Rock ‘n’ Roll High School 12: Peter Case and an Absence of Chaperones

I’m doing the happy dance over today’s installment of RNRHS, featuring honest-to-goodness American music legend, Peter Case.  Many children of the ’80s, myself included, love his band, The Plimsouls, and associate them with a very memorable time in our lives.  “A Million Miles Away” is the touchstone, nostalgia wrapped up in an endlessly listenable package.  Hell, the title for my book comes from the lyrics.  The thing is though, The Plimsouls were only the tip of the proverbial iceberg and Case’s solo career has proven to be most enduring, earning him accolades and a legion of die-hard fans. He has had three Grammy nods over the years, his songs are continually revived by other artists (a three-disc set was recorded in tribute to him) and featured in films and TV (most recently, on True Blood). Over two decades, he’s recorded ten solo albums and his most recent release, “Wig”, is not to be missed.   You can find out even more about Mr. Case, including worldwide tour dates, at petercase.com.  A million thanks to Peter for being so generous with his time and memories!

Peter Case

Hamburg High School, Hamburg , NY, dropped out of the class of ’72 after 9th grade, Currently: writing songs and singing them, touring the world

Band and/or song that reminds you the most of high school: I listen to Bob Dylan, Cecil Taylor, the Beatles, Captain Beefheart, The Stones

Favorite piece of music memorabilia in high school: my band Pig Nation played at the school dance, there was a riot, the local paper printed an editorial: ‘Where Were The Chaperones?’ They gave out our addresses too.

Band that you hated that everyone else at school seemed to love: I loved the first Led Zep LP, and nobody knew what it was. My girlfriend said she liked Bobby Goldsboro, so I broke up with her.

Best high school make-out song: I didn’t particularly mind what song was playing.

Best show or concert you saw in high school: When I was 16 I ran off from home and saw Lightnin’ Hopkins play in Boston, early 1971.