On July 1st-3rd, 1983, Randy returned to Nebraska for a series of hometown concerts at the Oregon Trail Lounge in Gering. The last time Randy performed in the area was in 1970 with his band, Goldrush. Opening for Randy at the “OT” (as locals call it) were his former band, The Dynamics, and another local band, Cody Road.
Randy was backed at the “OT” by a (mostly) new band: Ovid Stevens on bass, Stan Kipper on drums, Jim Johnson on guitar, and Randy’s longtime keyboardist, Sterling Smith.
L-R: Ovid Stevens, Randy, Stan Kipper, and Jim Johnson.
In this preview of the concerts from the Scottsbluff Star-Herald, Randy was interviewed by David Ostdiek. He discussed his desire to perform in his hometown again, as well as plans for a fourth solo album.
Randy’s nineteen-year-old son, Dana, filled in on drums for three songs at each of the Oregon Trail Lounge concerts. At the time, Dana was playing drums in a local band called 8-Ball. The band often practiced in the basement of Randy’s home in Mitchell, Nebraska, which had a state-of-the-art studio. See a photo of Randy wearing an 8-Ball shirt here.
Below: An ad for 8-Ball from the Scottsbluff Star-Herald, June 27, 1980. Names are incorrectly labeled. Dana is at bottom left. Chris Eicher at top left, Joel Kuxhausen bottom right, Tim Schmunk at top right.
Below: Dana on drums at the Oregon Trail Lounge:
Below: Randy, Dana, and Randy Meisner Band drummer Stan Kipper
Randy told the Scottsbluff Star-Herald that he’d always wanted to play in his hometown. After twenty years of being in the music business, he was still enthusiastic about live performances: “I feel 37 in the mornings (his age at the time), but 17 when I’m on the stage.”
Randy at the Oregon Trail Lounge. Photos by local photographer and Meisner family friend, the late Tom Nuesca. Many thanks to Jennifer Meisner for sharing his photos with me.
Randy published the following “thank you” message to family and friends in the Scottsbluff paper on July 24th, 1983:
Shortly after the Oregon Trail Lounge shows, Randy played one gig at the Turn Of The Century in Denver on July 6th. This would be his last concert of 1983. Except for a couple of small, local appearances in Nebraska, including entertaining at his high school reunion in Scottsbluff in August 1984, Randy seemingly disappeared from the stage for the next two years, reemerging with the group Black Tie in September 1985.
What an Amazing story. New photos. Great memories. I love the inclusion of Dana & Heather Leigh. Thank You Jennifer for your generosity & Thank You Jessica for putting this all together so perfectly! Bless Your Hearts!
So happy you enjoyed it, Gwen! Thank you!
Wow, being in Alliance at the time, wish we would have known that he was in Scottsbluff. Really enjoyed the Dynamics at the Crescent Ballroom in Grant in the early to mid 60s.
All of us real fans of Randy thank you so much for all you are doing, Jessica.
The Capital Centre video is the best!!
Dave
That’s so nice to hear, Dave. Thank you. How cool that you got to see the Dynamics back in the day!
Great article, Jessica! What a treat it would be to hear Dana sing!!!
Here’s Dana singing. The song is called “Red White and Blue.”
https://soundcloud.com/manicstixter/rwb-rough/s-i7QmX?fbclid=IwAR35p8vkgk3aahlfXVoCX5QHkz7HaXuSvGT12H72j249bpBCdgvMNzcOSJc
Wow! Thank you! I was just coming back here to comment that I’d love to hear Dana sing!! 🙂
WOW!!!!! He sounds so much like his Dad! Thank you for that!
Dana is playing all of the instruments as well.
Why was this removed? I wanted to hear him sing too. It was such a treat at Randy’s memorial. I wanted to hear more. Please reinstate 🙂
Love this! Many thanks to you Jessica, and of course Jennifer Meisner for your time and sharing of pictures and memories. Love the “Mom & Dad Meisner” on the list of thanks!
Thanks again!
Sue
Much appreciated, Sue!
Brought back memories of me growing up in Gering, I left when I graduated in 1964 mover to Denver, always heard about Randy from his Aunt Molly . I love the Eagles music especially the songs sung by Randy. I did discover all the fan sites until my husband passed in 2020 and reading all about the great voice and handsome Randy. These fans and all their great input helped me through the grieving period. I truly love the sites and of course the music of Randy , not a day goes by without listening to Randy on my daily walks and my time spent on the computer reading about what a nice kind man he was. Thank you Jennifer for sharing all your precious memories of your years with Randy.
What a nice story. Thanks, Eileen. I’m so sorry about your husband. It’s wonderful that you were able to find some comfort through the fan groups, as well as Randy himself. I will pass along your story and message to Jennifer.
All my best to you,
Jessica
Thank you so much 🙂