Dean Forbes and
Mother's Apple Pie and
Baseball Band

by Michael R Dougherty
(California)

The following interview with one-time Anchorage, Alaska musician Dean Forbes was conducted in December 2017 by Anchorage Memories.com

Anchorage Memories – Mike and Mary:

Dean, what got you interested in playing guitar?


Dean:

I first got interested while watching Rick Nelson and Elvis Presley.


Anchorage Memories – Mike and Mary:

When did you decide to learn how to play the guitar?


Dean:

I was just 13 years old.


Anchorage Memories – Mike and Mary:

What was the first Anchorage band you played with, and how did that come about? And did you play lead guitar?


Dean:

My first band was called The Noblemen. Barry Dannehy and I started it and played a few parties for our friends. Yes, I played lead guitar.


Anchorage Memories – Mike and Mary:

What was the next Anchorage band that you played with?


Dean:

To the best of my memory, it was Proof, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it.


Anchorage Memories – Mike and Mary:

What was next?


Dean:

The next band was The Better Sex with Emerson Crivello.


Anchorage Memories – Mike and Mary:

What did you like most about playing guitar in Anchorage bands?


Dean:

I was very shy, and it helped my self-esteem, and it gave me a lot of respect. Also, my whole life I've found that I'm happiest when I'm playing music. It's healing, uplifting and joyous.


Anchorage Memories – Mike and Mary:

One band you played with was called “Mother's Apple Pie and Baseball Band.” How did that band come about?


Dean:

To the best of my memory, 3 of us from Proof and 3 members of the Arsons wanted to do more of a “Buffalo Springfield” type of style, so we joined forces.


Anchorage Memories – Mike and Mary:

Who were the members of Mother's Apple Pie and Baseball Band?


Dean:

Dave Cannon, Sandy, and Mark Thompson from the Arsons and Mike Caporale on drums and Gary Sloan and Moi from Proof.


Anchorage Memories – Mike and Mary:

What did you like most about Mother's Apple Pie and Baseball Band?


Dean:

We had a great repertoire, great harmonies, good camaraderie, and I learned a lot from Dave Cannon.


Anchorage Memories – Mike and Mary:

Mother's Apple Pie and Baseball Band was not together for very long. Why did the band break up so soon?


Dean:

We were together for less than a year. Soon after opening for the Turtles in Anchorage, Alaska, we all went to Seattle to try and make it in the music scene there. It didn't work out, and we all went our separate ways after a few months.


Anchorage Memories – Mike and Mary:

Are you still in contact with people you played with in the Anchorage bands during the days of Pacesetters, Shindig City and other teen venues back then?


Dean:

Yes, Mark Thompson, Dave Cannon, Mike Caporale, John Lee and Gary Sloan, just to name a few.


Anchorage Memories – Mike and Mary:

Where are you now, and what are you doing musically?


Dean:

I live in Eugene/Springfield Oregon and I still play professionally with local bands. I play rock, country, jazz, blues and more… although at 68 I consider myself semi retired.


Anchorage Memories – Mike and Mary:

Thank you, Dean, and thank you from all the Anchorage teens for the great music, back in the day.

Yours Free

Anchorage and Alaska Facts, History, and Pioneers

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