Robbie Fulks Reflects On Rick Danko Collaboration

Jul 12, 2016

On March 25, 1999, musican and bandleader Nicholas Tremulis hosted an event called The First Waltz, a benefit for homless kids at Chicago's Metro, and featuring The Band's Rick Danko.

The all-star, Chicago-driven lineup featured Billy Corgan (and his dad!), Cheap Trick's Rick Nielsen, Ivan Neville, Lonnie Brooks, Jon Langford, Alejandro Escovedo, and alt-country singer-songwriter Robbie Fulks.

Today, Tremulius shared a clip of a film from this event featuring Robbie and Rick.

Fulks, not really a prolific tweeter, took to the service to reflect on his experience performing side by side with one of his heroes -- and one who unfortunately passed away too soon. What follows was as raw and honest as his music.

it's a good mix and a good band. my singing, a little too Levon-y, but hitting the notes at least

— Robbie Fulks (@RobbieFulks) July 12, 2016

Rick was one of a small handful of my singing models/heroes from as far back as I can recall

— Robbie Fulks (@RobbieFulks) July 12, 2016

his vocal timbre was completely unique. among other things.

— Robbie Fulks (@RobbieFulks) July 12, 2016

in my memory I was standing right next to him on stage. but according to the video he was several hundred miles from me.

— Robbie Fulks (@RobbieFulks) July 12, 2016

the say stay away from your heroes, and also I'm shy. so in the dressing room at the Metro I avoided Rick altogether.

— Robbie Fulks (@RobbieFulks) July 12, 2016

and when I left the stage, as you can see, I had the briefest interaction with him

— Robbie Fulks (@RobbieFulks) July 12, 2016

but what it doesn't show - when I entered, I passed by him, and he grabbed my arm and leaned into my ear, like it was crucial to tell me --

— Robbie Fulks (@RobbieFulks) July 12, 2016

"You're my son," he said. I pulled back a little and maybe smiled, and he leaned back in harder "-- but I'm not your father!"

— Robbie Fulks (@RobbieFulks) July 12, 2016