The Ventures

Wish I still had this album. The Ventures Walk Don't Run.

I enjoy instrumental rock. Maybe it's because I don't play an instrument and am constantly amazed how anyone might coax beautiful sound from an inanimate object. Maybe it's because I like to have an opportunity to hear the instruments without concentrating on the lyrics. It's just a thing I guess.


That's a hell of a way to introduce one of the biggest instrumental groups in rock and roll history. The Ventures came along when I was 13 or 14 years of age. I had friends who were learning to play guitars. I watched as they struggled to learn "Walk Don't Run". I secretly admired their ability to play, no matter how badly. It was better than I would ever do. 

The Ventures

The Ventures probably caused more kids to want a guitar than any other group. To this day I think Fender owes the Ventures a ton. 


They sold over a 100 million albums in the 4o plus years of recording. They are from Tacoma, Washington in the Pacific Northwest. They've influenced more big name musicians than any other group. They are big to this day in Japan. Japan is the number two record sales market in the world. That means something. They are probably the first group of any kind to release more albums than singles. They felt theme albums was the way to present their music. Apparently it worked.

The Ventures

Below you will find a link to the some of the videos on the internet. If your in a mood to "rock out" or if your in a mood that needs "rocking". Let me make a couple of suggestions. Look for the Ventures video where one of the guitar players is wearing what looks like a Richard Petty cowboy hat.


I couldn't verify it but I think it is a 1989 Ventures t.v. special of some kind. They play the old hits with guests sitting in. One of those songs is "Wipe Out" with twin drummers. Max Weinburg is the second. It is one of the kickin est performances I have ever seen. Max looks like he is having an absolute ball.

Surfin with the Ventures

After that click on the link labeled Peter. That will be Peter Frampton playing with them looking like a little kid at Christmas. The next is Chris Spedding and Peter Frampton playing with the Ventures on Pipeline. This video and sound is just about as entertaining as any bit of music I have ever seen. You can't help but get caught up in the "wall of sound".  Folks ! It just does not get any better. Enjoy the boogie.

Christmas Joy with The Ventures

              Mucho Info    R & R  


                               Videos   


             Max     Peter    Chris-Pete