Hank Marvin regrets not taking George's advice

Cool.

http://www.gear4music.com/news/artic.../F1/2009-09-28

Hank Marvin has revealed that George Harrison encouraged The Shadows to sing on their records.

Although the band did collaborate with Cliff Richard on many tracks with vocals, they rarely sang on songs that came out solely under their own name.


However, Marvin has revealed that The Beatles' electric guitar player George Harrison encouraged them to change their approach following the release of Don't Make My Baby Blue.


"He told me how much he loved the single," Marvin commented.


"'Take my advice,' he said - 'forget about being an instrumental group and follow up on the vocals'."


However, The Shadows did not take this advice - a decision that Marvin said he now regrets.


Indeed, he stated that the band were "idiots" for ignoring Harrison's suggestion.


The band achieved considerable chart success on instrumental records such as FBI, Apache and The Rise and Fall of Flingel Bunt.


George Harrison's appreciation of the band is evident in the first ever original composition that was professionally recorded by The Beatles - an instrumental entitled Cry For A Shadow.

Interesting! thanks for sharing.

I always thought Cry for a shadow was about their DISLIKE of the Shadows, but anyway george was so nice I believe Hank. He was the only talented one in the Shadows. ( Eat your heart out, Cliff R)

Originally Posted by edubeltran

I always thought Cry for a shadow was about their DISLIKE of the Shadows, but anyway george was so nice I believe Hank. He was the only talented one in the Shadows. ( Eat your heart out, Cliff R)

Another story is that Rory Storm challanged George to write a Shadows type of song.

John did not want to wear his glasses on stage during their touring/concert years because he "did not want to look like the Shadows." Nowadays, the Shadows are not a household name and the Beatles have cut across all boundaries, including generational ones.

It sounds to me that George had some good, sound advice.

I think George was a Shadows fan..i mean being a guitarist one couldnt help being influenced and in awe of hank marvin..but i think he was a bit embarrassed by their act, cliff richard probably in particular..

George talks a little bit about it in the Anthology, their cheesy moves etc..But THAT said, there is as (mentioned) cry for a shadow and the still unreleased Catwalk which shows a big debt to the shadows, Hank Marvin in particular.. Georges guitar style even borrowed a fair bit from HM..

Hank Marvin recorded a version of "while my guitar gently weeps" on his latest CD.. he was the first "great" british rock guitarist..

Im lucky, i get to see him in February..On Georges Birthday coincidentally ;)

They did a great show last night out here with Cliff