The Times of India
"I like to play for a good cause," Said Jeremy Spencer renowned guitarist
and former member of roack band Fleetwood Mac. He along with the music group Heart to
Heart will give a series of performances in the city, proceeds of which will go to the
National Association for the Blind.
The group, comprising members of various nationalities, has been
performing for charitable causes for many years. Most of their compositions are original
with a few popular numbers not composed by them, of which A.R. Rehman’s ‘Vande
Mataram’ will be one this time. The group will regale audiences in the city with
music of all kinds, ranging from jazz, rap to reggae on January 24, January 30 and
February 1.
Spencer, who was inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame will,
however, perform only the Rock and Blues numbers.
Soft spoken and disarming, Spencer said he enjoyed what he was doing more
than he liked working for Fleetwood Mac, which he left in 1971. "This is a simpler
lifestyle."
"I was not too fond of the United States", said the English
guitarist. I did not like the circle I moved in. I like the response of the Indian people,
I like their depth and the way they look beyond the surface of things. They see through
music that merely tickles the ears", he said.
The artist who learnt how to play the guitar while confined to the
armchair with a broken leg, pretended to crawl under the table when the mike was handed to
him, much to the entertainment of those present.
"A lot of bands are trying to out-attitude each other. Everything’s got to be
more shocking than the last, with what I sometimes think is the mistaken assumption that
it’s new, daring or different," said Spencer at a press conference.
Tuning into
India—with former Fleetwood Mac's Jeremy Spencer
The Blitz, Mumbai (Bombay), India
Sounds of "Go Johnny Go" almost knock me flat as I enter the Sophia Bhabha
auditorium…Everyone seems to be looking at this not-so-young but rather vibrant
bearded guy, exuding energy as he plays his guitar.
Jeremy Spencer, one of the world's leading slide guitarists and
former Fleetwood Mac linesman is the star attraction. He formed Fleetwood Mac with Mic
Fleetwood in '67 but left it in '71.
He says, "It's very hard to exist in the music world. You
end up making far too many compromises & eventually pay a price just to be up there. I
personally didn't feel like paying the price, any price, so I quit. But I didn't leave my
music. I'm now promoting social causes throughout the world, through the medium of music.
Music is the strongest influence on folks everywhere, especially the youth."
Jeremy Spencer—on MUSIC & India!
Francesca Correa
"When I was younger" reminisces Jeremy, "I was influenced by the
music of the 50's. Buddy Holly & Cliff Richard were my inspiration in '59, as was the
blues singer, Elmore James. But then, God knows what happened to music down the years. Now
my music is personal with very little outside influences…"
Jeremy continues to tune his guitar for a while, then adds:
"India is truly a wonderful place, fascinating culture, warm-hearted people and
mystical charm."
