Chris Spedding
b. 17 June 1944, Sheffield, Yorkshire, England. An underestimated talent, this inventive guitarist began his career in a beat group, the Vulcans, prior to following a haphazard path touring in country bands and supporting cabaret attractions on the cruise ship Himalaya. Spells backing Alan Price and Paul Jones preceded Spedding's involvement in the Battered Ornaments where he established a reputation for technique and imagination. The guitarist was subsequently heard on Jack Bruce's SONGS FOR A TAILOR, and on early releases by Nucleus, a leading jazz-rock ensemble. Session work for Lulu, John Cale, Dusty Springfield and others was interspersed by two low-key solo albums, BACKWARD PROGRESSION and THE ONLY LICK I KNOW. Spedding also formed the much-touted Sharks with former Free bassist Andy Fraser, but internal ructions undermined the group's potential. The guitarist resumed studio work in 1975, but also joined Roy Harper in Trigger, the singer's short-lived backing band. Spedding's clinical approach resulted in several career-based anomalies. He donned the requisite costume to perform with the Wombles and contrived an ill-fitting leather-boy image for a series of pop punk singles under the guidance of producer Mickie Most. Motor-Biking, in 1975, provided the UK Top 20 single the guitarist doubtlessly deserved, but these unusual interludes have discoloured perception of his other work.