News

An Interview with Ham Wilson of The GateBand October 13, 2015 10:32

Ham Wilson (left) and Greg Pappas (right) of The GateBand

The Blueberry Jam Sessions will be held on Weeks Bay Plantation in Fairhope, Alabama on Sunday, October 18th and Sunday, November 22nd at 2:00PM.  On Sunday, October 18th, we are thrilled to welcome The Motet as our headlining act, as well as The Locust Fork BandNew Madrid, and The GateBand.  Both events will benefit the WISP Foundation, aimed at raising awareness for safe and organic farming.  We recently caught up with Ham Wilson (guitar/vocals), founding member of The GateBand, to gain a little insight on one of Alabama's longest standing bands.

Click Here: Blueberry Jam Sessions: Everything You Need To Know

Click Here for Tickets: Blueberry Jam Sessions

The GateBand was born in Montgomery, AL in the late 60's and truly took flight during your college years in Tuscaloosa.  When looking back on those days, what are a few memories which stand out the most?
-
Ham:  The GateBand started playing shows all over the Southeast in the early to mid-1970’s. We were playing 4-5 dates a week which really helps to tighten up the sound of a band. With early influences from soul singers (Otis Redding, James Brown, etc.) and British acts, the band progressed into the California sounds of Doug Sahm, Byrds (Gram Parsons) New Riders of the Purple Sage and of course the Grateful Dead. In the mid 1970’s after several visits to Willie Nelson’s 4th of July Picnics the band brought the Texas music scene back to Alabama with the sounds of Delbert McClinton, Asleep At the A Wheel, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, and Jerry Jeff Walker. We had a blast making new friends in every new venue.
-
Growing up in Alabama, I've consistently noticed the "G8" stickers in all kinds of places for many years.  What's the story behind the name: The GateBand?
-
Ham:  "Gate" was an expression we used as kids to express something positive, fun, and exciting. When the band was originally formed everyone called it Gate! We started using the G8 symbol when we released our studio CD in 1995. We have used the logo ever since. I suspect to the chagrin of the world powers.
-
-
This Sunday afternoon, The GateBand will kick off Baldwin County's newest outdoor music festival, the Blueberry Jam Sessions at 2:00 PM CST.  How much time has the band spent playing in Lower Alabama over the years?  What is it that makes that area so special?
-
Ham:  We spent many years playing and doing shows in South Alabama. Some our most enthusiastic friends and supporters are from Mobile and Baldwin County. We spent many nights playing at Thirsties in Mobile, Joe Cain Day, Pirates Cove, Ft. Whiting Armory, Leo Browns, Grand Hotel, Flora-Bama, and many high school and college fraternity parties. One of our original songs on the  “Both Sides” CD contains the line  “wish we were living in Perdido Bay”. Our time and friends in South Alabama definitely influenced that song. 
-
Another one of Alabama's longest standing bands, The Locust Fork Band, is also scheduled for Sunday's events.  I know the roots run deep between the two bands.  How often have you guys shared the stage, and what do you enjoy most about Locust Fork?
-
Ham:  The GateBand and Locust Fork have known each other for many years and all of us have remained close friends . We have played numerous shows together in Birmingham, Tuscaloosa, Mobile, Montgomery, Auburn, and many other places. We have always attracted the same tight group of supporters. I think both bands complement each other musically. The fact that both bands are still together and doings shows is a true testament to their love of music and the support of their fan base. 
-
For those who will be seeing The GateBand for the first time on Sunday, how would you best describe what they can expect for the band's afternoon set?
-

Ham:  A GateBand show is all about the music and having fun. There are no gimmicks or tricks. Just excellent musicianship delivered with enthusiasm. A truly unique experience.

The Gate Band is scheduled to kick off the Blueberry Jam Sessions on Sunday afternoon at 2:00 PM CST.

Click Here for Tickets: Blueberry Jam Sessions