Johnny Morse – Interview

Johnny Morse – Interview – by Liam Sweeny.

RRX: Hey Johnny. So, word on the street is that you’re having another low dough show birthday bash at Cohoes Music Hall on April 19. First off, how old are you going to be? And secondly, what are the festivities going to be? Who’s playing, any cool guest appearances? And how much dough is low dough?

JM: Hey mate, hope all is well. It will be my big 60th birthday on April 14. It will be 25 bucks for three bands: Ginger Geezus, Mike and the Monsters, and my All Star Band with Joey Pettinato, Ron Toth, Kristen Capolino, Paul Fraim on bass, Paul Zarvis on keys, Stormin Norman on drums, Rockin’ Rob Carson on sax, and some surprise guests. Johnny Clifford is gonna come and do a few tunes with us, so there will be some Tom Petty in the mix. Gregg Simmons from Crying out Loud is going to come and sing a tune. Should be a lot of fun. We had to push the date back a week from April 12 due to a scheduling conflict, so the new date is Saturday, April 19 at Cohoes Music Hall. Tickets are on sale now. Don’t wait, get yours now. People don’t understand, this isn’t a bar gig where you wait till last minute – need to sell enough tickets to make the show work. So get on it, people.

RRX: You have not-so-recently gone into retirement, at least from gigging out. That was the latest I had heard. Is that still true? And if so, what do you do on the downtime? Any good fishing on the Hudson? Do you still play informally, practice, and whatnot?

JM: I retired June 4, 2022. Did the show at Cohoes Music Hall, so it will be 3 years since I’ve been on a stage. I have a bunch of guitars around the house, like 40 or so. But I really don’t play much anymore. Basically, in my downtime, which is every day, I drink beer and watch music documentaries (haha).

RRX: I think it’s known far and wide that you have an insane guitar collection. It practically takes up a whole floor in your house. Have you played all of the guitars you own at a gig or for a song, or do they just catch your eye, and it’s a must-grab? And do you have any current “babies” or rare finds?

JM: I have (I think) just over 40, and no, they haven’t all been played at gigs. Usually, they catch my eye, and if I can get a good deal, I grab ‘em. I just bought a couple recently, but they were to give away for Christmas. Gave one to a little kid who was in need and one to Don Warren for his music school. It’s been about six months since I bought one for me; it’s a wood grain etched Paisley Telecaster. My main guitar is a 1989 PRS Multi-Foil, which refers to the finish. They are very rare. So that’s my main go-to and most expensive one for many years. I gave away quite a few over the years.

RRX: So back to you being retired, or maybe semi-retired. Music’s your whole life. What would make you retire? Was it about the playing, the physical, or was it the life itself?

JM: It wasn’t the playing, that’s the fun part. It was all the other crap that goes with it. Plus my health isn’t the best these days. It was just time; it wasn’t as fun anymore.

RRX: You have a certain flair, especially in your stage performance. Do you seek out that kind of flamboyant clothing and style to represent what you’re feeling, or do you wear a certain style because it helps you channel like Jimi or Stevie in your playing?

JM: I was always into clothing, so when I got a little money, I started getting cooler and more flamboyant clothes. I always felt a performer should dress for the stage. I don’t wanna see someone in flip-flops and cut-off shorts. But I dress like that all the time when I go out, whether on stage or not. I have quite the collection of hats, shoes, and outfits. I would say my fashion style is part Jimi, part Stevie, part me, and  a dash of Liberace (haha).

RRX: Troy is exploding with small clubs and venues, coffee shops and such. Have you considered going to some small places and maybe run some acoustic sets or club blues? Does the urge ever hit you?

JM: To tell you the truth, I have become pretty much a recluse. I will go out once in a while to see a show at Cohoes Music Hall or Rock the Block, but that’s about it. I really do enjoy being alone and having peace of mind and solitude. Being in a pub every night just doesn’t interest me; I did that my whole life. I started playing pubs at 13 and lived in them for many years. So, yeah, the nightlife stuff just doesn’t interest me anymore. Plus, I can’t afford it. I get my 30-packs delivered, and for what it costs me to go to a bar for the night, I can buy two 30-packs, sit at home in peace, and listen to and watch what I want. Have a smoke without going out in the cold, not have to deal with any drama or overly drunk people. It’s just more peaceful to me at this age. I don’t feel the need to be out or to be seen all the time. I am very happy and content with life these days.

I hope to see all my friends at The Birthday Bash, Saturday, April 19 at Cohoes Music Hall. 6 p.m. door, Ginger Geezus at 7, followed by Mike and The Monsters, then my Allstar Band. TICKETS ON SALE NOW. There will be an after-party at J&P’s Bar and Lounge at 169 Remsen Street.

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