In Memory of Hughie Thomasson, 1952-2007

[Willie G. Moseley]

Hughie Thomasson, 55, a veteran Southern Rock guitarist who first garnered acclaim with the Outlaws and later played with Lynyrd Skynyrd for nine years, died on Sunday night, September 9, at his home in Brookville, Florida, near Tampa.

The Outlaws were the first band signed by Clive Davis and his then-new Arista label in the mid-'70s. Propelled by three lead guitarists, the band was nicknamed "The Florida Guitar Army". Thomasson was primarily a Fender Stratocaster player, and was known for digging whiplash riffs out of his instruments with a slashing side-angle pick attack. One of the best examples of that approach can be heard on "Green Grass and High Tides" on their first album. On the first live album in the late '70s, they dedicated that song to Skynyrd, as the Outlaws' live effort was recorded right after the plane crash.

Thomasson played in Lynyrd Skynyrd from 1996-2005, and had re-formed the Outlaws and had done some recording and touring with the new version of that band when he died.

I happened to interview Hughie more than once, and got to hang out w/ him backstage in '99 during the Skynyrd/ZZ TOP tour (ZZ headlined, but you coulda flipped the order and it still would've worked). He was always affable, and always enthusiastic about his music; he never had a rock star attitude or a spacey mentality.

I thought one of his best efforts with Skynyrd was one of the lead breaks in "Preacher Man" on EDGE OF FOREVER. Rossington and Medlocke played Gibsons, so you could tell it was Thomasson because of the single-coil sound of the guitar, but he had a great style anyway.

I also thought Hughie was highly underrated, and in the '70s I listened to the Outlaws more than Skynyrd. As for long guitar songs that shift tempos in the middle, I'll take "Green Grass and High Tides" over "Freebird" any day. The first time I interviewed him was in '93, and soon afterwards the Outlaws put out HITTIN' THE ROAD, one of the best 'concert club' albums EVER, IMO.

Hughie was one of the good guys. I knew him strictly in the journalist/interviewee facet, but he always made me feel at ease, and our conversations were "mutually enthusiastic" (it always helps in interviews if you're already a fan).

I've got numerous albums with him on CD, which I intend to dig out very soon after I finish posting this.

[RobB]

What a shame. 55 is too young to go.

Thomasson is one of my favorite strat players. He really knew how to pinch harmonics and get a raunchy, clean tone (ending cadenza on "Green Grass..." is a good example).

RIP, Hughie.

[dirk]

What a shame. One of my all time favourite musicians. I remember when i bought my first Outlaws album in 1983 (Ghost Riders). Always loved his playing, singing and songwriting. Listen to the Playin' to win album which was produced by Mutt Lange of Def Leppard and AC/DC fame. A fantastic album especially for 1978.

I went to a Lynyrd Skynyrd gig in 1996 at the Loreley festival here in germany and he was amazing.

[Steve Haynie]

I met Hughie twice. I saw him on stage with The Outlaws and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

In 1981 The Outlaws toured with Foghat as the opener. I had front row center because in those days only a handful of us were showing up in line hours early for the general admission concerts. Those guys played a great show. Afterwards some of us high school kids were hanging out by the back of the auditorium trying to get autographs. When Hughie came out he was glad to sign anything. I asked him about a switch on his guitar and he proudly told me about the Stratoblaster switch on the guitar that he built himself. He made an impression on me with his enthusiasm when he answered that question.

I was happy to find out about the Outlaws reunion, and I was looking for an opportunity to see the new band. This summer the Outlaws were the first act on the bill for Charlie Daniels' Freedom Jam. The only original members were Hughie and the two drummers, Monte Yoho and David Dix. They still sounded exactly like The Outlaws. They were the band I wanted to see most that evening. They announced from the stage that they would be out at the T-shirt stand signing autographs after the show. Hughie was the first one at the table. He was happy to be there. There was not as much time to talk as there was in 1981, but it was nice that he and the band made themselves available.

The Official Outlaws Web Site

[luiss]

Very good guitarist.

I was enjoying one of the recent L.S. videos and I noticed a guy with a strato style guitar but with 2 humbuckers if I recall well(at least one in bridge sure).He sounded a bit thin and after focusing on him I realized that strat was not a Fender but a early 80's Fernandes signature(not his) model...

[RobB]

There Goes Another Love Song

Green Grass and High Tides

Hughie is on the left speaker with the outaphase Strat. Listen and get schooled, mah bizzles.

[marcnorth]

RIP, I saw him a few times over the years. Great player.

[Scottcrud]

There Goes Another Love Song

Green Grass and High Tides

Hughie is on the left speaker with the outaphase Strat. Listen and get schooled, mah bizzles.

Thanks for posting those, I needed to hear that. I had forgotten what a great song Green Grass And High Tides is/was...

[hamerhead]

I was never a Strat guy, but The Outlaws made me pay attention, and his tone was killer. Highly under-rated.

[Zoner]

I spent hours (literally) laying on my back with 2 big stereo speakers on either side of my head listening to "Green Grass and High Tides" trying to absorb all those cool riffs. This was a major influence on my early desire to play guitar, and it is cool to put a name to the player who inspired me so deeply all those years ago. Rest in peace, and thank you for sharing your gift and enthusiasm. Z

[tomteriffic]

A fine, fine, very underrated player. I got into a rehearsal/arrangement session for one album in about 1980 and found the guys to be focused, hard-working and generally real nice guys, not to mention being scary-good players.

[BTMN]

Great Obit in today's St. Pete. Times.

http://www.legacy.com/SPTimes/Obituaries.a...rsonId=94467100