Post by wingsj0 on Apr 2, 2006 15:23:38 GMT
Describe the 1962 “Star-Club” HAMBURG scene to us? Was Hamburg the ultimate budding rock stars dream?
Roy Young: Hamburg gave the excitement of being alive 24 hours a day, getting drunk, having lots of girls to choose from and feeling that you had become a star. Throw all these things together and the result is living in the most excitable style that you can imagine. When you consider that we were from England most towns would go to sleep after 10pm and there was nothing for young people to do but go home to bed.
In 1962, I received the first contract to appear at the Star-Club, originally a cinema, in the Grosser Freiheit, Hamburg, Germany. Manfred Weissleder, the owner of the cinema (the Stern Kino), called me to his office and told me he was making plans to launch the most famous rock ’n’ roll club in the world. He certainly did that! He offered me a three year contract which I agreed to sign. Before signing, he asked me if I would like anything else added to the contract. I told him that I would love to own a car. He turned around to me and said, “Of course, what car would you like to have?” I said I would like my dream car, a Ford Taurnus, but it would have to be a TS model, thinking that I was asking for something really special. When I left the office, Horst Fascher, the manager of the club was outside and asked me how it went. I told him I signed a three year contract and said, “Guess what, good news, I’m also getting a new car.” He congratulated me and said, “Really, what kind?” I said, “A Ford”, he said, “Are you crazy, what the hell were you thinking of? Why didn’t you ask for a Mercedes, Porsche or Lamborguine.” It seems that I never learn my lesson.
After a few months appearing at the club as Roy Young, Tony Sheridan and I formed the “Star Combo” and became the Star-Club’s first house band. Not only did I perform my rock ’n’ roll shows, I was also hired by Manfred Weissleder to travel back to England to enlist all of the great international stars from England and America. My car was ready for my first trip to England were I brought back a pocket full of contracts for such acts as The Beatles, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Gene Vincent, Bill Haley and Jerry Lee Lewis among others. When I watched these artists perform on stage I would have a lump in my throat and felt very proud of myself.
Name some of the artist that you performed with during your time at the Star Club and which bands had that certain something when they performed that you knew you where working with some one special?
Roy Young: It was at the Star-Club that a dynamic friendship began between myself and The Beatles and before long they enlisted me to play keyboard and sing back-up vocals with them. At that time, Beatles manager Brian Epstein approached me with an offer to return to England to procure an international record contract with the band. It was this record that ultimately thrust The Beatles into international superstardom. Unfortunately, I was in the middle of a three-year exclusive contract with the Star-Club and regretfully turned down the offer. I knew I was turning down an offer to join a band that had something special. Because of their personalities, they seem to be different from all other bands. You could tell there was no ego and the audience always loved their devil-may-care attitude. I believe that this brought them to the top.
What kind of music/people did the Star Club attract?
Roy Young: The Star-Club was one of the most successful rock ’n roll clubs in the world. It brought together the most varied international artists you can imagine from Ray Charles to The Beatles. Because of the different styles of music, it catered to varying age groups. For instance, when Ray Charles would appear, you would see ice and champagne on white table cloths. The tickets were so expensive that it brought in an upper class crowd. On the other hand, there would be The Beatles, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry that would attract the younger crowd. No matter who it was, the club had a certain atmosphere that was an exciting place to be in every night.
Can you tell us the story of joining Cliff Bennet and The Rebel Rousers?
Roy Young: I eventually returned to England from Hamburg where I joined Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers who were managed by Brian Epstein. We joined The Beatles on their 1966 tour of Germany and later worked with the band to produce a version of “Got to Get You Into My Life”, where Paul McCartney joined Roy on keyboards.
What memories do you hold working along side Tony Sheridan and recording with him in Germany?
Roy Young: Tony and my playing had a uniqueness about it. We had our own distinctive style. You could say we ate, drank and slept music. When we weren’t playing we would go to one of the bars, put a coin in the jukebox and learn new songs. We would spend hours doing this. I got to know Bert Kempfert well, and he became our producer and we started recording many different albums. We also did various recordings with The Beatles as a back up band.
Looking back at your career do you ever wish you could turn back time and re-live that moment all over again or are you happy with all you’ve achieved?
Roy Young: Obviously, those times for any young musician couldn’t have been any better, it was always fun and exciting. It would be great to be able to turn the clock back. One of the most asked questions is, “What was it like in those days?” and that they would have given anything to have lived through them. Every time I do an interview, the first question always asked is, “How do you feel after walking away from such a great offer to join the biggest band in the world?” I just reply by telling them, “Every night before I go to bed, I go into the bathroom and hit my head on the wall ten times, then I can go to sleep.”
I never feel that I’ve achieved everything that I dreamt of. It’s strange how many times you think it’s time to hang up the piano and go home only to find out that around the corner there another venture and low and behold your right back in the thick of it again. I’m sure this applies to most of the people I’ve mentioned in the interview. I just never know when to quit. I think if you’re great at what you do, there will always be an offer for you to entertain. I never get tired of taking these challenges on. Being a Libran has helped me to achieve this.
Out of all the albums, and concert’s that you have performed on throughout the years has there been a moment you can look back on and smile to yourself and say “I feel the luckiest guy alive to have been able to have played with them”.
Roy Young: Obviously, being asked to play and record with Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Pete Best at the Star-Club, Hamburg was one of the biggest thrills of my life.
I also look up to David Bowie for inviting me to play and record with him. He called me at my home in Oxford, England to join him in LA to record on “Young Americans”, and then a year later to the day I received a phone call at the Speakeasy club London were I was appearing, to join him in Berlin to record the “Low” album. A few days later he decided to record at the La Chateau in Paris instead.
It’s a well known fact in the musical history books that you performed with The Beatles in Hamburg did they ever considered you the 5th Beatle?
Roy Young: From the very first moment The Beatles invited me on stage to play with them we all felt something special was happening by adding my piano and vocals to their style of playing. When Brian Epstein asked me to go back to procure a record contract with the “Four lads” as he called them, I can only assume that they considered me as part of the group. I’m not sure who coined the phrase, “5th Beatle” or what it means, but had I accepted Brian’s offer I would have been considered a Beatle.
What memories or stories can you share with us about the ‘early Beatles’. As a professional performer it’s obvious the lads looked up to you did they ever ask you for musical guidance?
Roy Young: My TV appearances in England gave me alot of credibility with The Beatles. They told me they watched all my shows. From the first time I started playing with them there was a good vibe on stage. When I took solos, they would all be watching what I was playing. When we would meet later on in years, they would ask me what keyboards I was using. It has been said that the Revolver album was influenced by the sound of the piano that I played at that time.
You performed with The Beat Brothers whilst in Hamburg can you tell us the story about that band?
Roy Young: There are lots of memories to share, but one of the funniest was in 1961 when Tony Sheridan, Ringo Starr and I got together and formed The Beat Brothers. We became the house band at the Top Ten club and created a huge following on the Reeperbahn in Hamburg. On Saturday nights we would play from 6 pm until 6am. Often, at 4 o’clock in morning, an entourage of gangsters would walk into the club. Whoever was sitting at the tables in front of the stage were asked to move to another table to allow the gangsters to sit down. Once they started having a few drinks, the gangsters would throw 50 marks on to the stage. This became a ritual and was the que to start a Ray Charles song, “What I Say”, where I would start the song with a piano intro. One night, I’d had a few drinks too many and was quite drunk. When we got into the song I suddenly felt hungry, and in my drunkeness, walked off the stage and down the street to have breakfast completely forgetting that I should be playing. When I finished eating, I nonchalantly walked back to the club. When I walked in, Tony was still playing “What I Say”. I said, “Oh shit!, I’d better get back on stage.” Ringo looked at me and laughed. I guess he saw the funny side of it. We played for another 15 minutes and decided to end the song. The gangsters thanked us and left. When Tony turned around to me, I was expecting him to say, “Where the hell where you?”, instead, he put his arm around me and said, “Roy, that was some fuckin’ great playing man, you rocked your ass off.” We split the 50 marks which paid for my breakfast. I’m not sure, ‘til this day, if Tony ever knew that I had actually left the stage. By the way, Tony still plays “What I Say” for at least an hour.
You’ve performed with countless International Artist if you had to pick one musician out of all of them who stood out above the rest for you who would it be and why?
Roy Young: I’m very honoured to be able to talk about all the international artists that I’ve played with. It’s obvious that their success stems from the fact that they had something distinctive in their style, such as, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley and the Comets, David Bowie, The Beatles, Jeff Beck, Ian Hunter, Deep Purple, The Who, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Jerry Lee Lewis, Long John Baldry, etc. If I had to pic one artist above all which is really difficult because their all great, one that stands out for me is Ray Charles. He’s known as ‘the genius’ and that what he really is.
Ian Hunter for me is one of the greatest singer-song writers ever how did you come to work with Ian and what fond memories can you share with us?
Roy Young: I was invited to meet Foreigner at Dennis Elliot’s home in New York (their drummer and former Roy Young Band drummer). Before I left Toronto, Dennis asked me if I would like to meet Ian Hunter at the house as he was looking forward to meeting me. I was unaware that he was a big fan to me from the TV shows I did in the 60’s. Ian told me during a tour we did together that he and his mates watched me perform every Saturday night on TV. He didn’t live far from my home town and he told me he would often come to Oxford hoping to meet me somewhere in the town. I was honoured by this knowing that Ian is one of the most talented writer’s and entertainers in our rock ‘n roll era.
Here’s one of the funniest moments with Ian:
During a Canadian/U.S. Ian Hunter and Roy Young concert tour, Ian and I realized we were drinking a little too much wine before the show. We made a pact that neither of us would have an alcoholic drink until we got back to the hotel. For a few nights, I just drank gingerale. At first I didn’t feel too bad, but, then I started to get very bored. My personal road manager noticed it and said, “Why don’t you let me fix you a drink, I could make you a lot happier”. He poured whiskey into my gingerale and said, “Ian will never ever notice because it’s the same colour.” I told him he was a genius and gave him a big hug. Now, I felt like I was back on track. I started to notice Ian looking at me with an expression that said, “How come your looking so happy?”. As I walked out on stage with my pint glass in my hand, Ian said to me, “Roy, that is only gingerale isn’t it?”. I said, “Of course, Ian”, as I put the glass down on my piano. After a few concert nights on stage, my glass had less gingerale and almost neat whiskey.
I was going into a piano solo in one of our rock ‘n’ roll songs when Ian went into a frenzy and jumped all over the stage. He ran over and started playing the solo with me on my piano. As we were rockin’ up a storm, Ian jumped up in the air and screamed, ‘yea-aaa’, he turned to my piano and picked up my glass thinking it was gingerale, and downed the whole thing. I didn’t know whether to run off the stage or hide under the piano because I knew what was about to come. He looked like Frankenstein staring at me. His face turned purple, then he ran off the stage puking his guts out, almost passing out from alcoholic poisoning. I walked over to him and said, “Ian, are you OK”, he looked at me like he wanted to kill me and muttered some unprintable words. It took a few weeks before he spoke to me again.
Can you read music or do you play by ear? (I envy musicians like you that can just sit down and play without music I’m an Associate with London College of Music and can play the organ but struggle without music what tips can you give to those that can’t play by ear?
Roy Young: I was influenced by the Boogie Woogie players at an early age and was able to copy their playing by ear and not sheet music. I seem to adapt naturally to playing by ear. I’ve met alot of people in my career that can only play by sheet music, the only thing I can suggest is to take the music away, listen to the piano pieces and try to copy them.
How easy is it to learn or pick up the rhythm of BOOGIE WOOGIE piano and what tips can you give to up and coming pianist reading this magazine?
Roy Young: There have been many different styles of Boogie Woogie from the early part of the last century. Try to copy the style that suits you best. The fingering can be quick and you need to have a natural feel for it. It’s the kind of playing that needs alot of energy and strong hands.
What equipment do you use when performing do you prefer Yamaha? Korg? Teqniques?
Roy Young: Throughout my career I’ve used many pianos, grand, upright, electric, but in the later part of my career I’ve adapted to Yamaha which I find to be one of the best keyboards manufactured today. There are many different makes of keyboards and there all great in there own right. It depends on personal preference.
Can you tell me about your new album Still Young and where we can purchase it from?
Roy Young: I have just completed my new CD in Nashville, Tennessee, entitled ‘Still Young’, written by one of the world’s most successful songwriters, Dennis Morgan. Dennis has had over 40 No. 1 hits with Rod Stewart, Garth Brooks, Aretha Franin, George Michaels, Eric Clapton, Faith Hill, Vince Gill etc. The CD is produced and arranged by Dennis Morgan and Roy Young. This is a collaboration born through a chance meeting with Dennis when I was performing at the the 40th Anniversary of the Star-Club in Hamburg. Dennis told me that he would like to record a CD with me and had songs that would be great for me that he co-wrote with Roy Orbison, Steve Cropper, Johnny Lang, Willie Dixon and Jim Capaldi. It can be purchased at: dennismorgansongwriter.com or royyoung.com. In the later part of this year, it will be released through a major label.
What are your plans for the future?
Roy Young: I’m preparing to launch the most dynamic rock ’n’ roll band that’s ever been assembled called, the “Star Combo”. This is an elite line-up of some of the greatest legendary rock ’n’ roll musicians preparing for the “Rock the World” tour. The members of the band that I chose had to at some time in their career have played with The Beatles! The members are myself, Howie Casey, saxs (“Roy Young Band” and Paul McCartney ”Wings”), Tony Newman, drums (“David Bowie”, “The Beatles”, “Everly Bros” etc), Johnny Gustafson, bass (“Roxy Music”, “The Beatles” and “The Big Three”), Brian Griffiths, guitar (“The Beatles”, “The Big Three”), Jamie King Colton, saxs (“Dion”, “Little Richard“, Little Eva”, etc). We will be inviting other international artists for cameos on the CD and live appearances. We have already received interest from Duane Eddy, Phil Everly (Everly Bros) and Johnny Johnson (Chuck Berry).
What do you think of the music industry today?
Roy Young: I can listen to all different styles of music, it doesn’t really matter what it is because all styles have two things in common, it’s either played well or it’s played badly. Anything that I listen to has to be played well for me to appreciate it. I’m very honoured when the younger musicians invite me to play with them. I can introduce them to all the different styles of music I have played throughout my career, and without them realizing, I’m actually learning a new style of music from them too.
If you where ask to describe the remarkable career of Roy Young (yourself) how would you word it in the musical history books.
'Roy Young is rock ’n’ roll in it's truest form. He's a rebel, a dreamer, the benevolent boogie woogie master of every stage he ever played on. His live performance is a measure of talent, dignity, humility and class, that truly makes him one of rock & roll's greatest living legends and all round great mate to many a local dreamer.'
Are you glad you made your name back in the 60s instead of today?
Roy Young: I’m glad I made my name in the 60’s the way I did, when rock ’n’ roll was at it’s early stage and no one knew where it was going. The fact that it was very difficult to get into then, made me appreciate every thing that I got from it. Making my name in the 60’s gave me 40 years of absolute enjoyment and experience. I can’t think of a better way to make a living. I thank God for the gift He gave me. But as my new CD says, I’m “Still Young” and it’s not over yet! We’re just about to turn around another corner.
Describe Roy Young to us:
Roy Young: To be able to describe Roy Young could not be written in one chapter. I’ve been asked several times to write a book on my life and history in rock ’n’ roll, all of my achievements and stories that I have. I was born into music and at the age of seven I couldn’t wait to jump on a piano at school and show off to all the other kids. In doing this, I was always reprimanded from the head teacher. I had to hold out my hand for the cane. I didn’t mind because all I wanted to do was play the piano. My teachers told me, “Roy, you’ll never come to anything in your life doing this. Playing this rubbish Boogie Woogie.” One of my fondest memories was after appearing on the Saturday night TV shows and becoming successful in my own right, I was walking through London and bumped into my head teacher, he grabbed my hand and said, “I’m sorry Roy, I was wrong, I must congratulate you on your TV performances and what you have achieved for yourself. I’ll always be your biggest fan.” Since that day I have never forgotten him. That moment made me realize that all of the ups and downs in my career have made it worthwhile. It keeps me “Still Young” and still turning those corners.
To sum it up: Loves entertaining, ambitious, humble, perfectionist (Libran), too honest, a hugger, animal lover, snooker lover, hates war, loves mankind, happily married for 25 years, three incredible children, two beautiful dogs (Champion and Q-Tip) and a cat (Jemma).
I'd like to thank Roy Young for taking time out of his hectic schedule to answer my questions,. I look forward to seeing you In Liverpool this August.
Jo Rishton
With Roy Young.
Official Site: www.royyoung.com
This interview has been approved by Roy Young.
Please note all articles on this site are (C) to The Beat Goes On And On Fanzine and may not be used without permission.
Roy Young: Hamburg gave the excitement of being alive 24 hours a day, getting drunk, having lots of girls to choose from and feeling that you had become a star. Throw all these things together and the result is living in the most excitable style that you can imagine. When you consider that we were from England most towns would go to sleep after 10pm and there was nothing for young people to do but go home to bed.
In 1962, I received the first contract to appear at the Star-Club, originally a cinema, in the Grosser Freiheit, Hamburg, Germany. Manfred Weissleder, the owner of the cinema (the Stern Kino), called me to his office and told me he was making plans to launch the most famous rock ’n’ roll club in the world. He certainly did that! He offered me a three year contract which I agreed to sign. Before signing, he asked me if I would like anything else added to the contract. I told him that I would love to own a car. He turned around to me and said, “Of course, what car would you like to have?” I said I would like my dream car, a Ford Taurnus, but it would have to be a TS model, thinking that I was asking for something really special. When I left the office, Horst Fascher, the manager of the club was outside and asked me how it went. I told him I signed a three year contract and said, “Guess what, good news, I’m also getting a new car.” He congratulated me and said, “Really, what kind?” I said, “A Ford”, he said, “Are you crazy, what the hell were you thinking of? Why didn’t you ask for a Mercedes, Porsche or Lamborguine.” It seems that I never learn my lesson.
After a few months appearing at the club as Roy Young, Tony Sheridan and I formed the “Star Combo” and became the Star-Club’s first house band. Not only did I perform my rock ’n’ roll shows, I was also hired by Manfred Weissleder to travel back to England to enlist all of the great international stars from England and America. My car was ready for my first trip to England were I brought back a pocket full of contracts for such acts as The Beatles, Ray Charles, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Fats Domino, Gene Vincent, Bill Haley and Jerry Lee Lewis among others. When I watched these artists perform on stage I would have a lump in my throat and felt very proud of myself.
Name some of the artist that you performed with during your time at the Star Club and which bands had that certain something when they performed that you knew you where working with some one special?
Roy Young: It was at the Star-Club that a dynamic friendship began between myself and The Beatles and before long they enlisted me to play keyboard and sing back-up vocals with them. At that time, Beatles manager Brian Epstein approached me with an offer to return to England to procure an international record contract with the band. It was this record that ultimately thrust The Beatles into international superstardom. Unfortunately, I was in the middle of a three-year exclusive contract with the Star-Club and regretfully turned down the offer. I knew I was turning down an offer to join a band that had something special. Because of their personalities, they seem to be different from all other bands. You could tell there was no ego and the audience always loved their devil-may-care attitude. I believe that this brought them to the top.
What kind of music/people did the Star Club attract?
Roy Young: The Star-Club was one of the most successful rock ’n roll clubs in the world. It brought together the most varied international artists you can imagine from Ray Charles to The Beatles. Because of the different styles of music, it catered to varying age groups. For instance, when Ray Charles would appear, you would see ice and champagne on white table cloths. The tickets were so expensive that it brought in an upper class crowd. On the other hand, there would be The Beatles, Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry that would attract the younger crowd. No matter who it was, the club had a certain atmosphere that was an exciting place to be in every night.
Can you tell us the story of joining Cliff Bennet and The Rebel Rousers?
Roy Young: I eventually returned to England from Hamburg where I joined Cliff Bennett and the Rebel Rousers who were managed by Brian Epstein. We joined The Beatles on their 1966 tour of Germany and later worked with the band to produce a version of “Got to Get You Into My Life”, where Paul McCartney joined Roy on keyboards.
What memories do you hold working along side Tony Sheridan and recording with him in Germany?
Roy Young: Tony and my playing had a uniqueness about it. We had our own distinctive style. You could say we ate, drank and slept music. When we weren’t playing we would go to one of the bars, put a coin in the jukebox and learn new songs. We would spend hours doing this. I got to know Bert Kempfert well, and he became our producer and we started recording many different albums. We also did various recordings with The Beatles as a back up band.
Looking back at your career do you ever wish you could turn back time and re-live that moment all over again or are you happy with all you’ve achieved?
Roy Young: Obviously, those times for any young musician couldn’t have been any better, it was always fun and exciting. It would be great to be able to turn the clock back. One of the most asked questions is, “What was it like in those days?” and that they would have given anything to have lived through them. Every time I do an interview, the first question always asked is, “How do you feel after walking away from such a great offer to join the biggest band in the world?” I just reply by telling them, “Every night before I go to bed, I go into the bathroom and hit my head on the wall ten times, then I can go to sleep.”
I never feel that I’ve achieved everything that I dreamt of. It’s strange how many times you think it’s time to hang up the piano and go home only to find out that around the corner there another venture and low and behold your right back in the thick of it again. I’m sure this applies to most of the people I’ve mentioned in the interview. I just never know when to quit. I think if you’re great at what you do, there will always be an offer for you to entertain. I never get tired of taking these challenges on. Being a Libran has helped me to achieve this.
Out of all the albums, and concert’s that you have performed on throughout the years has there been a moment you can look back on and smile to yourself and say “I feel the luckiest guy alive to have been able to have played with them”.
Roy Young: Obviously, being asked to play and record with Paul McCartney, John Lennon, George Harrison and Pete Best at the Star-Club, Hamburg was one of the biggest thrills of my life.
I also look up to David Bowie for inviting me to play and record with him. He called me at my home in Oxford, England to join him in LA to record on “Young Americans”, and then a year later to the day I received a phone call at the Speakeasy club London were I was appearing, to join him in Berlin to record the “Low” album. A few days later he decided to record at the La Chateau in Paris instead.
It’s a well known fact in the musical history books that you performed with The Beatles in Hamburg did they ever considered you the 5th Beatle?
Roy Young: From the very first moment The Beatles invited me on stage to play with them we all felt something special was happening by adding my piano and vocals to their style of playing. When Brian Epstein asked me to go back to procure a record contract with the “Four lads” as he called them, I can only assume that they considered me as part of the group. I’m not sure who coined the phrase, “5th Beatle” or what it means, but had I accepted Brian’s offer I would have been considered a Beatle.
What memories or stories can you share with us about the ‘early Beatles’. As a professional performer it’s obvious the lads looked up to you did they ever ask you for musical guidance?
Roy Young: My TV appearances in England gave me alot of credibility with The Beatles. They told me they watched all my shows. From the first time I started playing with them there was a good vibe on stage. When I took solos, they would all be watching what I was playing. When we would meet later on in years, they would ask me what keyboards I was using. It has been said that the Revolver album was influenced by the sound of the piano that I played at that time.
You performed with The Beat Brothers whilst in Hamburg can you tell us the story about that band?
Roy Young: There are lots of memories to share, but one of the funniest was in 1961 when Tony Sheridan, Ringo Starr and I got together and formed The Beat Brothers. We became the house band at the Top Ten club and created a huge following on the Reeperbahn in Hamburg. On Saturday nights we would play from 6 pm until 6am. Often, at 4 o’clock in morning, an entourage of gangsters would walk into the club. Whoever was sitting at the tables in front of the stage were asked to move to another table to allow the gangsters to sit down. Once they started having a few drinks, the gangsters would throw 50 marks on to the stage. This became a ritual and was the que to start a Ray Charles song, “What I Say”, where I would start the song with a piano intro. One night, I’d had a few drinks too many and was quite drunk. When we got into the song I suddenly felt hungry, and in my drunkeness, walked off the stage and down the street to have breakfast completely forgetting that I should be playing. When I finished eating, I nonchalantly walked back to the club. When I walked in, Tony was still playing “What I Say”. I said, “Oh shit!, I’d better get back on stage.” Ringo looked at me and laughed. I guess he saw the funny side of it. We played for another 15 minutes and decided to end the song. The gangsters thanked us and left. When Tony turned around to me, I was expecting him to say, “Where the hell where you?”, instead, he put his arm around me and said, “Roy, that was some fuckin’ great playing man, you rocked your ass off.” We split the 50 marks which paid for my breakfast. I’m not sure, ‘til this day, if Tony ever knew that I had actually left the stage. By the way, Tony still plays “What I Say” for at least an hour.
You’ve performed with countless International Artist if you had to pick one musician out of all of them who stood out above the rest for you who would it be and why?
Roy Young: I’m very honoured to be able to talk about all the international artists that I’ve played with. It’s obvious that their success stems from the fact that they had something distinctive in their style, such as, Fats Domino, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Bill Haley and the Comets, David Bowie, The Beatles, Jeff Beck, Ian Hunter, Deep Purple, The Who, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Jerry Lee Lewis, Long John Baldry, etc. If I had to pic one artist above all which is really difficult because their all great, one that stands out for me is Ray Charles. He’s known as ‘the genius’ and that what he really is.
Ian Hunter for me is one of the greatest singer-song writers ever how did you come to work with Ian and what fond memories can you share with us?
Roy Young: I was invited to meet Foreigner at Dennis Elliot’s home in New York (their drummer and former Roy Young Band drummer). Before I left Toronto, Dennis asked me if I would like to meet Ian Hunter at the house as he was looking forward to meeting me. I was unaware that he was a big fan to me from the TV shows I did in the 60’s. Ian told me during a tour we did together that he and his mates watched me perform every Saturday night on TV. He didn’t live far from my home town and he told me he would often come to Oxford hoping to meet me somewhere in the town. I was honoured by this knowing that Ian is one of the most talented writer’s and entertainers in our rock ‘n roll era.
Here’s one of the funniest moments with Ian:
During a Canadian/U.S. Ian Hunter and Roy Young concert tour, Ian and I realized we were drinking a little too much wine before the show. We made a pact that neither of us would have an alcoholic drink until we got back to the hotel. For a few nights, I just drank gingerale. At first I didn’t feel too bad, but, then I started to get very bored. My personal road manager noticed it and said, “Why don’t you let me fix you a drink, I could make you a lot happier”. He poured whiskey into my gingerale and said, “Ian will never ever notice because it’s the same colour.” I told him he was a genius and gave him a big hug. Now, I felt like I was back on track. I started to notice Ian looking at me with an expression that said, “How come your looking so happy?”. As I walked out on stage with my pint glass in my hand, Ian said to me, “Roy, that is only gingerale isn’t it?”. I said, “Of course, Ian”, as I put the glass down on my piano. After a few concert nights on stage, my glass had less gingerale and almost neat whiskey.
I was going into a piano solo in one of our rock ‘n’ roll songs when Ian went into a frenzy and jumped all over the stage. He ran over and started playing the solo with me on my piano. As we were rockin’ up a storm, Ian jumped up in the air and screamed, ‘yea-aaa’, he turned to my piano and picked up my glass thinking it was gingerale, and downed the whole thing. I didn’t know whether to run off the stage or hide under the piano because I knew what was about to come. He looked like Frankenstein staring at me. His face turned purple, then he ran off the stage puking his guts out, almost passing out from alcoholic poisoning. I walked over to him and said, “Ian, are you OK”, he looked at me like he wanted to kill me and muttered some unprintable words. It took a few weeks before he spoke to me again.
Can you read music or do you play by ear? (I envy musicians like you that can just sit down and play without music I’m an Associate with London College of Music and can play the organ but struggle without music what tips can you give to those that can’t play by ear?
Roy Young: I was influenced by the Boogie Woogie players at an early age and was able to copy their playing by ear and not sheet music. I seem to adapt naturally to playing by ear. I’ve met alot of people in my career that can only play by sheet music, the only thing I can suggest is to take the music away, listen to the piano pieces and try to copy them.
How easy is it to learn or pick up the rhythm of BOOGIE WOOGIE piano and what tips can you give to up and coming pianist reading this magazine?
Roy Young: There have been many different styles of Boogie Woogie from the early part of the last century. Try to copy the style that suits you best. The fingering can be quick and you need to have a natural feel for it. It’s the kind of playing that needs alot of energy and strong hands.
What equipment do you use when performing do you prefer Yamaha? Korg? Teqniques?
Roy Young: Throughout my career I’ve used many pianos, grand, upright, electric, but in the later part of my career I’ve adapted to Yamaha which I find to be one of the best keyboards manufactured today. There are many different makes of keyboards and there all great in there own right. It depends on personal preference.
Can you tell me about your new album Still Young and where we can purchase it from?
Roy Young: I have just completed my new CD in Nashville, Tennessee, entitled ‘Still Young’, written by one of the world’s most successful songwriters, Dennis Morgan. Dennis has had over 40 No. 1 hits with Rod Stewart, Garth Brooks, Aretha Franin, George Michaels, Eric Clapton, Faith Hill, Vince Gill etc. The CD is produced and arranged by Dennis Morgan and Roy Young. This is a collaboration born through a chance meeting with Dennis when I was performing at the the 40th Anniversary of the Star-Club in Hamburg. Dennis told me that he would like to record a CD with me and had songs that would be great for me that he co-wrote with Roy Orbison, Steve Cropper, Johnny Lang, Willie Dixon and Jim Capaldi. It can be purchased at: dennismorgansongwriter.com or royyoung.com. In the later part of this year, it will be released through a major label.
What are your plans for the future?
Roy Young: I’m preparing to launch the most dynamic rock ’n’ roll band that’s ever been assembled called, the “Star Combo”. This is an elite line-up of some of the greatest legendary rock ’n’ roll musicians preparing for the “Rock the World” tour. The members of the band that I chose had to at some time in their career have played with The Beatles! The members are myself, Howie Casey, saxs (“Roy Young Band” and Paul McCartney ”Wings”), Tony Newman, drums (“David Bowie”, “The Beatles”, “Everly Bros” etc), Johnny Gustafson, bass (“Roxy Music”, “The Beatles” and “The Big Three”), Brian Griffiths, guitar (“The Beatles”, “The Big Three”), Jamie King Colton, saxs (“Dion”, “Little Richard“, Little Eva”, etc). We will be inviting other international artists for cameos on the CD and live appearances. We have already received interest from Duane Eddy, Phil Everly (Everly Bros) and Johnny Johnson (Chuck Berry).
What do you think of the music industry today?
Roy Young: I can listen to all different styles of music, it doesn’t really matter what it is because all styles have two things in common, it’s either played well or it’s played badly. Anything that I listen to has to be played well for me to appreciate it. I’m very honoured when the younger musicians invite me to play with them. I can introduce them to all the different styles of music I have played throughout my career, and without them realizing, I’m actually learning a new style of music from them too.
If you where ask to describe the remarkable career of Roy Young (yourself) how would you word it in the musical history books.
'Roy Young is rock ’n’ roll in it's truest form. He's a rebel, a dreamer, the benevolent boogie woogie master of every stage he ever played on. His live performance is a measure of talent, dignity, humility and class, that truly makes him one of rock & roll's greatest living legends and all round great mate to many a local dreamer.'
Are you glad you made your name back in the 60s instead of today?
Roy Young: I’m glad I made my name in the 60’s the way I did, when rock ’n’ roll was at it’s early stage and no one knew where it was going. The fact that it was very difficult to get into then, made me appreciate every thing that I got from it. Making my name in the 60’s gave me 40 years of absolute enjoyment and experience. I can’t think of a better way to make a living. I thank God for the gift He gave me. But as my new CD says, I’m “Still Young” and it’s not over yet! We’re just about to turn around another corner.
Describe Roy Young to us:
Roy Young: To be able to describe Roy Young could not be written in one chapter. I’ve been asked several times to write a book on my life and history in rock ’n’ roll, all of my achievements and stories that I have. I was born into music and at the age of seven I couldn’t wait to jump on a piano at school and show off to all the other kids. In doing this, I was always reprimanded from the head teacher. I had to hold out my hand for the cane. I didn’t mind because all I wanted to do was play the piano. My teachers told me, “Roy, you’ll never come to anything in your life doing this. Playing this rubbish Boogie Woogie.” One of my fondest memories was after appearing on the Saturday night TV shows and becoming successful in my own right, I was walking through London and bumped into my head teacher, he grabbed my hand and said, “I’m sorry Roy, I was wrong, I must congratulate you on your TV performances and what you have achieved for yourself. I’ll always be your biggest fan.” Since that day I have never forgotten him. That moment made me realize that all of the ups and downs in my career have made it worthwhile. It keeps me “Still Young” and still turning those corners.
To sum it up: Loves entertaining, ambitious, humble, perfectionist (Libran), too honest, a hugger, animal lover, snooker lover, hates war, loves mankind, happily married for 25 years, three incredible children, two beautiful dogs (Champion and Q-Tip) and a cat (Jemma).
I'd like to thank Roy Young for taking time out of his hectic schedule to answer my questions,. I look forward to seeing you In Liverpool this August.
Jo Rishton
With Roy Young.
Official Site: www.royyoung.com
This interview has been approved by Roy Young.
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