We Went, Back to Tucson (travel article)

Tucson’s urban vibe and unique locations inspire Randy Houser again for “We Went” video. 

When Randy Houser returned to Tucson for the making of his “We Went” music video, he turned to Arizona-resident Dustin Rikert (Ambush at Dark Canyon, Born Wild) to get the job done. Rikert, who also directed Houser’s “Like a Cowboy” music video (which plays like a short film), knows that country songs are the right stuff for cinematic storytelling. The lyrical narratives of country songs often spin yarns about the lives of ordinary folk who just can’t help but attract trouble—these notions easily translate to the screen. A script was born.

The inspiration: Tucson

This time, Houser told Rikert that he didn’t want to do the Old West thing. For “We Went,” an up-tempo, rebel-rousin’ song, Rikert wanted settings with historical relevance to render his vision of a gritty, fast-paced, modern-day Robin Hood tale. In the video, Houser and his sexy cohort (Caitlin Leahy), known as the Good Deed Bandits, steal money from drug smugglers—led by Western actor William Shockley—to give to the poor. To scout locations that would complement his vision, Rikert turned to Visit Tucson, the same organization that had helped with Houser’s “Like a Cowboy” video.

You’ve heard the phrase “location, location, location”—Rikert, like many filmmakers before him, knows that Tucson delivers. What is it about this city that brings what “We Went” is trying to get? Well, for starters…. it’s sunny; it hardly ever rains; and, in the summer, it can get downright hot. When it gets this toasty, people get a little restless and they might decide to kick up some dust to give the town somethin’ to talk about. That, my friend, is where legends begin.

Location 1: outlaw locale

Fade in on Tucson’s most legendary gangster and the FBI’s first Public Enemy #1: the notorious John Dillinger. Although the stories around Dillinger’s time in Tucson swirl like dust devils, it’s undisputed that the Hotel Congress was pivotal in the initial capture of Dillinger and his gang. A fire in 1934 caused the hotel to evacuate guests—two of whom were members of Dillinger’s gang. Days later, one of the firemen recognized their pictures in True Detective magazine. That encounter, along with another from a tourist, lead to their arrest. Every February, Hotel Congress celebrates the historic event with a stylized reenactment called Dillinger Days.

Houser set out to prove that the historic Hotel Congress still attracts bandits—good or otherwise. Dissolve to Houser laying low while his beautiful partner in crime sways to the “We Went” vinyl on the vintage juke box in the hotel’s Tap Room. If you go, keep an eye out for Tom “Tiger” Ziegler who plays himself in the video. At 82, he’s arguably Tucson’s oldest bartender; he started tending the Tap Room in 1959—imagine the stories he could tell!

Location 2: a “good deed”

Now these Good Deed Bandits need to live up to their name. Enter Saint Augustine Cathedral, where a somewhat perplexed priest receives a bundle of cash. The origins of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Tucson mother church date back to 1858. The awe-striking beauty of the stained glass windows and the dramatic 2,000-pound Crucifix of Pamplona are the perfect backdrop for the Good Deed Bandits’ kind gesture. Every Sunday, visitors of all faiths are welcome to see the clergy conduct mass with the accompaniment of a mariachi band.

Location 3: The bandits play the odds

At this point, the Good Deed Bandits are feeling lucky, and maybe even a little blessed—why not multiply their stash of cash for even more good fun? Match cut to Casino Del Sol, an upscale property owned by the Pasqua Yaqui Tribe that offers Vegas-style gaming, a luxury resort, fine dining, a relaxing spa and a concert venue that attracts chart-topping musicians such as Randy. The Pasqua Yaqui, like the Good Deed Bandits, have a bit of rebel in them, too. For nearly 200 years, they defended themselves to uphold their spiritual culture and ceremonial way of life. 

Everyone agrees that you can’t have a bandit, even a good one, without a chase from law enforcement. Cut to the town of Sierra Vista, 75 miles south of Tucson, where the Cochise County Sheriff offered their official vehicles and a long dusty road to serve as the fabled County Road 44. Here’s where Houser, his band and actual officers lay way to a high-speed chase with cars spinning out of control.

Location 4: the hideout

All bandits need a hideout, and those of lore often retreated to the mountains, where dangerous terrain in American Indian territory gave refuge to brigands. Mix in Windy Point where Randy, filtered by a golden sunset that only Tucson can create, jams with his hero band. Located along Mount Lemmon Highway, this popular lookout in the Santa Catalina Mountains offers stunning views of the rugged landscape and the city below. Like much of the region’s history, the Catalina range is steeped in mystery and legends of marauding Apaches, hidden gold mines and lost missions. Nowadays, it’s a haven for rock-climbers, hikers, bicyclists and anyone looking to enjoy the great outdoors. In the winter, when there’s snow at the 9,000-plus-foot summit, you can even get in some downhill skiing.

So, if watching the video just isn’t enough, come on out and experience the places that brought Houser’s hit song to life onscreen. But beware, the Good Deed Bandit is still out there.

Locations:

Hotel Congress
hotelcongress.com
311 E. Congress St.
(520) 622-8848

Saint Augustine Cathedral
cathedral-staugustine.org
192 S. Stone Ave.
(520) 623-6351

Casino Del Sol Resort
casinodelsolresort.com
5655 W. Valencia Rd.
(855) 765-7829

Click here for link to published piece.