Max Combs - C.T. PIlferhog

Max Combs was the guitarist in the legendary TN/VA group C.T. Pilferhog in the early to mid 70s. Having only released one single in 1973, the band would go on to be local heroes playing numerous gigs and even opening for REO Speedwagon! In this exclusive interview I talk to Combs about his early days growing up in VA, how he first began playing music and how this would become his life’s pursuit. Enjoy!

When and where were you born?

Lebanon, Va.

What was growing up like for you?

Great, although my mom and dad divorced when I was 3. We moved in with my grandparents. 8 people in a small house, crowded, but never lacked for something to do.

When did you first begin to play music and what was it about the guitar that initially fascinated you?

1966, got a new Gibson SG. I was in heaven.

What was the local music scene like in your community back in the day?

Nowhere much to play, very rural. My first gig I made $7, big time you know! LOL.

Did you see any bands that may have left an impression on you?

ZZ Top and James Brown, still impressed to this day.

Where would you go to see live music?

Johnson City, TN, Down Home and The Chandelier Club.

Were you in any outfits prior to CT Pilferhog?

Yes, the keyboard player and bass player were in a band called the Downbeats.

When did you initially meet your other band mates Jibber Ward, Fred Bradley, James Kiser, Mike Campbell and Charlie Jones?

Jimmy and Mike were Downbeat guys, the rest I met through Jimmy.

How did CTP begin and where did the name for the group come from?

That’s a very good question, we just got together and jammed and it kind of clicked. As for the name, I have no idea, someone in the band came up with it.

Can you walk me through the process of the band and how you guys developed your tone?

In a word loud. I had 2 Marshall stacks, Jibber had a Marshall and a HighWatt, Mike had two huge speakers of some kind and Jimmy a 900 Leslie, LOUD LOUD LOUD.

How old were you and the members when the band first started out?

21ish.

What were CTP rehearsals like?

Rehearsals were always a party, read into that what you will, sometimes more party than rehearsal.

Can you tell me about the shows you guys would play at the Chandelier Club in Johnson City, TN?

Chandelier was actually the last gig we played. They had a connection with an agent who wanted to book us on the road. Our first stop was supposed to be Atlanta. I thought it was a dream come true, however others were getting ready for college and family and such and just weren’t into it. THE END.

Tell me about winning the battle of the bands at the Sullivan County A & I Fair.

I do not recall that gig. Might have been after I left town.

It seems like you guys were pretty popular in the local papers between East, TN and Southwest, VA! Can you tell me about the gig you guys played at the B.S.U. Coffee house on February 7, 1974?

Man are you kidding me, LOL, I don’t remember breakfast. I know we played there quite a bit and it was always a lot of fun.

What did these sets consist of if the band only recorded the two original numbers found on the 45?

Mostly covers. Deep Purple, Humble Pie etc.

How did the deal with Tri-State Recording Company come about?

We wrote the songs and it just seemed like the logical thing to do.

Can you walk me through the process of recording the tracks, 'You Haul' and 'Tight Mama'? 

Unlike today with digital recording, it was go in the studio, plug in and play and hope you get it right. Probably a few takes on each song but nothing like today where you can edit every little note.

What was the studio experience like for you and the band?

I can only speak for myself, but it was wonderful to play some music and be able to play it back and say we did that.

Was that the first time you had ever done anything like that?

No, I had done some recording with another band when I was in high school.

When did you guys begin recording and how long did that take?

Gosh, I really don’t remember, probably a year or so into the band. As for the actual session a few hours I guess.



Did you guys have any plans to record a full length LP, or write more music outside of the single?

Naw, we never got to that point. The Chandelier incident was not too far past the recording. Really too bad. You never know where that band might have gone.

How long did the band stick around between the release in ‘73 and the few shows that were documented that following year in ‘74?

Not very long, maybe a year or so.

Did you participate in any other groups after CTP?

Oh yeah, many, still gigging today. Never thought I’d still be gigging at 68 years old, truly blessed!

You mentioned in our correspondence you're currently living in Florida, but still have a place in the mountains of Virginia. What made you decide to move out to FL?

Girls. I left Va. Dec. 26th, 1976. It was cold, snowy and just very bleak. I drove all night to Clearwater Fl, went straight to the beach and there were girls in bikinis!!! Nuff said, LOL.

I imagine you're jamming with some folks down there. Are you still in contact with your old band mates back home?

I see Jimmy fairly often, as a matter of fact we just jammed last week for the first time in many years. We often talk about starting up another band but not sure it will happen. We are both tied up with life. Jimmy just retired and enjoying it, not sure he wants to do the late night club scene and I am in a Nationally touring tribute band, so not sure there would be enough hours in the day even if we wanted to. And then there’s the fact that he’s in Tenn. and I’m in Fla.

How does it feel, after all these years, to have a completely different generation fascinated with your music?

Well, it again makes me wonder WHAT IF we had kept going.

What were your initial thoughts when contacted to have your music released on the brown acid comps?

Why not, I’m very happy for anyone that wants to hear my music or anything I was a part of.

Will CTP ever get back together for old times sake?

Who knows, I think it would be great if it happened but the reality is, except for Jimmy I don’t even know where the other guys are.

When you reflect back on those early days during the CTP period, what are you most fond of? What times stand out the most in your mind?

Opening for REO Speedwagon and of course the recording and it was just fun, great bunch of guys that shared a special something that not everyone has the privilege of doing. MUSIC.

Is there anything else you would like to further share with the readers?

I have lived a wonderful life. I have a great wife and kid who have supported me all along. I am very grateful to have played with some great musicians and happy to still be doing what I love.

Dakota Brown