In 1968, when Terry Reid was only 18, Aretha Franklin remarked that “there are only three things happening in England: The Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Terry Reid.” Firmly on the radar of those in the know back in those halcyon days, he still is, several decades later.
Reid’s teenage years found him touring with The Rolling Stones (including their fabled 1969 American tour), Cream, Jethro Tull and Fleetwood Mac, as well as playing prestige slots at festivals such as Isle of Wight and Glastonbury. The story of him having to turn down Jimmy Page to front Led Zeppelin and recommending that he check out a certain other young singer who had recently supported him instead has become legendary.
Already a singer of some repute, Reid’s soulful voice and powerful vocal range also earned him the nickname ‘Superlungs’ following his recording in 1969 of the Donovan song ‘Superlungs My Supergirl’ that opened his self-titled second album.
Having released seven studio albums, Reid’s songs have also featured in movies as diverse as comedy romance ‘Up In The Air’ (starring George Clooney) and The Devil’s Rejects’ (directed by Rob Zombie). His song ‘Brave Awakening’ was included on a Top 3 UK chart album by Rumer, while his many collaborations include DJ Shadow for his ‘Reconstructed’ album and work with artists such as Marianne Faithful, Alabama 3, The Raconteurs and The Hollies.
Graham Nash of The Hollies and Crosby Stills & Nash is among Reid’s closest friends and in 1976 produced his classic fourth album, ‘Seed Of Memory’. A song from Reid’s 1968 debut album entitled ‘Without Expression’ was later recorded by CSN as ‘Horses Through A Rainstorm’ and included on a 1991 box set. Years later, Reid and Nash still team up for impromptu live performances, leaving audiences floored with their jaw-droppingly gorgeous harmonies.
From country flavoured songs to latin-tinged (Reid housed Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso when they were exiled by the Brazilian dictatorship in 1969), to rock and soul, Reid always puts his own spin on bringing a lyric to life or rephrasing a melody.
Ever since the outset of his career, Reid has been constantly evolving, moving forward as an artist, writer, singer and guitarist, touring the world, telling his stories and attracting fresh fanbases. Joe Bonamassa recently commented “Cheers Terry, you are a superstar.” Once again, still on the radar with those in the know, so stay tuned. There is always something percolating in Reidland – be sure to catch him live!
18.09.24 EXETER Phoenix tickets
19.09.24 NORWICH Arts Centre tickets
20.09.24 BRIGHTLINGSEA Community Centre tickets
22.09.24 LEICESTER The Musician tickets
24.09.24 LONDON Jazz Cafe tickets
27.09.24 BRISTOL Lantern Hall tickets
28.09.24 CHESTER St Mary’s A Creative Space tickets
29.09.24 MANCHESTER Band On The Wall tickets
01.10.24 NEWCASTLE The Cluny tickets
02.10.24 YORK The Crescent tickets
03.10.24 BIRMINGHAM Hare & Hounds tickets
07.10.24 LONDON Half Moon, Putney tickets
