Cover of an original '67 sheet music paper...

First of all, over the years I’ve realized what an impact Fever Tree had on many people. Not only people here in Houston, but people all over the world. It amazes me that people still talk about a 35-year-old band that had only touched on success. We, of course, were very proud of our music, and of the fans that we had at the time. But I still receive phone calls from people all over the United States wanting to know about Fever Tree now. I never treat these calls with anything but respect. I have been on both ends of those types of phone calls, and I am always glad that people are still interested in that period of time, including Fever Tree.

I came into the group just before the “big break” came. There was a young man who was playing keyboards for the group, but his skills were limited. Fever Tree was about to go into the studio and record its first single, “Girl, Don’t Push Me”. The group’s manager, Scott Holtzman, was an old friend of mine. We had worked on many musical adventures together. Television themes, commercials, some musical theatre, etc. He called me and asked if I would play on the Fever Tree’s recording session out at Andrus Recording Studio. I said that I would be glad to do that. It was something that I had never done before, and it seemed like yet another musical adventure with Scott. Little did I know that in just about a month, I would replace the keyboardist (Don Lampton) and become a part of the group.

I was a music major in college and had reached a point where I was ready to quit school and do something totally different from anything I had done before. It was Fever Tree. We began to have some regional success, and soon began to travel all over the U.S. and parts of Canada. What an amazing thing to happen to five young men from Houston! We worked with the likes of Canned Heat, The Association, Jefferson Airplane, and Spirit. We saw places and met people that we never dreamed of seeing and meeting. The original Fever Tree was a unique group, full of great ideas, and full of energy and hope.

We broke up as we were on the brink of huge success. There were conflicts of personality, and ideas. But I must say, there was never a loss of affection and respect for Fever Tree itself. Unfortunately when there were six (including Scott Holtzman) distinct artistic personalities in conflict, there was no choice but to end our marriage. And, if for one minute you may doubt that it was indeed a marriage, you must assuage that doubt! We worked together, ate together, slept together, traveled together, and of course, performed together. A true marriage indeed.

I think when we parted ways, we all were in our own time of mourning. It was a loss. Not only for us, but as time has shown, for many people around the country. And not only were we finished with making music together, we lost the friendships and camaraderie that we had had for many years. And besides the members of the band, there were road people with whom we had become very close. The drivers, the set-up crew, etc. It was bigger than we realized! I immediately shaved my facial hair, cut my hair and went into a completely different phase of music. I didn’t look back until many years later. I lost touch with all of the band members.

The only person with whom I remained close was Scott Holtzman and his wife, Vivian. We remained close until they died. In the past 10 years or so, I renewed my friendship with John Tuttle, and have enjoyed our time together. I found Bud Wolfe about 10 years ago, but have since lost contact with him. I spoke with Michael Knust several times over the years, but never saw him again after Fever Tree played together in the mid 70s. We got back together for a reunion and opened for Billy Joel at the old Music Hall in Houston. That was the last time I saw Michael and Dennis. Recently, Dennis called me and it was like a breath of fresh air to talk to him again after so many years. We have stayed in contact with each other, and this has proven to be a new joy in my life.

It is true that time heals wounds, and it is a pleasure to look back on the times and music that we brought to the world. I recently bought a re-mastered CD of the first two Fever Tree albums. One evening I poured a glass of wine and put on the CD. From the first moment until the end, I was truly transported back to those years of Fever Tree. I had not listened to any of our music for 20 years or more. I was moved to tears by what we had done. I am proud of the music that we made together. I am proud of the fact that we impacted so many lives. And I am still amazed that Fever Tree still seems to generate interest to so many. I am truly saddened that Michael has left this earth and that any future reunions are now impossible.

At least, in this life.

Rob Landes

...and a test pressing of Fever Tree's "Creation" album, 1970.




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In the Summer of 2005 I was honored to receive the following from
Bud Wolfe, bassist for the original Fever Tree...

I just read your interview with Michael Knust. I had no idea he had passed away.
You have no idea how sorry I am  to hear this.

I have many good memories of working with Mike in the 60's.  Many good memories.  
We made some kick-ass rock and roll together.

I will always remember the good times first. Although I last heard from him in the late 90's,
he was still my friend. We grew up together in many ways.

Rest in peace Michael.

E.E. (Bud) Wolfe


Many folks, including former Fever Tree members, had inquired about Bud's whereabouts...
I am honored by the contact. He wishes his contact info remain private... I publicly extend
this forum to him if he wishes to speak more of his memories or even do a full interview.
It was great to hear from you, Bud. Please write again soon! ~Scott

***************************************************



Michael Knust's Special Forces @ the Battleship Texas Run '89



Michael set this Strat up for slide after the accident.
He absolutely loved the blues...


...but he also lived his share of blues. It isn't any secret that Mike
battled addiction his entire adult life. Big, heavy, horrific addictions.
In the end, all the love in the world wasn't enough...
the only enemy he had was himself.
And he won.







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