I want to tip my hat to the legendary, mythical, psychedelic band The Byrds.
They were once touted as the American Beatles.
The Byrds were swiftly (Byrd pun) inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked the Byrds at number 45 on their 100 Greatest Artists of All Time.
The Byrds is sadly one of the giant legendary bands that never had an official Reunion. David Crosby had tried many times to persuade Roger McGuinn to do so.
Coincidentally, some of my favourite bands begin with the letter “B” – Beatles, Blondie, Beach Boys, Byrds.
Lucky, proud and honoured to have hung out and photographed three of the “B” bands. My images are featured in two of the bands’ albums.
Inspired by the Beetles (Beatles), the Birds (Byrds) also chose to name their band with a playful, odd letter.
The name also reflected the founder and leader of the Byrds, Roger McGuinn’s interest in flying and airplanes.
When I talk to my friends about The Byrds, if they don’t recall the band, I would say “Mr. Tambourine Man” and immediately that rings their bells … of Rhymney.
I love the music and albums of the Byrds, as you can see below.
Roger McGuinn kindly and patiently signed all seventeen CD covers at my home (above image). He also signed all his solo CD covers but this is a Byrds blog. Haha.
I count myself lucky and honoured to have the founder and leader of the Byrds, Roger McGuinn and his beautiful wife, Camilla come visit my home and have a meal(s) every time they’re in town.
Once, Roger borrowed my son’s toy plastic guitar and performed a mini concert for my family (above image) featuring his hit songs, “Mr. Tambourine Man”, “Eight Miles High”, “Turn, Turn, Turn” and a song called “Singapore” which he composed spontaneously.
My 15 seconds of Byrds fame – when my name appeared in a Twitter post between Roger McGuinn and David Crosby (above image). For the record, I did see (and photographed) David Crosby.
David Crosby also saw me (above image).
Sadly, David Crosby passed on, on 18 January 2023. He joined the heavenly members of the Byrds – Gene Clark, Michael Clarke, Gram Parsons, Clarence White, Kevin Kelley and Skip Battin – in the blessed garden above.
I paid a tribute to Mr. Crosby and Roger noticed (above image).
Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman, from the original band line-up, are still performing actively.
The tireless troubadour, Roger McGuinn, is still touring the country and high seas (cruises), performing his vast catalog of Byrds and solo hits. The last time Roger and I “spoke” on Gmail was last week.
Please also read my previous “Roger McGuinn” Blog.
