Eric Burdon & his mates were coming in for overdubs and mixing! Nic: "Somehow, I managed to keep my cool. However, under the surface, my webbed feet were going ten to a dozen!"
Given the combative relationship they had with each other during their original hit making period, it was probably for the best that they were never together all at once!
True that, David....but, isn't it interesting how many bands/acts "put up with each other" just to the point of extending the legacy, yes, but also keeping a career alive, and ultimately, the hope of making some money from all the "putting up with"!
I just looked at that photo of them together in between finishing recording "Ark" and touring, and it made me think of all the people in MY life I've barely tolerated, and wondered how I'd manage being in their presence again.....to do anything!
Definitely. The original band members of one of my favorite groups, The Guess Who, are currently at legal loggerheads over songwriting and touring rights, so it's not something exclusive to the Animals.
And, those are the elements missing from my little personal analogy....the potential millions of dollars, contracts, publishing, etc....adding legalities to all those "life incentives" don't make strained relationships any easier!
This was awesome. I love reading Nic’s stories (his experience is just incredible), and I love reading them through your lens, Brad, with all that vast and detail-rich knowledge of yours!
I’m not familiar with these Animals tracks, but House of the Rising Sun is one of the first songs I learned to sing. I do it slightly more bluesy than the original, but it’s such a hell of a song however you interpret it.
Crazy how Nic had to basically jump into the water, no effing about… incredible how he managed to pull it all off!
Guys, keep doing what you’re doing. For younger peeps like me, this is pure gold. And I mean it.
Thank you, Andres, and thank you, Brad, as ever this collaboration has been a pleasure to be involved in, and I learn as I go along too, because Brad, you unearth some real gems.
I’ve a few more tales to tell, and hopefully enough years left to have a few more adventures too… actually, I had one yesterday, was an amazing spontaneous day full of surprises and meetings with old friends and great connections with new friends, from the moment I woke up, to when I eventually fell into bed and slept… but that’s all another story…
Thank you, Andy! Well, this era (1983-'86-ish) was my pop culture black hole, as you know: I had gotten outta "the biz" around '82, and returned to college at 28 to take a decidedly different career path! So, I never heard "Ark," and have few pop culture reference points of the time to reflect on its impact, etc! I'm no help, here, in other words..........
Other than absolutely loving immersing myself in Nic's incredible experiences, and am beyond honored and flattered that A) he listened to and believed me when I told him these are stories that are not only fascinating, but need to be told and B) he made me comfortable in even ASKING him to create a platform (FR&B) where I could "do my creative thing" in bringing his stories to life....especially in an era in rock'n'pop when I was no longer fully invested and "wallowing" in, as I had been for the 2 decades before!
And, you're right about Nic's "chutzpah" (me going Yiddish!) in grabbing this gig with such gusto, and, in his story, revealing the feelings we'd all be feeling, too....a little "scared," but you're there......let's DO this! kinda thing!
A Texas "howdy" to you two Swiss misters....careful......don't trip over that alp!
Brad, your "pop culture black hole" (or any music history knowledge black hole) is the envy of many mortals. I mean, if that's a black hole, then what's left for the rest?!
Yet, I admire your modesty, which is testament to your kindness and that "heart of gold" of yours I was talking about yesterday.
I think it's incredible how you two are collaborating on this. It's a leap of trust for both as you're both a little bit outside of your comfort zone, but you are two titans who have the knowledge, experience and, crucially, the gut feeling required to make a collaboration like this one work (and not only does it just "work"... it's wonderful!).
Another "howdy" (or bonjour/grüezi) back atcha from these alpine pastures!
I think I've actually found my true writing niche....sure, I love the writing I do, and will continue, but with Stephen Michael Schwartz ('70s/L.A. record biz) and now, Nic ('80s/London biz), both trusting me to present their stories, I'm really loving the editorial "interior decorating" these two impossibly generous artists have allowed me to do in presenting their inside stories!
"YODEL-ODIE-HEY-HE-HOOO!" or words to that effect!
Thanks, Andy........you came up in our Meet today! Dan's cruising the Mediterranean (presumably in a boat!) with his amour, and I mentioned you and Stephan gallivanting (there's a word I wonder if you've heard!! It's kind of slang/regional dialect, I think) all around Alp-land!!
This is a blast for me, Jim! I certainly appreciate Nic's trust in me "re-imagining" his memories! I love the research, and filling in the song'n'artist gaps there may be. He's doing what he does best in telling his stories, and I'm in my element "dressing 'em up"!
By the way, Jim, if you haven't yet discovered FR&B's 20 articles by singer/songwriter/actor/RCA recording artist, Stephen Michael Schwartz, he reveals his eye-opening tales of '70s-era Hollywood record biz!👉 https://bradkyle.substack.com/t/stephen-michael-schwartz
You always offer vivid storytelling and attention to detail, making this a must-read. I really find the combative part interesting and wonder how many bands must have been on the edge most of the time with each other.
There is a saying in the music industry, at least in the UK… “Where there’s a hit, there’s a writ!”
I think it simply comes down to some basics of the human condition, greed and envy.
I really admire the bands that dealt with this, head on, and just shared everything equally, like, just for example, Queen.
Sure, they all fell out with each other, but essentially they were as close as family, like brothers (or sisters, take you pick lol), and THAT really comes across in their music and their performances.
I think huge gaping rifts are difficult to hide and they spill over into the public space eventually… look no further than Brittany Spears. Heartbreaking really.
Gotta think the "smart" ones starting out can spot the pitfalls, and decide...early, what this or that will be....from pub royalties (what % does a non-songwriter in the band get?) to concert net to merch, etc. With single artists or, even, duos....it's different, simply with more people to try and "make happy".
I gotta think it's tough, 'cause just starting out, it probably doesn't occur to most bandmembers, who are usually broke, and used to scraping by with chintzy club-date door %-age. If their debut gets airplay and sells thru the roof, you'd BETTER have already had that discussion and drawn those ledger lines!
Don't do it, Brad, that's Pandora's Box, and you've got that lid open a crack... there's lawyers inside, loads of lawyers, and contracts, and lawsuits, and penalty clauses, and hidden clauses and trick clauses, and more lawyers.... don't do it...
I keep recalling Stephen Michael Schwartz's predicament (and, he outlined it in one of the articles he wrote for FR&B).....He gets signed to RCA ('74, and he's 20), and he even goes several weeks and (I forget how long), into the contract, and the lead-up to recording, all without a manager! I don't think he got rooked, but that's the thing....to be so young, or even an older artist or band with this first taste of something close to success, you don't know what you don't know!! You need a manager to tell you you need a manager!!
Having said all that, the rifts sometimes fuelled the creation of some of the most amazing music, just for example, “Dreams” by Stevie Nicks, about Lindsey Buckingham. That song is almost always attributed to Fleetwood Mac, however it was almost 100% written in its entirety by Nicks. Don’t know how they agreed to split the royalties. Not in the same league (at least not in my book), but still with amazing songs, is ABBA, many of their big hits and masses of their well known album tracks are about turbulent relationships within the group…
I always chuckled at the stories of the songs they wrote about each other and then performing them on stage with each other. Even more that I hadn’t heard of:
Given the combative relationship they had with each other during their original hit making period, it was probably for the best that they were never together all at once!
True that, David....but, isn't it interesting how many bands/acts "put up with each other" just to the point of extending the legacy, yes, but also keeping a career alive, and ultimately, the hope of making some money from all the "putting up with"!
I just looked at that photo of them together in between finishing recording "Ark" and touring, and it made me think of all the people in MY life I've barely tolerated, and wondered how I'd manage being in their presence again.....to do anything!
Definitely. The original band members of one of my favorite groups, The Guess Who, are currently at legal loggerheads over songwriting and touring rights, so it's not something exclusive to the Animals.
And, those are the elements missing from my little personal analogy....the potential millions of dollars, contracts, publishing, etc....adding legalities to all those "life incentives" don't make strained relationships any easier!
Outstanding stories!
This was awesome. I love reading Nic’s stories (his experience is just incredible), and I love reading them through your lens, Brad, with all that vast and detail-rich knowledge of yours!
I’m not familiar with these Animals tracks, but House of the Rising Sun is one of the first songs I learned to sing. I do it slightly more bluesy than the original, but it’s such a hell of a song however you interpret it.
Crazy how Nic had to basically jump into the water, no effing about… incredible how he managed to pull it all off!
Guys, keep doing what you’re doing. For younger peeps like me, this is pure gold. And I mean it.
Thank you, Andres, and thank you, Brad, as ever this collaboration has been a pleasure to be involved in, and I learn as I go along too, because Brad, you unearth some real gems.
I’ve a few more tales to tell, and hopefully enough years left to have a few more adventures too… actually, I had one yesterday, was an amazing spontaneous day full of surprises and meetings with old friends and great connections with new friends, from the moment I woke up, to when I eventually fell into bed and slept… but that’s all another story…
Thank you, Andy! Well, this era (1983-'86-ish) was my pop culture black hole, as you know: I had gotten outta "the biz" around '82, and returned to college at 28 to take a decidedly different career path! So, I never heard "Ark," and have few pop culture reference points of the time to reflect on its impact, etc! I'm no help, here, in other words..........
Other than absolutely loving immersing myself in Nic's incredible experiences, and am beyond honored and flattered that A) he listened to and believed me when I told him these are stories that are not only fascinating, but need to be told and B) he made me comfortable in even ASKING him to create a platform (FR&B) where I could "do my creative thing" in bringing his stories to life....especially in an era in rock'n'pop when I was no longer fully invested and "wallowing" in, as I had been for the 2 decades before!
And, you're right about Nic's "chutzpah" (me going Yiddish!) in grabbing this gig with such gusto, and, in his story, revealing the feelings we'd all be feeling, too....a little "scared," but you're there......let's DO this! kinda thing!
A Texas "howdy" to you two Swiss misters....careful......don't trip over that alp!
My absolute pleasure, and thank you both again.
Brad, your "pop culture black hole" (or any music history knowledge black hole) is the envy of many mortals. I mean, if that's a black hole, then what's left for the rest?!
Yet, I admire your modesty, which is testament to your kindness and that "heart of gold" of yours I was talking about yesterday.
I think it's incredible how you two are collaborating on this. It's a leap of trust for both as you're both a little bit outside of your comfort zone, but you are two titans who have the knowledge, experience and, crucially, the gut feeling required to make a collaboration like this one work (and not only does it just "work"... it's wonderful!).
Another "howdy" (or bonjour/grüezi) back atcha from these alpine pastures!
I think I've actually found my true writing niche....sure, I love the writing I do, and will continue, but with Stephen Michael Schwartz ('70s/L.A. record biz) and now, Nic ('80s/London biz), both trusting me to present their stories, I'm really loving the editorial "interior decorating" these two impossibly generous artists have allowed me to do in presenting their inside stories!
"YODEL-ODIE-HEY-HE-HOOO!" or words to that effect!
That's awesome!! We, your readers, can tell how much you enjoy it! 😊
Thanks, Andy........you came up in our Meet today! Dan's cruising the Mediterranean (presumably in a boat!) with his amour, and I mentioned you and Stephan gallivanting (there's a word I wonder if you've heard!! It's kind of slang/regional dialect, I think) all around Alp-land!!
Oh that’s cool! Lol gallivanting 🤣🤣 Love it. Every day is a school day with you, Mr Kyle!
I'll bet this was fun to collaborate on, guys. Great story.
This is a blast for me, Jim! I certainly appreciate Nic's trust in me "re-imagining" his memories! I love the research, and filling in the song'n'artist gaps there may be. He's doing what he does best in telling his stories, and I'm in my element "dressing 'em up"!
By the way, Jim, if you haven't yet discovered FR&B's 20 articles by singer/songwriter/actor/RCA recording artist, Stephen Michael Schwartz, he reveals his eye-opening tales of '70s-era Hollywood record biz!👉 https://bradkyle.substack.com/t/stephen-michael-schwartz
Thanks, Brad. BTW, I have a very timely political banger coming out tomorrow. Stay tuned.
You always offer vivid storytelling and attention to detail, making this a must-read. I really find the combative part interesting and wonder how many bands must have been on the edge most of the time with each other.
There is a saying in the music industry, at least in the UK… “Where there’s a hit, there’s a writ!”
I think it simply comes down to some basics of the human condition, greed and envy.
I really admire the bands that dealt with this, head on, and just shared everything equally, like, just for example, Queen.
Sure, they all fell out with each other, but essentially they were as close as family, like brothers (or sisters, take you pick lol), and THAT really comes across in their music and their performances.
I think huge gaping rifts are difficult to hide and they spill over into the public space eventually… look no further than Brittany Spears. Heartbreaking really.
Spot on Nic! R.E.M. is another band that split everything 4 equal ways despite Michael Stipe being the most visible member.
Gotta think the "smart" ones starting out can spot the pitfalls, and decide...early, what this or that will be....from pub royalties (what % does a non-songwriter in the band get?) to concert net to merch, etc. With single artists or, even, duos....it's different, simply with more people to try and "make happy".
I gotta think it's tough, 'cause just starting out, it probably doesn't occur to most bandmembers, who are usually broke, and used to scraping by with chintzy club-date door %-age. If their debut gets airplay and sells thru the roof, you'd BETTER have already had that discussion and drawn those ledger lines!
Don't do it, Brad, that's Pandora's Box, and you've got that lid open a crack... there's lawyers inside, loads of lawyers, and contracts, and lawsuits, and penalty clauses, and hidden clauses and trick clauses, and more lawyers.... don't do it...
I keep recalling Stephen Michael Schwartz's predicament (and, he outlined it in one of the articles he wrote for FR&B).....He gets signed to RCA ('74, and he's 20), and he even goes several weeks and (I forget how long), into the contract, and the lead-up to recording, all without a manager! I don't think he got rooked, but that's the thing....to be so young, or even an older artist or band with this first taste of something close to success, you don't know what you don't know!! You need a manager to tell you you need a manager!!
Here it is........and, it's right at the top: https://bradkyle.substack.com/p/with-debut-lp-on-the-street-stephen?utm_source=publication-search
I forgot, there’s managers in that box too, loads of managers, and… it has to be said, naive musicians, lots of them…
Having said all that, the rifts sometimes fuelled the creation of some of the most amazing music, just for example, “Dreams” by Stevie Nicks, about Lindsey Buckingham. That song is almost always attributed to Fleetwood Mac, however it was almost 100% written in its entirety by Nicks. Don’t know how they agreed to split the royalties. Not in the same league (at least not in my book), but still with amazing songs, is ABBA, many of their big hits and masses of their well known album tracks are about turbulent relationships within the group…
I always chuckled at the stories of the songs they wrote about each other and then performing them on stage with each other. Even more that I hadn’t heard of:
https://faroutmagazine.co.uk/the-songs-stevie-nicks-and-lindsey-buckingham-wrote-about-each-other/
Looks like a good article (just read a few paras now), thanks for the tip 👍🏻
Note to self: possible post title: the rifts that fuelled the riffs - the complex dynamics of couples in bands