(Also visit: Eddie's Blog!)
July 25, 2015
July 24, 2015
February 23, 2015
Eddie in Beat Instrumental, November 1968 (click the thumbnail to open full size)
December 24, 2014
The Spencer Davis Group / Hardin York 2015 Tour Dates announced!
November 25, 2014
Eddie has played a very special show with the Spencer Davis Group at the London Palladium on 16th November, 2014.
September 2, 2014
It is with the deepest regret that I have to say that my engineer, friend and companion since 1974, John Acock, has sadly passed away. He was an inspiration to me in my writing and recording, notably The Wizards Convention. We worked together both in England and France and he engineered my daughter's album.
There are no more words that I can say to express my feelings for this man… They are few and far between.
Thank you for the music, John.
Eddie, distressed in France
April 20, 2014
October 25, 2012
The show will be filmed for a DVD release.
Tickets
Special guests:
Pete York Blues Projekt, featuring Maggie Bell, Colin Hodgkinson, Miller Anderson, Zoot Money
Chris Thompson (Ex-Manfred Mann's Earth Band)
Hardin & York
Klaus Doldinger
Herman Rarebell (Ex-Scorpions)
Steff Porzel (Spencer Davis Group)
July 27, 2011
Eddie would like to apologise for cancelling the Hardin York reunion tour due to ill health.
Everything that can be done is being done for a speedy recovery and we hope he will be fit and back on his feet by September.
It has been worrying time and unfortunate timing with what was to be the start of Hardin/York. Eddie regrets all the inconvenience he caused and is thankful for the help and support of Stef, Pete and Bernie Zylka during his traumatic days in Germany.
He'll be back!
January 21, 2011
As some of you may know already, Eddie has been dealing with some health-related challenges lately, but he wanted me to let you all know that he's in good spirits and feeling better every day! The H&Y Reunion gigs are definitely on!
Eddie also wants to thank everyone who has supported him during these trying times (and BOLLOCKS to those who haven't!)
Cheers,
Alex (webmaster)
December 18, 2010
(click above for full size)
July 3, 2010
May 16, 2010
Ronnie James Dio (1942 – 2010)
May 2, 2010
January 17, 2010
November 11, 2009
On my first meeting with Max, I have to say I was horrified, he wore no shoes, a tatty old T-Shirt and shorts! Well, it just goes to show how wrong you can be, because he turned out to be one of the gentlest men ever and NOTHING was too much trouble for him.
I guess I'm quite demanding, but he never let me down. I'm only sorry I didn't stay more in touch with him, though I got all the latest news from Steff.
I will miss you, Max.
Eddie Hardin, France, November 2009
October 4, 2009
It is with great sadness that I have to write that an old friend of mine, Denyse, took her own life and is no longer with us. We kept in touch since 1967 and it came as a real shock when I received an e-mail from her husband Ken. I first met Denyse on the SDG's first US tour in 1967 and we became firm friends. I was only 18 then, as was she, and between us we muddled through the crazy times of what seemed to be a drug-crazed continent, a side of life in which, I have to say, neither one of us got involved. She came to the UK and stayed with me and my family, though the last time I saw her was in Los Angeles in the mid-70s. It's a brave thing to take your own life, though things, I guess, must be pretty desperate and I'm sure we ALL go through periods of great depression. We always talked about meeting up in either Paris or Monte Carlo, though sadly it never came to fruition. She had a great career as a lawyer in San Francisco and in her mails to me she always seemed very up and positive, which is why it came as such a shock. I will always remember the days in New York where I stayed at her family's apartment. Devastating news and my thoughts are with her husband Ken and indeed her family. How one copes with this I just don't know. R.I.P. Denyse. Eddie Hardin, France, October 2009
July 10, 2009
Tom Keylock passed away on the 2nd July. He will be sadly missed, he was a good friend to me and my family.
Eddie
I don't want to namedrop or any of that old shit but I inherited Spud from Rod Stewart, who lived not a sparrow's fart from me. Spud looked after 8 acres of land on his own. He was pissed 99% of the time but never failed in his duties. At first I thought he was a fucking fruitcake though gradually realized that he was well read and in many ways a gentleman.
He held court in our pub, 'The Red Lion', night after night after I'd bought him the entire case of Guinness. Many musicians will remember him, especially Rick Wakeman... Spud poured a pint of lager over his head for no apparent reason!
I grew to respect, admire and in a way love the guy (I'm not a fucking poof).
Spud died on Sunday morning and strangely enough I tried to telephone him that very same morning. This news knocked me sideways and I will always remember him in the fondest of possible ways. I still have, here in France, the garden bench we had from which we could NOT get up (pissed) and he was the only guy I knew who could drink a bottle of wine while listening to 'You Don't Have To Say You Love Me' by Dusty Springfield.
Spud, old friend, you will be in my thoughts forever. Hope you find a good spot in the bar wherever you may be now.
Your Dear Friend Eddie
January 15, 2009
Record Collector reviews "The World's Smallest Big Band"!
(click above to get the full size article)
December 1, 2008
Hardin-Fenwick Band to tour Germany in Feb. 2009! Dates forthcoming and will be posted on this site!
July 19, 2008
Hardin-Fenwick Band Live DVD LIMITED EDITION - SOLD EXCLUSIVELY THROUGH THIS WEB SITE! Copies individually signed by Eddie Hardin and Ray Fenwick!
1. Livin' In A Backstreet 2. Feel Your Way 3. As Long As I Still Have You 4. Time Seller 5. Don't Want You No More 6. Every Little Bit Hurts 7. Let's Have A Party 8. Each And Every Highway 9. Tomorrow Today 10. Badge 11. I'm A Man 12. Gimme Some Lovin'
Order Here!
Responses to the Youtube clip:
Great to see the old Spencer Davis boys playing together. The song is an old SDG classic. Hope they tour the UK soon.
Great to see Eddie back in business. One top quality musician with three others. Look forward to seeing you.
Great music, Bravo Eddie!
The heart of rock and roll is clearly still beating. You guys sound excellent. Let us know when you come to Canada. We'll be there!
Wish I was there--great smaller appreciative audience... easy to get up front & have some serious brushes with greatness.
Twice as old as me, four times as good as todays music!
Smallest band, biggest sound Keyboardist Eddie Hardin and Drummer Pete York were both members of the Spencer Davis Group, before setting up as the unlikely concept of a power duo. They brought with them a wealth of stylistic influences including R&B, jazz, blues and boogie strands, and set about weaving them into a patchwork that extended the Spencer Davis sound, while keeping elements of the feel that had made that outfit one of the best of the 60s beat boom. Hardin had originally replaced Stevie Winwood, and is able to echo him in parts here, most notably on Little Miss Blue and Can’t Keep A Good Man Down, which are two of the eight bonus tracks added here. The original album is largely instrumental, recorded live to a studio audience, with powerful versions of rock’n’roll standards and a lengthy medley of Lady Madonna and Norwegian Wood sitting alongside the very fine Pike track. Throughout, the sound the pair generate is splendid, even without any bass guitar, as they allow themselves space to show off their tremendous talents.
March 9, 2008
December 10, 2007
A new band has been formed featuring Eddie Hardin, Ray Fenwick (guitar), Steff Porzel (drums) and Gary Twigg (bass). A short tour of Germany is planned for March 2008. Rehearsals and recording sessions for a new CD will commence in February.
May 24, 2007
Available for order at our Shop!
May 5, 2007
(click above to view full size!)
The proud father writes: Emma Harding is doing so well with her radio show in Canada, she's now a 'cover girl' for their magazine!
April 5, 2007
Eddie announces that he is now a freelance agent and that Spencer Davis Group is no longer the sole focus of his career. He is open to other options and projects at this time.
Record Collector toasts SDG again!
March 26, 2007
Download and watch a clip of "Deep In My Despair" here (avi format)
December 15, 2006
Miller rejoins SDG
November 30, 2006
"I'm currently in the process of re-organising my studio at home and hope to come up with some new material soon. I'm going for a mixture of Pro Tools and analogue which I'm told is possible." - Eddie
Miller leaves SDG
November 3, 2006
Record Collector toasts SDG!
September 12, 2006
Cherry Red Records have opened a Download Store on their site. Follow this link to download Eddie's albums!
August 22, 2006
Hammond Organ site is honouring Eddie.
August 6, 2006
Here's a pretty good German TV feature on SDG, including an interview! Download here. Please note - you need a Real Player for this.
April 1, 2006
(no, this is not an April's Fool joke!)
Proceed to our SHOP for more details!
March 12, 2006
November 20, 2005
(click above to view full size image)
New Spencer Davis Group Live CD, Official Bootleg 2005, is available at our Shop! Reminder: all items in our inventory come personally autographed by Eddie!
October 6, 2005
Eddie has landed a Hammond endorsement deal - after 41 years! Pictured above, Eddie is playing the new XK3. He says it's the closest to the real B-3 that he's ever heard! For the Spring 2006 tour, he will be using the dual manual version.
February 5, 2005
I've just heard that Jim Capaldi and Dick Heckstall-Smith have died. Another shock. I'd just like to say that guys like them NEVER die, their music and memory lives on forever.
July 30, 2004
Where: The Punch Bowl, Mayfair (London) When: TBA
Eddie will be personally autographing YOUR copy of ALAB!
Here's how to get there!
July 23, 2004
Spencer Davis Group - "Live in Manchester 2002" is now coming out on CD from Angel Air Records! Pre-order at amazon.co.uk!
June 30, 2004
Pictures from the tour here!
Eddie's Autobiography Book is now available! Eddie is planning a launch party in London... Stay tuned!.. Signed copies of this book are available from our Shop and during the current tour in progress (and selling well!)
Ain’t Life A Bastard! - 36 Years of Musical Mayhem by Eddie Hardin Winchester write Oliver Gray worked with Eddie Hardin on this most bizarre of rock autobiographies. All those many people who enjoyed Oliver's previous books, ‘VOLUME’ and ‘V.A.C.A.T.I.O.N.’, will love this one! Official publication date is June 28th but advance review copies are available NOW. The fledgling Hammond organ player and singer Eddie Hardin was just seventeen when he passed the audition to replace Steve Winwood in the Spencer Davis Group. His life, from that moment on, could never again be "normal", but even by rock and roll standards, Eddie has seen and done it all. “Standard” rock biographies specialise in lengthy musical analyses and track-by-track album reviews, plus the customary doomy tales of drug-fuelled excess and shady business shenanigans. But this is not your “standard” rock biography. With an irrepressible sense of fun, Eddie prefers to concentrate on the sheer madness of life in this most unreal of professions. Be careful if reading ALAB on a train, since your laughter may well disturb your fellow travellers' mobile phone conversations. Read how Eddie: - played the NME Poll Winners' concert at the Albert Hall at the age of seventeen - caused numerous riots in German venues during the Sixties and Seventies - befriended Judy Garland's daughter Lorna Luft - played the final night of Hamburg's Star Club - upstaged Todd Rundgren and the New York Dolls at the New York Waldorf - witnessed drummer Tony Newman setting fire to his testicles in a pub - built a brick wall down the middle inside his mansion during a marital dispute - drank Paul McCartney's last beer - got into numerous scrapes with the likes of Rod Stewart, Mick Jagger, Ian Gillan, Keith Moon, Christine Perfect and even Cliff Richard (whom he characterizes as a "God Botherer"). Plus, of course, the inimitable Spencer Davis! - made a million and lost it again - was given weeks to live if he didn't curb his alcoholic excesses - finally found love and contentment and came to terms with his "life on the road" FURTHER DETAILS: REVILO, P.O.Box 71, Winchester, SO21 1ZE UK Tel/Fax 01962-714520 On the web: http://www.revilolang.com http://www.olivergray.com
March 20, 2004
RPM Records are officially releasing "Home Is Where You Find It" on CD - 1972 solo album by Eddie, order here!
March 7, 2004
New addition to our Picture Gallery: Eddie Hardin - a Painting by Gisela Kloetzer!
December 14, 2003
Eddie's entire back catalogue (solo works) is to be handled by Cherry Red Records, UK - stay tuned for more details!
August 21, 2003
I've been copying my solo piano albums this morning for releases with other companies. I noticed how my emotions have changed over the years, I can tell from my playing. What a strange and wonderful thing music is, I can hear the depressions, the ups and the downs, and it all comes from my fingers. Just struck me as a weird moment, like it wasn't me playing at that time. I personally can tell what I was feeling when I hear the melodies, but I doubt that many people have heard it or could even begin to undertsand it. E.H. 21/8/03
On 13th September 2003 a Tribute Concert for Peter Tetteroo will be held in the Sports Hall "De Buitenhof" at the Martinus Nijhofflaan in Delft, Holland. Peter, who was a world famous singer (Tee-set) and a Delft town councillor, died in September 2002 of a liver disease. This concert, in his memory, is organised by Ferry and Diana Windsant and Walter and Anja Tetteroo (WallFair Foundation). The enormous help of the sponsoring companies and people, and all the participating artists make this possible. After a flying start earlier this year and a huge effort to organize the planning and sponsoring, the musical part is now on its feet. We are happy to present you a short introduction of the participating artists (in random order): Ray Fenwick and Eddie Hardin (The Spencer Davis Group) who enthusiastically offered their cooperation are coming over to Holland to play at the concert. This is a very special moment, not to say memorable event: Ray Fenwick and Eddie Hardin will play together again on the same stage for the first time in 15 years! We really look forward to hearing their Spencer Davis Medley, and we expect everybody to sing along to all those wonderful songs that bring back so many sweet memories!. This concert is a must for all you Hammond-lovers out there! Also many thanks to Anita Meyer who like many other artists playing on the night, has gracefully accepted the invitation to come and sing, despite busy schedules. One of the highlights of the evening shall definitely be a performance of one of her greatest songs "Why tell me why". Mark Boon, the an accomplished Dutch musician (Diesel member, at this moment touring with Henk Westbroek) was also very enthusiastic to participate in the event. Mark will play his big hit "Sausalito Nights", together with the Polle Eduard Band, and will be performing as guest with Casino. Henk Westbroek, (former political colleague of Peter in a more national way) was invited too, but unfortunately has engagements elsewhere, on the other side of the country, sorry Henk we'll miss you. We are sure you will appreciate the tribute off the Musicmen, a quintet with exceptional good taste and "Good Vibration"! You simply MUST hear their version of - amongst others - some Beach Boys songs! The Soul and Gospel Choir Elias, under professional conduction of Eli 't Hart will certainly touch your heart. We can't wait for you to hear the 'Tribute' song by Ferry Windsant with all these angels to sing along! Also a 'little' talent with a big voice called Sandy will raise her voice in a romantic duet with Ferry. Polle Eduard has been a member of the original Tee-Set from the beginning and we are very proud and happy that he is one of the leading acts on the 13th . Polle is a Delft town councillor as well, and we thank you Polle for opening doors too! Polle will perform with his 'Polle Eduard Band', featuring virtuosos Beau Wassenbergh (Drums), Peter van Heijningen (Guitar) and Frank Papendrecht (Bass) Sweaty Pants is a local (Delft) band consisting of: Ron Broekhart (Guitar), Marcel Bazuin (Guitar), Dennis Lutz (Singer), Daan Zeydner (Drums), Jan van der Lugt (Bass). Special Guest: Rob Plazier (ex-Tee-Set). We thank Ron for letting us use his Studio 52 for recording amongst other things the duet with Ferry Windsant and Mariska Veres for Peter Tetteroo's cremation ceremony. ("Ron, thanks man, I depend on you for future projects! Stick around and stay with me"). The opening act is the winner of the annual Delft musicians competition, organised by Stichting Westerpop to stimulate new local talent. Peter Tetteroo was a well-respected member of the jury for many years. After his death the organising committee of this competition decided to dedicate the award to Peter, and ever since the award is called 'the Peter Tetteroo Bokaal'. Ferry Windsant (yes, initiating organiser) will play with his band of nearly 25(!) years: Casino. Casino is: Roy Cruz (Bass), Rob Hoogkamer (guitar), Alex Buurman (Keyboard) Taco Gorter (Drums) and guests Jolande Radder en Evelien v.d. Kruit (backing vocals), Peter van Heijningen (Guitar), Eli 't Hart (Keyboard) and Beau Wassenbergh (Drums). Casino had a little success in the early eighties and during the last two years of Peter's life Casino was playing with him as, if you like, 'a last version of Tee-Set'. Peter asked Ferry to play and sing on his funeral and Ferry composed a song for the occasion: 'Let it be' - Ferry's own 'Tribute Song', will be played on the 13th too. Hope you'll like it…. ("New big plans unfortunately still on the shelves. Peter, man, we hope with this we can somehow finish what we had started, I know you'll be there my friend!"). Oh, and you simply MUST stay until the end and hear the Grand Finale sung by one of Holland's top power voices: Ronald Soeterbroek. The big hit 'Butterfly Ball' (all you need is love and understanding….) was written by Eddie Hardin and Roger Glover in the early seventies and the original was sung by Ronnie Dio (remember the video clip with the cartoon frog with the banjo…). Watch out: Ronald's performance will take your breath away, but we need you to pay your tribute in the end to sing with all the artist! Well, this was a short introduction/summary of all our musical 'FRIENDS' without whom we would not be able to manage! Also a big thank you to all our sponsors, see the link 'SPONSORS' on our website. We need you all, in order to succeed and make this 13th A NIGHT TO REMEMBER! And off course to be able to present to the Stomach, Liver & Intestine Foundation, and to the Liduina Foundation (transport for disabled people by volunteers) a NICE BIG CHEQUE!!!! Please also have a look on the link "ARTIESTEN" on our website and click on the various photo's to open the respective websites of our stars (if available). A big thank-you also to all you visitors/readers. Please buy a ticket and join us for what should turn out to be a wonderful party. See you on the 13th! Ferry Windsant, Diana Windsant, Walter & Anja Tetteroo
July 30, 2003
Added to the Hardin-York page: "Concert Roses" - prose by Dieter Pelz - his recollection of true events that took place in 1974.
July 28, 2003
S.D.G. with Steff and our tour manager Bernie Zylka will be touring the UK during May and June of next year! It'll be another tour along the lines of the one we did with The Troggs and Yardbirds, though I can't confirm the other bands yet. Exact dates to be announced.
May 15, 2003
Eddie's back from tour with SDG - read all about it here!
May 3, 2003
Eddie Hardin & Guests - 2003 edition (remaster) Wizard's Convention Purple Records PUR 316/5 022911 316310
New liner notes:
Former Spencer Davis Group keyboard player Eddie Hardin had many friends in the rock business by the time he came to record this album in 1976. Rather than do a traditional solo album, he wrote the songs and then asked a number of musicians to help him record them. Deep Purple's David Coverdale, Jon Lord, Roger Glover and Glenn Hughes joined other guests including Mark Nauseef (from Elf and Rainbow), Tony Ashton, Mike D'Abo, Ray Fenwick and drummer Pete York. The result was an album full of variety and styles, which later became much sought after by Deep Purple collectors. Yet, despite a couple of earlier attempts, the project has never been properly compiled for CD until now, where the original album is augmented by three bonus tracks done at the time which couldn't be fitted on the original album (with vocals by Ronnie Dio, who would join Blackmore's Rainbow shortly after this). Other guests include: Ric Lee (Ten Years After), Rick van der Linden (Ekseption), Mike D'Abo (Manfred Mann), Mo Foster, Leslie Binks, and Henry Spinetti. The CD is being advertised in Classic Rock and will be reviewed in the usual magazines. It is also being promoted via the Eddie Hardin and Deep Purple web sites. Eddie Hardin's name is very much associated with Deep Purple following many projects he and band members have worked on over the years, right up to the Royal Albert Hall Orchestral show in 1999 where he played keyboards. The new sleeve has been adapted from colourful artwork done for the original album in Germany, while the accompanying booklet carries the usual detailed notes, rare pictures and a discography. Original album: [1] The Craig Song - vocals Eddie Hardin 1:34 [2] When The Sun Stops Shining - vocals Ray Fenwick 2:40 [3] Loose Ends - vocals Jimmy Helms 4:16 [4] Money To Burn - vocals David Coverdale 3:54 [5] Whose Counting On Me - vocals Mike D'Abo/Mike Smith 4:45 [6] Make It Soon - vocals Eddie Hardin 2:24 [7] Until Tomorrow Part 1-4 - vocals Glenn Hughes 6:53 [8] Light Of My Life - vocals Glenn Hughes/Eddie Hardin 3:44 [9] She's A Woman - vocals Jimmy Helms 6:40 [10] Swanks And Swells Part 1 - vocals Tony Ashton 3:29 [11] Swanks And Swells Part 2 - 1:13 Bonus Tracks: [12] Goodnight Children - vocals Eddie Hardin [12] Summer Days - vocals Eddie Hardin/Ronnie James Dio 3:06 [13] Seems I'm Always Gonna Love You - vocals Eddie Hardin/Ronnie James Dio 4:07
Simon Robinson, 2003
Visit Purple Records - for Deep Purple and Related Releases
March 21, 2003
Eddie is scheduled to play at the Peter Teteroo benefit night in Delft, Holland, on 13th Seprember. It is in aid of the Liver Foundation. He will be playing onstage with Ray Fenwick for the first time in years; amongst the numbers to be performed are 'Time Seller', originally No.1 in Holland for the Spencer Davis Group, as well as a medley of S.D.G. hits.
March 8, 2003
The reviews are in!
Hardin & York - Wind in the Willows - Rock Concert - Angel Air Waves DVD
This has to be one of the best DVDs I have seen for a while, that not only highlights a superb piece of work by Eddie Hardin & Pete York but also by their cast of thousands (well, riot really!) including Jon Lord, Don Airey, Maggie Bell and the late Tony Ashton. It was recorded live in Germany in '91 and has British comedian Tony Barton narrating. Classic rock fans of all genres will love the superb musicianship - especially in the keyboard area - and some great vocal work, too, by Graham Bonnet and Joe Fagin… not to forget Maggie Bell!
A new one from the recently launched DVD section of Angel Air: Angel Air Waves. Pete York was, and is, the drummer with the Spencer Davis Group, and Eddie Hardin is the keyboard player who took over in the band when Steve Winwood left to form Traffic. During the early 70s, Hardin wrote and recorded a musical version of Kenneth Grahame's Wind In The Willows, inviting musician friends to contribute. An impressive line-up was secured for this live concert, filmed in Germany in 1991, including ex-Rainbow frontman Graham Bonnet and Stone The Crows singer Maggie Bell on vocals; Deep Purple's Jon Lord and Rainbow's Don Airey on keyboards; Raf Ravenscroft, who brought Gerry Rafferty's "Baker Street" to life, on saxophone; Ray Fenwick (Ian Gillan Band) on guitar; and Ringo's son Zak Starkey, on drums. As with most things technical that Germans undertake, the recording is second to none, and is a remarkable souvenir of this extraordinary project. Some songs are overlong (well, they were written in the 70s) but the class of the writing more than makes up for any ponderousness, and any project that can get Bonnet and Bell on the same stage, singing the same song (Looking Forward To Tomorrow) is alright in my book. Anyone who watched children's television during the 70s will recognise the bonus track, Butterfly Ball, which Hardin co-wrote with Deep Purple's Roger Glover; the cast sings along to the visuals of the original animation. Visit the web site at www.angelair.co.uk
February 11, 2003
Eddie's back from the Italian mini-tour with SDG - read all about it here!
Emma now has her own, brand new web site!
SDG - German Tour Dates Announced!
February 2, 2003
Both Axis Point albums finally reissued on CD, thanks to BGO Records! Proceed to our SHOP for more details!
January 25, 2003
Midem 2003 report - read all about it here!
December 26, 2002
A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND A BETTER NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS! So here we are at the dawning of yet another year... My God, the road really does go on forever! This last year, I seem to have spent much of it on four wheels but there were great bits, good bits, average bits and absolutely awful bits. Next year sees us taking on Italy for the first time in a long time, the last time I was there with Spencer was in 1967!!! We have 2 days in Naples where the plan is to rehearse. This year has seen the departure of more old and dear friends, and I guess we still carry a 'burning torch' in their memory. I do hope that more of us survive THIS YEAR! Over this festive period I have been particularly affected by the loss of my mother; she died on December 17th 2000, and it's a loss I am finding increasingly hard to deal with, though I'm told time heals... I personally think it makes the wound deeper. However, we must not be morose! May I take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you who have written, left messages, or even just looked (I find it a great compliment to my minimal input and influence over the music of today or rather yesterday; there would certainly NOT be some artists around if I had any influence on today's market... that is, what there is of it!) a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2003, and maybe I'll get to meet some of you on my forthcoming travels. Stay healthy and, most of all, happy! Eddie Hardin Christmas 2002
So here we are at the dawning of yet another year... My God, the road really does go on forever! This last year, I seem to have spent much of it on four wheels but there were great bits, good bits, average bits and absolutely awful bits. Next year sees us taking on Italy for the first time in a long time, the last time I was there with Spencer was in 1967!!! We have 2 days in Naples where the plan is to rehearse. This year has seen the departure of more old and dear friends, and I guess we still carry a 'burning torch' in their memory. I do hope that more of us survive THIS YEAR! Over this festive period I have been particularly affected by the loss of my mother; she died on December 17th 2000, and it's a loss I am finding increasingly hard to deal with, though I'm told time heals... I personally think it makes the wound deeper. However, we must not be morose! May I take this opportunity to wish each and every one of you who have written, left messages, or even just looked (I find it a great compliment to my minimal input and influence over the music of today or rather yesterday; there would certainly NOT be some artists around if I had any influence on today's market... that is, what there is of it!) a very happy, healthy and prosperous 2003, and maybe I'll get to meet some of you on my forthcoming travels. Stay healthy and, most of all, happy! Eddie Hardin Christmas 2002
December 12, 2002
Two new stunning DVDs are now available from Angel Air Records! "Wind In The Willows - A Rock Concert" and Spencer Davis Group - "Live in Manchester 2002"!
Spencer Davis Group are coming to Italy in 2003! Latest gig schedule here!
December 2, 2002
Purple Records are going to re-release Hardin & York "Live At The Marquee" with possible bonus live tracks, as well as Wizards Convention - as it should be, unlike these mysterious CDs with random tracks that bear no resemblance to the original concept.
October 17, 2002
The "Deep Purple At The Royal Albert Hall" DVD (which includes "Love Is All") has now sold 450,000 copies (sales figures for CDs aren't at present available).
September 17, 2002
I spoke with Peter a few days before he died, he sounded like the guy I'd known for so many years, and it was such a shock to hear the final news. I did what I could during his last days though it seems it was futile. The worst thing for me is that he was part of my generation and although perhaps not recognised in England he was and will remain an artiste of his time in his homeland, Holland, a country with which I have an enormous affinity. I have spent so many happy days in Holland and on one occasion I myself was ill during a visit, and Peter did everything he could to help me. I have been in constant touch with Ray Fenwick who was much closer to Peter than myself, and I can tell you, he is devastated. There have been many tragic deaths within the musicians fraternity as of late, and Peter is now another statistic. But I don't think we should forget that Peter had a GREAT life and lived it to the full and the way he wanted to. My last recollection was when he was working in my studio in Sunningdale, England, strangely enough, recording a tribute CD to the Spencer Davis Group. We partied like there was no tomorrow, though, sadly, one day there just isn't one. He'll remain in my memory along with all my other sadly lost musician friends, though we must remember that we, musicians, are part of somebody's life somewhere, and Peter is certainly within the heart and soul of Holland. May he rest in peace. Eddie Hardin 17/9/02
August 19, 2002
Emma, myself and Terry Lewis, Emma's boyfriend and a great guitarist, are thinking of starting a music workshop/educational course for musicians to come and learn their craft right here in the South of France. It will be for vocals, keyboards and guitar. We'd like to call it "The Musique Rooms". I could certainly give people some tips on the Hammond which I now have installed here. Emma is a qualified vocal teacher as is Terry, in fact they're both teaching in England now! Eddie
Emma, myself and Terry Lewis, Emma's boyfriend and a great guitarist, are thinking of starting a music workshop/educational course for musicians to come and learn their craft right here in the South of France. It will be for vocals, keyboards and guitar. We'd like to call it "The Musique Rooms". I could certainly give people some tips on the Hammond which I now have installed here. Emma is a qualified vocal teacher as is Terry, in fact they're both teaching in England now!
July 12, 2002
News from Eddie:
'Wind In The Willows', the live concert filmed at the Freiburg Festival, is being released on DVD late September by Angel Air!
BGO records to release both Axispoint albums on CD! They will have bonus tracks plus a section of a concert recorded in Leicester with Bob Tench guesting, also some crazy bits of rehearsals which are wonderful.
June 12, 2002
Spencer Davis Group "Time Seller" - Special Edition! RPM Records, RPM 508
Including: "With Their New Face On" - original album 1967 Film - a documentary on the band
Buy it at www.amazon.co.uk!
This special edition "Time Seller" package contains the group's classic psych/pop album, "With Their New Face On", originally released in 1968, plus a bonus CDROM with a fascinating documentary film made in 1967 about the new group line-up, showing them live, in rehearsal, songwriting, doing promotion work.
"With Their New Face On"
With Their New Face On (Davis/Hardin) Mr. Second Class (Davis/Hardin) Alec In Transit Land (Davis/Hardin/Duncan/York) Sanity Inspector (Davis/Hardin) Feel Your Way (Davis/Hardin) Morning Sun (Davis/Hardin/Duncan/James) Moonshine (Davis/Hardin/York) Don't Want You No More (Davis/Hardin) Time Seller (Davis/Hardin) Stop Me, I'm Falling (Davis/Hardin) Produced by Spencer Davis, except 1 & 4 by Mike Hurst Released 1968, United Artists Songs published by Spencer Davis Music/Polygram This release p & © 2002 RPM, a division of Cherry Red Records, Ltd., issued under license from The Spencer Davis Group, courtesy of Eddie Hardin.
Documentary Film, 1967 Running time approximately 56 minutes
Act 1 Spencer Intro/Live - 'Have Mercy'/Spencer interview Act 2 Rehearsal/'Great Shakes' advert recording/Discussion about forthcoming US tour/PR Office Act 3 Live at Stockport/Rehearsal/Live - 'The Hammer Song' (Winwood/Winwood/Davis/York)/Live - 'Mean Woman Blues' (C. Demetrius) Act 4 Film Soundtracks/Writing 'Robin Hood' (Davis) and 'Picture of Her' (Davis)/Photo session Act 5 Live at The Marquee/Live - 'Dust My Broom' (E. James/R. Johnson)/Live - 'Looking Back' (Davis/Sawyer)/Outro: meeting Noel Redding, Mick Jagger, leaving on a jet plane Film in English with commentary in German Copyright 1967, The Spencer Davis Group p 2002 RPM, a division of Cherry Red Records, Ltd., issued under license from The Spencer Davis Group, courtesy of Eddie Hardin.
May 19, 2002
The Happy Chappies! SDG Tour 2002
See more pictures in our regular Photo Page
May 15, 2002
March 5, 2002
Wind In The Willows - A Love Story (the original 1985 version) is now available on CD from Purple Records!
Order from Amazon.co.uk!
Purple Records has a plethora of releases for Spring 2002, kicking off with a reissue of Eddie Hardin's "Wind In The Willows" album from 1985. It's boosted by several bonus tracks including rare demos (one featuring Deep Purple's Ian Paice on drums), alternate versions and a couple of live tracks. Other guests on the star-studded opus include former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett, the late Tony Ashton, Donovan, Zak Starkey and Renaissance's Annie Haslam. The outtakes feature Billy Ocean, Maggie Bell and Denny Laine, while the live cuts from 1991 are spiced up by the presence of Deep Purple key king Jon Lord, and ex-Rainbow colleagues Don Airey and Graham Bonnet. A 12-page booklet contains the full story of the project, with archive photos. Incidentally, Eddie is putting together a new all-star cast for a revamped version of the classic which will be staged in London later in 2002.
Record Collector, March 2002
December 4, 2001
I'm nearing completion of a new CD. This time there's no drum machines - just a set of new songs recorded with basically voice at the piano. Provisionally entitled, 'Scattered In The Wind', it should be finished after the forthcoming massive (SDG) English tour.
I'm also making progress with my autobiography book which I hope to be able to finish during this UK tour: I'm going to buy a laptop computer before the start of the tour and work on the book, as well as typing road reports for you to post on the site as the tour progresses! Eddie Hardin
28 November, 2001
All New Spencer Davis Group tour dates for 2002 have been announced (SDG to tour together with The Yardbirds and The Troggs)!
4 September, 2001
A company by the name of Herta (a pastry manufacturer!!) has launched a new TV advertising campaign on French TV featuring 'Love Is All' - it's started about 10 days ago and seems to be getting pretty heavy rotation!
14 August, 2001
Annie Haslam has contacted Eddie with the intent to record 'Wind In The Willows', the song, for either a new Renaissance album or her new solo album!
13 July, 2001
Good news/bad news: the bad news is the musical collaboration between Eddie and Italian musician Mario Fasciano has now fallen apart. The good news is that Eddie has been approached by one-time Focus guitarist Jan Akkerman with the prospect of Eddie guesting on Jan's next album. The future looks bright!... Stay tuned for more details!
17 June, 2001
I'm off to Italy with Zak Starkey on 29th June to record some tracks for Italian artist Mario Fasciano. We will be arriving in Naples on the 30th. I will be going back to Naples again in August - to record some more tracks for the same project - this time with Steve Hackett. This is shaping up to be some kind of an Italian equivalent of Wizards Convention, except it'll be a mixture of our music and his.
I've just finished my instrumental album which I recorded at home, some nice new tunes came out of it!
30 May, 2001
Tony Ashton, R.I.P.
My first recollection of Tony was when I saw him with The Remo Four: they did a concert tour of Britain with The Beatles, at this time I was just a kid in the audience. A few years later, I toured with him as one-half of Hardin & York. The night that will always stick in my mind was when we played at The Opera House in Harrogate, "Resurrection Shuffle" was No.1, and I suppose we all felt pretty safe in the thought that it would be a full house... it wasn't! I think there was a maximum crowd of 5 people!! Anyhow, so few that I could have driven the audience home. My instinct was to cancel the show altogether but Tony insisted on playing his entire set, as in the end did Pete York and myself. Tony dotted his brass section around the theatre thus giving the first surround-sound concert ever! He was a trooper who laughed in the face of adversity, and during his life there was a lot of that. I went to the first PAL concert at Finsbury Park which in itself was an event insofar as Tony fell off the stage during the first song and the compere (Ronald Frazer, a drinking mate of Tony's) was too pissed to compere! Tony's piano style was unique though sometimes a little frightening. During the Butterfly Ball days, we rehearsed for a week to get everything tight, and on the night at the Albert Hall, Tony decided to play with a different approach to the one we'd rehearsed all week! Amazingly, he always pulled these things off and he turned out to be the star of the show on this occasion as well. He arrived in a 1930s style dinner suit, with greased hair and lots of whiskey/lager/wine/champagne in him but he was a sensation... he always was... drunk or sober. Later, I recorded the first Wizards Convention album, and Tony was the obvious choice for 'Swanks And Swells'. This song started its life as a very melodic tune which Tony couldn't get to grips with - he said, "Can I try it my way?" He did, and it was perfect, though nothing at all how I'd planned it. Next, we did 'Wind In The Willows' and again rehearsed for a week. Once again, on the actual night of the performance, he came up with something totally different and once again he pulled it off!! He created a new set of lyrics in his mind, on the spot... quite incredible! His final recording with me was 'Zermatitis Blues' which was written especially for him in honour of his obsession with Zermatt and of course his 'presidency' over the Zermatt Yacht Club, a badge he had emblazoned on his Cary Grant blazer. I spent some happy times with Tony, and when he came over to France to visit me, we drank for England and - judging by the state of my head - for every place else as well. He was a great guy who deserved more out of life than he got; he was messed up with bad business dealings as, indeed, we all were at some time or another, but I don't think he could ever understand just why people couldn't be straight, and to my knowledge he never fought for what was rightly his. He wrote some great songs and had the perfect character voice. In his own way he was a genius at his craft - a talent that will be sadly missed. On my next Wizards album there will be an empty space where Tony should have been. My wife Liz, daughter Emma and I send him our love wherever he may be now, but wherever he is, I bet it's licensed! Bye for now, Tone.
23 May, 2001
"Wind in the Willows - A Love Story", Eddie's original 1985 studio recording, remastered and bolstered by additional bonus tracks, is to be released officially by Purple Records on CD, and the previously unavailable, rare video broadcast of the 1991 concert, recorded at the time and preserved by German television - on DVD!! Watch this space for more details!
7 May, 2001
(click on the thumbnails above to see full size images)
Wizards Convention Volumes 1 and 3 have been re-released by Big Eye Records (probably a subsidiary of Cleopatra/Purple Pyramid Records in California), as "The Deep Purple Family", omitting Eddie's authorship altogether, on either cover or the spine of the release!
In reality, this is the domestic (US) version of the Eagle Rock Entertainment double CD set (Wizards Convention 1 and 3 with bonus tracks), which was released in the UK/EEC as "Eddie Hardin's Wizards Convention - The Original Masters" in 1999.
Advertised as "The Deep Purple Family" on the front and on the spine.
See the pictures above of the front with and without the front sticker. Once you've peeled off the sticker (which stretches across the front cover, pasted over the shrink-wrap), you can barely see Eddie's name, or rather signature and the words "Wizards Convention" reveal themselves for the first time.
See the spine as well - it says "The Deep Purple Family".
Back cover: notice on the back Eddie Hardin listed only in the bottom (fourth) row!
We would like to formally apologise to Deep Purple and make it clear that Eddie Hardin has had absolutely nothing to do with this blatant misuse of their name.
This is not a Deep Purple album (contrary to what the sleeve purports).
Eddie is also the owner of the original master tapes, which Eagle had licensed a couple of years back for their (proper) UK release.
Eagle have written to Eddie saying they have no knowledge of this unlicensed (Stateside) Big Eye release.
Eddie and Miller Anderson (ex-Keef Hartley Band, T.Rex, Spencer Davis Group) are now planning a joint album - tentatively to be recorded in the next few months!
15 November, 2000
Two new items from our SHOP:
"Just Passing Through" - new solo CD by Eddie Hardin £15 or US$25 (includes shipping anywhere in the world) Personally autographed!
"Home Is Where You Find It" - 1972 solo album by Eddie, remastered and released on CD for the first time, complete with Eddie's new liner notes and hitherto unreleased bonus tracks! Features Ray Fenwick, Pete York and Ian Paice! £15 or US$25 (includes shipping anywhere in the world) Personally autographed!
19 September, 2000
Voiceprint have reissued Eddie's Dawn Til Dusk album and miscredited it on the back side to Michael Chapman, a real faux pas! We sincerely hope that they get their act together as quickly as possible and reprint the correct version. Click below to see the offending cover.
6 September, 2000
Moscow-based rock magazine In Rock has published a feature profiling Eddie's entire career, written by yours truly. For those of you who can read Russian, click on the below thumbnails to view the full size pages of the article:
27 August, 2000
For those of you who can read French, check out the following article on Eddie published in French newspaper MIDI LIBRE!
15 July, 2000
Eddie has supplied me with an article from a Brazilian newspaper, so I've asked my friend Rodrigo in Brazil to translate it for us - here's the result!
Eddie Hardin: To The Master With Kindness… When keyboardist/vocalist of the seminal 60s rock formation, Spencer Davis Group, one Stevie Winwood, decided to jump ship for another rock legend of that period, Traffic, he advised the rest of the band to contact in his stead a young revelation of British rock scene - singer, piano player and songwriter Eddie Hardin. After about 5 years with the band, Eddie went solo and worked together with Roger Glover (of Deep Purple fame), Iris Williams and Mike D'Abo. Now two of his albums are being re-released by Angel Air Records, 'Circumstancial Evidence' (81) and 'Wind In The Willows Concert' (91). The first one was born out of the artist's flirtation with American R&B. It's interesting to hear, if just for the relative hits, "California" and "Little Teaser", and Eddie's cover versions of "It Won't Be Long" (Beatles) and "Maybe I'm Amazed" (McCartney). Among the six bonus tracks, there's also a cover of "Strawberry Fields Forever" and a demo version of "Love Is All" (originally on "Butterfly Ball"), recently rescued for a Volkswagen TV advert in Europe, with renowned heavy metal crooner Ronnie James Dio guesting on vocals. The other album is a live document from a concert which took place in Germany and featured such fine musicians as Denny Laine, Donovan, Maggie Bell, Jon Lord (Deep Purple), Zak Starkey (son of Ringo Starr and an excellent drummer in his own right!), amongst others. Eddie Hardin's intention was to put a child's book to music, and it's turned out to be a big success. This release is of precious value to all fans and collectors of Eddie's music. Check them both out, as this forgotten master has long been due for some kindness! (Jorge Albuquerque) Translation by Rodrigo Werneck
RESURRECTION SHUFFLE POSTPONED! Stars'n'Snakes come out for Tony Ashton at Abbey Road
Abbey Road's Studio 2 has played host to a star or three in the past. But when Jedi Knight Obi Wan Kenobi - alias master of ceremonies Ewan MacGregor - took the stage, the occasion really was out of this world. He was there along with a galaxy of rock legends as a testimonial to recently ailing Tony Ashton, the veteran keyboardist of Ashton Gardner and Dyke, Family and Paice/Aston/Lord fame. A paying audience of some 300 at BP30 a head were happily doing likewise. According to MacGregor, who got to know the hard-living Ashton at their local, his pal had very nearly done the 'Resurrection Shuffle' permanently, "but the pubs in heaven opened at seven and it was only half four". His continued earthly existence was celebrated by a crew that ranged from British rock pioneer Joe Brown, through jazz/blues legend Chris Barber to a supergroup featuring Hardin and York, Geoff Whitehorn and Zoot Money. The pace quickened when Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden recreated Whitesnake circa 1980 with Jon Lord, Ian Paice and Neil Murray, Robert Hart assuming the David Coverdale role. 'Fool For Your Lovin", 'Ready And Willing', 'Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues' and (inevitably) 'Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City' preceded Bernie and Jon's acoustic version of 'Here I Go Again'. Ashton himself had played a short cameo set accompanied by Pete York and ex-Wishbone Ash guitarist Laurie Wisefield and, though he needed time to recuperate, was able to join the early hours finale. It turned out to be a mini Paice/Aston/Lord reunion, Bernie handling the singing for 'Ghost Story' and 'Sneaky Private Lee' as Howie Casey, the PAL album's original saxophonist, lent a hand. Musical highlight of the evening was John 'Rabbit' Bundrick, John Entwistle and Zak, Starkey, collectively the rhythm section of the latter-day Who, tearing up a handful of rock'n'roll classics - 'My Generation' included - in the company of singer/guitarist Gary Nuttall (we'd never heard of him either, but he did alright). They also played 'Shakin' All Over', probably not realising it was first committed to tape in these very studios exactly 40 years ago. One of Hardin and York's earlier offerings had been 'Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out'; if nothing else, this benefit gave the lie to that. Apart from the guest of honour, most popular individual was blonde ex-Pan's People dancer Babs Lord, now Mrs. Robert Powell, who was seen swapping Top Of The Pops stories with the assembled stars. Last word, though, must go to Mr. Ashton. "That bloody Ewan MacGregor lookalike," he muttered. "Cost me a fortune!" Donations may still be sent to: The Tony Ashton Testimonial Fund, 3 West Cottages, London NW6 1RJ. Classic Rock, August 2000
Abbey Road's Studio 2 has played host to a star or three in the past. But when Jedi Knight Obi Wan Kenobi - alias master of ceremonies Ewan MacGregor - took the stage, the occasion really was out of this world. He was there along with a galaxy of rock legends as a testimonial to recently ailing Tony Ashton, the veteran keyboardist of Ashton Gardner and Dyke, Family and Paice/Aston/Lord fame. A paying audience of some 300 at BP30 a head were happily doing likewise. According to MacGregor, who got to know the hard-living Ashton at their local, his pal had very nearly done the 'Resurrection Shuffle' permanently, "but the pubs in heaven opened at seven and it was only half four". His continued earthly existence was celebrated by a crew that ranged from British rock pioneer Joe Brown, through jazz/blues legend Chris Barber to a supergroup featuring Hardin and York, Geoff Whitehorn and Zoot Money. The pace quickened when Micky Moody and Bernie Marsden recreated Whitesnake circa 1980 with Jon Lord, Ian Paice and Neil Murray, Robert Hart assuming the David Coverdale role. 'Fool For Your Lovin", 'Ready And Willing', 'Walking In The Shadow Of The Blues' and (inevitably) 'Ain't No Love In The Heart Of The City' preceded Bernie and Jon's acoustic version of 'Here I Go Again'. Ashton himself had played a short cameo set accompanied by Pete York and ex-Wishbone Ash guitarist Laurie Wisefield and, though he needed time to recuperate, was able to join the early hours finale. It turned out to be a mini Paice/Aston/Lord reunion, Bernie handling the singing for 'Ghost Story' and 'Sneaky Private Lee' as Howie Casey, the PAL album's original saxophonist, lent a hand. Musical highlight of the evening was John 'Rabbit' Bundrick, John Entwistle and Zak, Starkey, collectively the rhythm section of the latter-day Who, tearing up a handful of rock'n'roll classics - 'My Generation' included - in the company of singer/guitarist Gary Nuttall (we'd never heard of him either, but he did alright). They also played 'Shakin' All Over', probably not realising it was first committed to tape in these very studios exactly 40 years ago. One of Hardin and York's earlier offerings had been 'Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out'; if nothing else, this benefit gave the lie to that. Apart from the guest of honour, most popular individual was blonde ex-Pan's People dancer Babs Lord, now Mrs. Robert Powell, who was seen swapping Top Of The Pops stories with the assembled stars. Last word, though, must go to Mr. Ashton. "That bloody Ewan MacGregor lookalike," he muttered. "Cost me a fortune!" Donations may still be sent to: The Tony Ashton Testimonial Fund, 3 West Cottages, London NW6 1RJ.
Classic Rock, August 2000
Click here to read Walid Itayim's fantastic account of the Ashton Event!
6 June, 2000
From www.thehighwaystar.com and http://www.tonyashton.co.uk
Tony Ashton will be known to most Deep Purple fans for his involvement with the "Paice, Ashton, Lord" project, but to music fans in general everything from The Remo Four to most recently playing the Hell Blues Festival in a fetching pair of pyjamas. Tony's been a little off colour recently, so a bunch of friends decided to give him a party to celebrate his recovery and to recognise his contribution to music above and beyond the call of duty free. The party takes place at Abbey Road Studios on the 16th June 2000 and you are invited, along with Pete York, Jon Lord, Chris Barber, Eddie Hardin, Zoot Money, Bernie Marsden, Micky Moody, John Entwhistle, Zac Starkey, ace auctioneer Joe Brown (yes, he is related to Sam) and many, many others. Space is limited and admission is strictly by ticket only. So, if you'd like to join us please send at least BP30 per ticket and an SAE to: The Tony Ashton Testimonial Fund 3 West Cottages London NW6 1RJ UK If you REALLY need more information than this, e-mail: concert@deep-purple.com See you there... Thanks to Sandra Ashton and Richard Poustie for the information.
Tony Ashton will be known to most Deep Purple fans for his involvement with the "Paice, Ashton, Lord" project, but to music fans in general everything from The Remo Four to most recently playing the Hell Blues Festival in a fetching pair of pyjamas.
Tony's been a little off colour recently, so a bunch of friends decided to give him a party to celebrate his recovery and to recognise his contribution to music above and beyond the call of duty free.
The party takes place at Abbey Road Studios on the 16th June 2000 and you are invited, along with Pete York, Jon Lord, Chris Barber, Eddie Hardin, Zoot Money, Bernie Marsden, Micky Moody, John Entwhistle, Zac Starkey, ace auctioneer Joe Brown (yes, he is related to Sam) and many, many others.
Space is limited and admission is strictly by ticket only. So, if you'd like to join us please send at least BP30 per ticket and an SAE to:
The Tony Ashton Testimonial Fund 3 West Cottages London NW6 1RJ UK
If you REALLY need more information than this, e-mail: concert@deep-purple.com See you there...
Thanks to Sandra Ashton and Richard Poustie for the information.
2 June, 2000
I'm off to England on the 14th June to play at the Ashton fund raising do. The event is at the Abbey Road Studios on the 16th and apparently they're already selling tickets!
It's going to be recorded and possibly filmed so who knows what'll come of it. Jon Lord and Ian Paice are doing it, so are Zak (Starkey) and Jon Entwhistle... Don't quite know what it's going to turn out like, but I've suggested to Zak that I join them on Hammond to make up a 3-piece.
It'd be nice to play with me mate Zak again because as you know I LOVE his playing!!
EDDIE
(Click on thumbnails above to view full size scans of the Tony Ashton Concert Event Poster and Invite, "In Aid of Endangered Species"!)
17 April, 2000
A new HARDIN & YORK compilation CD, including some worthwhile rarities, has been released by Purple Records. Entitled, "Listen Everyone - The Best Of Hardin & York", it contains the following tracks:
Mountains Of Sand
I'm Lost
Candlelight
Listen Everyone
Tomorrow Today
Pike
Beatles Medley
Little Miss Blue
David Difficult
Have Mercy Woman
Extensions 345
Take Away Today
Natural Gas Two
Here's what the press has to say...
For more information go to our Hardin & York Page
4 April, 2000
Well the HARDIN & YORK tour's now over and it really was a great success! I found it quite amazing how many fans from way back took the trouble and made the effort to come and see us so many years on. I don't think I've ever signed so many copies of our CDs and vinyl recordings ever before... I didn't realise we'd sold so many!! But one of the nicer things was that Pete and myself have gotten on so well together; we've had our ups and downs over the years and, to be honest, we're both pretty difficult and complex people but it shows that whatever may pass, thirty-plus years of friendship and, on occasion, hardship cannot be destroyed. Liz, my wife, came along for this tour and loved every minute of it; there was a lot of travelling but every journey was a pleasure. We recounted stories of the past and laughed and laughed and laughed... We recorded one of the shows and I've been playing back the tapes and they sound great. I'll spend the next few weeks mixing and then hopefully there will be a new LIVE HARDIN & YORK album on the market. But more importantly, the present: we took this seriously and it certainly paid off and subsequently the two 'grumpy old men' in the form of HARDIN & YORK are indeed BACK!!! EDDIE
Well the HARDIN & YORK tour's now over and it really was a great success! I found it quite amazing how many fans from way back took the trouble and made the effort to come and see us so many years on. I don't think I've ever signed so many copies of our CDs and vinyl recordings ever before... I didn't realise we'd sold so many!!
But one of the nicer things was that Pete and myself have gotten on so well together; we've had our ups and downs over the years and, to be honest, we're both pretty difficult and complex people but it shows that whatever may pass, thirty-plus years of friendship and, on occasion, hardship cannot be destroyed.
Liz, my wife, came along for this tour and loved every minute of it; there was a lot of travelling but every journey was a pleasure. We recounted stories of the past and laughed and laughed and laughed...
We recorded one of the shows and I've been playing back the tapes and they sound great. I'll spend the next few weeks mixing and then hopefully there will be a new LIVE HARDIN & YORK album on the market.
But more importantly, the present: we took this seriously and it certainly paid off and subsequently the two 'grumpy old men' in the form of HARDIN & YORK are indeed BACK!!! EDDIE
18 March, 2000
Off on the tour on Monday - rehearsals to commence in Munich. When I get back I'll give you the history of the trip - should make for some funny reading...
Attached is an old picture of me and Zak I've found tonight; it was when we went to Cannes to promote WIND IN THE WILLOWS... we both got really pissed actually and acheived fuck all!! Still we got a nice picture on the front page of Music Week!!
An update on Emma - on 9th April, 2000 she is going to perform at The Rock Garden in Covent Garden, London, and on 10th and 17th April - at West One Four, formerly known as The Orange in South Kensington. On 21st March, 2000 she's going to appear on TV, having written a song about "The Budget", i.e. the financial shit that goes on in England every year when everything goes up in price and cigarettes end up costing $50 each!..
7 March, 2000
Pete York - Percussion Band album from 1972 has been remastered and reissued on CD by Decca, Japan (POCJ2837). It features many rock luminaries of that era, including our own Eddie Hardin, plus Jon Lord, Roger Glover, Ian Paice (Deep Purple), Miller Anderson, Mick Weaver, Keef Hartley, Gary Thain (all from Keef Hartley Band), Ray Fenwick (Ian Gillan Band, etc.), Dee Murray (Elton John Band), jamming together - a priceless slice of rock history...
Tracks: Keep On RuninngNothing YetCold Night In The CitySombrero SamMel's BluesMoleshawkStrokeThe Arrival Of The Queen Of ShebaPointsIt's Over
Tracks:
Keep On RuninngNothing YetCold Night In The CitySombrero SamMel's BluesMoleshawkStrokeThe Arrival Of The Queen Of ShebaPointsIt's Over
29 January, 2000
Eddie reports that his daughter Emma has finished recording her first album, aided by young, talented guitarist Terry Lewis! A publishing deal has been found, and the ink is drying as we speak; next step - a record deal to get the album released! Eddie himself plays various keyboards on this project including Hammond organ. Watch this space for more developments!
19 December, 1999
News of the century! The famous duo of HARDIN & YORK is to reunite and embark on a tour in March 2000! Watch this space as things develop!...
3 October, 1999
New pictures from the Royal Albert Hall Event from Eddie, added to our photo album - click here
29 September, 1999
Eddie's Royal Albert Hall Event Report: (for more information on the 30th Anniversary Deep Purple concert of 26 September, 1999, at the Royal Albert Hall click here) Well I'm finally back in France!!! What a week it was, the concert was fantastic, Ronnie was singing even better than I'd anticipated and LOVE IS ALL sounded tremendous, we did of course have the help of THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, plus a 5 piece extra 'rock' brass section. It was a week of rehearsal/concert [............], then Hotel and then the next day the same again... I'm totally knackered. The drive home took 18 hours due to bad weather and traffic delays. Still I'm home for a while now. The whole concert is going to be released on EAGLE as a video/DVD/CD in January. George Harrison popped in on saturday night to see the show, so that was especially nice for me being a huge Beatle fan, he might have got to play on LOVE IS ALL but rehearsal time was too tight. Pete York came also, and we talked about H&Y touring in March of next year. Let me have ALL the latest news, I'm going to relax for a while now. All the best, EDDIE.
Well I'm finally back in France!!! What a week it was, the concert was fantastic, Ronnie was singing even better than I'd anticipated and LOVE IS ALL sounded tremendous, we did of course have the help of THE LONDON SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA, plus a 5 piece extra 'rock' brass section. It was a week of rehearsal/concert [............], then Hotel and then the next day the same again... I'm totally knackered. The drive home took 18 hours due to bad weather and traffic delays. Still I'm home for a while now. The whole concert is going to be released on EAGLE as a video/DVD/CD in January. George Harrison popped in on saturday night to see the show, so that was especially nice for me being a huge Beatle fan, he might have got to play on LOVE IS ALL but rehearsal time was too tight. Pete York came also, and we talked about H&Y touring in March of next year. Let me have ALL the latest news, I'm going to relax for a while now. All the best, EDDIE.
26 August, 1999
20 August, 1999
18 August, 1999
(From Peter Purnell, Cee Dee Mailorder/Angel Air Records)
15 August, 1999
12 July, 1999
2CD Spencer Davis Group compilation "Original Masters" - a repackaging of "With Their New Face On" (1968) and "Catch You On The Rebop" (Live 1973) albums. 2CD version of "Wizards Convention" with some tracks off Eddie's "You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks" solo album 2CD Hardin & York compilation (still in the stage of being compiled) - four new never-before released bonus tarcks and a whole slew of rare, previously unpublished photographed are slated to appear in it
2CD Spencer Davis Group compilation "Original Masters" - a repackaging of "With Their New Face On" (1968) and "Catch You On The Rebop" (Live 1973) albums.
2CD version of "Wizards Convention" with some tracks off Eddie's "You Can't Teach An Old Dog New Tricks" solo album
2CD Hardin & York compilation (still in the stage of being compiled) - four new never-before released bonus tarcks and a whole slew of rare, previously unpublished photographed are slated to appear in it
2 July, 1999
21 June, 1999
18 June, 1999
27 May, 1999
16 April, 1999