Obituary
It seems as if Superlungs may have sung his last, according to a message from a chum on FB. He had been ill for a while, and had cancelled his forthcoming tour, putting also out pleas for crowdfunding to defray medical attention (being domiciled in the U.S., a necessity.
Famous most for allegedly turning down the singing gig for Jimmy Page’s New Yardbirds, and recommending, instead, his old mucker, Robert Plant, he seemed always sanguine with his decision. These days he cut a somewhat eccentric figure, as he toured the smaller venues of here and elsewhere, seemingly incessantly. Often solo, thrashing a battered acoustic guitar, or, as I saw him, with pedal steel accompaniment from B.J. Cole. He had still that howl, not so dissimilar from Percy, and could wake a room, even without a full band behind him.
Seen him a few times in various combinations here in the UK. Sadly not in his absolute ’60s-’70s heyday but he was still a marvellous singer/raconteur.
I was quite an early adopter, I suppose, thanks to a friend who bought his “River” album shortly after it’s release (it flopped without any promotion, as Atlantic’s Ahmet Ertegun, initially enthusiastic, lost faith).
Terry was another of those word-of-mouth artists who seemingly had no real urge to become a “star”.
What a glorious album that is.
Another brother slips away
RIP Terry
Time to give River a long overdue spin
Listened to River fairly recently – fab album and features David Lindley extensively, one of my favourite players.
What an extraordinary voice Terry Reid had
I never saw him play live but I have most of his recorded work and as @Jatgee says time to get River out]
Terry Reid thank you R.I.P.
He was one of those rare artists whose work has always retained the highest standards, and never failed to please.
There’s that fabulously loose and joyous performance of his at Glastonbury Fayre, with Linda Lewis, equally refreshed I think, joining him on the vocals. David Lindley is also there on stage. It’s so full of life and exuberance.
It was once on YouTube but I can’t track it down today. If I find it I’ll post it here.
If you have the movie, check his appearance out, it’s likely the best thing you’ll remember from the entire film, it certainly is for me.
Sad to hear of your passing Terry, thanks for all the wonderful music. Condolences to all friends and family.
It’s on Vimeo.
Thanks Hubes – it’s magnificently hazy isn’t it!
That is really superb. Alan White fantastic on drums too.
The bass player is Lee Miles – also on fire. They are all on absolutely top form, perfectly happy to jam it out and stay sounding tight and of one purpose. Brilliant.
Glad to be of help. I do have the dvd alas packed away. Top hat wearing too, not obviously a top hat but you know what I mean.
Thanks for that Hubert from the days when Glastonbury meant something
Alongside ‘River’ the other album of his worth investigating is ‘Seed of Memory’ produced by Graham Nash. He does seem to have then somewhat squandered his considerable talents and seemingly went under the radar but then maybe that was a deliberate choice.
I’m also quite fond of a later poorly received and more commercial album called ‘The Driver’ which has one of my all time favourite cover versions – 5th of July by Louise Goffin. What a voice the man had
A great performance from Terry, rather swamped by the recording’s typical-of-the-time overproduction.
Agreed @feedback_file.
‘Seed of Memory’ is my favourite TR album. Here’s a lovely version of one of the best tracks by, I think, a somewhat underrated singer:
Have to say I can’t really visualise Terry as Led Zeppelin’s singer. They certainly wouldn’t have sounded anything like they did with R. Plant esq.
The fact that Plant and Bonham came pretty much as a package is definitely a factor too.
Ah, yes: the mighty Zep with Terry on vocals and BJ Wilson on drums – proper “sliding doors” moment.
May Fly, off the self-titled second album, is a gorgeous piece of music.
Love his version of Gimme Some Lovin’ what a voice! … RIP
We celebrated Terry’s career some years ago – the thread is worth a re-read:
Percy Plant on Facebook
Terry Reid’s enthusiasm and encouragement were incredible back then … still teenagers we crashed each others’ gigs and crucified Season of the Witch time and time again … So much fun. So on it. He was all of everything … such charisma.
His voice, his range … his songs capturing that carefree era … Superlungs indeed. He catapulted me into an intense new world he chose to decline … I listen now to his album The River and shed a tear for my brother in arms.
RP
A beautiful tribute, thanks for posting this.
It is lovely.
The Led Zep sliding doors moment is well documented, but Reid had another sliding doors moment at around the same time.
He was Richie Blackmore’s first choice for Deep Purple Mark 2
That, I didn’t know!
Anyone inspired to investigate his music by this outpouring of love and respect can find five of his albums, including some of his very best work, available as one of those ‘Original Album Series’ cardboard slipcase sets for around £15. The dodgers seem to have run out of them at the moment, so others have probably rushed to (re)discover his music.
“River” on vinyl secondhand on Dodgers at a very reasonable £250.
I have a copy of that and will duly lock it safely away!
Okay – I’m going to make a comment that will probably get me banned or at least consigned to the naughty step for a week…..
To this day I still confuse Terry Reid and Terry Riley (the Rainbow in Curved Air Hitmaker). Even though I know it’s wrong, I still automatically think of Rainbow… whenever Terry Reid is mentioned.
No, that was Ronnie James Dio…
I called him Terry Dene earlier. I struggle with the idea of a rock star called Terry to be honest.
That’s probably why he turned down the LedZep opportunity. Out of kindness.
Having a singer called Terry would have blighted them right from the start.
I have an image of James Bolam fronting Zep with a lighted fag a pint of bitter and a withering comment about the state of the world.
Cuddly Rodney Bewes would also have failed to imbue Peter Grant with any discernible sense of menace
Exactly the problem. Or a surly looking Dennis Waterman. Might have worked in The Who maybe.
Phew Rock n Roll.
I could easily see James Bolam fronting The Mighty Fall…
Ah – No Hiding Place from Brian Glover-uh!
Known about him all my life, never got one of his albums until now, the second one (£1).
9 songs, kinda folk / kinda rawk!, the bonus tracks (10-13) are the ones to covet aren’t they?… the 67 and 68 singles… the rest sounds like, unsurprisingly, the Jeff Beck Group, Humble Pie or Led Zeppelin.
Actually the more I listen, yep, OK… I’m off tomorrow to get the complete 60s 2-cd set if it’s still on the shelf of the local shop.
Can’t recommend Seed Of Memory and River highly enough.