?
   
   Oh Susanna opened for Wilco (with Bob)
   Wilco played on Jim Cuddy's record, All In Time (with Bazil)
   Bob played on Oh Susanna's record (with Bazil)
   Oh Susanna (with Bob) opened for Jim Cuddy (with Bazil)
   Bazil did a Norwegian tour with Bob
   Bob (with Bazil) opened up for Jim Cuddy
   Jim Cuddy said, "Our steel player is leaving, we're not holding auditions and your name is the only name that came up."
4. What's that thing you stand up to play with the two different necks?
   
   That's a late 50's Supro double six lap steel guitar. It was designed with western swing, country or Hawaiian style of playing in mind. Whoops...
5. How do you like living in Canada?
   
   Canada rocks. Besides the people and geography and culture, the two things that blow me away are: 1) The multiculturalism of the population and the strength that comes from diversity and, 2) no handguns!!!!!!
6. What are your favorite records?
   
   Top Ten Island Records (Vinyl)
   - Blood on the Tracks
   - The River
   - Exile on Main Street
   - Let It Bleed
   - Europe 72
   - The Pretender
   - El Rayo X
   - Beatles 65
   - The White Album
   - Feets Don't Fail Me Now
   - Rock of Ages
   - AM
   
   Top Ten Desert Island CDs
   - Tomorrow the Green Grass
   - Summerteeth
   - Crowded House
   - Goodbye Jumbo
   - Kiko
   - Wildflowers