More recently, when I saw them for the second time with the son of Mel Taylor on drums, they were pathetic fuddy daddies, barely able to remember the chords. (I recall a review of their re-recorded "hits" a few years back, that said they sounded like a high school band trying to imitate the Ventures.) They toured Japan forever, six monthe a year, Don Wilson told me, and put out a whole buncha albums there never released here.
Also, Nokie Edwards appeared with them in the U.S. where they rarely played in recent years, but in Japan he was a solo artist, and the lead was played by Gerry McGhee.
I saw them in Japan 2 summers ago and they were TIGHT and rocking . Very impressive performance from old “ fuddie daddys “ .
They are coming again to Japan this summer for 54 concerts from July 11 through Sept. 26th . These guys may be old , but they still have drive and energy . That’s a hectic schedule for anybody . And the Japanese love them so much .