Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/738714
8 nNovember 2016n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Hunter W. Thompson LEGGETT, CALIF., SEP. 11–13— What happens when 600 of your fans, friends and family all come to party with you in a magical forest? Freaking magic of course! If you've never heard of the Fryed Brothers Band you just might be living under a rock. Formed in 1980 by two brothers, Harry and Tommy Fryed in memory of their brother Mark, the Fryed Brothers have toured the globe for 36 years performing their infec- tious mix of original Roots Rock, Country and Blues. From headlining numerous Easyriders magazine events to becoming a staple at the Sturgis Rally to playing in the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Fryed Brothers are without a doubt the epitome of the quintessential American biker band. The boys have opened for or shared the stage with many great musicians like Willie Nelson, Johnny Paycheck, Waylon Jennings, Charlie Daniels, the Doobie Brothers, Jefferson Starship, Steppenwolf, Tower of Power, Commander Cody, Edgar Winter, Eric Burton, Elvin Bishop, Canned Heat, Leon Russell, Billy Idol, the Fabulous Thunderbirds, and Blood, Sweat & Tears to name just a few. But like many bands with this tenure the past few years have brought some changes in the lineup. The passing of steel pedal guitarist Doug McDowell and beloved brother Tommy Fryed could have ended the band. But refusing to let the mem- ory of his brother, much less the Fryed music, fade away, Harry, without missing a beat, reinvented the band by adding Stephen Michael "Poky" Pocus on keyboards and Rex Stenzel on lead and pedal steel guitar. Together with Warren Dorrell on bass and Bobby Boutte on drums this new incarnation is a band that Mark, Doug and Tommy would all be proud of. Behind the scenes you'll also fi nd Harry's sister Barbara Fryed. Acting as manager, booking agent, event coordina- tor and sometimes den mother, Barb is the driving force and glue that binds the family and band together. This event all got started when Harry wanted to fi nd a special place to party and play music for his friends. From its humble beginnings at Uncle Tom's Cabin in the Eldorado National Forest, Harry frequently got bored with the same scenery so he used to move the bash every couple of years just to keep things interesting. Proving to be a daunting task, a friend suggested Harry and Barb check out the Redwood River Resort nestled amongst the towering redwoods next to the Eel River just off Highway 101. Now, for those of you who are beyond camping or even glamping remember this is also a resort. There are cabins and rooms for rent, RV hookups, a pool, store, and a newly added beer, wine and espresso bar that also serves food. With all that and more, it's not hard to see why it has remained home to the event for the past 12 years. Fortunately I got to meet the resort's owner, Billy Harrison. Billy is this sweet little 80-year-old British native who, together with her son Jack, owns the place. Although they host many events throughout the season this is one of her favorites and she loves spending a little time catching up with folks that return. And most come back every year. THE FRYED BROTHERS BAND 36TH ANNUAL REDWOOD BASH Getting Fryed in the Redwoods Parting with the world's best biker band Trevor Fryed and his passenger Tina celebrating after winning the wienie bite contest Fryed cousin Debbie Trulin, Harry Fryed and Gerry "Momma" Fryed Steve "Beatnik" Werner and Harry Fryed rocked the stage See "Fryed," page 33, column 1