tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post113960429172047241..comments2023-08-10T05:24:20.775-04:00Comments on Razing the Bar: TaggedAndy Whitmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04010130934552315074noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-47399109521262999112010-09-08T03:50:34.016-04:002010-09-08T03:50:34.016-04:00My sister was the wife of Ronald Koal at the time ...My sister was the wife of Ronald Koal at the time of his death. We have all his music stored, it stayed with her and her family. In response to one of the posts, he did not pay out all his money for her breast implants, he helped, but so did my family. It was not just about her stripping career, which was not a career at all. She suffered greatly when he died. We all did. He was my brother and I loved him as such. He had a lot of demons fighting for control and unfortunately they won. He was so in love with my sister. I have one of his last known recordings along with a karekoe version of Frank Sinatra's "My Life" that was done shortly before his death. His death was tragic for all of his fans, friends, and family. As his family, we had a very rough road to recovery and my sister had the worst of it. She lost her husband, and in turn spiraled downward for a long time. It is not something she likes to talk about, but her and I share a lot of fond talks about him. I spent a lot of time with them in Columbus. When they were planning their move to New York it was a joyous time for both of them. She ended up going, in memory of Ronald. He will be forever in her heart, as well as mine. He is greatly missed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-43029699575755203942009-08-23T16:56:57.200-04:002009-08-23T16:56:57.200-04:00hey folks, i just picked up a RK cassette entitled...hey folks, i just picked up a RK cassette entitled "attention" and i cant find any info on it anywhere. if any of yous guys could shed some light on this release, i'd be delighted. thanks.Kyle Mayhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10374078749355690302noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-66751958531413375292009-02-08T19:51:00.000-05:002009-02-08T19:51:00.000-05:00My name is Ed Shuttleworth and I played guitar/sta...My name is Ed Shuttleworth and I played guitar/started Ronald Koal Band with Ronald '87-'89 Todd Novak was the 2nd guitarist in the Trillionaires (back in '83-'84).<BR/><BR/>Todd and I have created a myspace page dedicated to him (myspace.com/ronaldkoal. It has some great recordings and rare videos for all to enjoy. Please consider a visit and leave a comment/recollection of Ronald if you feel like it. Thanks, EdAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-59388951355435361932008-12-01T17:51:00.000-05:002008-12-01T17:51:00.000-05:00Holy Cats! I am so happy to see all these great m...Holy Cats! I am so happy to see all these great memories. I was a RKB fan beginning in 1987. I may have had a giant crush on Robert Gardner.MammaGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16026517786631724565noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-69745750215983054612008-11-06T10:17:00.000-05:002008-11-06T10:17:00.000-05:00It amazes me that people are still commenting on t...It amazes me that people are still commenting on this thread. Just goes to show the impact RK had on so many people.<BR/><BR/>Keith, as far as I know there were two albums -- Ronald Koal and the Trillionaires, from 1982, and White Light, from the early '90s. There was also a four-song EP (What a Bargain!), and at least one single ("Destination Zero," from the RK and the Trillionaires albums) backed with another track ("Little Piggie") that wasn't available anywhere else. If anybody else knows of any other released material, I'd love to hear about it. <BR/><BR/>I remember the 50 or so concerts I saw in the early '80s as among the best I've ever seen, although Ronald, like everybody else, had bad, okay, and great nights.Andy Whitmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04010130934552315074noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-71572529938878832682008-11-06T09:42:00.000-05:002008-11-06T09:42:00.000-05:00I still have my copy of Kid Koal's "I Don't Want t...I still have my copy of Kid Koal's "I Don't Want to Die A Virgin" on disc. Reading this sure brings back lots of memories. I would love to hear from Linzeo (Pete Linzell).<BR/><BR/>"1) Ronald Koal and the Trillionaires, various OSU dive bars..."<BR/><BR/>Ahh! I've heard many tales, but it was sadly all before my time. Did he ever put out a record before his demise?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-25735402938043202282008-10-04T08:23:00.000-04:002008-10-04T08:23:00.000-04:00I knew Ronnie very very well, I knew all of the Tr...I knew Ronnie very very well, I knew all of the Trillionaires. . . . being from Bexley and an OSU student in the early 80's and what started as an "almost famous" groupie but actually turned into a very deep and loving relationsip with Matt N. (actually just talked to him on the phone last night after 15 years). . great to hear his voice . . . I'm not quite sure why I've been "jump started" again over this amazing man and band . . . .though I guess it has to do with my husband burning me a suprise CD of their awesome LP!!!! I also knew Ben P. fairly well when he joined the band after Matt left; the band dynamic changed just a tad . . . . though Ronnie was always the ultimate showman no matter what! I miss him and all of them but am so thankful for all of the incredible memories and that fabulous music!!!!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-80699865137643984902008-04-15T01:17:00.000-04:002008-04-15T01:17:00.000-04:00This is about Ronald Koal, to me a close friend wh...This is about Ronald Koal, to me a close friend when I lived in Cleveland, Ohio with my daughter and <BR/>later to marry Bryan Gregory, The Cramps, Ronald came to my house with<BR/>a friend named Lauren from The Phantasy Club in Lakewood, we immediatly connected and stayed talking for 3 days non stop, everyone<BR/>left and he never left my life after that, he called me his sister and as such I was, one time the band stayed at my place in Lakewood, hello guys.<BR/>he was a vegetarian, and loved to <BR/>borrow my stuff to wear on stage,<BR/>earrings, belts, tops, but never<BR/>glitter..he had a new girlfriend<BR/>Leslie that worked for me, they became seriously involved.<BR/>His father was a High School principal named Gooselin, Ronald<BR/>was born in Brandenton, Florida,<BR/>he was estranged from his father,<BR/>especially after he re-married.<BR/>His late mother was very close to him.<BR/>We used to sing "I Feel Rich! Today" a song he wrote.<BR/>After I moved to Florida with Bryan<BR/>he always kept in touch, photos,<BR/>announcements, articles for me to<BR/>keep..skipping a huge chunk of time<BR/>here, he married a stripper and paid out all his money on a new<BR/>pair of breasts..(he said it was an investment in her career) I was dumb struck.<BR/>The pictures he sent looked bad, he had lost a lot of weight, I received phone calls that<BR/>were lonely, he wanted to come down and visit, I put him off<BR/>because I had a relative from Australia arriving and no room,<BR/>a decision I deeply regret.<BR/>Within days he was dead, his wife<BR/>called me, she didn't say to much,<BR/>I asked that she protect his music<BR/>please. Not to allow Gabor to take it..Ronald needed Gabor, he was <BR/>always broke; they both were. <BR/>Gabor was a fan who tried, he had<BR/>a family to support as well.<BR/>Ronald's last conversation<BR/>was not of a man about to kill himself at all, he was looking forward to going to New York with <BR/>his band, new opportunities had <BR/>come up. He was in love, taking<BR/>valium for an injured elbow that<BR/>became more addicting,he looked like a heroin addict from the pictures, gaunt, thin, and dark under the eyes. What happened to <BR/>my brother? he was deeply spiritual<BR/>and loved God.<BR/>I'm moving back to Australia;<BR/>I'm taking his memories with me,<BR/>my daughter and I loved him as family, he loved Kate Bush, Hounds<BR/>of Love, Iggy Pop, David Bowie,not<BR/>much else, he believed other <BR/>bands music might influence him<BR/>within his desire to be original.<BR/>I thought he would be a terrific<BR/>country rock singer myself.<BR/>He didn't like my suggestion much.<BR/>I thank him for his genuine love<BR/>and friendship.<BR/>I loved reading others stories,<BR/>he was no angel guys but you couldn't help but love him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-78509520564893982222008-02-21T01:22:00.000-05:002008-02-21T01:22:00.000-05:00I have the lp and a bunch of live stuff, recordind...I have the lp and a bunch of live stuff, recordind workshop etc. out in the ol' garage somewhere of Ronald and the the Todd period Trillionaires. I think about the guy all of the time, and he was a huge influence on me. Weird thing is there was a bunch of video stuff recorded by Cleveland channel ? of us a million years ago by the friggin' Ghoul, and videos that we recorded in Cleveland. Where are they? Gabor, what the hey?Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04130684217016784341noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-66596834725641905222008-02-18T21:52:00.000-05:002008-02-18T21:52:00.000-05:00Hi - Chris Fish here - Ron went to Bexley high sch...Hi - Chris Fish here - <BR/><BR/>Ron went to Bexley high school in Columbus and he used to play harmonica and sing at backyard barbecue gigs. In high school he was heavily influence by Iggy Pop and David Bowie and really developed into quite a unique talent after his high school years. Later, we all lived in an old mansion in Old Towne East that my dad turned into an apartment building. That was when he was recording his only album. Gabor Klein was his manager. We used to watch "Little House on the Prarie" together. He was obsessed with the show. I only now realize it was because his mom died of cancer when he was a boy and his family went kaput. Before one particular gig at the Agora, I remember him and his entourage bragging that they had all spent hours "fucking their hair up....just right." I was very saddened to learn of Ron's death. He was immensely talented. I would love to get a bootleg copy of his LP. Mine long ago bit the dust.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-90677240233743777642008-02-07T12:26:00.000-05:002008-02-07T12:26:00.000-05:00wow..very cool to come across this thread...was ju...wow..very cool to come across this thread...was just checkin out Steve Patricks' wifes (Hey KEL!)MYSPACE and got curious as to what I could find on Kid Koal...<BR/><BR/>I opened for Ronald a bunch o' times with a shitty band named "Oh Yeah"...shitty name too...<BR/>and considered him a good friend.<BR/><BR/>I'll never forget the man on stage...majic...his eyes looked at each person in the crowd at the same time...it truly was amazing<BR/><BR/>just wanted to pop in and say I miss him...think about him often ...and tell people about him regularly...<BR/><BR/>ALSO...I've got a cool tape from the Ronald Tribute at Stache's...I'll get it online and post a link....<BR/><BR/>Hope all in Columbus are well...<BR/><BR/><BR/>JonnyOAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-47021786774023419652008-01-29T14:59:00.000-05:002008-01-29T14:59:00.000-05:00I lived on OSU Campus in 1980-81Patterson next doo...I lived on OSU Campus in 1980-81Patterson next door to Ron Koal and Vickie. They took me to Stache's at midnight on my 18th birthday. I used to lay in bed late at night listening to them practice next door. I later met Ron at a party and we spent a few weeks together...blah blah blah. You know the rest.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-61372565156077767902007-12-24T22:59:00.000-05:002007-12-24T22:59:00.000-05:00As a member of Ronald's band, I thought I would pu...As a member of Ronald's band, I thought I would put up this brief recollection of his personality:<BR/><BR/><BR/>http://web.mac.com/enzotemko/iWeb/The%20Vampire%20Doom-Joy%20Blog/Vampire%20Doom%20Blog/Vampire%20Doom%20Blog.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-11035653708259077332007-12-24T03:00:00.000-05:002007-12-24T03:00:00.000-05:00Letter from Wentz....Howdy Rob! Who is Jeff Rober...Letter from Wentz....Howdy Rob! Who is Jeff Roberts???? I am Jeff Wentz and played drums with the RKB from '85 or so till '88 or so. Kind of foggy. He approached me to play in his band when I was sitting in for a reggae band on High Street. We later picked up Ed Shuttleworth. This was Ronald's 'return' band. He told me that night that he had "just returned from Indian and was ready to start a new band." He then gave me Gabor's number.<BR/><BR/>Well, I have many many memories. We had sort of a love/hate relationship. Same with Gabor. The Koal,Wentz,Gardner,Shuttleworth clan did a lot of great shows and were good at writing music. I eventually quit because of Gabor and the fact that I couldn't trust him. I don't know if our sound was really commercial at that time, but it sounded good from where I was sitting. Many many new tunes. That group could write a song in one night. We practiced downtown deep in the bowls of some corporate office complex. Ah......I could go on and on.<BR/><BR/>Anyone wishing to BS can reach me at enzotemko (at) mac (dot)com. (have to watch out for the fucking web robots)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-29517941800484852922007-11-08T10:56:00.000-05:002007-11-08T10:56:00.000-05:00Brian Dunning says:Hello fellow, and former, Colum...Brian Dunning says:<BR/><BR/>Hello fellow, and former, Columbusites. <BR/><BR/>I too lived there in the early 80's and remember Ronald and band fondly. There was a great alternative music movement then with great bands, good people, and always lots of encouragement between musicians and local artists and creative folks. I used to work for George Brown at Biashara, a funky vintage clothing-collectables shop on High Street by 5th Avenue, just south of OSU. I remember when Ron came in, he was a local celebrity, but always humble, soft spoken, and approachable. And he encouraged me as a musician, although he had nothing to gain by it. I played bass with Ricky Barnes and the Hootowls, and Todd Novak was the guitarist for a while, post Johnny Go, and also Matt Newman sat in from time to time. I'll never forget spending time with the Trillionaires; Matt, James, Mike V, Todd, Ben P, Pete, and Ronald, as they were all HUGE influence on my life. I also need to give thanks to Curt Scheiber, as his passion for promoting the local arts community, I know of no equal. Tirelessly, and with blantant disregard of financial risk, Curt put himself out there.<BR/><BR/>I moved out of the area in '88, and these days live in the South Florida suburbs, design sound systems for a living, and still vividly remember that time and those people back in Columbus.<BR/><BR/>My best to all,<BR/><BR/>Brian Dunning<BR/>briandunning1@bellsouth.netAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-26118419746257295532007-10-04T17:58:00.000-04:002007-10-04T17:58:00.000-04:00Hi Andy,I was really excited to find this blog. If...Hi Andy,<BR/>I was really excited to find this blog. If the Muddy Waters show in 1981 was at the Underground on High Steet, I was there. It was a milestone. I was at OSU from 1978 on (and on, and on). The band Ronald Koal and the Trillionaires was truly amazing. I'm thrilled to read the first-hand commentators listed here from the people/musicians directly involved, thank you! I mostly remember the shows at Mr. Brown's. I have an RK & T t-shirt, the EP with "Stoney Knows How," "Going, Going, Going," etc., the "Destination Zero" 45, and the 1982 studio album. I'd really like to hear the other recordings. I also have an article/interview on/with Ronald published in the OSU Lantern (found inside my album cover). In Dave Kraft's article it is stated "Frank Zappa, after seeing Koal perform gave him encouragement by saying his stage presence is superior to David Bowie's...Zappa recommended Koal and his band to go to New York." Kraft also quoted Ronald on the purpose of his music: "It's poking fun at society, but if a person listens to it, maybe they can do something about their own problems." What a loss of talent. The club scene was never the same for me. I'd love to read your article in Paste. I'm going to attempt to find it on the web.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11187888226832005066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-48941325994091126282007-06-15T19:18:00.000-04:002007-06-15T19:18:00.000-04:00Thanks to all who posted on Ronald Koal and the Tr...Thanks to all who posted on Ronald Koal and the Trillionaires. Great memories. I was one of those drunken OSU semi-students at Ruby Tuesdays who alternately pogo'ed around the floor and stood mouth agape from the pure cool pumped out by the Trillionairs. Ronald was a real showman, operatic, almost, and the band was unbelievable. I worked with Jimmy Casto (drummer), waiting tables by day at One Nation Restaurant on the top floor of the Nationwide Bldg (not-so-fondly, "the Ponderosa in the Sky"). Jim was (and I hope still is) a fantastic drummer, with a rather sardonic wit, and fun to be around. <BR/><BR/>Somewhere in my basement I have the EP from the original lineup. If anybody has a copy of the LP in digital format and wouldn't mind... my email is <BR/>ctbuddecom@charter.net<BR/><BR/>Thanks.<BR/><BR/>PS - Andy - enjoyed your profile, we have a few things in common. Hope you are well.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-13881913410037691662007-05-05T23:13:00.000-04:002007-05-05T23:13:00.000-04:00I just came across this blog about Ron Koal. I kn...I just came across this blog about Ron Koal. I knew Ron quite well back in the early 80's. I shared a house with Ron and his then girlfriend Vickie. The three of us were like the three musketeers. We ran around together all over Columbus. The best part was being with Ron getting ready before gigs. He could really be one of the girls getting dressed with us and sharing makeup. <BR/>We had parted ways in the 80's and I honestly do not remember the last time I saw him. I loved Ron dearly and still think about him. I have seen him in a couple of dreams.<BR/>Miss you Ronnie.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-88885458240242559072007-04-29T20:25:00.000-04:002007-04-29T20:25:00.000-04:00I was living in Manhattan in the early 90's, where...I was living in Manhattan in the early 90's, where I had a friend from Ohio who turned me on to Koal's music. I was instantly captivated, just floored by this guy. That friend of mine knew RK personally and was looking forward to introducing me to him once he made the move to New York. Of course, that move and our meeting never happened.<BR/><BR/>I have to say, I think it's an absolute tragedy that virtually none of his music is available on CD and that he has been pretty much forgotten, a mere footnote in music history. My Google searches turn up the occasional mention in Blogs such as this, and little more. And the sad thing is, I don't think it has to be that way. I truly believe that a new generation of Ronald Koal fans are out there, waiting to discover him.<BR/><BR/>I dearly wish his unreleased studio recordings (including an amazing cover of the Stones' "Paint it Black") would become available in some form, even if it's just in mp3 format. This stuff is OUT there, waiting from someone to release it. I think Koal deserves nothing less.BrianChristgauhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11282481165865239029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-1165522696688779172006-12-07T15:18:00.000-05:002006-12-07T15:18:00.000-05:00Hey, Anonymous! Thanks for the response to my post...Hey, Anonymous! Thanks for the response to my post. It's so cool you remember those shows from the late 80s. I would love to hear that recording you made of the live show in '88 at Staches - any chance I could get a copy? Email me at robtdg@hotmail.com if possible. Thanks a ton, and for sharing the memories!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-1164083565469419922006-11-20T23:32:00.000-05:002006-11-20T23:32:00.000-05:00Ben, where are you and how are you? I've done goog...Ben, where are you and how are you? I've done google searches for your name til my fingers were raw. Dude, I miss ya! I'm still rockin Ben. I retired for 4 years, but like Pacino they keep pullin me back in. I'm having a blast having just returned from a successful tour of europe. Next we're going to the UK and we're getting played on the BBC. Living in California is great, and I've lived here for almost 9 years. I hope you're happy healthy and successful. The new Zappa instro cd kicks ass. Can you believe that Ozzy listens to my music? Life is strange. I work in a high end violin shop doing repairs and restorations. I learned luthiery years ago and built a bunch of ukuleles!Love ya. Todd@thecowlicks.comAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-1163471693699386802006-11-13T21:34:00.000-05:002006-11-13T21:34:00.000-05:00Hey, c'mon Toddio - let's do the reunion with 2 ba...Hey, c'mon Toddio - let's do the reunion with 2 bassplayers - like Gang of Four! Goofball. Hi Curt!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-1163101054777914592006-11-09T14:37:00.000-05:002006-11-09T14:37:00.000-05:00I was not in Columbus during the Trillionaires day...I was not in Columbus during the Trillionaires days (though I do have the record), but I was a HUGE RK fan from 1986 on. My most prized possession is a tape I made with a hidden hand-held tape recorder of a show at Staches in November 1988, I think. It takes up both sides of the tape - oh, the old days, when bands played two sets.... Anyway, finally getting that baby onto cd was quite a relief - I was worried for almost 20 years that something would happen to it. White Light just does not do justice to the live Ronald expeience...<BR/>I was so happy to see Robert Gardner post a comment; I totally agree with your assessment that your version of the PKB, including Ed Shuttleworth, was the best.<BR/>Gabor is still skulking around, looking for good bands to try to catch a ride on. <BR/>I hear Ed Shuttleworth is playing with a local band named Vena Cava. Got to check them I'm. I'm so old - he must be ancient. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-1163048796323587492006-11-09T00:06:00.000-05:002006-11-09T00:06:00.000-05:00I just used Ronalds old gig/make-up case on my tou...I just used Ronalds old gig/make-up case on my tour to Belgium and Holland with the Cowlicks. I had to check the little suitcase on the way back from Paris on Monday Nov. 6 and was worried for the poor little thing because of the sentimental value it holds for me. Ronald's little suit case made it back to Cali safe and sound and lives on. Yeah!!!The little Ronald case did 15 shows in 11 days including Antwerp State Prison in Belgium. Nice job case!. Todd TrillionaireAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9991864.post-1160963714850328092006-10-15T21:55:00.000-04:002006-10-15T21:55:00.000-04:00I load Ronald Koal's name into a search engine onc...I load Ronald Koal's name into a search engine once in a while, and I was pleased to find this blog exchange with so many nice comments about him and the Trillionaires. One of the all-time great names for a band, and a great one it was.<BR/>I came later in the history, and was one of many musicians who played with him, but I was pretty close with Ronald when I was in his band (1987-89). The best version of our band included Ed Shuttleworth (guitar), myself (Robert Gardner, bass), and Jeff Robert (drums).<BR/>Of course, some folks will say that nothing tops the Trillionaires, but I know Ronald really enjoyed the creative freedom of fronting his "own" bands. We also did recordings, but sadly never put them together into an album. "Back to Innocence" and "Memory" were two of his strongest tunes that I got to record with him. I do think Gabor held him back, mainly by being inept, but his heart was in the right place. But many people encouraged Ronald to try other agents over the years, so I don't know how much you can blame Gabor.<BR/>I was really affected by his death. I was a young music major at OSU when I joined his band, and I probably learned as much from Ronald about being professional and being a performing musician as I did from all my classes and professors. Although maybe not the most creative song writer, I've still never met anyone who could capture an audience's attention as well as Ronald could.<BR/>Ed Shuttleworth still lives in the Columbus area, and was always a meticulous archivist, so if anyone was looking for any Ronald recordings, he'd be the guy to talk to. Thanks for sharing and bringing back a lot of great rocking memories.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com