April 2024

More weird synchronicities…

Some of the stuff that surfaced during the excavations for the More Than You Can Chew box-set sent me down multiple rabbit holes.

All through the band’s career, we included cover versions in the live set. Initially these were needed to pad out the setlist. Some were chosen by way of exploration. Others for an audience that wished to dance. Quite a few were jams for the band to let off steam and have a blast. So, as part of the industry of human happiness, I’ve compiled a list of titles that I could remember.

Digging out a band photo for Spotify from back in the day (1974), I never knew who took it … until now. When I discovered the photographer was Neil Jones of London Features International Ltd., my immediate response was to ring Johnny Fean. Because Neil had been guitarist in Amen Corner and Johnny and myself were fans.

Indeed, Johnny’s first band Sweet Street had much in common with the Welsh band. As Amen Corner’s 1969 No. 1 hit (If Paradise is) Half as Nice indicates, they were “faces” with soul and mod influences. Just like Limerick’s Sweet Street.

Neil’s brother-in-law, Amen Corner frontman Andy Fairweather-Low, dropped by Rockfield Studios once or twice while we were recording there. Did we get him to sing harmonies? I forget.

I was sad to learn that Neil, who went on to have a super career as a photographer, snapping David Bowie, Paul McCartney, Elton John and Nelson Mandela among countless others, died in 2018. Had I known his identity on the day in 1974, when we launched The Táin album with a party in Belgravia, I’d have asked for a selfie. If I’d been able to speak, that is. To ensure the reception went with a bang, I’d been carrying a couple of bottles of the finest pot still poitín in my bag.

Decades on, here’s a toast to two ultra-cool guitarists, Johnny and Neil.

(Photo: Amen Corner, Neil Jones, middle)