Tony Andreason

'Surfin' Bird' rocker Tony Andreason picks a new path in bluegrass

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But none of this means that Tony Andreason -- original lead guitarist of "Surfin' Bird" hitmakers the Trashmen -- sees his new experiences in bluegrass as any less rock 'n' roll or adventurous than his crash course in music stardom almost 40 years ago.

"I think bluegrass is the most exciting music you can play," said Andreason, who now picks and sings with one of the genre's most reputable local acts, the Platte Valley Boys.The group is performing Saturday at the Bluegrass in November concert in Savage.

"In rock 'n' roll, there are only so many different ways you can play those blues licks," he said."In bluegrass, the sky's the limit.You can always mix and arrange the songs differently.Somebody can take one part, and somebody else takes another.It's fun that way."

Tony Andreason, far left, with the Platte Valley Boys

It took him a few decades -- his first record was a Don Reno and Red Smiley bluegrass record at age 14 -- but Andreason, 59, finally got around to playing the music professionally four years ago.That's when he joined the P.V. Boys, "and I've been living out one of my fantasies ever since," he said.

Not that the Trashmen and their short-lived fame weren't something of a dream experience.The foursome went from playing every podunk dance hall in the Midwest from 1960 to '63 to having the No. 4 song in the country in early 1964.

Andreason, center, with the Trashmen

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Andreason got a real job as a financial planner in 1968, with the same company he works for today.He had a daughter, now 25, and he basically went on to lead a normal, responsible, 9-to-5 life without any regrets, he said.

"The Trashmen really were a lot of fun and -- in terms of chemistry -- a great band," he said."But I never really thought I personally was that great of a musician.So I was happy to have the run I did."

Plenty of Andreason's friends, however, say the north Minneapolis native is an accomplished musician.He is finally proving it in the Platte Valley Boys.

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In addition to guitar, Andreason also often sings baritone -- "the hardest parts," Colby said.
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As Andreason said, "The great thing about bluegrass players is you know none of them are in it to get rich."

He is a prime example; he has made a good living as a financial planner.
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Trashmen singer/drummer Steve Wahrer died of esophageal cancer in 1989, but Andreason and the other surviving members, Dal Winslow and Bob Reed, have been regularly called back to the stage by their cultish fan base.
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"The response was incredible," Andreason gushed.

However, he insists that the bluegrass performances are equally moving.In fact, with financial security long since at hand, he said, "I would definitely love it if the Platte Valley Boys became more of a full-time thing."

Therein lies the irony: The guy put aside his hit rock band of the '60s to become a stable businessman for 30-some years, only to consider giving all that up to play in some ol' bluegrass band.He must really love that music.

IF YOU GO

Bluegrass in November