Interviewer: LAZLO FARNSWORTH, London UK (Independent) 1-24-08
*Part 1 may be found on Feb 3rd, 2008, and at the link at the bottom of this page
(Pt 2)
L.F: So, how exactly did you join Johnny and the Hurricanes?
D.T: I was teaching guitar lessons in Dearborn Michigan after High School, and Jerry David, the Hurricanes Bass player came in and asked if I was free.
L.F. That must have been a dream for a young guitarist to be asked to play with such a world famous group, eh?
D.T: Well, all this is in our book, but...it would have been great...if I had any idea WHO Johnny and the Hurricanes were!
L.F: You didnt know who they were?!
D.T: Of course I knew who Johnny Paris was... and his Hurricanes. But, there were so many bands back then. I played in a bunch. Big 12 piece horn Motown type groups to bar band rockers. Right after the '60's, you know? It just never dawned on me I joined THAT Johnny and The Hurricanes. I mean...I just didnt connect the dots. I had played with so many different people and kinds of music. It just went over my head.
L.F: That in itself is amazing! That you didnt know!
D.F: Yeah well...life is sure cut-and-dried simple when you think you nothing EVERYTHING! And, I thought I did at 20-21 years of age.
L.F: I find this really interesting. So...when...I mean...when did you finally..
D.T: Realize what group I had gotten into? Actually? Probably just the last 2 years since John passed away. No, seriously, on stage one night, and after a song was introduced. It's all in the book.
L.F: And so, you stayed how long? Furthermore...why had you left?
D.T: PLEASE buy our book! Its all in there!...I was lead guitarist and vocalist between 1973-late 74. And why I left? John just announced one day, he was spitting up this group(and his hundredth or so version...this is what he did for 45+ years...dump and replace). And I went on to Motown Studios to record a solo album with some Motown alumni and others.
L.F: Really! How did that solo recording come about? Who played on it? Anyone we'd might know?
D.T: Well, I was just tired of the Hurricanes, and wanted to do my own thing. Also...in our book. Ralph Terrana from Rare Earth, the Hurricanes and Motown Exec on piano, Perry Palmer from Bob Seger at the time on drums, Al Zenick from Seger and Bowie on bass, Daniel Gaines on acoustic. Bob Ohlson Motown legend, was my engineer.
L.F: Wow! And what happened?
D.T: Nothing happened. Like a million other groups out there. My originals were Allman Brothers style, and recorded because Capricorn Records down in Macon Georgia, who were handling the Allmans, Marshall Tucker and Charlie Daniels, were interested. And then they werent. Ce la vie.
L.F: As is true for so many out there. I understand you went and relocated to Miami?
D.T: I did. Guitar, amp, wife and dog. Moved to Coral Gables. Beautiful city. Gorgeous. I love that place.
L.F: And you kept playing?
D.T: Yep. Had the Duane Thomas Group with a couple female vocalists. We worked the Holiday Inn circuit and the Miami Beach Hotels, til I got a job coaching models for Charm Modeling Schools of Miami. Mostly women..young..and yes. I got into trouble..but that led me to Assistant Producer of a weekly variety television show in Ft. Lauderdale. So, it was all good. The 70's in Miami were wild times.
L.F: Oh oh! Compared to the '60's?
D.T: Threesomes and swapping were common and accepted back then. Along with the 'recreational" dabbling in mind altering substances. It was a sign of the times.
L.F: And how long did you stay in South Florida?
D.T: Till the end of 1978, and I packed up wife, dog and girlfriend...yeah I know...but remember...threesomes were a thing then..and came back to Detroit.
L.F: Let me see if I understand you. You brought your girlfriend AND your wife back?
D.T: Please! I did it....dont regret it, but wouldnt repeat it. It was just a rock musician and a couple women thing. May we move along?
L.F: Yes, of course. Youve had a very interesting career up until that point! I would love to discuss what the rock scene was like in Detroit in the 1960's. Motown. Bob Seger.
D.T: I'd love to, but that will have to be another time.
L.F: Thank you, why yes. Yes, of course. But maybe you should say not "another time" Duane...perhaps another "BOOK!"
D.T: HA! Oh, God love ya! From your mouth to God's ear...as the saying goes. We have contemplated other books after "SAX MAN", and I as well, have some ideas of my own. But, for now with "SAX MAN" coming, for the forseeable future...I'm just tryin' to put one foot in front of the other everyday, you know? And maybe I can do somebody, somewhere, some good along the way. Tomorrow may not come for all of us.
L.F: Thank you so much Duane! The public can't wait for Johnny's biography to come out. To see the real hidden sides of the history of Rock and Roll, and the story of Johnny Paris.
D.T: Youre most welcome Lazlo. My best to yours.
L.F: Perhaps we could speak again soon?
D.T. Absolutely. But next time in London, at your place..."across the pond". And YOUR'E buying this time!
L.F: Ha ha! Touche' yourself Hurricane Duane! Touche'.
LAZLOW FARNSWORTH 2008
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