From left to right are Angela Murphy (Michael's wife),  Michael Murphy, and Wendy Weber (Scooter)

Wendy "Scooter" Weber

Where and when were you born?

I was born April 8, 1965 in Appleton, Wisconsin. But the blues lover in me was born March 16, 1996. A friend of mine called me on the phone and asked me to go see a band with her. "Do you like blues?" Heck, I didn't know if I liked it, I didn't even know what it was. But I tagged along, and had a wonderful time. There was a incredible feeling to the music, but especially to the vocals and lyrics. It just cut right through to my soul.

What do you do "behind the blues"?

You name, it I do it. I fell in love with "The Michael Murphy Band", and followed them around sometimes as often as 5 or 6 nights in one week. I was a regular groupie I guess, but quickly graduated to roadie when after about a month of showing up at every gig, started pitching in and wrapping cords and helping carry things to the van. Then I learned to string guitars, and a broken string was my call to duty. By now I was getting pretty comfortable with the way Michael wanted the music to sound, and soon the sound board was moved from the stage to out front and I became the sound tech. Then of course, there's lights. When we get into a big enough club, running the lights is a lot of fun. It's my chance to actually participate visibly in the show. Somewhere along the line, I also got the titles of Road Manager/Business Manager/Booking Agent and Photographer added to the list. So now, since the band has undergone it's metamorphosis from "The Michael Murphy Band" to the "Hellbound Blues Band" to the current band "Michael Murphy and the MOB" (Men of Blues); I am the longest standing member besides Michael. http://hometown.aol.com/bigbluzdog/myhomepage/index.html

What motivates you to keep going?

At least now I know the answer to that. For the first year or so, when people would ask me why I do all the things that I do for the band, I would say that I didn't know, or that the music touched something inside me that I couldn't explain to anyone else. Most people didn't understand, and I didn't expect them to. It was something I felt that they would have to experience themselves with something that touched their lives. But then I had an experience that made me realize that it was even more than that. Michael and I were walking out of a club after a show, and several people stopped him on the way out to shake his hand and comment on what a great show it had been. When we got outside, Michael said to me, "That's why I do this." I told him that he didn't have to explain to me why he performs. But, when I woke up the next morning, I realized something. That's why I do it. I can't play guitar, bass, drums or anything, and I certainly can't sing. But by doing everything in my power to make sure that Michael can do what he does is my contribution to someone else, hopefully lots of someone else's, being touched like I was.

What are your views, perspectives on women in the blues business?

I think that blues is a style of music that lends itself to women wanting to be involved with it. They say that women are the more emotional of the sexes, and I don't know a style of music that communicates more emotion than the blues. I have actually not met many other women in the business, but I do know that there are many of us out there. And it seems to me that the female club owners are very excited and energetic when it comes to promoting a blues act in their clubs.

What are your future plans?

To make millions and tour the world, of course! But seriously, I plan to work hard and do all I can to contribute to this band's success, and when it pays off, I plan to enjoy it with as much enthusiasm.

Other Women Behind The Blues Interviews

Beverly Howell

Mae Smith