Every week on Laura's Good News, Laura Oakes takes a look at what's going right in our world.
This week Laura takes us to the famous Willie's American Guitars in St. Paul, a place where accomplished and oftentimes famous artists, rock stars, and collectors buy, sell and get their instruments repaired. In fact, don't be surprised if a few Willie's vintage guitars end up in the hands of the Rolling Stones at their Minneapolis concert on Sunday.
Laura sat down with Willie's owner Nate Westgor, who has amassed a world-class collection of vintage guitars while catering to some of the world's finest musicians for decades.
Beyond the collecting and playing, Nate has some amazing stories and connections including to the Rolling Stones who are in town Sunday for a show. He tells Laura:
“The Stones entourage have been in town all week. With COVID protocols they are all basically sequestering in hotels.
The crews have been taking over whole restaurants and sometimes private movie theater showings, careful not to get sick. The Stones have the luxury of many hands helping the band feel rested and stage-ready to be the World’s Best Rock band. It’s a large camp.
Keith and Mick lost their brother with Charlie Watts passing. Charlie was the calm and collected and could smooth things out when the Glimmer Twins fought.
Everyone I talked to said that Keith and Mick are now sticking very close. These last few shows have them very focused. They said they never would have started this tour if they thought Charlie would not make it.
But, they owed ticket holders a show and this show must go on. No turning back.
The new drummer, Steve Jordan, is a multi-instrumentalist and a killer drummer. He is pushing the band to new areas.
Every show review has been stellar. Mick and Keith have never sounded better or tighter. Ronnie still weaves musical magic.
I’m honored and humbled to have helped them all find a few cool old guitars over the last few decades. Sunday October 24th - will be a day of music history. The Rolling Stones 60 years on. Killing it.”
You can hear Laura’s sit-down with Westgor below and of course catch Laura's Good News Sunday morning at 6:30 on WCCO Radio and the Audacy app.
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