Online Chat with Jeremy Spencer
On February 10th Rediff.com
hosted a live chat with Jeremy Spencer for over an hour. Below is the transcript of the
chat.
Jeremy Spencer:
Hi everyone, this is my first online chat so fire away.
leanne:
Jeremy, u broke away from Fleetwood Mac in the early 70's right? what prompted that?
Jeremy, what do you think of Indian contemporary music? (Answer...)
Hey, Jeremy what do old rockers do? (Answer...)
Champagne: I like what I've heard. I've only heard one
cassette, which featured Vande Mataram.
Mr. Spencer, whom do u think is amongst the better guitar players in the world and
why? (Answer...)
What about your music career since then? Don't u think it's unfair that all the
publicity for you here states that u used to be with Fleetwood Mac? (Answer...)
Mr. Spencer, just one question - When are we going to see a North American Tour? Can't
wait to see you but just can't afford the airfare to India.
Farik: Well, I know who I personally like, and that is
Mark Knopfler, of recent guitar players.
Jeremyji: Why did u refuse the getting together of Fleetwood Mac that was supposed to
take place? (Answer...)
Mr Spencer, why is the slide guitar not being used by any of the top of the pop
artists now, instead we have the same old four guys/gals doing a pop gospel? (Answer...)
Leanne: Why do you think it's unfair? Do you want to
elaborate? (Answer...)
Mr. Jeremy: What do u think of Indian music scenario, and how was it like playing with
the likes of Louis Banks, Karl Peters etc? (Answer...)
This isn't the first time you've performed in India.. what keeps u coming back? (Answer...)
Yeah, is there a reunion coming up? Peter Green was talking
about it. (Answer...)
Well old is say somebody in the fifties :) Seriously what do you do these days: do you own a business enterprise, still play
concerts, or with your children? (Answer...)
Well, it's unfair to you in a way, you've obviously moved on with your caree, but to
keep referring to you as once being part of Fleetwood Mac even tho that was almost 3
decades ago. (Answer...)
Spencer: How does it feel coming to India again and again? What do u think of Indian
crowd, are they better or worse than the foreign ones? (Answer...)
Sandhya: ;-) I don't know, I think it's just as well to save
the slide guitar for special occasions!!! *lol*
leanne: I agree. But on the other hand, it is the thing
that most people know me by, and I guess I shouldn't be too miffed at it! (Answer...)
bhaskar:
Mr. Spencer: I am one of your biggest fans. I am eagerly looking forward to your
performance at Rang Bhavan. All the best. Wave to the crowd for I will be watching you.
knopfler:
Any chances of a reunion concert of FM in the near future?
Jagger:
I used to be a keen Fleetwood Mac fan back in the eighties. Tell us about Stevie
Nicks. Tell all!
:-) that's true I guess....!
Kirti Verma:
Hi Mr. Spencer! Who are your favorites in the music world?
sunaina: Very nice. They're very good musicians. They have
the right "feel" for this kind of music, blues.
Maha:
Good evening, Mr. Spencer, since you have been coming to India quite often, don't you
think it's quite surprising that you are not really acquainted with Indian music.
Seriously, is A R Rahman the only artist you know?
Jerry, your favorite guitar? Model-name... (Answer...)
rabindra:
Would you list your top five favorite songs?
shibu:
How are you doing Mr. Spencer? Everybody is talking of reunion-ABBA is being offered a
billion dollars-how about the Mac folks putting an act of whatever they can?
rune / xdome: It's not that I'm
refusing the Fleetwood Mac reunion concert, I'm just hesitant about getting into something
that would be difficult to get out of! One thing could lead to another & it could be
back into the very thing I got out of 30 years ago. ;-)
For a rock star, you are pretty unassuming, someone who actually wants to do his bit
for charity. How come? Were you never one of those cocaine-sniffing bad guys? (Answer...)
What do you say about you and Clapton together. Is there something similar in your
styles? (Answer...)
Mr. Spencer, do you think award functions like the Grammy's are really the real
recognition of talent? Or are they driven by hype and popularity? (Answer...)
leanne:
Jeremy, your primary music interest always was good blues... what do u think of the
way that genre of music has evolved?
champagne / Faridoon : I like
the Indian audiences. They like what I'm doing now and they're sensitive to the softer
material I play. They don't just go for the boogie or the surface.
malathi:
Could you please tell us something about yourself? When did you start playing the
slide guitar? and what’s your favorite Fleetwood and non-Fleetwood number?
knopfler:
What prompted you into bleeding heart...the music the rhythmn?
Prayag: I do artwork for educational materials, comics, and I
work on preparing material for future recording, working on material for concerts. And I
flirt.;-)
Are you going to release any of your new music on CD? I'd buy whatever of yours I
could get my hands on. (Answer...)
rasika:
Besides music, what are the other things that interest you?
Why do you sound as if you were lucky to get out of FM 30 years ago? (Answer...)
rabindra:
would you list your top five favorite songs?
Hello sir. You seem to be repeatedly jetting down to India lately. Is it a spiritual
thing, the Indian audience or do you find the West has had its fill of you? (Answer...)
rune:
Yeah, I'm looking for your CD's everywhere. Too bad most
requests get a shake of the head. (Answer...)
Maha:
Mr. Spencer: Whom do u think is the best as of now?
Maha:
Mr. Jeremy: Can a guitarist survive on his own without a band or a singer to back him
up?
knopfler:
Jeremy, waiting for some reply.
Joshi:
What would be the setlist on the 19th Feb at Rang Bhavan.
Kirti Virma: Probably a bit of both. It's a big subject,
but you can't judge the Grammies as the standard of what really is the talent with musical
integrity in the world today, who could even be totally unknown. And also, by watching the
Grammies, it's pretty obvious what is hype and what's real talent.
Maha:
Spencer, Hi! How do u think internet is gonna play a role in the music scenario?
namrata:
Hello.
Mr Spencer: How can u be so good man. Keep coming to India. U are a treat to have.
What is it that keeps u going? (Answer...)
Who is this Jeremy Spencer anyway? (Answer...)
John:
Mr. Spencer, still curious about a North American Tour, anytime
in the future. I like to stay on this side of the pond but I would go to GB to see you.
Knopfler: Any relation to Mark? :-) Eric and I both play
blues… and it was our earliest influences in music--Elmore James, Otis Rush, Albert
King, etc. (Answer...)
How do you keep up with the changing times. Where do you find yourself fitting into
the changing music scenario where pop, and dance music is playing to packed dance floors?
(Answer...)
namarata: Jeremy Spencer is the world's best slide
guitarist. Who are you? (Answer...)
Dear Mr. Spencer, Just out of curiosity, do you play any other instrument? (Answer...)
Who are your biggest influences? (Answer...)
Maha:
Where do you go from here.
intrigued: The way I was heading, it's possible I would have
done myself in in 5 years, and I avoided that.--that's pretty lucky, huh? :-)
rune: I am a software programmer. Just came here because of
curiosity. Sorry if I have offended anyone. (Answer...)
Maha:
Who is your role model and what kind of music did u grow up on?
Thanks Jeremy, no close relation but find both your styles
similar and enjoyable and pleasing to the ear.(Answer...)
Sanjaya: Thank you. I hope so. I'd like to soon. ;-)
zoya: Yes, I play piano.
namrata: Of course we're not offended. Stick around and see
what you discover.
Why don’t the blues get their due at the Grammies? (Answer...)
knopfler: Thank you :-) that's a compliment.
Joshi:
Who is this knopfler here anyway?
Joshi: My influences--Elmore James, Buddy Holly, Cliff
Richard, Otis Rush.
Hi Jeremy the name is taurug and just wanted to know, according to your interviews you
left Fleetwood Mac 'cos you felt dried up, did you find anything that filled that void or
changed you?
Why are the class acts of yesteryear avoiding a reunion? You mean there was so much
bad blood between the members? (Answer...)
Dear Mr. Spencer, if you had to learn a new instrument today, which one would it be? (Answer...)
Which do you prefer: playing acoustic guitar, unplugged or heavy metal plugged? (Answer...)
Joshi:
Thank you Mr. Spencer, could we expect some of the Cliff's numbers in your set list on
the 19th at Rang Bhavan?
Zoya: Soprano sax.
taurug:
Also along that line, I believe musicians are very spiritual
people and many musicians have claimed they get songs from the "other side", do
you or did you have any such experiences also who is your greatest inspiration not
musically but generally.
Why is everyone only talking about Rang Bhavan? There's a concert tomorrow at St.
Andrew's, Bandra, I'm going there for sure. (Answer...)
al: do u think a reunion is always a good idea? Sometimes
it's a little sad to see guys trying to recapture old magic… better to be happy with
the recordings of old that live on I guess. (Answer...)
Steve:
Hello taurug. This is Steve here.
al: Good idea for a song :-)"No Grammy Blues" Well,
one song was a Grammy a couple of years ago, by Tracy Chapman.--Give Me One Reason to Stay
Here, I think it was called. I don't know why. It's not a very wide-spread popular form
that sells by individual artists in the same volume as the hot hit guys. I think the only
one is B.B.King.
champagne: I thought the Eagles reunion was a zinger. (Answer...)
Maha: I don't fit in :-)
Al, that's true abt the Eagles, but how many others can do
that?
Shanti: St. Andrew's is a great place to play, it's got
terrific sound and an intimate atmosphere for an auditorium. Would you like a backstage
pass? ;-) (Answer...)
Sure man, how can I get that pass?
Jeremy are you training anyone, like your protege to be a slide guitarist? (Answer...)
Jeremy: Will the blues continue to be a music form 5 years from now? Do you think the
music companies will conspire to kill it now that its popularity is waning? (Answer...)
Al: No, we got on as friends fine. I don't know about the
other bands. I just wanted a change.
If you had to live your life again, would you still choose to be a musician. And if
yes, would you rather be associated with the piano or soprano sax? (Answer...)
Kopfler: I don't like playing heavy metal. I like
playing plugged in such a way that it sounds unplugged, if you know what I mean.--Not
heavy duty screaming.
Sanjaya:
Along the line of Al's question, Do you keep in contact with any members of Fleetwood
Mac?
Al: No, I think there's a growing interest in, both inside
& outside the States--even here in India. The Indians are quite responsive to it,
which was a pleasant surprise. :-)
Priscilla: I'm happy associated with the slide guitar.
Joshi:
Any Indian musicians performing with you? (Answer...)
Steve:
Hello Jeremy. My name is Steve. I have long looked up to you. I am 18 and have been
looking for opportunities to use my talent. I started played guitar when I was five. Can I
meet you at one of these concerts?
Hey, are any of your kids into the guitar? Like little Jeremy Spencer's? (Answer...)
Jeremy: Did you spot guitar talent in India? (Answer...)
Taurug: No. I'm not training anybody. But its' an interesting
thought.
Shanti:
Are you playing any Indian numbers at your concerts this year?
I'd like a backstage pass too!!;-)
rune:
al: Yes, Roy Venkat and Rupert Fernandes.
Mr. Spencer, what do you think of Lee Ritneor? (Answer...)
Rune: I have two sons, in their twenties who play the
guitar very well.
Are you playing with those two guitarists on stage? (Answer...)
Lee: I don’t know who it is. (Answer...)
Lee Ritneor is a jazz guitarist who teamed up with Dave Gruisin
for the album Harlequin.
Steve:
Jeremy: If you're ever interested in a trainee, let me know.
I’m game.
Rune: I’m playing with Roy.
PsycheDelia:
That should be interesting. I’d think I'd like to see
u play with Roy Venkatraman.
We are interested in organizing concerts in Hyderabad, India. Do you think this is
possible, maybe next year? (Answer...)
Sanjaya:
Last time you did some recording with MTV. are you going do anything with them this
time?
Lee:
When you were a teenager, who was your favorite musician?
knopfler: I use the PRS Custom with a stop tailpiece. It's
been the best guitar I have ever used.
Jagger: Well I did at one time, I don't anymore, it was part
of what was messing me up.
Lee:
Other than music, is there any other passion or hobby that you have and actively
pursue?
Alby: It's a bit of both, I've had my fill of the West
that’s for sure:-) *grin*
Steve: Maybe next year Hyderabad.
Maha: Love, God.
Sanjaya:
Where do you live? I've read that you've been travelling around a lot. Are you
thinking of settling in India?
Lee:
The two women who have accompanied you, how do they feel about performing in India?
Are they apprehensive or excited?
Jeremy Spencer:
Thank you everybody, it's been fun, don't know when to stop, need to go. Bye
rune:
Bye!
PsycheDelia:
Bye Jeremy. It was nice talking to you.
Steve:
Bye
Joshi:
BYE
Jeremy Spencer Concert Team:
You know, anyone who wants to ask Jeremy any more questions or send him a personal
email can send it to: india2000@jeremyspencer.com
Make sure to visit our website at: http://jeremyspencer.com
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