Columbus lost a legend this week. I took the liberty of grabbing a few memories on-line for safekeeping here on Pencilstorm. RIP Johnny Rebel.
TJ Steppe:
Johnny Rebel was one of my favorite musicians this town ever gave us. He was a bandmate. He was a best friend. A character. A caricature. An inspiration. He saw in me things I couldn't, and despite having infinitely more talent than I could ever dream of, he always treated me as an equal in the practice space, and believed in me as a musician and songwriter in ways no-one had previously. Our time working at Atlantis together seriously changed my life, and my attitude about being a musician. You showed me I could still be me, while playing with cats as talented as you. You were the first person to make me feel like I wasn't faking it. And I'll carry that confidence you gave me and my love for you the rest of my days. Thanks for making my life better, I can only hope I did the same for you. Rest well, brother.
Jeff Passifiume:
Sean Groves (Johnny Rebel) with the Gretsch guitar I always used to kid him was ‘mine.’ I owned it and played it for a few years in the late 80s, then Sean picked it up after I traded it away. After hearing of Sean’s passing last evening, I was on the phone sharing remembrances and stories with friends and band mates. I met Sean in the late 80s after hearing about this ‘kid’ who was a hot-shot guitar player and all-around firebrand. He used to come and see my roots-rock/rockabilly band ‘The Goodes,’ and we would often let him sit in. Whenever Sean strapped on a guitar, he brought it 110%, and if you didn’t bring your A-game, he’d roll right over you. Sean and I ended up hanging out quite a bit for a few years, going on a few ‘guitar safaris’ to acquire more gear, checking out the latest David Lynch film (we saw ‘Wild at Heart’ multiple times), several New Years Eve parties at my apartment, and dinners at our place and his (cooked by his wonderful mama). He covered gigs for me when I was laid up with Chicken Pox (and I looked like Baron Harkonnen). I lent him my blonde Bassman when his amp broke down, and his girlfriend (not knowing it wasn’t his amp) stole it from him after an argument. I was sitting in my apartment one night and noticed a petite young lady carrying my white Bassman head up the walkway to return it. I lost track of Sean when I moved to Atlanta and we never really reconnected after I moved back (which I will now forever regret).
Rest well, Sean. You will be missed.
Mel Grubb:
The first time I ever met Johnny Rebel (Sean Groves) was in Detroit, I believe. I'd driven all the way there with Liz Walker to see this friend of hers and the amazing band he was in. That band was Th' Flyin' Saucers, and I'd never seen anything like them. Johnny played his guitar while standing on the bass which was ALSO being played at the time. The energy was amazing. I am thankful that years later my kids got to meet you and to see you play. You will be missed, my brother.
Jim Hutter:
I met my wife Amy Nader at a Flyin’ Saucers show. Thank you, Sean Groves.
John Estep:
I was transplanted in Columbus in 1990. Late to the scene. Found out quick how much musical talent was in this town. Even today so many great musicians that live in the city. But there are a handful of names that are legendary. One of those was Sean Groves, a.k.a Johnny Rebel. I was able to see the Saucers a few times in 2000 something. Was blown away by Johnny’s guitar work-super cool vibes. .
Actually got to meet him last year - he came to see Jesse.
And was at Bossy Grrls last year when he performed a set. Mike Folker and I were fan girling over Johnny. We were discussing what we could do to try to help him get back into the music scene.
Rest in peace Johnny. Have fun with Cliff, Chuck, Carl, Elvis, Scotty. Rock on forever brother
Colin Gawel:
Along with Willie Phoenix, Johnny Rebel was one of my Columbus guitar heroes. I could never dream to play like him but I caught his band Th’ Flyin’ Saucers every chance I got. Johnny, Rex and Dan always burned the house down. Watershed were lucky to play some shows with them through the years and I will always remember us playing a gig together at The Newport. Big room. Imagine that? I only knew him as Johnny Rebel. I never knew his real name. He was a rock star to me. He was always cool. He was a gentleman. And when Watershed were playing up in Detroit, which we did a lot in those days, the coolest thing about Watershed is that we knew Johnny personally. The Saucers were a BFD in Detroit because Motown knows real rock n roll when it sees it. We lost a legend.
Kyle Seigrest:
Very sorry to hear the passing of Sean Groves aka Johnny Rebel. He was a musical legend here in Columbus and from my experience a very nice guy. My Facebook feed today has been full of testimonies of his coolness. I did not know him that well but I had several good conversations with him and he was always very cool. I think the last time I saw him, he had stopped in my store just before the pandemic hit. He was a monster guitar player and I had seen him play countless times. My heart goes out to his wife, Tammy and all his friends, family and bandmates.
Here is a clip of Johnny playing with Th’ Flying Saucers at Comfest with a classic introduction from TJ Steppe and Bob Ray Starker on sax.
Rest well Johnny, you will be missed.
(The video below was shared by Kyle. I added the other two. CG)