Root Boy Slim - "Boogie till you puke"

[hankloveification]

Root, miss ya, wish I could have played guitar for you and your band...I missed out, just as i missed out on DMB Band.

[hankloveification]

I did not know Winston and Kelly have passed........Me being a musician/singer/songwriter/arr­anger/producer can not keep up with the passing of other musicians. Sometimes, crap, all the times it hurts losing a fellow musician, kinda like a police officer losing one of theirs....That is what I got to say about that, I am sticking to my story.....

[hankloveification]

I saw him at the old and now torn down Rockville Mall in Rockville MD. It was a china restaurant, the only open business left there..It was a present from my sister and entourage, about 15 of us and the place was sold out. They freakin' Rocked. Root and the band took a break and when they came back out they had flour on their noses, and Root had a bag of white powder, like three Kilos, and busted it up against the guitar player or bass player, that stuff went everywhere...GREAT CONCERT. RIP ROOT

[TheGuitarAttic]

Sorry to say three of these guys are gone, Winston Kelly, Bob Greenlee and Root are all the rocking the other side. Just saw Cosmo Andrews the other day.

[ViewMySmallz]

Love it, its nice to smoke a clip and come across stuff like this! Classic

[G8GT364CI]

This song was played a lot on the late great WBCN 104.1 Boston.

[kwaggavoetpad]

The way music should have gone ...

[hanklove4ever]

I saw him and his band at the old Rockville, Md shopping mall, that is not there anymore.....I thought they were totally tight for the rhythm and over all as a band......Root boy R.I.P.

[shutemdwn]

There doesn't seem to be too many videos where you can actually see him perform live like this. Does anyone know of any other videos?

[Arnie1Lerma]

yes

[Arnie1Lerma]

I watched him while tending bar at The Bayou, ps: this video is missing one rootett... The crowd that came in for his shows were the 2nd best tippers... Dire Straits was #1... But his crowd broke all register records. What great showman!

[fiftythirdand3rd]

Was he coked out here, or what?

[dreembeeken1]

I know the "jingle" AND VERY happy, NOT to see the "Puke" (I used to hear it on WNCR 100.7

[skullclub666]

Root was a great guy, in his own way. I knew him & some of the sex change band, even opened for them a few times.

This man was truly a legend in his own time.

Stay thirsty, my friend.

Buono viaggio, mio fratello.

LD

[SHSNJROTC]

my dad always saw these guys at the backroom of the varsity grill, college park

[blueridgebikeman]

Best concert ever -- Root Boy's 10th anniversary concert at the Roxy, downtown DC. The joint was standing room only, and Root sang "Rich, White, Republican" dressed in a black tux w/tails. It was the most amazing live performance I've ever seen. . .

[MrSluggo666]

The world needs more Root Boy ! R.I.P.

[elizavill]

WOW ! I was a back up singer once in a while for Root Boy. Fun times! Thanks for the memories.

[jfilbert]

Yeah, DC almost had a scene once...Different times then- I used to hear this song, and even "Dare to be Fat" on the RADIO! Good times, great band. Sounds weird to say now but this band influenced my life for the better- made me realize there was something out there beyond "Frampton Comes Alive" !!!

Props-

[Notarapeist]

Fuck yay bud

[DominoRyder]

Best part of Mr Mikes Mondo Video.  I wasnt born back when he was around but my dad said his concerts were awesome.

[ernierayx99]

Wow! It's so great to see all the nice comments here. It was a tremendous time in all of our lives....sadly, I'm one of only a few survivors.

Best to you all,

Ernie.... aka (E. Locker Room Lancaster and E. Sex Ray Lancaster)

BTW....I was about 24-25 when we did this movie.

[b1p0l4rt]

@ernierayx99 Those were crazy days back then, for sure. I remember seeing Root in a room doing a line of coke. You guys were out there jammin'! That was in the early 80s, when IMHO things started to go downhill with him. He was a helluva entertainer, and you guys were the tightest band in DC.

[slickkery]

So great to see this classic song performed live last night (1/16/2011) by the Root Boy Slim All Star Band. Go to the Root Boy Slim page on Facebook, and perhaps these great musicians will put on another show soon.

[designermite]

Root Boy Slim Band at 1:34 marker, Stewart Smith at 2:04 marker, Ron Holloway at 2:54 marker

[CBoyardee]

Apparently my mom and her boyfriend at the time found him beaten up in a gutter somewhere. That's pretty cool.

[rltomkinson]

This is NOT George Thorogood. It is Root Boy Slim. I remember listening to him on DC 101 (or was it WHFS?) a looong time ago.

[chinadog1205]

@rltomkinson Most Likely HFS -- Damien, Cerphe, and the gang

[rltomkinson]

@chinadog1205 You're probably correct. I used to like Cerphe's show. As much for all the trivia he gave out as the music. It also could have been WAVA 105 FM before they turned Christian. One of the rock stations used to play some local bands sometimes. I remember hearing DC Star covering the Standell's "Dirty Water" on the radio as well as Root Boy and some others. But that was 30 yrs ago and my memory is not as good as it used to be.

[b1p0l4rt]

@rltomkinson I heard him on WHFS back in the day. Used to go to his shows and dance like a maniac! He came out one night dressed in silver lame pants, a silver raincoat with the hood up, and had "Dr. Sex" written down the middle of his torso. I'll never forget that.

[postatility]

This is actually George Thorogood.

[eviltwinintexas]

Ken was an amazing man and a good friend.....

[GregDrayGregDray]

Nothing better or a better band.BBQ Bob and the Spareibs turned me on to Root Boy Slim a long time ago and have loved them since.You should check out BBQ Bob also! BBQ Bob.com or something like that. I really love Ernie Lancasters guitar work !

[sfnychef]

Loved Root. Behind that crazy persona was a true mensch. And all of his band were terrific people. Miss them all. Good memories. And great music.

[marynightshade]

This is geat-I bought a used copy for $1-actually, I think it was a promo-they couldn't give them away. I had their second album, too-and one called "Dog Secrets" from the 80s. Maybe it's just me, but I swear that Root Boy looks like Russell Brand's demented uncle.

[captbobalou]

@marynightshade I bought a promo album of his too, at that funky record store on M Street (now well gone) -- Orpheus? Still bring it out for the kids....

[diishoots]

A Hammond B3 & pukin time...TOO COOL Long live ROOT !

[diishoots]

A Hammond B3 & pukin time WAY TOO COOL miss ya Root...

[3shacks1house]

Cleaning woman find me on the floor....One of the best lines ever.....

[MrThrunobulax]

Tightest band ever!  ROOT

[8chevalier8]

Root had a terrific band back then. The Original Fetish shared some of the same musicians too, like Ron Holloway on sax. Ah, Root, we salute you. You broke my mood ring, baby!

[sfnychef]

@8chevalier8 Couldn't have said it better. Dick bangum and Ron Holloway, cheri Grasso. Loved them!!! Good times

[sfnychef]

@8chevalier8

[justice2130]

Oh my GOD!!!!! Root Boy I miss you! This is such a treat!

[cliffwalkinfool]

Many of the members of Jimmy Carter's first cabinet regularly went to see Root Boy after a long day. I read this in several articles and reviews during the late 1970s.

[spinningshields]

Omigod! Soul souvenir! I used to see the Root at the Psychedeli, too, when I was at 'HFS--when the station was across Cordell Ave from the deli. I love seeing Rootboy with the Dinettes--Sheri Grasso and Dickie Bangham; and Ron Holloway, the sax player. At least one of his albums was produced by Gary Katz, then the producer of Steely Dan. Rootboy: Gone, but Never Forgotten!!! Thanks, Moonshinerman!

[MrKingkirby]

saw rootboy at the smoke-in @ the dc mall!!! on the 4th july!!

[zazeify]

little bit Bee-Fart, a little bit Three Stooges

[luboo94]

My grandfather Charles Davidson was one of his friends and suggested i listen.

[pazzensutra]

You're just not going to believe this.....but I found an autographed copy of "Dog Secrets" at a Goodwill in Indianola, Iowa......explain that!!! IT'S PUKIN' TIME!!!!!

[ensoundment]

Total Genius.... I went to his shows at the Psychedeli in Bethesda, MD... he gave me the insight that many music shamans share... such as George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelics. it's about music and it's message through out of the box messages through lyrics and visuals that hit you at the root....your ass.

db

[potar]

This is great!! youtube never fails to deliver when I search for the best randoms out of my record collection.

[benbakerhar]

I was in a band called Risinstar we were root boys opening act at the Dayton a beach sping beakin the 70s Alex Baker (bass) I'm 62 now and livin in Edge water fl. Weplayed at the bandshell for free. that was the biggest crowd I've ever played in front of even to this day. We rocked em and root brought the house down .I wish I could go back. 

[dcarr84]

Too sick to reggae.

[echo680]

classy...!

thanks for posting. my brother saw root boy slim and the sex change band in Manchester, as support band for, I think, Wishbone Ash - mid 70's I guess. I remember him telling me about him and it just sounded soooooo bizarre. Weird to see it now, but kinda cool. I never realised there was a Steely Dan / Gary Katz connection ( I'm a great fan of theirs, and thats how I got here). Cool video - thanks !

[b1p0l4rt]

I remember a show in 1979 where Root came out dressed in silver lame pants, a silver raincoat, and the words "Doctor Sex" written on his body. Those days were glorious.

[peterchoyce]

yes, hang in there till the FUCKING SONG STARTS AT 1 min goddamn 50!!!

Root boy slim and the faboulous SEX CHANGE BAND (and his... >>>????) C'mon sisters!@ TAKE BACK THE KNIGHT!! we is all stoned!!

[sailbuff03]

Does anyone have a recording of dozin and droolin...Please post!!!

[pretorious700]

"Put a quarter in the juke, boogie 'til you puke"-greatest rock & roll opening line ever.

[designermite]

Those were the good old days eh?

[Paul4peace]

I wonder if G.W. did some shootin or tooting with RooT, after all they where in the same frat house, maybe some ice box wine!

[tavernacletom]

I have a decent tape of the 'Josh Festival' at the Warner in DC 03.07.78, like the day before his 1st pl on Warner was released. Anyone want me to post a track? ( all 1st record material) I love the steel on it on Country Love! Jeff

[Paul4peace]

@tavernacletom PLEASE Post it! "Please"

[tavernacletom]

@tavernacletom Gonna try to post 'You can't quit my club'...it's a long one with the band stretching out. Ron Holloway on sax, and Ernie Lancaster on lead guitar. Sorry no video or photo. For you Paul

[mightybeeb]

I saw the root at the paradise in Boston....

we were in the front row he sang dare to be fat and layed his gut right on my table

all of us then jumped on the tables and boogied.......awesome!!! root root root!!!

[Goldsteinphoto]

I have great memories of seeing him at the PsycheDeli in Bethesda, MD and also at The Child Harold in DC.

[Goldsteinphoto]

I also would like to ad that one show at the Child Harold he came out in a graduation gown and sang "I'm not too old for you" in tribute to Roman Polanski who had just been arrested that week.

[tavernacletom]

@Goldsteinphoto I have a solid live performance of him doing that track at the Warner at the Josh Festival. I'll post it if you want. jeff

[Goldsteinphoto]

@tavernacletom

Sure that would be great.

[timcottagecity]

I was at a TUBES concert at Ford's Theatre. While everyone was finding their seats, my friend Phil sees RB and some Rootettes coming down the aisle, so we start the ROOT CHEER. The whole place was Rooting, and you could tell RB was lovin it. During MONDO BONDAGE, some of the Tube's commando girls come into the audience, capture RB, and drag him to a cage onstage. Needless to say the crowd went wild as RB proceeded to steal the show.

Damn, I miss the varsity grill wildness too.

[AuctionBump]

I saw him at Wilmers Park, we were sitting on the lawn at the main stage, cooler of beer, watching some other band, and here comes Root walks right up, says hello, opens our cooler takes out a beer, pops the top, thanks, and walks on by... LOL good times. They played later that night awesome show. Thanks Root for the memories, RIP!

[moonshinerman]

No, sadly enough he is gone but not forgotten. He died on June 8, 1993

[sailbuff03]

@moonshinerman Need more Root Boy Tunes... Havn't heard them for years.. What a great band behind him!!!

[wvratrod]

Grew up in Adelphi so we've meet. Used to go to Varsity Grill alot, saw him there 2or3 times, once when I worked at Hammerjacks and he played in Morgantown Wva in the early 80's at the Mountainlair at WVU. Is he still around?

[bentrcb]

Saw the Root a few times at Desporado's...I loved that place...actually trying to remember, but I think he was lopening for Skip Castro...had to be 81 or so...damn there was some good music in DC/Baltimore those days....

[westpalmscott]

Look what a Yale education did for this guy{ LOL

[dwimsatt1961]

I saw the Root in Pawleys Island purely by accident, after finishing my own gig just down the road. I was great to see and hear classics like, " You Can't quit my club" , and "Everybody Gator" and "Dare to be Fat". Anyboby remember Catfish Hoge or Maybe Facedancer? The Varsity Grill was a great place to party as well as Hammerjack's in Baltimore!

[MrKingkirby]

saw root at many venues in the 70's & and 80's! i'd have to say that the best show he ever put on was at the "smoke-in" right in front of the lin. mem...i also saw him a few times at the 'back room' of the varsity grill!!!those were very up close and personal!! people doing 'lines' at their tables smoking in plain sight!!! it was the best of times!!!

[WilliamRAlford]

The Varsity Grill in College Park Md!! That brings me back. It was as wild as you say. Objects would sometimes be thrown from the balcony to the floor below - including pitchers and sometimes tables.

I recall the rest rooms basically became coed one night. I asked one of the women if this was a problem and she said, so long as everybody minds their own biz, she didn't care.

And of course, the night's revelry was topped off with a bag of Deathballs at the Little Tavern across the street!

[WilliamRAlford]

Saw him live at the Cellar Door in Georgetown...a long time ago.

[bluesbrrd]

Live at Cellar Door, yes, and have this LP on vinyl, just downloaded it.BTW this vid is great - never seen it before. 14th Street in DC used to be like the beginning of this vid. I don't think the MTV generation would have been ready for this!

[sprechstimme]

Tasteful!

[Garzog]

sending this to my nephew who thinks metallica is wild..

[bergondo]

This is a gem, thanks for posting.

[bubblebeebitch]

One of the most amazing live videos of a band ever filmed.

[2shacks1house]

Can anyone watch this without cracking up? Epic and a True DC Icon!!

[melaniesuehine]

Root,s Songs start each show at 8 pm est,tonight thursday on the web at WSHA Shaw University Raleigh NC with Ken the Bluesman.

[snottydyck]

Rootboy Rip tide....Blow out on four! Backside 69 neow

Have you been there before?

[moonshinerman]

Root Boy Slim alias Foster MacKenzie died on June 8, 1993. If he is on the radio it must be recordings or someone who calls himself Root Boy

[clintonscigar]

root is on the radio every week at 8pm est ,thursdays on WSHA FM Raleigh NC 'tHE bLUES IS THE BLUES SHOW WITH kEN.....ON NET ALSO

[fuxgood]

Ah yes. Saw him perform this song live...well kinda... many times.

[mickslim222]

Saw Root in the late 70's in Va. One of the best concerts ever!

[kingscott58]

i saw him @ the bach room of the 'varsity grille in collage park md. !! then again at the SMOKE IN near the lincon mem. on jul. 4th 1977..  one last time at p.g. hospital on ward #400!!! oh YES111111111

[thenthelightningwill]

FucccCin Awesome!

~

[merkavamkiii]

Glenn echo marylands finest doing what came naturally.....

glad i got out of town before I caught it myself!

[puckerbutt99]

root don't mean to mean shit. root rocks!!been a fan since he '70's.

[bassmangotdbluz]

Is that Ron Holloway on sax?

[Hawk1946]

Yes

[smtpgirl]

C'mon Root at the Psyche Delly!!!

Bethesda, love it, psyxhotic

[PeterMayer]

Saw these guys at Bogart's here in Cincy around 78 when I was in college.

[liquidlena]

ROOT!!! hell, yeah!

[lbj46]

root boy was the heart and soul of balls out r&r the man was totally authentic.the ultimate compliment was laid on him by then frat-brat g.w.bush by banishing him from his fraternity. i love their statement that that they never played the same venue twice!! that is the kind of band i want to be in.root boy you were much loved. and to the surviving players...thank you ,you are still much appreciated..lewis b jones

[DupekChopra]

O'Donoghue, MacKenzie & Greenlee have all bought the farm. Though neither of them served their country in Viet Nam...they still died young.

[RootBeerSlim]

What has serving in Nam got to do with anything?

[DupekChopra]

The stone as roll not heap up not foam.

[hope2prosper]

wow. didn't think any video like this existed. Root Boy is my favorite waste product.

[richardvollin]

While we're on the subject...at the Psychedelly in Bethesda 07MAR81, I was using the men's room. Slim comes running in, does his business, and at the top of lung's yells "FUCK! No toilet paper!...somebody get me some!". I run out to the bar and grab a roll of paper towels. Later we were treated to his song "Bus Station Blues". "...bus station man ain't got no toilet paper, you know I just finished my first bowel movement in a week". Then chastised the club for not keeping the men's room stocked!

[richardvollin]

This captures perfectly what the Root Boy Slim show was all about during the 'Golden Age' of Slim's reign in Washington, D.C. from 1977 - 1979. I witnessed, and enjoyed over 31 gigs during his 'salad days'. Every performance was an 'event', and never duplicated. One night in particular, was at the Cellar Door on 09SEP78. He took the stage with a dirty toilet brush in one hand, a plunger in the other, and sang a short song about 'Tidy Bowl'! And at the end puked on and ruined the Cellar Door rug!

[ernierayx99]

Actually, this is from "Mr. Mike's Mondo Video". We had to record the track (sans vocals), the night before and try to sync to it while Slim did the vocals live (on a squeaky plywood stage). Warner's wouldn't allow us to use the track from the album. The band was extremely hot on our live shows, which were (and are STILL) legendary. Shortly after this, we added an alto to replace the slide. BTW, that's Steuart Smith on slide. He plays with The Eagles, now. Best to all! Ernie Lancaster

[wtfwt333]

were you playing at the Wax the night of the giant dildo? don't remember much else, but that was some show.

also, remember Don Shaw, who sort of managed the Nighthawks back around then?

very very happy to have seen this clip. wonder if Root and M O'D are hanging out wherever they are

[ernierayx99]

I don't think I played there...that would have been after we stopped touring with him for a while. We hooked up for the records and some touring, later, though. I don't recall Mr. Shaw at the moment, but I DO remember all of the 'hawks!

[aliensporebomb]

@ernierayx99 Hi Ernie - still love your playing. Gotta love that Ibanez Artist you're playing in this one, you look like you're about 18 here.

[melaniesuehine]

Although he personally was a waste evidently,he had a fantastic band that truely embodies what rock was and is,even with all its moral short-comings.What a rocker!Thanks Root!

[luvvideos07]

I don't get. You have to tell me what this is about.

[JimmyJizzbag]

It's about 6 and a half minutes.

[duchud]

WTF! This would be a scary trip! Mean slide though, and that fat hamond sound!