Tales from the Green Room

The Journey and Legacy of Sweetwater's Uncelebrated Icon - An Interview with the late Austin de Lone

In this interview, which took place in October 2022 before Mount Tam Media launched its Tales From The Green Room podcast, Austin de Lone sits down with host Dennis Strazulo to discuss his rich musical journey and his pivotal involvement with Sweetwater Music Hall, as the venue approached its 50th Anniversary. This is the raw recording of Dennis's visit with Austin for the purpose of writing a feature story on Austin for Mt. Tam Media's Mill Valley Living Magazine to celebrate that event. With Austin's recent passing, the recorded conversation was re-purposed to release as this special podcast episode, honoring Austin's lasting legacy.

Moving to Sweetwater in the early 1970s, Austin recounts the creation and rise of his band Eggs Over Easy, their unexpected London ventures working with Chas Chandler (The Animals, Producer and Manager for Jimi Hendrix), recording at the famed Olympics Studio, and the birth of the pub rock scene. He also discusses the transformation of Sweetwater into a cornerstone of the local music scene, brining the venue to national fame as he worked with John Goddard of Village Music and Sweetwater's beloved owner, Jeannie Patterson, highlighting key interactions with notable musicians like Elvis Costello, Nick Lowe and so many more.  The conversation transitions into Austin's personal efforts in starting the Prader-Willi California Foundation in response to his son's condition. This story captures the essence of a musician's enduring influence on his community and provides insight into the historical and emotional layers of Sweetwater’s musical heritage.

Links

Mill Valley Living October 2022 Feature Story on Austin de Lone

Sweetwater Music Hall Website - History