The Zone
The Zone Online Magazine
An Interview with Gary Walker
2. Before you became well known with The Walker Brothers I read that your toured with with PJ Proby - what was that like?
The first group I was in which made it was The Standells in the USA. PJ was a good friend who would come to the clubs, sing a few tunes and have some beers. When he started to take off and was asked to go to England he asked me if I wanted to go along with him. Funnily enough, it took about two weeks to talk my parents into letting me go because they thought it was too far!
3. When you first met with what would become The Walker Brothers did you all have a sound/style in mind for the band?
The three of us would interchange with various groups in Hollywood, and sometimes I would play with Scott and John because their drummer was sick. We knew each other through the same agent, who was responsible for all of us at that time. We would play the top ten hits in the clubs, and John was the main singer because of his rock style, Scott being the voice for the slow stuff that we did. Phil Spector was just getting well known, and it sent us in that direction – we just added our own thing to it.
4. Where did the name Walker come from?
Walker came from John, whose real name was Maus. People would mispronounce it, so he changed it – Brothers was added by our agent because of the Isley Brothers, Righteous Brothers etc. and they thought it might get us more work in the clubs.
5. After the band became well known how did you find being so popular?
Initially The Beatles started the fan mania and it did take me a while to “get it” and for it to soak in! It got so bad at one stage that when I took my dad to the Tower of London, they had to shut the section we were in once I got recognised.
6. When the band broke up you formed Rain - was it hard to start again after the fame of Walker Brothers?
What I found with The Rain was that I was still very popular as a Walker, and a lot of fans would come to the shows to see me. They would like what we were doing, and in the meantime the others were getting fans of their own.
7. What other projects have you worked on since Rain?
I’ve been writing some music – the best way to describe it is along the lines of film music. I’ve also been in talks with Joey Molland (ex Rain guitarist and ex Badfinger) and John Lawson (ex Rain bass player) about the possibility of Gary Walker and The Rain II. We still have a few tracks that never got released.
8. You are touring soon with Rock 'Til You Drop:
The Fortunes + The Honeycombs + Billie Davis + Wee Willie Harris tour.
Will fans see you behind the drums at anytime on the shows?
We are still waiting for the line-up to be settled, and because of the current climate, everyone’s looking into whether it should go ahead. I will just be talking and doing introductions for this tour, but if we can get it together with The Rain, then I will be playing drums again.
9. Universal have got The Rain CD scheduled for 16 February what will be featured on the album?
Each time I talk to Universal, they seem to be changing the release date around – the main reason for this is because they want to include some of my old songs which were on other labels, and consequently they have been waiting for the go-ahead. Universal have also started a site called Lost Tunes, which is for rarities and had to get material. There is talk they might put us on there too, but we will have to wait and see.
10. What are your plans for the future?
I’m currently working on a book with John about The Walkers, and also doing a lot of things with Dave Cash, the 60s DJ, which will be released later.
11. John Walker tours the UK a lot - are there any plans for you and John to work together in the future recording or touring?
I see John when he comes over here and we have a great time together. There has been quite a bit of interest from Japan about a tour, which would involve The Rain and John – we will have to wait and see what might happen. Of course, if Scott wanted to do something we would only have to work for, say, three months and we’d never need to work again. It would be a lot of fun!
Mike Maxfield of The Dakotas Interview
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The Dakotas were formed in the Manchester / Oldham area, England, in 1960, the name being suggested by a local promoter who wanted the band to dress up as American Indians! The very first line-up comprised Bryn Jones (guitar), Tony Bookbinder (drums), Robin MacDonald (guitar), and Ian Fraser (bass). The band's first gig was in Lees, Oldham, Lancashire. They teamed up with local singer Pete Maclaine and played the club and ballroom venues of northern England, and, in particular, Manchester and Liverpool. Robin and Ian were responsible for the bands choreography, arrangements etc on stage. The band became well known as Manchester's top Band - they were regarded as being more sophisticated than the Liverpool outfits and used echo chamber etc to produce a very professional sound.
By the early 60s the band had turned professional, Bryn Jones was replaced by Mike Maxfield on guitar and Ian Fraser by Ray Jones on bass. A regular gig in Liverpool was the now legendary Cavern Club, where the band were virtually the only Manchester band frequently booked. The Cavern’s DJ, Bob Wooler, said, "I held them up as a role model to the Liverpool groups as they didn’t lark around and were always on time. They were excellent." At this stage, they often shared the bill with the fledgling Beatles. Meanwhile, future Beatles manager Brian Epstein wanted to add local boy Billy J Kramer to his ever increasing stable of stars. Billy's backing band the Coasters didn't want to go full-time, so Brian approached the Dakotas, aware of their instrumental power and professionalism. Epstein had, of course, seen the band at the Cavern. When Brian Epstein asked them to back Billy J Kramer, it was an offer too good to refuse. Sadly, original singer Pete Maclaine was the first casualty of this arrangement. He was, and still is a fine frontman, and despite recording some excellent material, such as the self-penned "Yes I Do" (on Decca), he never hit the charts. Pete continues to perform in the Manchester
During the 70's Billy J Kramer turned to cabaret and it was not until a chance meeting that the Dakotas were reborn in 1989. Original drummer Tony Bookbinder (Mansfield) returned from a lengthy spell in Canada and was introduced by mutual friend and former member of Freddie & Dreamers, Bernie Dwyer, to Manchester musician Eddie Mooney. Eddie had been in various 70s bands including Park Avenue and a later line-up of the Glitter Band, as well as releasing solo records on the TJM label. Tony Bookbinder joined Eddie's band Park Avenue from 1985 until 1987. They discussed the possibility of reforming the Dakotas as early as 1986, rehearsing with original guitarist Robin MacDonald but this project never got off the ground. By the late 80s, it was decided to get the Dakotas back on the road, in order to join the increasingly popular revival of 60s music. After a series of rehearsals and early trial shows, the line-up settled. Mike Maxfield had, since leaving the Dakotas in 1966, been a session musician and very successful producing incidental music for TV. After a gap of 23 years, he was tempted back to the fold, rejoining as guitarist.To complete the line-up, keyboard player Pete MacDonald was added. Pete had been a member of the Iveys, who eventually became 70s stars Badfinger. This was the first time the Dakotas had recruited a regular keyboard player, in order to reproduce a more sophisticated live sound. 
Between 1992 and 1994 the band appeared all over the UK, as well as regular trips to Germany. However, the rigours of touring were taking their toll on Pete MacDonald and following a health scare before a show in Lubeck, Germany, he was replaced in 1994 by session keyboard player and record producer Toni Baker. 
Toni had been keyboard player with Shabby Tiger, who had great singles success in Holland, Denmark and Germany, though surprisingly not in the UK. Their biggest hit "Slow Down" charted over much of europe, reaching number 1 in Holland. This hit was produced by Ben Findon, who also produced hits for Billy Ocean and the Dooleys (whose name features much later in this story). In fact, it is Toni playing the famous keyboard intro to Billy Ocean's massive hit "Love Really Hurts Without You". An Interview with Pete Barton of The Animals
2 Who have you worked with over the years?
3 How did you become the lead singer of The Animals?
4 Spencer Davis has been working with the band on tour how did that come about and how's it going?
Going great sell out shows. I approached Spencer a couple of years ago about joining the band and he accepted5 Are there any plans for the band to return to the recording studio again?
6 Are there any plans to work with Spencer on a new album?
7 How does it feel when in concert to have the people really into what the band are doing on stage and singing along?
8 Are there any plans for a DVD concert in the future?
9 Who are your musical heroes?
10 Are The Animals in your eyes a nolstagic band or are they also a band looking to the future?
11 What are the future plans for you (solo) and The Animals?
An Interview with Ron Dante from The Archies
For The Archies CD Link here
1. I've just found out that The Archies have formed
but for anyone not aware of how it all started, how did you
get invovled with the comic/cartoon group?
I was a studio singer in New York City and had worked for both Don Kirshner and Jeff Barry.
They were the music producers behind the Archies.
One of my friends told me they were auditioning singers for the new Archies Tv show.
I called Don up and he said come over for the audition.
I sang a bunch of different types of voices for them and finally got the job.
I ever recorded a lead vocal that day called Truck Diver which ended up on the first album.
2. Now The Archies were not a really band but I remember
seeing a photo of you and one of the female Archies maybe
taken in the early 70's at a concert so did you want The
Archies to be a real band?
No.
The idea from the beginning was that the singers would not be named and the animated characters would be in the videos.
I was happy just to be involved with what I knew would be a huge hit since both Don and Jeff was hit makers.
4 Now The Archies have formed how did that come about and
who are you working with in the band?
Archie Comics and I met and I came up with the idea of reforming the group with Betty & Veronica doing many of the lead vocals.
Kind of like High School Musical and Hannah Montana meet The Archeis.
I engaged 2 wonderful teens Danielle Van Zyl and Kelly-Lynn to be the voices of Betty & Veronica.
I too will continue to sing the voice of Archie.
4. Will we be seeing any of the female singers from the
late 60's and early 70's return to the line up or
future recordings?
I may have some guest spots for the original singers on the next CD.
5 I see you and the band have recorded a Christmas CD,
what made you want to put together this album as The
Archies?
The Archies had 5 albums out over the years but never a Christmas Album.
I wanted to do one for all the families that loved The Archies so they could play it for their children.
6 Over the years you have been recording under your own
name, you had another hit under The Cufflinks name and
produced many people's records who have you worked with?
I had the pleasure of producing the legendary Barry Manilow, Cher and Pat Benetar among many others.
I was Co-Producer of all the early Manilow hits and I'm curently working with him on his new Best of The Eighties cd.
7 Will you be touring with this line up of The Archies and
will you bring it to England?
Hopefully some promoter will bing my show to the UK.
I hear both Sugar,Sugar and Tracy were huge hits there.
8 Will we see an Official Archies band website
There is a new web site featuring the Christmas album up at
http://www.myspace.com/archiesusa.
9 From what I understand The Cufflinks were also a session
band with you on vocals but there's a semi gigging band
in the UK touring as The Cufflinks though without you, how
does that make you feel?
I'm not pleased that some Bogus Cuff Links band is touring there but I don't want to sue working musicians and leave them out of a job.
They have kids to feed and bills to pay.
10 What are your plans for the future Ron.
I will continue to perform, write an produce music.
An Interview with Toni Baker
An Interview with Toni Baker of The Dakotas
1 What was it about music that first interested you in wanting to get into music?
When I was around 13,one of the 6th formers at school gave an "Illustrated talk on Rhythm & Blues" one wet lunchtime. I was introduced to the sound of people like Chuck Berry, John Lee Hooker, Tommy Tucker etc, and from that moment I knew exactly what I wanted to do with my life!
2 You have been working over the years as a session musician who have you worked with and do you have any favorites?
Billy Ocean, Sheena Easton, Denis Waterman, The Dooleys & Lisa Stansfield are probably the most famous. I'd have to say Billy Ocean was the most amazing singer I've ever been in a studio with - he taught me more about production & getting the perfect "vocal performance" than anyone since!
3 You are a long standing member of The Dakotas how did you become a member?
I'd known Mike Maxfield for many years - we did sessionwork & jingles together- then when the Dakotas got restarted & wanted to move up into a bigger league, he asked me if I'd like the role of keyboard player!
4 You have worked with Peter Kaye with music how did that happen?
Peter got hold of me thru an ad in loot for piano teaching! He wanted to learn to play "Dancing Queen" at his wedding - we got on like a house on fire, but he became too busy to learn - and invited me to co-write all the music with him for his live shows & TV series! Fantastic!
5 You and The Dakotas appeared in an 80's party on Peter Kayes Max and Paddy show, what was that like to shoot?
Like all TV stuff, it was a L-O-N-G day!
We got to play a few songs dressed as 80s characters - Boy George, Dexie, George Michael & Stee Strange! Great outfits & make-up. Then we got to back Peter Kay on "I Guess Why They Call it the Blues" too!
6 Recently Eddie Mooney left to join The Fortunes and Paul Rafferty took his place, what is it like to work with a new singer in the band?
Funny thing is, I'd known Paul for about 25 years as a great vocalist/song-writer/piano player - but never knew he played bass too! Weird! so .... when I found out I asked him if he fancied the gig & he loved the idea .... so to answer your question - EASY PEASY!!
7 What's your plans for The Dakotas for the rest of 2008?
a We need to re-establish ourselves, learn LOTS of new material - the old act was getting a bit tired - & show the audiences we are as good as ever!
8 What main projects are you working on at present?
At the moment, I'm recording/producing an 18 year old girl singer called January (after the Pilot song!) She is absolutely amazing. She responds to every vocal technique I suggest to her. She has an amazing array of vocal styles for one so young & an incredible range... check her out on
www.myspace.com/januaryukI'm also working as musical advisor & routining the kids in TV series "Waterloo Road".
9 The Dakotas over the last three years have been played on my show The Mix at The Zone, will we be hearing new recorded covers and any plans to make new songs?
ABSOLUTELY! We've already done a recording of "She" - the Charles Aznavour ( and Elvis Costello) classic on our myspace! (
www.myspace.com/thedakotas)10 Anything else you would like to tell the readers?
Keep coming to the gigs - without you, there wouldn't BE any gigs! And bring the kids too!
Thanks Toni.
Cheers wayne - catch you soon
Tonil
An Interview with Peter Noone
1 How did Herman's Hermits get together?
We were in all different bands and were brought together by our common
musical influences
Keith hopwood brought hsi country and finger picking style. Lek had chuck
berry. Barry had lek. Karl green had me
We all liked the same kind of music in varying degrees and when we met micky
most it all gelled
2 You have acted many times before what do you enjoy the most acting or
singing/music concerts?
I enjoy acting at concerts. Many people don't know that it is all the same
thing I am not really henry the 8th. That's acting.
3 What was the first thing you noticed that you and the band were becoming
popular in the Sixties?
thought we were more ineresting.
Im into something good
Henry the 8th
5 You continue to tour sussesfuly in the US and have done tours in recent
years in the UK with The dakotas, are there any plans to tour the UK
again?
I am trying to do a uk tour next spring but they are not financially
rewarding so I have to d them for pure fun or to meet wayne fontana for tea
6 Do you have any plans to record new songs again in the future for
release in someway?
No I have recorded all my best stuff
7 On music lists it has been asked could you and others from the original
line up reform one day to tour?
Barry has a band that tours butlins and pontins and lower paying
establishments which he has called herman's hermits, which has sort of
killed any chance of a herman's hemrits tour anywhere other that the usa
financially a disaster, so I doubt it
Go see him then come see my version
8 Do you have still have any ambitions that you hope to reach one day?
I still want to be more rich than I am
9 You appeared on a special called "The British Invasion Returns" could
another concert like this happen again for release on DVD?
I didn't think much of that dvd and I don't think it was flattering to most
of the acts. So I will try to avoid another one.
10 Is there anything you would to say to your fans?
I am fortunate to have an amazing following which I call noonatics
That is my insurance policy and my retirement account and I am a grateful
english subject
Interview with John Walker (Walker Brothers)
I began singing at age 11. At age 15, I was impressed by Ritchie Valens, I formed my first band and started recording at age 16. I played at my high school, record hops and at colleges in the LA area.
I was a big fan of the Beatles because of the music they wrote and how different their records sounded. I was also impressed with the excitement the Rolling Stones could generate.
In America I was impressed with the depth BB King’s music affected me, and of course Ray Charles.
I didn’t become a member of the Walker brothers, I formed the Walker Brothers.
Make It Easy On Yourself because of its lyric content, Stay With Me Baby, because of its Drama!
Just For You was a challenge, I hold myself to a very high standard. Each recording represents the best of my ability at the time. Even though I do not have the luxury of arrangers, producers, large orchestras and the latest exotic studio equipment, I believe my writing, and recording standards are valid.
I love to tour. It’s how I started, playing live is a part of my life.
I’m never sure of my tour schedule.
One never knows what the future will bring.
I can’t answer that one, I doubt it, but who knows.
If I didn’t have ambitions, I would have given up a long time ago. I have a lot more to accomplish and I have only started. There are too many things I wish to complete before I decide to call it day.
Peter Tork
2 You have brought out one solo album at present do have any plans to work on another?
3 I really enjoyed the album's you made with James Lee Stanley, do you have any plans to record together again?
4 On "Stranger things have happened" both Micky Dolenz and Mike Nesmith featured on the song Milkshake, how did this happen?
5 The Media over the years have not always been kind in their words about Monkees reunions and recordings, does that effect you?
6 I saw SSB in Winchester, England in Feb 2007 and to honest it was because you were there.But after the show I was very impressed with the band and bought Cambria Hotel which is a great album which I play on The Zone a lot.Are there any plans to return for another UK tour?
7 How did SSB form?
8 Do you still get a buzz from recording and touring?
9 It's because SSB and The Yardbirds that I've now got more of an interest in the blues , how did you first get into blues music?
10 There's a campaign on the net to get The Monkees into The Rock n Roll Hall of fame started by Monkees fans and from what I hear only one person from the RnR hall is stopping this from happening, how do you feel about the campaign?
11Here's a question that you have never heard before (Laughing) could a Monkees reunion and album ever happen again?
12 Headquarters is one of the best Monkees albums when the band really became a band, why didn't they carry on working together as a band?
13 Are there any plans to bring out a DVD of SSB in concert?
14 Where would you like to take SSB next musically?
15 Do you still have ambitions you want to work on?
Richard Mikuls
An Interview with Richard Mikuls
Richard Mikuls
1 Richard what was it that first interested you in singing and music?
My parents played records constantly when I was a child. They bought and listened to everything from jazz, blues, classical and pop music of the day. This was of course in the 1950's.
2 You have worked with some big names in music which acts did you most enjoy working with?
I have pretty much enjoyed working with all of them. I learned everything I know about music and life from other musicians. Could this be a good thing?
I really learned how to play rhythm guitar from Ike Turner and Tony Maiden. Until I met them, I was pretty much a guy who took solos and didn't play much rhythm.
If I had to pick one artist or group - I would say Rufus (featuring) Chaka Khan. The level of musicianship was very high and most importantly, I have remained close friends with most of them for 30 years.
3 What genes of music do you most enjoy playing?
I like playing all styles of music. By definition, my job as a professional sideman is to be well rounded in all styles. When I have the luxury of playing what I want, it's usually The Blues!
4 Do you have any plans to return to the recording studio to work on solo projects?
Yes! I am slowly putting together a tribute to Jimmy Reed. I'm doing 10 or 12 of my favorite JR songs out of around 40 that I have been recording for the last 7 or 8 years. I'm also writing some new stuff for another solo project.
5 How did you become a member of SSB?
I was brought in as a sub in late 2000, by my childhood friend Tadg Galleran (former harmonica and keyboard player). I joined the band officially in early 2001.
6 Last year you recorded the album Cambria Hotel with SSB, when you first started work on it did you have an idea of how you all wanted the album to develop?
Actually, John Palmer (former drummer) had some great basic ideas for the album and out of those ideas we developed the whole concept. It was important that we show the band has it's own style and that we are not a just a cover band with a guy from the Monkees in it.
Peter and I worked a very long time in post production on Cambria. Looking back, it's more of a Peter/Richard project than anything else.
7 How do Monkees fans react to SSB's own interests and styles of music?
For the most part we win their hearts. Whether they're Monkee fans, or haters, they usually like SSB in the end and are happy with the 5 Monkee numbers we do in our show. I think it's the whole spirit of the thing that comes across. We just try to have a good time with it.
8 What do you enjoy the most about touring and performing?
When we (SSB) are all together in the van, on the road, it's nonstop comedy time. We laugh our way from town to town, show to show. I think that comes through on stage too, as long as no one is injured, or maimed like I was on our last trip to the UK.
It's all about taking the stage and playing the songs.
9 Where would you like to see SSB go next as far as the bands recordings and projects?
Peter and I are writing some stuff for the next album and what the concept is or will be, we don't know yet. We'll just see where the songs take us.
Other than that, we wait for the phones to ring. Where's the show?
Thank you to both Richard and Peter.
Check out their Official website
SSB Myspace page
Richard's Myspace
An Interview with Eric Haydock (Hitmen and Former Hollies)
I was one of the original founder members
we knew we were starting to get popular by the amount of the people that started to turn up at the gigs and follow the band
in order of preference LOOK THROUGH ANY WINDOW , IM ALIVE, I CANT LET GO
I formed my own band called Eric Haydock’s ROCK HOUSE
We have put a new set together, with some of the favourites that we did with THE CLASS OF 64 and some new material, including THE LOVE AFFAIR hits which are very challenging for a bass player
The minute we got together again to rehearse, the fun started and musically we just work off each other so well,
we are always on the look out for new material, and as Ted said before, graham is busy writing original material
ROCK HOUSE had a few releases CUPID MIX FIX I was also a guest on THE COMMITMENTS album TAKE THE MONEY AND RUN
THE MONEY no really it’s the buzz that we get from the audience, they have become like a family, and it’s great when we see everyone at the gigs
keep coming to the gigs, the new CD will be finished soon, check out the new show, it’s fantastic
An Interview with Will Lee
Will Lee is one of the world’s most sought-after session musicians; he has a musical resume that most musicians can only dream of. Throughout his 30 year career he has toured and recorded with the who’s who of the music industry, Sir Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Junior, Barry Manilow, Bee Gees, Cat Stevens, Ricky Martin, Mahria Carey to name but a few. But most people especially Americans will recognize Will Lee for his nightly appearances on ‘The Late Show with David Letterman,’ because Will holds the distinction of playing with Paul Shaffer longer than any other member of the CBS Orchestra.
Lee’s musical intelligence led him to master several instruments, and provides backup vocals even though bass is the instrument he his renewed for.
Q: What was it like growing up in Texas and what kind of music did you listen to back then?
Will Lee: It was cool for me because my Dad and Mom were jazz musicians, so I was exposed to a lot of Charlie Parker, Miles Davis, Cannonball Adderly, Sarah Vaughan and Nancy Wilson. Also, Dad, a great jazz pianist played constantly and Mom would sing around the house and with Dad. Texas was a place of Country music and early Rock and Roll and Baptist church music-a special kind of Gospel. My parents weren't that into it, but my ears were wide open. I was a little wierd- I used to go out in the yard and sing, pacing slowly & dreamily as if I was doing a video or appearing on TV, crooning my little brains out.
Q: How old were you when you discovered you had a musical ability, and what was the first instrument you learned to play?
Wil Lee: I never realized I had any special ability, but I knew I loved the act of trying to make the sounds. I think I had drums first, but my parents sent me to a piano lesson once, which I hated. That was purely and simply because of the teacher's personality. Just like any other subject you're taught, the teacher's attitude can really get you interested in something, or make you wanna bail out altogether!
Q: Where you in bands at school?
Will Lee: Once the Beatles hit, I was off to the races. I was always in at least one or more bands from then on. Scholastically, I was playing trumpet in school for a lot of years, then switched to French Horn, just before college.
Q: Your mother was a singer, what was her reaction when you told her music was all you wanted to do?
Will Lee: She never discouraged me about that. It was kind of subtle how it happened slowly over many years. What started out as a fun, challenging thing to do just kept going and getting more fun and challenging. I never thought twice about 'what to become'.
You have received many awards for being a great bass player (congratulations, it’s well deserved); how old where you when you decided that you where going to make the bass guitar your main instrument?
Will Lee: It's funny-I don't know who's voting, but it ain't me. I'd definitely not vote to have me on the list of greats-there are too many! My decision was made fairly unwittingly, as we (our band of 13-year-olds, The Chances R) were looking for a bassist and couldn't find anyone amongst our age group, so I volunteered!
Q: At what age did you turn professional, and who was it on the music circuit that noticed you had something special to make it within the industry? When did you decide to move to New York?
Will Lee: I had done my first pay music gig at age 12 for six dollars a man, so I guess that's professional, right? Greed must have set in early on, because after that I kept looking to get paid for playing! In our lives we encounter any number of 'angels' that look out for us. There has always been a great deal of support in my direction. I think I may have generated some of it with my enthusiasm, but there was much unwarranted love that came my way. Here's the story about coming to NYC: I was in college in Miami, studying jazz by day and playing rock gigs by night. A band named 'Dreams' was causing a big commotion because of a Columbia LP they had cut under the same name. I and all my Miami muso friends were heavy into this stuff. Out of the blue I get a call one day to come to New York and audition for this band! Those cats didn't realize how into their music I was. Once I got to the audition, I was floating through the process. It was like a dream (no pun intended). I got the gig and never looked back-that was 1971. I was 18.
Q: How did you get involved with session work?
Will Lee: Here's where the angels took over: Dreams was not able to stay afloat past the 2nd album, so the band was folding (everybody on good terms) but I basically had all my eggs in one basket with really no firm grip on the NY scene. I was ready to purchase a one-way ticket back to Miami. However, 2 of the cats who had played with Dreams said to me 'You're not going back to Florida. We're gonna put you up and get you work.' Sure enough, that's exactly what happened. They were heavily connected in the music scene. Their names? Bob Mann & Alan Schwartzberg. Thanks again, my friends!
Q: What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Will Lee: Hard to say. I have so many great moments. Meeting Paul Shaffer, playing Live Aid, playing each year with the inductees as they go into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, writing with my hero Brazilian artist Ivan Lins, getting a lifetime achievement award from Bass Player magazine, playing with George Harrison at Royal Albert Hall, McCartney at The Concert For NYC, having The Fab Faux do well, marrying Sandrine (my wife). It sounds crazy but one of the things that I'll never get over is having my name be listed amongst the greats on the back of The Cavern Club's official t-shirt!!!
Q: You’re the most long-standing member of the world famous CBS orchestra, (from the David Letterman show,) how did you become involved with the CBS/David Letterman show?
Will Lee: It started when the show began at NBC in 1982. I was working with Paul Shaffer on lots of records (Cher, Barry Manilow, my band 'The 24th Street Band', etc.) and we were hanging out a lot as friends. He came to me and said he was bandleader on a new comedy/music/talk show with David Letterman and he wanted the band to play instrumental Motown, James Brown and Beatles as the music for the show and would I be interested in 13 weeks of solid work. Thirteen weeks? I was thrilled to get that much steady work. That sounded like an eternity! Anyway, that was about 25 years ago and it's still going strong.
Q: What is it about the Letterman show you love?
Will Lee: Playing with live musicians, of course, but being able to watch a fun TV show (from the Ed Sullivan Theatre*HELLO*) while doing it is a gas-and-a-half!
Q: Which do you prefer, playing live or studio work?
Will Lee: Each one is great for it's own reasons and benefits the other. I dig playing live because you're performing in front of an audience that's giving you constant feedback. The vibe is strong because of the energy between you and the audience. This gives you something special to bring to the studio, because of all that accumulated inspiration you get from the audience. However, the studio is a much more controlled environment where you can really tweak your sound and perfect your parts while you're in there, and that kind of focus you can't get on stage. Overall, live performance is the most fun!
Q: You’ve worked with some of the biggest legends in showbiz, which sessions have stood out the most for you, and which artist was the most inspiring to work with?
Will Lee: That's a hard one. D'Angelo was fun. Chaka Khan, Phoebe Snow. Having played with (not all 4 guys at the same time) John, Paul, George and Ringo is a blessing. Some of the studio experiences can be quite a calculated effort, so I had would have to say, because of how much fun it is to play live, that maybe playing on Letterman with James Brown was a real big standout.
Q: You obviously write your own songs, who or what inspires you to write?
Will Lee: Emotions are the strongest inspiration to me. It's probably easier to state that which is the biggest enemy of writing for me, and that's self-consciousness.
Q: Which make of guitars do you use?
Will Lee: I like a huge variety. I have Fender Jazz basses, Sadowskys, Pedullah fretlesses. Of course for Beatles music, you have to use Hofner and Rickenbacker, with the occasional Fender VI (six-string guitar with strings an octave lower than normal) and 1966 Fender Jazz bass for some of the songs from the White Album!
Q: One of my favourite records which your featured on is ‘She Bangs’ by Ricky Martin, were you sing 2nd vocal. Can you tell us the story of how the recording came about?
Will Lee: I was called in to sing background vocals, along with some other professional studio singers. After we were done, the producer Walter Afanasieff asked if I would stay around and double the melody. If you listen to that record, you hear a lot of my voice!
Q: One of my favourite records which your featured on is ‘She Bangs’ by Ricky Martin, were you sing 2nd vocal. Can you tell us the story of how the recording came about?
Will Lee: I was called in to sing background vocals, along with some other professional studio singers. After we were done, the producer Walter Afanasieff asked if I would stay around and double the melody. If you listen to that record, you hear a lot of my voice!
Q: How does it make you feel, knowing that your style, techniques, have influenced other artist over the years?
Will Lee: I'm not sure that's true, but I am the same way-I listen to everybody!
Q: Sir Paul McCartney, recently included you among his favourite bassists, how did it feel?
Will Lee: It's more than a great honor to have someone who is that high-up on the influential scale acknowledge your musicianship-it's hard to describe in words, really.
Q: What tips can you give to other up and coming artist, wanting to make it in the music industry, esp. in New York City?
Will Lee: From my own experience I can only say, put your soul into what you are doing, and the rewards begin immediately. By that I mean that the satisfaction of playing is instantaneous, in real time. If you are sincere in your love for what you are doing, I find that it's contageous and people just want more! It doesn't hurt to be in a creative career in a city where culture really thrives. I often imaging being on a farm in Iowa, where the farmer is banging on the door at 4 AM, shouting 'GET UP, BOY! WHAT ARE YOU DOING OVERSLEEPING?' I would say, 'But sir, I play bass real good.' His reply would be, 'HUH? SHUT THE HELL UP AND GRAB A PITCHFORK. YOU GOT WORK TO DO!!'. Being in a city like New York alleviates all that kinda dialogue!
Q: What kind of venues do you play and where can people/fans come and see you?
Will Lee: I play all over. I love playing live and do it often at small places in NYC with people like Chris Parker in his 'Toph-e and The Pussycats' group, or with the Oz Noy trio, or Terry Silverlight's group. Check my homepage www.willlee.com for stuff.
Q: What are your opinions of the music industry of today?
Will Lee: It's changed so much over the years and is still changing rapidly. Don't follow trends. There's too much good stuff out there. Look around, hear samples of music on iTunes for example & checkout different kinds of stuff. Do random searches & surprise yourself. Decide on your own what you like. It's a drag that corporations would dictate what kids listen to, but that's what happens to music these days.
Q: Describe Will Lee’s career to us:
Will Lee: My career is a series of lucky accidents mixed with wrong turns, which led to surprises around every corner, driven by a passionate love for music and nurtured by hard work!
I’d like to thank Will Lee for talking the time out of his busy schedule to talk to me.
Jo Rishton First posted on (The Beat Goes On and On)
Interview with Gramham Pollock
Gramham Pollock former member of Cavern, The Class of 64 and now with The Hitmen/Legends of the Sixties
Picture coming soon.
1 How did you get into music?
I got a guitar for my 10th birthday in 1964 and was blown to bits by "The Beatles", I went to see "A Hard Days Night", 11 times. It was a natural progression to join in with the other guys in my high -rise-block in Glasgow, then form a "group", I was playing in pubs at 16, only a year after I started drinking in them.
2 Please tell us about Cavern?
Cavern was the band that myself, Gary Gibson, John Ward, and big Andy, formed in 1979, we even, briefly had Pete Barton, singer of the Animals and friends on bass when John left.
We got a record deal and released two singles, "No Reason to Cry", and then "It Might As Well Rain Until September". We drifted apart in the mid eighties but I still occasionally work with Gary, who is doing really well.
3 You play keyboards and guitar what got you interested in playing them?
The reason I got into music was the fault of John, Paul George, and Ringo, its their fault. And for the record I don’t really play piano, I know I do on stage but not well.
4 You have worked with Eric haydock in at least three bands that I know of Eric Haydock's X Hollies, 64 and now with Legends, how did you both meet?
I went to a meeting in a pub in Clitheroe with Pete Barton and two other guys, with the intention of forming a new band, and as me and Pete had been working with" Wayne Fontana", it would have been something like "The New Mindbenders", but when I went to the toilet I was followed by a furtive Pete Barton, who told me he`d met "The Hollies" bass player, Eric Haydock, he couldn`t mention in front of the other guys as they weren`t` to be involved, as it happened one of them did get involved, Pete Hughes, so a few days later me and the two Petes went over to Stockport to Erics music shop and met him.
We formed a band called, believed it or not, "The New Mindbenders, featuring Eric Haydock", hows that for clutching at tenuous names. We then became "Eric Haydocks Hollies", then, after our first court order "Eric Haydocks X Hollies", we carried on till 2004 and one day Eric called me and asked if I would be interested in doing a one off 50 date tour with Chip Hawkes, Mick Avery, Eric, me, and Telecaster Ted Tomlin, supporting the "Animals", on their fortieth anniversary tour. Of course I jumped at the offer. The tour was fantastic, we made lots of friends and decided to carry on. We had a great three years, I loved it.
5 After you left the last band and the others followed suit they formed Legends of the Sixties along with Martin lyon, how did you return to working with them again?
I then joined "Hermans Hermits", which really didn`t work out, Ted rung me and offered me the chancein the new band "Legends of The 60s", so I said yes please.
6 I understand that the shows will feature the hits but are there any plans or wishes to record new songs?
I have sent Ted a couple of my songs and he said he liked them so hopefully we might do some original stuff. We used to do one of Chips songs in the `64, set and it always went brilliantly.
7 Ted tells me you write songs, have you recorded any solo work?
I write and record all the time its like my day job. I have lots of finished tracks, its just coming up with a great one.
8 What's it like being back with Ted, Mick and Eric again?
We haven’t done anything yet, but we are getting together soon to record a new C,D, and our first gig is in November, which I'm` really looking forward to. I do enjoy working and socialising with the boys, I haven’t worked with Martin yet but the reports are all good so I hope he likes me.
9 Do you still have goals you want to reach in music?
My ambition is to get one of my own songs in the charts, not by me, but by some young band or anybody. That would be my dream.
I think I`ve said enough good and thank you.
Thanks Graham
Interviewed by Wayne AdderleyInterview with
Telecaster Ted Tomlin
1 Who are The Legends of the 60's?
The legends of the sixties,are Mick Avory from THE KINKS on drums, Eric Haydock founder member of THE HOLLIES on bass, Martin Lyon from LOVE AFFAIR vocals,
2 How did Legends get together?
'The band originally got together as The Class of 64. This year Eric, then Graham, Mick and Myself left to form THE LEGENDS OF THE SIXTIES, with Martin Lyon from LOVE AFFAIR on vocals.'
3 How did you get into music and who have you played with in a band or/and other wise?
I did my first gig at the age of 14- music was then in my blood. I have been very lucky and had a fantastic life in the music business,with the usuall ups and downs. I started off on the local pub circuit, and got my first pro-gig in Copenhagen in the seventies, It was there that I was seen by a Band called SABOTAGE who played all over Europe, After touring Europe, I came back and joined LOVE AFFAIR, who I stayed with for the next 20 years or so. I had short spells away when I played with CHIP HAWKES,
4 Eric and Mick having been with very well known bands in the 60's Eric (The Hollies) and Mick (The Kinks) and now both of them are now members of Legends of the 60's.
Are Legends a nostalgic band or will we be seeing not just the past great songs live in concert but the band looking forward to the future with new songs?
First and formost the band will be playing the hits from THE KINKS, HOLLIES AND LOVE AFFAIR this worked so well in THE CLASS OF 64. Who knows if we get offered an original song, it would be great to do something new, Graham is a very prolific writer if the right song comes up, Or maybe RAY DAVIES could write something for us! he he!!!
5 Graham left what was The Class of 64 before you, Mick and Eric followed suit, today he's playing with you in The Legends of the 60's which is great, how did that come about?
6 I know your working on a forthcoming CD what will be on it?
7 Are there any plans for a UK Tour, I understand that plans are in the works for an Australian Tour?
8 Many bands relating the the Sixties have brought out DVD's, are there any plans to do this?
9 The band have a great website run by Babs in Germany which features both English and German words, what's the address so people can find out more information.
