If you’ve ever listened to Joe Walsh’s “Rocky Mountain Way” or “Do You Feel Like I Do” by Peter Frampton, you of course heard the Heil Talk Box. In addition to building that iconic device, Bob Heil also built touring systems for The Who, Humble Pie, and the Grateful Dead. Bob has a history in concert sound that few can match. He continues to be an innovator by designing and building microphones that are used on concert stages, recording studios, broadcast rooms, and podcasts.
In this introductory episode of the Heil Sound Podcast, Bob traces the story of his success from his early days as a substitute organist at the Fox Theatre in St. Louis, all the way to the world’s biggest concert stages. You’ll get a behindthescenes look at how Bob helped shape the music of Joe Walsh, Jerry Garcia, and many other heroes of rock ‘n’ roll.
Prepare to be inspired and entertained by the story of Heil Sound: the company that not only listens to artists, but does something about it.
Classic interview. I kept pausing to go to YouTube to listen to the Dead and Walsh. Great stuff. I was one of those guys who started buying Heil gear for ham radio in the 80’s. Still a huge fan today. Looking forward to the next podcast. Thanks for sharing.
Marc Sullivan (W4MPS), Clayton, NC
Bob,
Thanks so much for sharing your story.Hear you soon on the Mo/Kam!
Lanny
Fantastic !!!!
I am going to enjoy this podcast. I still have my old falling apart copy of ‘Practical Guide for Concert Sound’ from the early ’80s, I think. Bob Heil wrote the book on this subject for all of us.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! Great interview with Bob. Heil. Thanks for sharing with us
Have been in Ham radio for 53 years and played in Classic Rock bands for 50 years .
Met Bob in person at the Dayton Hamvention a couple of times and he is very good at explaining audio theory..
73 and Thanks, Larry K0SW
I grew up in Bobs hometown,Marissa I’ll and I know him well.I remember all the big name bands comein into our little town.When I was younger I was in a band myself ,eaven though we were small and local Bob always helped us out when we needed it .Bob is a great guy
Bob,
I just finished listening to the first episode of the podcast and I enjoyed every moment. You are my favorite storyteller and electronic educator ever!
Congratulations on 50 Amazing Years and for touching so many people’s lives!
Bob inspired me to become a ham and play music. I was a “bus boy” at the Holiday Inn where Bob was an entertainer in the early 60’s in Columbus Ohio. He would take time on his breaks to draw circuits that would improve my old Hallicrafters gear. What a great guy! – Ed Whitney. W8EDW
I had work with BOB for along time and he a great man to work for . and very smart. I had a great job. With his company. I really hated to quit. The job .BOB happy 50. Your one great man