I moved
from Seattle in 1977 and at that time the Pipeline tavern was a very
hot
spot for us U-DUB types to drink cheap beer and hear some good music. It
was on Eastlake Ave near the southern end of the lake, kind of wedged
in
between I-5 and Eastlake. It was built new in the early 70’s and
featured
live music on a big stage, 7 nights a week. All the hot local
bands
played there but the only big name I remember was Jean-Luc Ponty, the
French jazz violinist. Others played there of course, but the memory
fades!
I now live out
east
but fondly remember those years.
Dick Gray,
January
2007
This was one
of
my favorite haunting grounds in my younger days.
Bob Besse,
my
former brother in law, and his mother owned the Pipeline. It was
a very "happening" sort of place, great music and dancing, and yea,
lots
of pitchers of beer.
Makes me
want
to reconnect with Bob to help revive my memory a bit. Shyanne was
one of the bands I do remember. But I know there were many
others.
It was a great place.
Karen
After Bob Bessie's mom
replaced
him for marrying a friend of mine, Larry B took over the club.
Albert
Collins told me in NY that he got to the Pipeline thanks to Otis at the
Sandpiper on 45th street. I worked the front door til I graduated
from UDub (University of Washington). Besides the great NW bands
that played there, a lot of national acts spent a week there. Bo
Diddley, Sonny Terrry and Brownie McGee, Jean-Luc Ponty to name a
few.
The joint was always rocking NW style or bluesen. Thanks for the
memories !
Mike Trimmer, May 2013
I worked at the pipeline for a
summer.
Larry B was the manager. Pam and Ginger served drinks. It
was
a great place. I talked to Maria Muldaur, she was
friendly.
Fireball played there. The Amazing Rhythm Accesses, Kidd
Africa,
and Jr. Cadillac always packed he place. I met my wife
there
in 1976. My friends use to say "If you met her in a bar you'll
loose
her in a bar". Hasn't happened yet. They say that rock will
never die but.... as far as the Pipeline goes it kind of did.
Larry
held it together as long as he could. It sold and became
Boogies.
Great memories.
Tom Moorman, April 2015
