Greg Georgeson - Guitar Slinger and Hard Rock Hero
A Portland Paramount Experience
by Ken Thompson - April 2021
Greg spent a good part of the ’70s and 80’s hard-rocking packed sweaty clubs in Portland with Sequel, the band he founded. Sequel was among the most popular bands on the scene, seemingly poised for stardom at any given moment. They shared the stage with Journey, Sammy Hager, the Tubes, and a long list of famous acts.
A Native Oregonian, Greg picked up a guitar at an early age and progressed working on his chops in the requisite local bands while attending Sunset High School in Beaverton. He was in good company at Sunset, where he met Sequel bandmate and bassist Todd Jensen and future Kiss guitarist Tommy Thayer.
After the Sequel years and being inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame, he served time in Tommy Tutone’s band in addition to releasing two fine solo albums, “100% by Volume” and “Imaginary Theme Songs.” He also led The Greg Georgeson Trio, and more recently, the Dischords.
Greg is a proud hard-rock die-hard. So stay tuned. He’s ready with projects poised to rumble as soon as COVID blows over and live music and venues start kicking once again.
1. Name three of the best concerts you saw at the Paramount.
The best three would be: Queen w/ Thin Lizzy, Peter Frampton w/ Gary Wright, and Lynyrd Skynyrd.
2. About those shows, what was most meaningful to you?
I name those shows because all three of those bills could’ve filled the Memorial Coliseum. It was great to them in a more intimate setting.
3. What’s your favorite story about the Paramount?
My favorite story is an easy one. After the Skynyrd show, the band had a party downstairs that I attended. I was probably 20 at the time. An eye-opener for sure.
4. Please share a couple of memories of the first concert you attended (anywhere)?
I saw my first rock show at the Coliseum when I was 11. It was an eclectic multi-band bill that included Canned Heat (whom I would open for ten years later), The Grass Roots, The Turtles, and Deep Purple with original singer Rod Evans. Parents had less to worry about back then.
5.What inspired you to pick up the guitar?
Inspiration for picking up the guitar? Likely boredom. I got bit by Rock and Roll at a young age.
6. You performed at the Paramount with your band Sequel. That must have been fun. Please tell us all about it.
Yes, Sequel opened shows at the Paramount late 70s through early 80s. The first time we were a last-minute fill-in for Golden Earring on a Sammy Hagar show. Other shows, off the top of my head, were Angel City, Ice House, and Aldo Nova.
7. Will you be performing locally once this COVID situation is a memory?
Absolutely. Local venues are cautiously opening back up.
8. What are your plans for new musical projects?
I currently have three bands going, and I’m getting songs together for another record when the time is right.
9. You attended Sunset High School. Did you jam with Tommy Thayer (now with KISS)?
Tommy and I have been friends for decades. I go way back with him and his family. Tommy and I have never played in the same band per se, but we’ve done plenty of playing together over the years. Benefits, fundraisers, etc…
10. You’re a rocker. Please name some favorite influences.
My favorite influences are mainly the British bands — Beatles, Stones, Kinks, Who, Cream, Mott the Hoople, and Humble Pie.
11. Who are your heroes in real life?
Real-life heroes? Ian Hunter, Ray Davies, Leon Russell, George Harrison, and Tom Petty.
12. Name three songs you’d include on the soundtrack to your life.
Beast of Burden/Stones, All the Young Dudes/Mott the Hoople, Song For You/Leon Russell, and The Wind Cries Mary/Jimi Hendrix.
13. What would you like the world to know about you?
I’m really committed to this thing we call Rock and Roll, and I always try to be authentic.
www.greggeorgeson.com
https://www.facebook.com/greg.georgeson
