George Gruel
Roadie, Road Manager, Photographer, Graphic Designer, Background Singer, Lecturer, Mentor
Bio:
George Gruel is an entertainment industry veteran whose behind-the-scenes adventures span decades of rock ’n’ roll history. Over a multifaceted career, Gruel has worn nearly every hat imaginable: roadie, road manager, photographer, graphic designer, background singer, lecturer, mentor, and self-described procurer of contraband.
His journey began in 1974 photographing the Bob Dylan and The Band tour for the book Bob Dylan Approximately. Shortly after, he lived in Mill Valley, California, alongside Bob Weir of the Grateful Dead and folk legend Ramblin’ Jack Elliott. Gruel quickly became a fixture on the road, working with the New Riders of the Purple Sage, managing production for Valerie Carter, and joining the Eagles on their 1977 European Hotel California tour.
Gruel is best known for his five defining years (1978–1983) as Warren Zevon’s road manager, aide-de-camp, and best friend. During this era, he shot Zevon’s famous 8x10 promo glossy and photographed the sleeve for Bad Luck Streak in Dancing School. In 1980, he earned a Gold Record for singing background vocals on Don Henley’s hit "Dirty Laundry," and later served as Art Director for David Crosby and Graham Nash’s album Another Stoney Evening.
In 2012, Gruel published his worldwide-distributed memoir, Lawyers, Guns & Photos, recounting his wild years with Zevon and friends—later re-released in 2020 as an interactive ePub and Deluxe International Edition. Most recently, his lasting legacy was featured in the 2022 documentary Immediate Family, where he earned dual credits as photographer and backup singer.