Bee Spears and Willie Nelson, South Bend, IN (7/4/2009)
www.eqmag.com
By Brian Fox
How did you first start playing with Willie?
My dear friend David Zepner got picked up to play with Willie, but then he got drafted for the Vietnam War. I happened to be there when the guys were talking about finding a replacement, and one of the guys said, “Hell, let’s hire Bee. He doesn’t play worth a crap, but we can teach him what to play, and he won’t come in with any preconceived bullshit!” [Laughs.]
You play a stack-knob ’62 Fender Jazz Bass on studio sessions. What’s the history of that bass?
It belonged to Johnny Paycheck, who played it with Ray Price until Willie took over that gig and bought it off Johnny. I found it in Willie’s basement one day and asked if he wanted to sell it. He said, “Yeah—it’ll cost you two dollars.” I took it, and I still haven’t paid up! [Laughs.] It’s a real sweetheart.
Who are the bass players who have influenced you the most?
A lot of my style comes from growing up playing Mexican nightclubs in Helotis, Texas. Aside from that, I’d say “Junior” Huskey, Paul McCartney, Michael Rhodes, and Ray Brown.
After nearly 40 years with Willie, what’s something you’ve learned about this gig?
Willie is all over the place with his vocal phrasing, so I’ve learned that if you listen to him, you’re dead! He’ll take you up a creek and dump you in a minute. My main role in the band is to make sure he knows where the “one” is, so he can come back to it.
GEAR
Basses Epiphone Vinnie Hornsby Signature Les Paul (live), ’62 Fender Jazz Bass (studio), 1951 Kay upright with a David Gage Realist pickup
Rig SWR Workingman 4004 head, two SWR Workingman’s 4x10T cabinets
Strings DR Strings Extra Life PKB- 45 (Hot Pink, .045–.105)
So nice to read an interview with Bee. There aren’t many, are there?
No, not many that I know of! Someone sent me this one yesterday.
Bee has always been my favorite band member – I got to spend some time with him in Glasgow on their last tour in UK. I was walking round outside of venue & there he was! We had quite a chat about all sorts of things – he’s a real sweetheart. I had a picture of Willie – Bee took it & had Willie sign it for me – I collected it after the show & got to go on the crew bus. Got a big goodbye hug too.
Happy, happy memories.
Hi Bee,
Just a shor note to see if you remember When we were in High School in San Antonio. I remember we set up an army tent I bought from the AG teacher for a place to play. I remember coming to your house and listening to your dad play the fiddle. I remember how he could make the fiddle sing even with his thick fingers from doing carpenter work.
I will stay in touch,
Fred Shoemaker
John Marshall class of 1967
remember the helotes country club !!!!!!!!!
Hey there … Didn’t know if you’d have any way of finding out, but your old pal from Marshall High, Howard Hugh Watson II, died of lung cancer on August 29. The funeral was Sept. 2 @ Ft.Sam Houston. He was buried with his mother.
God bless you Bee Spears!! you will be missed by us all!! I met Bee for the first time back in 1980. he was a special person!! as all of the band members for willie are! He will be impossible to replace. The last time I had a chance to talk to him was 2009 at a concert in Waterloo, Iowa. He had lost his ring and we looked for it for about an hour back stage, with a little luck we found it. I have some good memories of him and the band members, and will always treasure his music and life. God bless!!