Col. Bruce Hampton: Zambie 4 Ever
By George Burrows
June 22, 2010
Col. Bruce Hampton had been contributing to music with various bands and mediums for over 45 years, constantly reshaping expectations and avoiding the safe path. Known for his influence on generations of Southern musicians and his work with Aquarium Rescue Unit, Hampton remains one of music’s true originals.
You have been contributing to music with various bands and mediums for over 45 years. Many artists with that kind of tenure play it safe. You on the other hand shake things up regularly. How does your work remain fresh?
to keep things fresh i go back in time, the great music of the ages is always fresh im actually interested in doing 1 song and do it 4 ever thats fresh 2 me
Widespread Panic have been known to credit you in their liner notes and interviews as their father/mentor. Could you share some insights into your connection with the southern artists, like WSP and the Allman Brothers Band?
I have known WSP since early 80 s… Allmans since 68, both have never wavered…
In 1993 I attended an AQRU show in Des Moines, Iowa in a venue across the street from the police station. It had been raining non stop all day. During your set the police had you page me from the stage to tell me that all the roads were washed out and not to leave Des Moines. It turned out to be the flood of 93. To this day, the name Aquarium Rescue Unit has since had special meaning. What is the origin behind AQRU?
The name aquarium rescue came from a song of mine recorded 1988, it’s about the wonderful and mundane jobs i held…Des Moines radio played “No egos underwater” during the floods.
A Personal Memory from the Flood of ’93
One of my most unforgettable memories with Aquarium Rescue Unit happened during the Great Flood of 1993. My son, his friend, and I drove from Jefferson, Iowa to see AQRU at Z International in Des Moines.
During the set, between songs, Col. Bruce Hampton stepped up to the microphone and said there was an important message waiting for George Burrows at the box office. The message was from my wife, telling me the roads north of Des Moines toward our home, about an hour away, were flooded and becoming impassable.
Shortly after that announcement, the band took a break. As we were leaving to deal with the situation, I spoke briefly with Jimmy Herring, about the flooding and the irony of the moment. Years later, in this 2010 interview, Bruce said:
“The name aquarium rescue came from a song of mine recorded 1988, it’s about the wonderful and mundane jobs I held… Des Moines radio played ‘No egos underwater’ during the floods.”
1988–1993 Z International – The night club was the first extension of the Court Avenue entertainment district eastward across the Des Moines River.
If you could use your magic skills to make one thing a reality in the music business, what would that be?
if i could change the music business i would have great music in large places, such as Ornette coleman Cecil Taylor Mccoy Tyner, Blood Ulmer and Ralph Towner and many more unknowns that are great.
hope i answered your questions well enough,, best 2 u. zambie 4 ever
My thanks to Col. Bruce Hampton for his insights.
George Burrows
In Memory of Col. Bruce Hampton
Col. Bruce Hampton passed away on May 1, 2017, during the concert “Hampton 70: A Celebration of Col. Bruce Hampton” at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta. While performing the encore of “Turn On Your Love Light,” he suffered a heart attack and collapsed on stage. Because of his long history of theatrical stage presence, many initially believed it was part of the performance. He was taken from the stage and transported to Emory University Hospital Midtown, where he died later that night. His passing was reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the Associated Press, and confirmed by those close to him who were present that evening.
