Thursday, July 25, 2013

British Museum of Popular Music

Here's a little bit more from Ian 'Mac' McLagan, recalling his stay during the 1978 Rolling Stones US tour: "Keith's room was the party room because he liked people around him, and liked to listen to music and get nicely toasted. It was my non-stop rock and roll university. We'd listen, and play, and talk for hours about the music. It was an ongoing education to me, and there was something to learn from each of the Stones.

They had forgotten more about the music they loved than most people ever learn. Bill Wyman had an amazing collection of early rock 'n' roll, blues and folk-blues recordings, and he could answer most questions I'd ask without having to look anything up. Charlie's first love is jazz and he could fill you in on that subject, or point you in the right direction.

Mick and Keith knew about the blues, rock 'n ' roll, rhythm & blues, country and country blues, and Stu knew his boogie-woogie better than anyone. Woody had two older brothers, Art and Ted, who played him Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Louis Armstrong when he was growing up, as well as turning him on to the blues, so being around them all was like having the British Museum of Popular Music reference library at your fingertips.

They were all well-rounded listeners. Well, maybe not Stu. He was more of a purist. With him, there were sharply defined lines that could never be crossed. He had no time for country and western music, and wasn't a particular fan of Elvis or the hill-billy sound, but apart from him, their ears were open, and mine too. I was exactly where I wanted to be with exactly the right people".

Adapted from the following source: Ian McLagan, All The Rage, Pan Books, 2000.

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