Another member of the gang is named Guy Johnson. All I can say about Guy it that he is an enigma. Now some of you are saying, “Isn’t that some new age musical group?” Well, that is not what I’m talking about. By definition an enigma is, One that is puzzling, ambiguous, or inexplicable. This fits Guy to a tee. And it is because of this he is loved so much. I met him when he was 10 or so and when he found out I was a drummer he said, Lets get together and play! By saying yes, I had no idea what I was in for. Guy was not just a kid guitar player. He was able, at 10 years old, to match the skill of Jimmy Page, Lesley West, and Joe Walsh, note for note on the Strat.
BUT Guy’s claim to fame was his ability to imitate the greatest of all, Jimi Hendrix, note for note, fret for fret, and at 10 years of age! When he played it was not only deafening in volume but entrancing how THAT music could be coming from that skinny little kid!
The other thing about Guy is that he had zest for life. He is the one human being in the world who has done more drugs and drank more alcohol than anyone I know. His wild antics combined with his sweet smile made you love him and hate him simultaneously.
As a child, I had a deep love for Guy and admiration for his talent. I still do. I tried over the years to find him but was never able. Then it happened. A friend who you will meet on a future entry called me out of the blue. As we talked, I asked if he had any idea where Guy Johnson was. Or if he was even alive! “Yes, he plays in a band here in town once in a while,” my friend replied. I happened to be in Seattle at the time and when I looked up Guy, there he was AND he was playing that night just a few miles away. When I saw him I could not believe my eyes. He still maintained that same high energy and looked amazingly healthy. I found out later that Guy has been clean and sober for 16 years. I’m proud of you, Guy! That is a HUGE accomplishment.
The other thing I realized as we got together a few days later to jam, is that Guy’s love and passion for music has not diminished one bit. I was honored to play with he and Terry and another member of the gang, Joel Bisset, one night in Guy’s basement. It was like when we were still in grade school or junior high.
Guy was so on top of things that he even set up lights for us! I felt like I was back on stage.
Guy Johnson has become a man of great character, conviction, and intention. He cares for his mother and girlfriend and plays music as much as possible. He is bright and uplifting to be around and is still having the boys over to jam. When I saw Guy’s mom it was like going back in time 35 years. Or more. She remembered that as kids we LOVED peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and yes, that night after an amazing dinner (thank you so much, Mrs. Johnson) we polished off a tray of PBJ’s for dessert!
I see in this picture of Guy a man full of dreams and ambition. I wish for Guy that they all come true. I’m so glad to be reconnected!
Thank you, Guy!
Hi Toby,
I read your Amazing Reunion with Guy Johnson and wanted to say your write up was wonderful. I am Guy’s cousin. We were reunited about 5 years ago. I watched almost every performance he was in until I went move to Denver.
I miss hearing him perform live, however he has sent me a few of his original and of course I play them quite often.
I wish you much success in your move. I hope you find what you are looking for. I have to say I live in Lakewood, CO which is a suburb of Denver and I do like it here. We are about 30 mins to Denver International Airport. However there are a lot of little towns and developements that are closer to DIA and the price for houseing here is not too bad.
Hope someday to meet you.
Jodi Gilmore