I doubt any drum company actually enjoyed their association with Buddy as they knew he'd leave to play another maker's instrument for more money. Keep on Pl

I met buddy when I was 16 or 17. I think 1986 or 1985.... My friend and I, both drummers, heard he was playing in seaside heights, a shore town here in NJ. My mom drove us over and dropped us off. After waiting in line, we were told we were not allowed in. (underage for a nightclub) So we sat at the stage door entrance and listened. During the first intermission buddy came through the stage door we were sitting against and proceeded up to the boardwalk for a smoke. We were both paranoid to approach him, but I mustered up enough courage and went up to him and asked for an autograph. I didn't have any paper, so he signed the inside of a match book cover. He actually was pleasant about it. ...after his smokes he went back in and we sat and listened to the rest of the show at the door......from what we could hear...it was amazing......I'll never forget the experience