It is with heavy heart and regret that I must resign from Second Helping effective immediately. My mother is gravely ill. Mom has a terrible heart condition and my Step-Father is getting to old to take care of her. As a result, my family and I will have to travel to West Virginia more and more. It is believed that mom may live a few months to a few years, we simply do not know. I am having a difficult time watching this vibrant, Sicilian woman, who is my rock, fade away. We Italians are a tough group of folk but this has overwhelmed me. My mom means everything to me and at the same time I can not commit to shows with SH. I hope everyone understands that this is something I must do. I must be there for my Mother. The band will replace me with an amazing guitar player within the next few days. They will announce this soon. I would like to say it has been a humbling experience for me to have played with such an array of talented musicians like yourselves. Each one of you are special in my eyes.
Gary Muchmore - Second Helping is your baby, you pushed us to do this in 1988, when no one elses was doing this. You took us from the garage to the national level. You truly are brother.
J.D. – Your are still missed by me today.
Hefty and Wing – I love you guys as much as I love my own kin. See you this summer.
Freddy George – There is no song in the world I love more that “Physical Addition” and “Ibuprofen Blues.” To have written music with you was a privilege…especially when other bands recorded our songs! J
Brian Jefferies – Wow brother, what can I say you still are amazing on that Les Paul
Bam Bam – Dude you are a thumper---loved touring with ya!
James Jones – What great passion you have for guitar playing. Your passion has rubbed off.
D.B. Edwards – You are a brother.
Tinker – Clearly one of the nicest friends a friend could have.
Joey Gillette – Simply the best…just wowed by your playing.
Tojo – My dear brother in more way than one, what excellent tone you have on that Strat!
Jackie Johnson – The sweetest man I know. I have always treasured your friendship and fellowship.
Billy Davis – I would have been lost more times than none without you. Thanks for being a buddy, a dad, and a brother.
Harry Tueting – You, Ricky, and Debi were the funniest people in the world to travel with.
Nate Campbell – Eventually we will get together again…sorry we could not get together a few weeks ago. You are a solid friend.
Mark Basile – Nobody plays Rossington like you. You have always impressed me in more way than one. We had many, many fun shows. I enjoyed just hanging around you.
Vinny Flash – Always a gentleman and a great soundman. You were always a breath of fresh air. I have always thought highly of you.
Tom Perry – I love ya like a brother.
Richard Lustig - My buddy...22 years Richard...this is all your fault. Thank you for all you have done for Second Helping. You are the greatest.
Eric Tolnes – Buddy I want to be just like you on the guitar when I grow up. You are a freak. I always enjoyed our philosophical talks the most.
Rich Tancredi – From the moment I meet you I liked you. You have made me laugh till I had stomach cramps. It was a privilege to have played next to you. Your musicianship is like no one I have ever heard. I would swear you are Billy Powell incarnate…You are amazing!
Rick King – A dear friend, my traveling buddy, my roommate, I love ya like a brother…You are an amazing player. Thanks for always telling me what I needed to hear good or bad.
Bob Long – You most of all you. I am speechless where do I even begin? You mean a lot to me and over the years you have helped me and my family out so much. No one can sing Ronnie like you. I was always impressed by your songwriting skills…and a little thing everyone may not know and that is that you are a fantastic guitar player. I luv ya man :-)
The Girls – Fleeta, Lauren, Debi, Kathy, Snowflake, Pamand Trish…you sing like angels!
If I missed someone, I do apologize. Thank you to each one of you. I wish all of you great success and loads of happiness. Thank you for the fond memories, keep Skynyrd music alive wherever you are.
I am your biggest fan,
Chris McCallister