As I delve into the memories of my unexpected decade (1989–1998) as a rock music journalist in Boston, I find myself falling in love with many of the famous musicians I was lucky enough to interview. Actually, it is really just falling in love all over again.

I am in the process of transferring over a hundred of my recorded interviews from cassettes (yes, cassettes!) to MP3s, as I have finally decided to write the #rockmemoir that has been playing in my head for decades.

I am a member of the #WaltParazaiderFanClub on Facebook. I joined the group one day while remembering Walt’s kindness during our time together. I met him backstage at Harbor Lights (now called Leader Bank Pavilion). I had interviewed him on the phone prior to the #Chicago concert, and he invited me to join the band backstage after the show.

I recall the beauty of that night in light—from the shimmer of the venue lights on Boston Harbor to the spectacular stage lighting that illuminated the legendary band’s performance. It was a different era, one without cell phones or paid backstage access.

When I mentioned to the #WaltParazaider Fan Club that I have a recording of our conversation and that I would like to get a copy to his family, many of the members asked me to post the MP3 recording. My goal in offering the recorded interview to his family was to let them hear his beauty again. They have heard his voice many times, but today, it has been reported that Walt has Alzheimer’s. I relished his words, laughter, and soft-spoken memories, and I thought perhaps they might like to hear them, too.

In response to my post, the good people of the fan club asked me to share the interview. Therefore, I am including it here:

My 1995 interview with Sax player Walt Parazaider of the band Chicago.

XO
VLB