George Harrison would have been 77 today. His music was more thoughtful especially his opus-like triple album All Things Must Pass. He also supported the arts as a movie producer and had an interest in racing, both Formula One and Motorcycle Grand Prix. Here he is with Barry Sheen #7 at some racetrack. Barry is wearing a non-flammable racing outfit rather than his usual leathers so must be getting in a four wheeled racer.
Born to be Wild | Keyboardist of Californian band Steppenwolf Goldie McJohn sits on a BSA Rocket 3 whilst American Recording Studio producer Richie Polodor looks on from his Jeep. Polodor was producer for Three Dog Night who had hits such as a #1 cover of Eric Burden’s Mama told me (not to come).
The Great Pretender | “Let’s talk with Pete Farndon. When he’s not playing his electric bass, you can probably find him on his bike.”
Bassist from the original line up of the English American rock group The Pretenders Pete lived life in the fast lane on his Trident.
Luftballon | not ninety nine… just the one. The bobber ‘cycle rider is adrift with the escapism one experiences when cruising along. Fun artwork from Douglas Thompson who captures the gravity defying nature of motorcycling.
Fender | the music of the motorcycle. A Jaguar electric guitar hooned around on a Tiger.
Skydog | supremo guitarist Duane Allman picking away on his ’59 Cherry Sunburst Gibson Les Paul. He looks to be in another zone altogether. Cool t-shirt.
Pickup | More guitar tomfoolery with a Triumph logo emblazoned across the pick guard.
Axe | instrumental crossover of the original ’59 Triumph Bonneville color scheme applied to an electric guitar.
Adventure Percussionist | Rush drummer Neil Peart recently passed away. His contribution to music is legendary. He was also an avid long distance motorcyclist covering countless miles between concerts and later journeys of introspective exploration. His autobiography Ghost Rider: Travels on the Healing Road a haunting memoir of self rediscovery.
Neil Peart (1952-2020)
Forty Five RPM | classic instrumental hit from 1958 with very memorable lyrics: “Tequila” x3. Awesome cover photo of the band in matching red suits over white tees on Triumph motorcycles.
Down the Road Whenever | more two-wheel visuals of Mark Knopfler in his new video for “Good on you son”, a piece of music from his latest album. It looks like an updated unit Triumph. Sunny roads. Perfect scenery for his subtle music style.
Brothers in Arms | 80’s supergroup Dire Straits was fronted by guitarist maestro Mark Knopfler. As well as a love of the creation of music he has also had a lifelong keen interest in motorcycles. This black Honda VFR is a smart looking steed.
Ride: I brush my teeth, I dry my hair
I put on skimpy underwear
And I ride
To hell and back
Yeah I ride
Carving up the nation..
Comic song by the late and everso great Kirsty MacColl for a comic piece on French & Saunders. In the video Dawn & Jen are riding choppers through a dreary English countryside- well they’re actually on the bikes which are strapped on a trailer. Kirsty would have been 60 today.
Like Steve McQueen | Singer songwriter Sheryl Crow sporting a cool tee which she is proud to wear.
Bayou Biker | CCR frontman John Fogarty hoofing around on a Honda Scrambler – Creedence Clearwater Revival were a mainstay of late sixties music with their early progressive swamp rock sound.
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