Gonzo Compadres (Formed by Jerry Jeff Walker)

Yes, they are The Gonzo Compadres, a lyric from a song titled Gonzo Compadres written by Bob Livingston, Freddie Steady Krc, John Inmon and Jerry Jeff Walker.  In 1983, the Gonzo Compadres were formed by Jerry Jeff to accompany him on his musical and travel adventures.  They toured hard and played on many of Jerry Jeff's albums including Gypsy Songman, Navajo Rug, Hill Country Rain, Christmas Gonzo Style, Viva Luckenbach!, Night After Night, Scamp and Cowboy Boots & Bathing Suits.  

 

The Gonzo Compadres lineup consisted of Bob Livingston on bass guitar,  John Inmon on lead guitar and Freddie Steady Krc on drums.  They all sang raucous Texas harmonies and played with wild abandon following Jerry Jeff's lead.  Bob and John had both been members of the original Lost Gonzo Band and Freddie Steady had played with the Bandito Band. the group that Walker put together after the Lost Gonzo Band departed.  It made sense for Jerry Jeff to call on old friends and comrades who had played with him for years, the music fitting together like a hand in a glove.  Jerry Jeff said it was the best band he ever had.  A lean and mean four-piece. 

 

The Gonzo Compadres were with Jerry Jeff off and on from 1983 until the end of the 1990s before they went their separate ways.  After fourteen years, a dozen records made, thousands of miles traveled and hundreds and hundreds of shows across the USA, Canada, Great Britain and Scandinavia, the Gonzo Compadres called it quits.  Bob had moved away from the honky-tonks and continued on as a solo singer-songwriter on the folk circuit.  Freddie continued with his "other career" as a guitar playing frontman.  John toured with national acts like Delbert McClinton, Omar and The Howlers and Jimmy LaFave and developed into a fine producer/engineer in his own recording studio.

 

Bob, Freddie & John recently reconnected in 2022 with the Return of The Lost Gonzo Band to sellout crowds in Texas.  They decided to bring back The Gonzo Compadres as well and play the songs and tell the stories from that historic and fun time.  The current lineup includes Bob, Freddie, John and is rounded out by Bandito Band alumnus Mike Hardwick on steel guitar.  Once again, they call us The Gonzo Compadres!