We Never Had a Tour Bus

I Join the Band

Hey Podcast listeners! I'm David Fore, Bubble Puppy's original drummer. I'm proud to announce my new podcast, "Bubble Puppy Bites." In this podcast, I'll share my journey with the sixties band The Bubble Puppy. I'll talk about dropping out of high school to join the band, playing our hit record "Hot Smoke and Sassafras" on American Bandstand, touring with Steppenwolf, Janis & more, then moving to California and changing our name to Demian. These short "bites" offer my unique take on our adventures.  Please follow "Bubble Puppy Bites!"

We Move to Houston

When a telegram from Roy Cox arrived (The Bubble Puppy House had no telephone), it changed our lives. It was brief: "Record Deal! Pack the van! Move to Houston!" Rod, Todd, and I pondered leaving our comfortable Austin life, but those words motivated us to pack our few possessions and instruments. We loaded the van and drove to Houston. Our first place was a tiny two-bedroom upstairs apartment near the International Artists (I.A.) studio. Money was tight, as our Austin financial backer was no longer involved. We even collected glass soda bottles to afford dinner at Burger King. Our producer, Ray Rush, secured our recording contract with I.A.. He was a great producer and the head of A&R, having worked with Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison. As we entered to sign, The Thirteenth Floor Elevators were leaving and warned us, "Don't sign with these guys!". But we were "cocky teenagers," trusting them and just wanting to "make records." Years later, we gave the same warning to Ginger Valley. We recorded at Gold Star Studios, a primitive but fantastically great-sounding studio. Before each take, Ray always said, "Rollin' for Gold!". Our engineer, Hank Poole, was relaxed and funny. We had a lot of freedom, which you can hear on our LP, "A Gathering of Promises."  Eventually, we moved to a secluded house on several acres of pine trees north of Houston because we missed the countryside. Here, we could practice loudly anytime, yelling, "F@#! The neighbors!" because there were none. One day, on acid, I played drums in the stable during an electrical storm until a significant electric shock from a light switch left me paralyzed until Todd found me. Next, our lives would be forever changed by the success of "Hot Smoke and Sassafras!". Please follow "Bubble Puppy Bites!"

We Never Had a Tour Bus

Ever wonder what touring was like for a band in the late sixties? I share stories from our first 1969 Midwest tour in "We Never Had a Tour Bus." We flew to gigs with all our gear, then rented station wagons and U-Hauls, which led to hilarious mix-ups, such as being mistaken for kidnapped women due to our long hair. We "green kids" faced frigid Chicago weather and strep throat. Bob Seger and Keith Emerson opened for us! Despite our naive approach, somehow, our system "never broke down!" Please follow "Bubble Puppy Bites!"

Introducing Bubble Puppy Bites!

Hey, Podcast listeners! I'm David Fore, Bubble Puppy's original drummer. This is my new Podcast, "Bubble Puppy Bites." These short "bites" offer my take on all the weird, fun, and crazy things that happened to the band in the late nineteen-sixties.  Follow me for more episodes. All the audio for "Bubble Puppy Bites " was created from my "Bubble Puppy Bites" Substack series. I found two realistic AI voices to change my SubStack into audio. They discuss how we formed the band, lived together, and shot to fame with our hit, "Hot Smoke and Sassafras." I've experienced the ups and downs of the music industry, particularly the headaches we encountered with our label, International Artists, including royalty issues, subpar album mastering, and even missing out on an opportunity with Apple Records. I also share stories about touring with other big bands, how psychedelics influenced our music and lives, and what the vibrant music scene was really like back then. Please follow me for more stories!