The band America return to the Aloha State Saturday at the Blaisdell Concert Hall and Sunday at the MACC. Since 1973 the group have performed in the islands, and even recorded albums here. Founding member Gerry Beckley explored their UK origins and some of their island history with HPR All Things Considered Host Dave Lawrence.
Gerry Beckley explains how the group came together as children of U.S. servicemen based in England. He shares why they named the band America, and offers memories of both early concerts attended as fans, and shows where they opened for other well-known rock acts: Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Pink Floyd, Cat Stevens, Jimmy Webb, Chicago, the Beach Boys and others all factor into the story-telling, which also details a few interesting Gerry side projects over the years, from recording with Robert Lamm of Chicago and Carl Wilson of the Beach Boys, to his participation in the John Waters film Cry-Baby. Recollections of past Hawaii gigs also round out the conversation, with fun memories of playing the Blaisdell, Aloha Stadium, Diamond Head Crater, and other local venues.
MORE AMERICA:
Hear the complete new interview:
Watch a complete 2011 America interview at the Blaisdell with Gerry Beckley & Dewey Bunnell:
Hear 2007 interviews Dave conducted with both Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell.
Hear Dave's 2016 interview with Gerry Beckley.
See an America concert video:
