Rick Vogelpohl

Guitarist known as "the Ripper," active in the Twin Cities rock scene since about 1979, former recording engineer at Track Record Studios and longtime jam host.

Rick Vogelpohl, known to many as "the Ripper," has played Twin Cities rock since about 1979. Rick's band Triple X played the Mirage, the Iron Horse, First Avenue and the 7th St Entry in the early '90s. Rick also ran live sound for years, earned a recording degree and worked about 25 years at Track Record Studios in St. Paul. Rick hosted the Star Prairie Jam for close to a decade, plays in the band Terraplane and is a regular at the Ziggy's All-Star Jam.

On the Minnesota Music Note

The Minnesota Music Note - Ep 55 - Nearly 50 Years in the Minnesota Music Scene with Rick Vogelpohl

2mo ago

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Fun facts from the interview

Rick's first "amp" was a Thomas organ with an input jack, and Rick built a Heathkit distortion box to make it sound like AC/DC.
Hearing Boston's "More Than a Feeling" through "bone phones" while waiting for the school bus in seventh grade sealed Rick's love of distorted guitar.
Rick's early band played school assemblies and pep rallies. "The staff and the teachers hated us but the students loved us."
At 14, Rick got a work release from school to set up gear for bands at clubs.
Rick worked about 25 years at Track Record Studios in St. Paul, recording acts like Lamont Cranston and Big Walter Smith.
Rick trained Joe Spanbauer in running sound. Joe started as Rick's light tech.
The band name Triple X came from all three members being ex-members of another band.
While Triple X played "Firehouse" by KISS on Rice Street, a man who had been kicked out lit the intersection outside on fire.
Prince once walked by the band's dressing room at First Avenue and gave them a nod.
Rick hosted the Star Prairie Jam for about eight years, where Rick met bassist Shane.
Recommended guitarist Randall Lewis as a future guest.

Rock Guitar Twin Cities Metro

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