Terry Reid

The man who almost fronted Led Zeppelin is how many people have now come to view Terry Reid.

After The Yardbirds had disbanded in 1968, guitarist Jimmy Page began assembling musicians for a new band that he intended calling The New Yardbirds. His choice for lead singer was 18 year old Terry Reid but Reid declined the offer preferring to focus on his own career. He did however suggest a midlands based singer by the name of Robert Plant for the role. The band name changed to Led Zeppelin and the rest, as they say, is history.

Terry Reid was born in Huntingdon in 1949 and by the time he was 15 years old, he was playing as a professional musician in Peter Jay’s Jaywalkers. When they broke up in 1967, Reid signed with renowned producer Mickie Most and recorded his first album ‘Bang Bang, You’re Terry Reid’. The album was not a commercial success but Reid had secured live work supporting Fleetwood Mac, Jethro Tull and ultimately in 1969, The Rolling Stones. Fronting a powerhouse trio along the lines of Cream, Reid played lead guitar and sang in his inimitable style. It was in fact his voice that caught the attention of most, leading to no less a figure than Aretha Franklin to declare that ‘...there are only three things happening in England; The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and Terry Reid’. Dubbed ‘Superlungs’ after a Donovan song recorded for his second album, Reid has been described as ‘the most soulful British vocalist ever’.

Blighted throughout his career by poor management decisions and atrocious luck, Terry Reid has never reached the commercial heights of some of his contemporaries. Nevertheless he has released a string of fine albums and his songs have featured in films and been covered by others who recognise his talents. Most recently Jack White’s band The Raconteurs included Reid’s song ‘Rich Kid Blues’ on their album ‘Consolers of the Lonely’ and this year Rumer included 'Brave Awakening' on her album 'Boys Don't Cry'.

I first became acquainted with the music of Terry Reid in (I think) 1969 when he supported Jethro Tull at Newcastle City Hall. I was so impressed I went out the following day and bought his latest album. I have followed his progress ever since but never got to see him live again until 2009 when he played at The Sage in Gateshead. Sadly he was not in good form (he was unwell on the night) and I left after half a dozen numbers. I returned to see him at The Cluny in Newcastle last year and like the rest of the audience I was blown away. Performing solo with acoustic guitar he demonstrated that those superlungs are still in fine shape. Tonight (Friday 1st June) he plays as part of the Evolution Festival at Gateshead Old Town Hall. Getting a ticket has been a nightmare (that's another story) but I will be there and hope to report on that in due course.

Wishing all you UK readers a great holiday weekend.