Punk Roots and Rock Legends: Insights from guitarist Chris Spedding

In this episode, Danny is joined by Chris Spedding, one of the most versatile and well-respected guitarists in the world. As a singer, he had a hit in 1975 with Motorbikin´, produced the Sex Pistols" first recordings and opened for the Rolling Stones in the 1969 Hyde Park concert. Chris has worked with pretty much everyone in music. And most impressively of all, was the Womble with the Flying V. He and Danny discuss his remarkable musical journey from violinist to guitarist, singer, songwriter and producer. Chris´ career has spanned many genres of music including Skiffle, Country & Western, Jazz, punk, rock & roll and the CBGB scene; a career that included headlining the 100 Club Punk Festival and playing with Joan Armatrading, Bryan Ferry, Elton John, Katie Melua and many more. If you can´t get enough of these podcasts, head to https://www.patreon.com/DannyHurst to access my exclusive, member-only, fun-filled and fact-packed history-related videos. KEY TAKEAWAYS Chris grew up in Sheffield and arrived in London in 1961, living in Pimlico, Islington, Canonbury, Baker Street and Wimbledon. He moved to LA in the 70s and New York in the 90s. Chris came back to the UK in part because he was working mainly for Bryan Ferry. From the 1950s Denmark St became home to some of the world´s biggest modern music publishers. In the 70s it was the place to go to buy instruments. The Rolling Stones recorded their first album on Denmark St. Chris started his career playing country music on US Air Force bases, in the UK. BEST MOMENTS “At the time, it was much sexier to have a guitar than a violin .” “Having played with some orchestral members, they're just as bad as the rock and rollers.” “That was quite depressing seeing so many of the old music shops empty.” “I was in New York, interesting times.” “I used to love Amy Winehouse.” EPISODE RESOURCES http://www.chrisspedding.com https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Spedding Motorbikin´- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Juz4W9yEYA Toc H - https://tochcentenary.wordpress.com/2021/03/16/the-headquarter-buildings-of-toc-h HOST BIO Historian, performer, and mentor Danny Hurst has been engaging audiences for many years, whether as a lecturer, stand-up comic or intervention teacher with young offenders and excluded secondary students. Having worked with some of the most difficult people in the UK, he is a natural storyteller and entertainer, whilst purveying the most fascinating information that you didn't know you didn't know. A writer and host of pub quizzes across London, he has travelled extensively and speaks several languages. He has been a consultant for exhibitions at the Imperial War Museum and Natural History Museum in London as well as presenting accelerated learning seminars across the UK. With a wide range of knowledge ranging from motor mechanics to opera to breeding carnivorous plants, he believes learning is the most effective when it's fun. Uniquely delivered, this is history without the boring bits, told the way only Danny Hurst can. CONTACT AND SOCIALS https://instagram.com/dannyjhurstfacebook.com/danny.hurst.9638 https://twitter.com/dannyhurst  https://www.linkedin.com/in/danny-hurst-19574720