If you could ask Jeremy Spencer ONE question, what would you ask?

[vivfox]

And if he absolutely had to be honest:

Jeremy, when you left Fleetwood Mac that day and disapeared were you really trying to "stick it" to anyone in particular in your band?

[aleuzzi]

Hey there, I know you probably did not mean it as such, but your question may come off as a tad insensitive, even rude. Jeremy reads The Ledge and occasionally posts on it. Several interviews have revealed there was no malice in his decision to leave the band. He was ready for a more spiritual journey.

But I like the subject of your thread and will even contribute a question.

On the Kiln House tour you must have had some thoughts about what you might do for the next FM studio record. What were some possible directions you were willing to take?

[jeremy spencer]

And if he absolutely had to be honest:

Jeremy, when you left Fleetwood Mac that day and disapeared were you really trying to "stick it" to anyone in particular in your band?

What makes you ask this question, Viv? Do you suspect something? And if so, who would it have been? Understand that I don't mean this badly, I think your question is valid coming from someone who would be curious, and I certainly don't take any offence.
Jeremy.

[jeremy spencer]

Hey there, I know you probably did not mean it as such, but your question may come off as a tad insensitive, even rude. Jeremy reads The Ledge and occasionally posts on it. Several interviews have revealed there was no malice in his decision to leave the band. He was ready for a more spiritual journey.

But I like the subject of your thread and will even contribute a question.

On the Kiln House tour you must have had some thoughts about what you might do for the next FM studio record. What were some possible directions you were willing to take?

At that point, I had no idea, Aleuzzi. It all seemed so futile, and my mind was confused. Recording direction etc. was the last thing on it, to be honest.

[slipkid]

Since you're around, I have a question or two. :D.

From what you knew of Peter Green before his "change", do you think he would've left FM as soon as he did? In other words, if drugs didn't take away his ambition, would he have been the leader Jimmy Page, or Pete Townshend were for their respective bands? I can't see the cocky Peter Green turning down that future, but that's why I'm asking you Jeremy. :shrug:

From what I gathered in the Peter Green BBC documentary, you stayed in touch with Peter long after he left FM. Is this correct? Do you still see, or speak with him today? Actually that's four. :o


I just went back and re-read your Q&A from 6/99 just to make sure I didn't ask a previously answered question. You mentioned interaction with Mick and John, but not Peter.

[Villavic]

Jeremy, what what do you most miss of the band or those days?

[jeremy spencer]

Since you're around, I have a question or two. :D.

From what you knew of Peter Green before his "change", do you think he would've left FM as soon as he did? In other words, if drugs didn't take away his ambition, would he have been the leader Jimmy Page, or Pete Townshend were for their respective bands? I can't see the cocky Peter Green turning down that future, but that's why I'm asking you Jeremy. :shrug:

From what I gathered in the Peter Green BBC documentary, you stayed in touch with Peter long after he left FM. Is this correct? Do you still see, or speak with him today? Actually that's four. :o


I just went back and re-read your Q&A from 6/99 just to make sure I didn't ask a previously answered question. You mentioned interaction with Mick and John, but not Peter.

Okay, this is for the record for all concerned pre-Rumours ledgies!
Like Muddy Waters said: "You can ask me any question you like , just don't ask me what I think about the Rolling Stones."
And like Scotty Moore said (guitarist with Elvis in the early days) 'Don't ask me about Elvis'!"
Or even Joanne Woodward: "Don't ask me: 'What is it like to live with Paul Newman?"
Same here: "Don't ask me about PG! As John McVie said, "I'm 'petered out' on the subject."
Sorry, but that is the case for me, too. Whether it is ego or not on my part, I don't really care. I understand your and many other's interest in this subject, but after almost forty years of being quizzed on PG, I am burned out! Ask me about me and the other FM guys with whom I am acquainted and I am more than happy to answer. (Maybe I won't be getting so many questions in that case! :))
Jeremy.

[jeremy spencer]

Jeremy, what what do you most miss of the band or those days?


...playing with them largely as good musicians and their company as friends.

[vivfox]

What makes you ask this question, Viv? Do you suspect something? And if so, who would it have been? Understand that I don't mean this badly, I think your question is valid coming from someone who would be curious, and I certainly don't take any offence.
Jeremy.

Interestingly enough tonight as I was folding my laundry I was thinking about this question I had asked you and was wondering why you were not answering me and at the same time I was thinking it, you were asking ME a question. How cool huh?

I would guess that it was Mick you were angry with or maybe Christine. It just never made any sense to me that you would just vanish on them like you did.

I had a boyfriend once who was always saying he was gonna commit suicide. He always said he would do it on the front lawn of his fathers house. You see he was really always angry with his dad for reasons one cannot fathom. He wanted to punish his father, but who really loses in a situation like that?

Thank you for saying I did not offend you with my question as I was beginning to think I did because you never answered me. You answered my question with a question. Any chance you want to answer my original question now?

[slipkid]

Okay, this is for the record for all concerned pre-Rumours ledgies!
Like Muddy Waters said: "You can ask me any question you like , just don't ask me what I think about the Rolling Stones."
And like Scotty Moore said (guitarist with Elvis in the early days) 'Don't ask me about Elvis'!"
Or even Joanne Woodward: "Don't ask me: 'What is it like to live with Paul Newman?"
Same here: "Don't ask me about PG! As John McVie said, "I'm 'petered out' on the subject."
Sorry, but that is the case for me, too. Whether it is ego or not on my part, I don't really care. I understand your and many other's interest in this subject, but after almost forty years of being quizzed on PG, I am burned out! Ask me about me and the other FM guys with whom I am acquainted and I am more than happy to answer. (Maybe I won't be getting so many questions in that case! :))
Jeremy.


I sorry if I asked you the 20,000th question. I regret the question. I crossed "the line" and I was wrong, yet I didn't know how wrong I was until now. I'll go back to listening to my Beatles' remasters. BTW I think Joanne Woodward loved to live with Paul Newman since she did until he passed away! Scotty Moore directly influenced every guitar player through George Harrison, and beyond. I'm probably sure Muddy Waters resented the Rolling Stones. Though his backing band loved to watch your band with that certain person onstage!


Here is my real question: How are you?

[sharksfan2000]

Hi Jeremy - here's a question for you. One thing that strikes me when I listen to recordings of your live performances - from back in your Fleetwood Mac days to more recently, you always sound like you're having a great time onstage (and I hope I'm right about that!). :) Is there any one of your live performances from over the years that stands out as being the most memorable or your favorite?

[jeremy spencer]

I sorry if I asked you the 20,000th question. I regret the question. I crossed "the line" and I was wrong, yet I didn't know how wrong I was until now. I'll go back to listening to my Beatles' remasters. BTW I think Joanne Woodward loved to live with Paul Newman since she did until he passed away! Scotty Moore directly influenced every guitar player through George Harrison, and beyond. I'm probably sure Muddy Waters resented the Rolling Stones. Though his backing band loved to watch your band with that certain person onstage!


Here is my real question: How are you?

On the Joanne Woodward thing, Of course she loved living with him, a beautiful example of sticking together. But I recently read a very interesting Writers' Handbook article on giving interviews in which this woman said that she had snagged one of the rarest and most in depth, candid interviews with Joanne Woodward because she didn't pop the 20,000th question!
Anyway, how are you?

[michelej1]

On the Joanne Woodward thing, Of course she loved living with him, a beautiful example of sticking together. But I recently read a very interesting Writers' Handbook article on giving interviews in which this woman said that she had snagged one of the rarest and most in depth, candid interviews with Joanne Woodward because she didn't pop the 20,000th question!
Anyway, how are you?

No, they didn't like talking about each other or their private lives, in general. Even the most innocuous comments could become invasive left to the press, so it was better for them to make as few as possible. I remember once Newman was talking about fidelity and said why go out for hamburger when you've got steak at home. They asked Woodward for her response and she said she didn't like being compared to meat, favorably or unfavorably. Period.

Additionally, the media is never satisfied and likes to tread most in the very areas that should be honored as off limits (i.e. Scott Newman's death). So, don't give an inch, if you aren't ready to lose a foot.

Michele

[Evan Morris]

Let me start by thanking you for taking the time to answer questions on this site, your contibutions are always interesting and informative.

My question is regarding the "Vaudville" portion of your performances, when you would wear the gold suit, etc.. Do you know if any of those performances were filmed? Mick Fleetwood once mentioned that it was a shame that very little film of the Earl Vincent style shows has ever surfaced. I am sure that many would like to have been there to see you rockin the house the way you could, but with the lack of film from this period, we can only imagine.

Best Regards,

Evan

[doodyhead]

Dear Jeremy

Regarding "Stranger Blues"

I really like your presentation of this song. What was your influence for this one. I have seen Brownie and Sonny doing it and I like the way they do it but you seem to take it in a slightly different direction. Who inspired you for your version?

vinnie c

[slipkid]

On the Joanne Woodward thing, Of course she loved living with him, a beautiful example of sticking together. But I recently read a very interesting Writers' Handbook article on giving interviews in which this woman said that she had snagged one of the rarest and most in depth, candid interviews with Joanne Woodward because she didn't pop the 20,000th question!
Anyway, how are you?

Actually I didn't think I was asking the 20,000th question, that would be "Why did you leave Fleetwood Mac on a moments notice?"

If you want to compare this to Newman/Woodward, Scotty Moore, and Muddy Waters, the above is the first question they would ask you. So is that question less grating to you than one about what Peter Green could've been without drugs? I have to admit, you caught me off-guard with that response. Well done! :thumbsup:

You appeared to be very open in the "Man of the World" documentary about the subject. You answered Peter Green related questions on this forum's Q&A ten years ago. I guess I struck a nerve, no problem. Hypothetical questions aren't your thing, that's fine.


If you want to know my initial question before I changed it was at the 30,000th level. "Why did you feel you could not support the band as a guitarist during Peter's songs?" How original, I know. I've read you answer, cheers.

[jeremy spencer]

Dear Jeremy

Regarding "Stranger Blues"

I really like your presentation of this song. What was your influence for this one. I have seen Brownie and Sonny doing it and I like the way they do it but you seem to take it in a slightly different direction. Who inspired you for your version?

vinnie c

Elmore James' version, and recently when performing it , mixed with his version of Rollin' n' Tumblin' because of its interesting latin rythm (both recorded in 1960 or thereabouts).

[jeremy spencer]

Actually I didn't think I was asking the 20,000th question, that would be "Why did you leave Fleetwood Mac on a moments notice?"

If you want to compare this to Newman/Woodward, Scotty Moore, and Muddy Waters, the above is the first question they would ask you. So is that question less grating to you than one about what Peter Green could've been without drugs? I have to admit, you caught me off-guard with that response. Well done! :thumbsup:

You appeared to be very open in the "Man of the World" documentary about the subject. You answered Peter Green related questions on this forum's Q&A ten years ago. I guess I struck a nerve, no problem. Hypothetical questions aren't your thing, that's fine.


If you want to know my initial question before I changed it was at the 30,000th level. "Why did you feel you could not support the band as a guitarist during Peter's songs?" How original, I know. I've read you answer, cheers.


Hi again Slipkid. Just to clarify, it's not that I never want to answer questions about Pete, I hope you understand! As you said, I've done interviews and spoken freely about him. I even got together with Mick and John in Hawaii for the interviews for the Man of the World doc. And they took hours of footage, by the way, a lot of it wasn't used!
Although I hope I don't have to much if any more of those, my reaction was more in the context of this blog being Viv Fox's question to the Ledgies.

About not playing regular back up guitar behind Pete? I just didn't feel confident enough, even though he asked me to.

[jeremy spencer]

Interestingly enough tonight as I was folding my laundry I was thinking about this question I had asked you and was wondering why you were not answering me and at the same time I was thinking it, you were asking ME a question. How cool huh?

I would guess that it was Mick you were angry with or maybe Christine. It just never made any sense to me that you would just vanish on them like you did.

I had a boyfriend once who was always saying he was gonna commit suicide. He always said he would do it on the front lawn of his fathers house. You see he was really always angry with his dad for reasons one cannot fathom. He wanted to punish his father, but who really loses in a situation like that?

Thank you for saying I did not offend you with my question as I was beginning to think I did because you never answered me. You answered my question with a question. Any chance you want to answer my original question now?

So, to answer your question, Viv. I have stated in many interviews that my decision was nothing to do with them as people or friends. I know it was by far not the best way to have done it, but I don't think I could have made the break unless it was that drastic.
I asked God many times over the following years to give them back fame and fortune that would far surpass what they had ever had or lost. Within three or four years they were the biggest band in the world, with no help from me but my prayers.
Hope that answers your question sufficiently, Viv!

[vivfox]

So, to answer your question, Viv. I have stated in many interviews that my decision was nothing to do with them as people or friends. I know it was by far not the best way to have done it, but I don't think I could have made the break unless it was that drastic.
I asked God many times over the following years to give them back fame and fortune that would far surpass what they had ever had or lost. Within three or four years they were the biggest band in the world, with no help from me but my prayers.
Hope that answers your question sufficiently, Viv!

Dear Jeremy,
That was a very touching and beautiful answer to my question.
Again, tonight while doing laundry, I wondered why you were answering all the other questions and not mine, and again you were answering me at the same time I was thinking about you.
Also have you noticed how many people have read this thread since I asked you? It's so nice to see all the interest in your career, which is thanks to the fact that you were once a member of Fleetwood Mac.
You may have also noticed myself and other members have posted various articles and interviews and concert reviews of your recent performances as well?

On behalf of myself and everyone here I would like to thank you for gracing us with your presence. I consider it a great honor conversing with you!


All My Respect, Viv

[slipkid]

Jeremy,

While you were in FM, did you get along with the British band clique? Or did you make friends with some American band members? I know about Janis, are there others? I should've asked this question several days ago.

[bretonbanquet]

Hi Jeremy, it's great to read your answers to these questions, straight from the horse's mouth :)

I have a question about something I read somewhere a while ago - in a book, I think. Did Danny have a bit of a "get-together" with Janis Joplin at one point? I read that he was a bit intimidated by her, and you and the rest of the boys thought it was hilarious. I always thought it was pretty interesting but of course it may have been exaggerated or just made up. Do you remember anything about that? Cheers :)

[chriskisn]

Actually if I was to ask Jeremy Spencer one question it would be, are we going to get a new album soon????

[jeremy spencer]

Hi Jeremy - here's a question for you. One thing that strikes me when I listen to recordings of your live performances - from back in your Fleetwood Mac days to more recently, you always sound like you're having a great time onstage (and I hope I'm right about that!). :) Is there any one of your live performances from over the years that stands out as being the most memorable or your favorite?

There were some places that were more inspiring to play than others in Fleetwood Mac because of the audiences.
Recently, I have thoroughly enjoyed playing in Norway because of their blues appreciation.
Fitzgeralds in Chicago, Bamfest in Wiconsin and Suwalki in Poland last year were a blast, and recently Reggie's in Chicago and Callahan's in Detroit.
Even though I don't strictly or even consciously 'play to please', it largely depends on the audiences; it's always good when they're appreciative.

[jeremy spencer]

Actually if I was to ask Jeremy Spencer one question it would be, are we going to get a new album soon????

The only thing in the works is a possible release of the live show from Sliperihallen in Norway two years ago. It is proposed to go out on the Bluestown label for Scandinavian distribution. Glad you're interested, Chriskisn!

[chriskisn]

The only thing in the works is a possible release of the live show from Sliperihallen in Norway two years ago. It is proposed to go out on the Bluestown label for Scandinavian distribution. Glad you're interested, Chriskisn!

Always interested! Let us know if the album does go ahead, there are those of us on here that will scour the net trying to find a copy!

[sharksfan2000]

Always interested! Let us know if the album does go ahead, there are those of us on here that will scour the net trying to find a copy!
Yes, lots of us here are interested!

[vivfox]

Hey Ledgies! Strike while the iron is hot! You've got Jeremy's attention so let's see the questions.

<a href="http://s220.photobucket.com/albums/dd169/cielosharon/?action=view&current=1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd169/cielosharon/1.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

[dansven]

Hi Jeremy! :wavey:

One question from me:
When the three songwriters in Fleetwood Mac (You, Danny and Peter) had written a new song, how did you present it to the rest of the band?
Did you use to bring a home made demo? Or did you play it yourself alone for the
others to listen to?

And what about the arrangement of the songs? Was it a collective process with input from all member, or had the songwriter usually worked it all out before presenting it to the rest of the band?

All the best,
Daniel

[BklynBlue]

Hello Jeremy,

I realize the unfairness in asking you to recall events of forty years earlier, but I was curious if you have any recollection of approximately when 'Teenage Darlin'' was added to the set lists?

The first available full performance of the number currently available is from a January 1970 show at the Fillmore West -

However (there is always an however...), during a show from Den Haag from February 28th 1969, (it is in circulation as being from April of that year but that is incorrect), after a terrific version of 'Blue Suede Shoes', John McVie seems to be playing the bass line of 'Teenage Darling' as the audience wildly applauds that last number.

'Teenage Darling' does not get played, the next song is 'Twist and Shout', (which also remains unheard again until that same 1970 show at the Fillmore)

Would you remember if 'Teenage Darling' was being played as early as February of '69, or was it not introduced until much later?

Again, perfectly understandable if you do not remember - just an itch I was hoping you might be able to scratch



thanks

[Karl-Heinz]

Dear Jeremy,

as I understand it, reading some of your interviews, you didn't like most of the music of FM's contemporaries, Are there any exceptions from that era that you like to listen to?

[jeremy spencer]

Hello Jeremy,

I realize the unfairness in asking you to recall events of forty years earlier, but I was curious if you have any recollection of approximately when 'Teenage Darlin'' was added to the set lists?

The first available full performance of the number currently available is from a January 1970 show at the Fillmore West -

However (there is always an however...), during a show from Den Haag from February 28th 1969, (it is in circulation as being from April of that year but that is incorrect), after a terrific version of 'Blue Suede Shoes', John McVie seems to be playing the bass line of 'Teenage Darling' as the audience wildly applauds that last number.

'Teenage Darling' does not get played, the next song is 'Twist and Shout', (which also remains unheard again until that same 1970 show at the Fillmore)

Would you remember if 'Teenage Darling' was being played as early as February of '69, or was it not introduced until much later?

Again, perfectly understandable if you do not remember - just an itch I was hoping you might be able to scratch



thanks

I could have played this number as early as February 69. Depends on when my first solo album was released. I forget exactly. I would have performed it after that.

[jeremy spencer]

Dear Jeremy,

as I understand it, reading some of your interviews, you didn't like most of the music of FM's contemporaries, Are there any exceptions from that era that you like to listen to?

True, Karl. Although I earnestly desired some, I was hard pressed to find anything current I liked, ( and we were handed stacks of releases for free from the record labels!). That's why I went for the 50's.
I liked Neil Young's 'After the Goldrush', however, and some contemporary country stuff from that time, but that music was anathema to the hippie movement! Merle Haggard, Don Gibson and Loretta Lynn etc!

[holidayroad]

Hi Jeremy! One question only.........if you were asked, would you rejoin Fleetwood Mac now?

[jeremy spencer]

Hi Jeremy! One question only.........if you were asked, would you rejoin Fleetwood Mac now?

If I was asked? No.

[chriskisn]

Hi Jeremy! One question only.........if you were asked, would you rejoin Fleetwood Mac now?

Better still, how about joining the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band...now that I would want to see!

[jeremy spencer]

Better still, how about joining the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band...now that I would want to see!

Because I would be more or less obliged to tread mostly old ground.

[greenmanastrat]

Because I would be more or less obliged to tread mostly old ground.

Hola Jeremy!

Listened to wat i can of your recent material and from what i´ve heard i prefer it to your stuff with FM. Your obvious passion still shines through but i´m hearing a lot more sophistication for want of a better word....so im looking forward for anything new coming.

Well my question if poss, did you ever get the chance to jam with jimi hendrix or clapton? :D

[jeremy spencer]

Hola Jeremy!

Listened to wat i can of your recent material and from what i´ve heard i prefer it to your stuff with FM. Your obvious passion still shines through but i´m hearing a lot more sophistication for want of a better word....so im looking forward for anything new coming.

Well my question if poss, did you ever get the chance to jam with jimi hendrix or clapton? :D

What better compliment can you pay to a musician in his early sixties who feels his best is yet to come?
To answer your question, I never jammed with Jimi, but after playing at a London press conference in 67, he came up to me and told me I had the right thing for Elmore James that other cats didn't. That was quite the encouragement! Eric? Pete was jamming with him at a rehearsal in Boston and he asked me if I wanted to join in. I declined out of fear and intimidation, and Joe Walsh took my place!
Anyway, thanks,
Jeremy.

[greenmanastrat]

What better compliment can you pay to a musician in his early sixties who feels his best is yet to come?
To answer your question, I never jammed with Jimi, but after playing at a London press conference in 67, he came up to me and told me I had the right thing for Elmore James that other cats didn't. That was quite the encouragement! Eric? Pete was jamming with him at a rehearsal in Boston and he asked me if I wanted to join in. I declined out of fear and intimidation, and Joe Walsh took my place!
Anyway, thanks,
Jeremy.

Cheers Jeremy, awesome to have questions answered by a genuine legend of blues!

Im feeling cheeky and i would like you to have a listen to some songs i made if you can get the chance :thumbsup:
http://www.reverbnation.com/leewymer

[Hitch]

Jeremy,

I'm curious about the writing of the original songs on Precious Little. In the notes, you mentioned that the title track had been recently written, and the melody for Maria de Santiago had been written seven years earlier. Is there any other information you can share on how and/or when the songs on the album were written?

Do you currently write songs regularly?

P.S.
I attended the slide guitar workshop at the Chicago blues festival and the earlier Fitzgerald's show, and very much enjoyed both of them.

[jeremy spencer]

Jeremy,

I'm curious about the writing of the original songs on Precious Little. In the notes, you mentioned that the title track had been recently written, and the melody for Maria de Santiago had been written seven years earlier. Is there any other information you can share on how and/or when the songs on the album were written?

Do you currently write songs regularly?

P.S.
I attended the slide guitar workshop at the Chicago blues festival and the earlier Fitzgerald's show, and very much enjoyed both of them.

There was a lot to answer, Hitch! But I appreciate your interest. Did I meet you there?
Actually 'Maria' temporarily had lyrics before about a totally different subject, which I was not satisfied with, so to my mind it was definitive when it changed to be about the saint . The liner notes of Precious Little covered the writing of "Psychic Waste' and "Serene Serena" I believe. "Many Sparrows" I wrote in England in 2001 and 'Bitter lemon' I wrote just before doing the 'In Session' video/CD a couple of months prior to recording 'Precious'.
'Trouble and Woe' I wrote with a piano playing friend while doing the 2000 Indian concert.
I have a few songs in the works, I just have to get down to business and finish them! It's often a lyrical issue. If you are a praying man, please do so for my lyrical laziness!
Sincerely, Jeremy.

[Hitch]

Jeremy,

Thanks for the information on the songs.

“Did I meet you there?”
No, I didn't have the opportunity to meet you, but again, really enjoyed the performances.

“If you are a praying man, please do so for my lyrical laziness!”
I'll see what I can do! Both for you and for those of us who look forward to hearing more of your work.

Best regards,
Hitch

[Alan Olson]

Jeremy,
Question for you.... When an Original Fleetwood Mac album is released like the Shrine 69 concert from Dinky Dawson or The BBC Sessions, or any of the other 'unreleased recording sessions' that have been released to the public in the past 10+ years or so, are you ever asked about your material that is to be included? Do you have any input into which of your songs are used?
-Al

[bretonbanquet]

And related to the above question - do you get proper royalties from these collections of old material? Sometimes it doesn't seem all that clear who owns the music. I'd like to think that when I buy this stuff, the musicians still see the benefit.

[Moz]

How many of your concerts, both solo and with Fleetwood Mac, have been filmed? I've seen some old black and white clips of Albatross, etc. but I can't recall seeing anything else.

Also, what happened to the gold lame suit? ;)

[jeremy spencer]

Jeremy,
Question for you.... When an Original Fleetwood Mac album is released like the Shrine 69 concert from Dinky Dawson or The BBC Sessions, or any of the other 'unreleased recording sessions' that have been released to the public in the past 10+ years or so, are you ever asked about your material that is to be included? Do you have any input into which of your songs are used?
-Al

In answer to your question, nope! :)

[jeremy spencer]

And related to the above question - do you get proper royalties from these collections of old material? Sometimes it doesn't seem all that clear who owns the music. I'd like to think that when I buy this stuff, the musicians still see the benefit.

Royalties on stuff like this? Nope.

[macpai]

Jeremy, thanks so much for answering all these questions. It's really a treat.

I'm very much enjoying In Session and I'll just keep out forking out the dough as long as you keep releasing!

Do you have a trinket or anything you treasure from your days with FM? That seemed to be a long time before the likes of eBay, but I was wondering if you held on to anything the way I like to clutch to my own memorabilia.

paige-

[bretonbanquet]

Royalties on stuff like this? Nope.

That's a shame, but somehow I'm not surprised :( At least it gives people pleasure though, and hopefully it serves to turn people on to music that DOES earn you royalties :)

[BklynBlue]

Hello again, Mr. Spencer,

This has always bugged me, because it seems that whenever there is piano heard on a BBC recording of the band during the Green era, it is automatically assumed it must have been Christine McVie playing.
There are maybe a couple of BBC sessions where Christine McVie is listed as having been part of the session - yet, I can hear no evidence of her presence on any of the available recordings - the few tracks featuring piano on the sessions is demonstrably you -
That would seem to settle the question except for the fact that there is always at least one track from each of the sessions which are not available, leaving open the (imho,slight) possibility that she may have played on that particular missing track -

So my question to you is, Do you have any memory of Christine ever having joined the band (prior to Green's leaving) for any BBC sessions?

Also, do you have any recollection of you, alone, having played with Alexis Korner, backing Duster Bennett on his instrumental, "Hot Roddin'" for a BBC session? The session in question was from March of 1969. (one of those Christine is said to have played on) There is no piano on this track, you would have been on guitar, along with Korner, but the poor quality of the bootleg makes distinguishing the guitar work rather difficult, and it just struck me as surprising that you, who have often stated that you were not always keen on "sitting in" would have done so on this occasion.

There is also another recording where both you and Green back Alexis Korner, singing Leadbelly's "Good Morning Blues"; you are on piano and Green is on guitar. I have not been able to find a listing anywhere for this particular track.
The obvious answer would be that it was recorded during the same session as the Bennett track above, only that was done for Symonds on Sunday, and the DJ who speaks to Green and Korner on this "mystery" track is Brian Matthews.

Any idea at all? I do realize that this was forty years ago and probably just an impromptu session done for the radio.

thanks as always

[ash1]

according to the bbc database this track was recorded 17 march 1969 and is one of the few tracks they actually kept. wish they'd put it on live at the bbc. it's not on any of the tapes i have. any chance you could torrent it or similar ? It's credited to peter green, jeremy spencer and alexis korner and timed at 3mins 30 seconds.
just for the record here's the complete entry for fleetwood mac of surviving appearances still held by the beeb.


Fleetwood Mac A Mind Of My Own 2'57" 27.08.68
Fleetwood Mac Albatross 2'45" 09.10.68
Fleetwood Mac Although The Sun Is Shining 2'25" 06.10.69
Fleetwood Mac Baby Don't You Want To Go 3'08" 09.10.68
Fleetwood Mac Blues With A Feeling 2'45" 10.03.69
Fleetwood Mac Coming your Way 2'25" 10.06.69
Fleetwood Mac Crazy About You Baby 3'10" 10.11.70
Fleetwood Mac Down At The Crown 3'10" 10.11.70
Fleetwood Mac Dragonfly 2'20" 05.01.71
Fleetwood Mac Hang On To A Dream 2'57" 09.10.68
Fleetwood Mac Heavenly 2'30"
Fleetwood Mac I Can't Believe You Wanna Leave 3'20" 06.10.69
Fleetwood Mac Jumping At Shadows 3'35" 10.06.69
Fleetwood Mac Leaving Here Blues 3'50" 27.04.70
Fleetwood Mac Like Crying, Like Dying 2'33" 09.10.68
Fleetwood Mac Linda 2'20" 10.06.69
Fleetwood Mac Man Of The World 2'45" 10.04.69
Fleetwood Mac Oh Well 2'25" 06.10.69
Fleetwood Mac Only You 2'50" 27.04.70
Fleetwood Mac Preachin' 3'05" 05.01.71
Fleetwood Mac Preachin' The Blues 1'55" 27.08.68
Fleetwood Mac Purple Dancer 5'20" 24.11.70
Fleetwood Mac Sandy Mary 5'00" 27.04.70
Fleetwood Mac Start Again 4'05" 05.01.71
Fleetwood Mac Station Man 4'10" 24.11.70
Fleetwood Mac Tallahassee Lassie 3'20" 10.03.69
Fleetwood Mac Tell Me All The Things You Do 2'50" 10.11.70
Peter Green/Jeremy Spencer/Alexis Korner Good Morning Blues 3'30" 17.03.69

hope this is useful.

[BklynBlue]

thanks for the list of BBC recordings -

while all evidence points to March 17th, 1969 as the recording date, I have never seen the title "Good Morning Blues" in any reference book or Internet site - if you have seen it listed somewhere I would be very interested in knowing where - I'm not being smart, I am genuinely interested and would like to see what other information the book / site may have

there were supposedly three tracks cut that day at an "All-Star" Jam session after Fleetwood Mac's regular set for "Symonds on Sunday" on March 17th, 1969:

Two were lead by Duster Bennett, "My Shady Little Baby" and "Hot Roddin'"

and one lead by Alexis Korner, "New Worried Blues" - never released (even on bootleg) to the best of my knowledge -

"New Worried Blues" was a completely different song than "Good Morning Blues" so I do not believe it was simply of the wrong title being logged -

And again, while there is no intro or outro by the DJ on "Shady Little Baby", Dave Symonds introduces "Hot Roddin'" and the interviewer heard before "Good Morning Blues" is clearly Brian Matthews - thus my confusion

As to posting a "torrent" - :confused: I'll unfortunately have to leave that to a more tech-savvy Ledge member

[ash1]

hi...for a short time it was possible to access the bbc's database of recordings. this was from the bbc itself. for some reason it disappeared i think towards the end of last year. i saved the information as it contained details for many bands i like and collect like the animals,manfred mann etc. so the info i listed above is actually from the bbc itself. of course they could be wrong (like they were when they destroyed almost all of the 60's recordings by my favourite bands-what a disgrace) but that list is what the bbc holds so i'm not gonna argue with it. why they haven't put it all out is another question and no i've never seen good morning blues listed anywhere which is why i was surprised (and pleased) that it has "escaped" from the archive. if you want i could send you the excerpts from the database i kept.

[ash1]

just had a quick look and the database is up with slightly more info

www.bbcradioint.com/ContentFiles/BBCSessions_catalogue.xls

good morning blues is under peter green

btw new worried blues is circulating. haven't come across years roll along though.

[Norton]

according to the bbc database this track was recorded 17 march 1969 and is one of the few tracks they actually kept. wish they'd put it on live at the bbc. it's not on any of the tapes i have. any chance you could torrent it or similar ? It's credited to peter green, jeremy spencer and alexis korner and timed at 3mins 30 seconds.
just for the record here's the complete entry for fleetwood mac of surviving appearances still held by the beeb.


Fleetwood Mac A Mind Of My Own 2'57" 27.08.68
Fleetwood Mac Albatross 2'45" 09.10.68
Fleetwood Mac Although The Sun Is Shining 2'25" 06.10.69
Fleetwood Mac Baby Don't You Want To Go 3'08" 09.10.68
Fleetwood Mac Blues With A Feeling 2'45" 10.03.69
Fleetwood Mac Coming your Way 2'25" 10.06.69
Fleetwood Mac Crazy About You Baby 3'10" 10.11.70
Fleetwood Mac Down At The Crown 3'10" 10.11.70
Fleetwood Mac Dragonfly 2'20" 05.01.71
Fleetwood Mac Hang On To A Dream 2'57" 09.10.68
Fleetwood Mac Heavenly 2'30"
Fleetwood Mac I Can't Believe You Wanna Leave 3'20" 06.10.69
Fleetwood Mac Jumping At Shadows 3'35" 10.06.69
Fleetwood Mac Leaving Here Blues 3'50" 27.04.70
Fleetwood Mac Like Crying, Like Dying 2'33" 09.10.68
Fleetwood Mac Linda 2'20" 10.06.69
Fleetwood Mac Man Of The World 2'45" 10.04.69
Fleetwood Mac Oh Well 2'25" 06.10.69
Fleetwood Mac Only You 2'50" 27.04.70
Fleetwood Mac Preachin' 3'05" 05.01.71
Fleetwood Mac Preachin' The Blues 1'55" 27.08.68
Fleetwood Mac Purple Dancer 5'20" 24.11.70
Fleetwood Mac Sandy Mary 5'00" 27.04.70
Fleetwood Mac Start Again 4'05" 05.01.71
Fleetwood Mac Station Man 4'10" 24.11.70
Fleetwood Mac Tallahassee Lassie 3'20" 10.03.69
Fleetwood Mac Tell Me All The Things You Do 2'50" 10.11.70
Peter Green/Jeremy Spencer/Alexis Korner Good Morning Blues 3'30" 17.03.69

hope this is useful.


I looked for John Mayall for the time period when Peter Green was with him, and found these :-

John Mayall's Bluesbreakers Leaping Christine 23.01.67
John Mayall's Bluesbreakers Riding On The L And N 23.01.67
John Mayall's Bluesbreakers Sitting In The Rain 23.01.67

According to Christopher Hjort's book Strange Brew, there were several songs recorded for Saturday Club, four of which were prepared for BBC Overseas Transcription Service.

The list is :-
Riding On The L & N
Sitting In The Rain
Dust My Blues
Curly
Top Of the Hill
Leaping Christine

'Curly' was said to have been influenced by Greens encounter with Hendrix 10 days earlier.
The two that did not make it to the BBC Overseas Transcription Service were 'Dust My Blues' and 'Top Of The Hill'.
I wonder what happened to that version of Curly?

[ash1]

curly can be found on john mayall the first five years (boot) over at Pink Roberts site.

[dino]

curly can be found on john mayall the first five years (boot) over at Pink Roberts site.


And there are two BBC versions of Curly.

[ohwell]

You guys know anything about the song 'Dead Shrimp Blues'? Also BBC.

http://halsprogressiverockblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/unreleased-gems-from-bbc-archives-vol-1.html

[ash1]

dead shrimp blues is a Robert Johnson song rec. 27 may 68 and broadcast on top gear june 2 1968. it has appeared on a number of boots.
Dino's right- curly was recorded twice,first for saturday club on 23 jan 67 and again on feb 3 1967 for the bbc world service show Rhythm and Blues broadcast 27 feb 67

[sharksfan2000]

dead shrimp blues is a Robert Johnson song rec. 27 may 68 and broadcast on top gear june 2 1968. it has appeared on a number of boots.
Dino's right- curly was recorded twice,first for saturday club on 23 jan 67 and again on feb 3 1967 for the bbc world service show Rhythm and Blues broadcast 27 feb 67
Anyone know which of the two "Curly" recordings is from which session? One has John Mayall on rhythm guitar while the other does not. And as I recall, Peter uses a fuzzbox on the recording that includes Mayall on guitar - so perhaps that's more likely to be the later session?

[jeremy spencer]

Hello again, Mr. Spencer,

This has always bugged me, because it seems that whenever there is piano heard on a BBC recording of the band during the Green era, it is automatically assumed it must have been Christine McVie playing.
There are maybe a couple of BBC sessions where Christine McVie is listed as having been part of the session - yet, I can hear no evidence of her presence on any of the available recordings - the few tracks featuring piano on the sessions is demonstrably you -
That would seem to settle the question except for the fact that there is always at least one track from each of the sessions which are not available, leaving open the (imho,slight) possibility that she may have played on that particular missing track -

So my question to you is, Do you have any memory of Christine ever having joined the band (prior to Green's leaving) for any BBC sessions?

Also, do you have any recollection of you, alone, having played with Alexis Korner, backing Duster Bennett on his instrumental, "Hot Roddin'" for a BBC session? The session in question was from March of 1969. (one of those Christine is said to have played on) There is no piano on this track, you would have been on guitar, along with Korner, but the poor quality of the bootleg makes distinguishing the guitar work rather difficult, and it just struck me as surprising that you, who have often stated that you were not always keen on "sitting in" would have done so on this occasion.

There is also another recording where both you and Green back Alexis Korner, singing Leadbelly's "Good Morning Blues"; you are on piano and Green is on guitar. I have not been able to find a listing anywhere for this particular track.
The obvious answer would be that it was recorded during the same session as the Bennett track above, only that was done for Symonds on Sunday, and the DJ who speaks to Green and Korner on this "mystery" track is Brian Matthews.

Any idea at all? I do realize that this was forty years ago and probably just an impromptu session done for the radio.

thanks as always

Hello BB,
Sorry for the late reply, I was starting to forget the title of this thread! ;)
I have no recollection of Christine showing up for any of those early BBC recordings, but she was of course present for a couple of them before I left when she had joined the band.
As far as the Alexis Korner session, I have no recollection of that either. I did play slide on a Duster Bennet track which I believe was for that show, which we recorded quickly while he was waiting for Pete to show up.
Sorry I can't be more of a help.

[BklynBlue]

Always a thrill to have you here, whenever you can stop by

The slide on "Shady Little Baby" is just sublime - the playing has an almost Robert Johnson feel to it - beautiful

Thank you also for clarifying the question of whether or not Christine Perfect had played on the early Fleetwood Mac BBC sessions - I never understood why she would have, but all the books and liner notes list her on certain sessions and that information, incorrect or not, just gets repeated, with each iteration citing a previous "incorrect" listing as source - never checking for themselves

There is a complete "hidden" history of the band (and your work in particular) to be found mining the BBC sessions - it really is worth the effort to get past the surface noise and speed fluctuations to hear it - the concert bootlegs have their revelations also, but the BBC sessions deserve a wider audience