Published: June 17, 2009 10:37 pm      

Goose Creek in Lexington Friday

Founder Gearheart reflects on group's roots, its future

Nashville — Charlie Gearheart never says never when it comes to the future of Goose Creek Symphony.

The singer and founder of the legendary roots-rock group, which is named for a hollow in Floyd County, has invited all local “gooseheads” to join the band in Lexington Friday evening for what could be its final appearance in the area.

“After this we have one in Somerset and then in Virginia and then we’re done for the summer ... and maybe for good, who knows?” Gearheart said Wednesday afternoon, still settling himself after a hectic drive in downtown Nashville.

“We would like to invite everyone to come out because who knows when we’ll do it again. It is kind of hard to say when we will do the last one because we have been doing this for so long.”

With his 70th birthday a few weeks away, Gearheart still gets excited when he talks about the band’s devoted fans, the summer tour, the recent Goose On The Lake Festival in western Kentucky, waiting for delivery of a new package for the band’s “Head For the Hills” CD with an unreleased song, or the ongoing emergence of a new generation with a love for the band’s recordings and live performances.

“The young people we’re seeing are one reason it makes it harder to leave,” the singer/songwriter said. “They understand the music. They listen to it and they get the message.”

The “Head For the Hills” disc, which has previously been available at live shows or through Internet sources, holds a treat for Goose Creek Symphony fans, Gearheart said.

“We have one new tune on there — a previously unreleased tune — called ‘Working for the Devil in the Name of the Lord.’ It is a great tune written by Mike McFaddin,” Gearheart said, adding McFaddin recorded on the band’s first album.

Always with Gearheart front and center, many members have come and gone from the symphony. Gearheart said the band’s current lineup is familiar to those who’ve seen their live show in recent years, although the economy forced guitarist Paul “Pearl” Spradlin away from the most recent tour.

“He is dying to come out and be with the band. He flew out for Goose On The Lake,” Gearheart said, noting Spradlin’s departure was understood by his fellow musicians because, “It’s not a good time to quit your job.”

For those who’ve heard of the band or their music, but haven’t experienced their live performances, Gearheart promises a show worth the price of admission.

“You’re going to see something you’ve never seen before,” he said.

Although he’s been asked to explain the appeal of Goose Creek Symphony’s blend of musical styles countless times, Gearheart said he believes it is the simplicity of their complicated melodies and messages which draws new fans and holds longtime listeners alike.

“It appeals to a lot of people. It’s music for the common man,” Gearheart said.

Goose Creek Symphony will perform at The Dame in Lexington with special guests Velvet Water.

“They are really interesting. Their music is more acoustic than ours — kind of different you know?,” Gearheart said. “They are kind of like a bluegrass Goose Creek.”

Tickets for Friday’s performance will be available at the door or in Lexington at CD Central.

TIM PRESTON can be reached at tpreston@dailyindependent.com or at (606) 326-2651.