candgnews.com FEBRUARY 19, 2025 Vol. 45, No. 4
Warren Sheetz plans move ahead
0380-2508
CEREMONY HELD FOR NEWLY NAMED JONATHAN GILLESPIE STUDIO THEATRE 4A
BOWLING ALLEY LINKED TO MICHIGAN MUSIC HISTORY BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
P
ampa Lanes was once much more than a bowling alley. It used to feature Pampa Studios, a recording studio where Bob Seger laid down some of his early solo tracks. Tom Weschler, a photographer and former Seger tour manager, said the studio was originally in Pampa’s basement. “Every time a strike came, they had to re-record what they were doing,” Weschler said about the basement location. In 1968, the studio was moved to a separate nearby building. This became known as Pampa Studios. Weschler said there were no bowling-related interruptions from this point on. Jim Bruzzese was the chief engineer at Pampa and Gregg Miller was the studio’s manager. Bruzzese’s family owned the bowling alley, according to Weschler. The studio operated throughout the 1970s, closing sometime in the following decade. Seger recorded his 1972 “Smokin’ O.P.’s” album at the studio. Weschler said that Seger only used two studios in Michigan between 1968 and 1972.
GAS STATIONS PLANNED FOR VICTORY INN, PAMPA LANES SITES BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
WARREN — The site of a new gas station and convenience store has a bit of history. The Victory Inn, a bar and restaurant, is set to be demolished for a new Sheetz location. In 2026, the business on the corner of 12 Mile and Mound roads would’ve celebrated its 80th anniversary. Victory Inn owner Barbra Suida offered “no comment” when asked about Sheetz coming to the location for this article. The new Sheetz will also replace Skip’s Auto Repair on the corner. The Warren Planning Commission unanimously approved the Sheetz development last August. According to a previous Warren Weekly article, Suida said the Sheetz could not move in until 2027. “I just want the record to reflect that an actual completed and closed sale of the Victory Inn property cannot happen any sooner
ABOVE: Detroit rocker Bob Seger looks over his shoulder during a recording session at Pampa Studios in Warren. Photographer Tom Weschler said Seger was irritated by the camera noises during the recording session, causing him to look back for the photo. RIGHT: Seger sings into a microphone during a recording session at Pampa Studios in Warren. Photos provided by Tom Weschler
See PAMPA LANES on page 14A
See SHEETZ on page 14A
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