Talk:The Yardbirds
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[edit] The long and interesting career of Simon Napier-Bell
When I was in London in 1980 three days after the death of Led Zeppelin's drummer John Bonham I was hangin out in Nomis Sound Studios over in Sheperd's Bush. As I walked in with my guitarist we met Nik Lowe who was runnung the place in Simon Napier's abscence since he was in Hong Kong doing God-knows-what with God-knows-who; but Bad Company was in studio A with Graham Parker and the Rumour (with I believe Brinsley-Schwartz on guitar) in studio c; Rockpile was in studio B and a new band called Girlschool was in studio D.
We were greeted warmly as we were staying with a friend down the street; a cat called Pete who had been in Cockney Rebel years before; Nik Lowe was also producing Brian Robertson's band Wild Horses brfore he had joined Motorhead; of course all of London was in mourning for Bonzo so there was nothing happening from King's Road to Dingwalls where the Ramones were hanging out.
Simon Napier Bell was also the manager of Cream at a time when; as Nik Cohn wrote "he was very flash, drove a sportscar and no one was sure where he had made his money"; in other words; a hustler from the French Riveria and a lot of othewr places.
My name is Christopher Witt Diamant. At the time we were hanging out in London Pearly Gates who was Cosmo Vinyl's girlfriend asked myself and my guitarist Chris Lind to join her band; Cosmo was the Clash's manager but Pearly Gates had been the girlfriend of Rafael of the Nuns in san Francisco when he was the drummer for the Nuns and also Rank and File; but we turned her down because she had fired John and Hilary Stanch from her band before coming to London. But Simon Napier Bell is still a major mover in Rock.
Signed; Christopher Witt Diamant scardone@comcast.net —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 68.80.193.252 (talk • contribs) .
[edit] Year of Rock_and_Roll_Hall_of_Fame inducting
The Yardbirds was inducted to Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, not 1990
[edit] NPOV
This has got to be one of the worst articles I've seen as far as keeping it neutral is concerned.
- "...as they hammered away at versions of such blues classics as..."
- "...his solo turns, while far enough from the gripping little gems..."
- plus many, many more examples...
And also, it reads like a piece out of Rolling Stone, which is all well and good... but not encyclopedic. I am not in a position to improve it, since I know next to nothing about the Yardbirds, but it's such a shame that a band like this has such a fanboyish article. 
plattopusis this thing on? 19:32, Apr 2, 2005 (UTC)
[edit] The Article Isn't a Shame.
True that parts of it sound like it could come from a Rolling Stone ENCYCLOPEDIA of Rock & Roll, that's right that's from an encyclopedia so it seems contradictory to call it not encyclopedic, the best place to get encyclopedic info on music would probably be a music encyclopedic. The neutrality isn't really that bad, a few sentences are too descriptive for some tastes so just say instead of hammered away, they worked hard at, is it really that disastrous to see hammered away instead of worked hard at. It really shouldn't bug anybody that much. The article is pretty large and has a lot of pictures for most bands especially for one that was only around for a few years in the 60's so I really don't see this at all as a shame but one of the better pages on wikipedia. Patman2648
[edit] Did not?
The first paragraph says they "did not eventually evolve into Led Zeppelin."
I was under the impression that they had, but I don't know. It's somewhat of an intangible thing, so it would be nice if someone who knows them better could clarify. A cursory Google examination usually shows that Led Zeppelin came from the remnants of the Yardbirds.
--RandomPrecision 07:04, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
- Now that I read it, nevermind, I'm just going to change that. They had Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones, and a later section specifically says they did become Led Zeppelin. RandomPrecision 07:21, 1 February 2006 (UTC)
from dq: There is a line in the opening paragraph saying: "a crucial link between British R&B and psychedelia (along with the Byrds);"
This should be removed. As a professional musician from that era, I guarantee: a) the Byrds had nothing to do with "linking" anything to British R&B; b) the Byrds have nothing in common musically via genre or style with the Yardbirds. Byrds were an American 12-string folk-rock band with vocal harmonies; Yardbirds were hard, blues-based British rock band. No comparison and nothing in common. Humbly submit that the reference to Byrds in this article be removed. Leaving it up to the editors. Apologies to the author if I have misinterpreted.
- I agree. Reference to the Byrds removed. --David Edgar 07:29, 4 July 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Article refers to the wrong Ben King
The listing of the current band members links to a Ben King born in 1938. The Yardbirds Ben King is in his early twenties. This is on their website, and I can confirm from their October 2006 performance at the 100 club. And by the way, he is one seriously good guitar player.
- Indeed, he's clearly a different person from Ben E. King. I changed the link to point to Ben King (guitarist). --David Edgar 11:26, 31 October 2006 (UTC)
[edit] Really, really needs editing
The facts seem to be alright, but the article really seems to need some heavy NPOV editing. Seems to me that it reads more or less like a Yardbirds love poem. I'm gonna go ahead and have at it some time tomorrow.Robertbieber 00:40, 6 November 2006 (UTC)
- Still seems not that great; have you worked on it yet? Thanks by the way for offering, the Yardbirds definitely deserve a better article already, and it's so close to being a good article (all the hard stuff like facts and pictures are pretty good). —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 72.87.187.228 (talk) 07:16, 23 December 2006 (UTC).
[edit] Fair use rationale for Image:Little Games.jpg
Image:Little Games.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.
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[edit] Fair use rationale for Image:Roger The Engineer.jpg
Image:Roger The Engineer.jpg is being used on this article. I notice the image page specifies that the image is being used under fair use but there is no explanation or rationale as to why its use in this Wikipedia article constitutes fair use. In addition to the boilerplate fair use template, you must also write out on the image description page a specific explanation or rationale for why using this image in each article is consistent with fair use.
Please go to the image description page and edit it to include a fair use rationale. Using one of the templates at Wikipedia:Fair use rationale guideline is an easy way to insure that your image is in compliance with Wikipedia policy, but remember that you must complete the template. Do not simply insert a blank template on an image page.
If there is other other fair use media, consider checking that you have specified the fair use rationale on the other images used on this page. Note that any fair use images uploaded after 4 May, 2006, and lacking such an explanation will be deleted one week after they have been uploaded, as described on criteria for speedy deletion. If you have any questions please ask them at the Media copyright questions page. Thank you.BetacommandBot 04:31, 6 June 2007 (UTC)
[edit] Don Bish
Rimersburg native on world tour with British rock band Yardbirds By KAREN CLARK
Don Bish, 34, plays drums for the group, which will appear in Pittsburgh on Friday.
Marching to a different drum has landed a Rimersburg native on a world tour with a legendary British rock band.
Don Bish, 34, has traveled the globe as a drummer with the Yardbirds, a 1960s-era band famous for starting the careers of three of rock's most famous guitarists - Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page.
Part of the band's tour includes a concert this Friday in Pittsburgh at Hartstown Acres. While in the area, Bish and the band will be stopping at the Clarion home of his mother, Donna Patterson, who is an associate dean at Clarion University. He is also the son of Richard Bish, an educator employed at the Riverview Intermediate Unit.
ABOUT THE BAND
Long before Bish was born, the London-based group was evolving their sound from blues-based to experimental pop rock, recording such hits as "For Your Love"; "Over, Under, Sideways, Down" and "Heart Full of Soul".
Experts say the Yardbirds were pioneers in almost every guitar innovation of the '60s and were one of the first to put an emphasis on complex lead guitar parts and experimentation.
The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Music authorities declare that unlike many bands of the era, the Yardbirds have continued to aggressively move forward. And, 35 years after appearing on the radar of musical fame, their sound remains distinctly and electrifyingly that of the Yardbirds, who are credited with laying the groundwork for the rock guitar of today.
Original band members Chris Dreja, rhythm guitar, and Jim McCarthy, drums and backing vocals, are still performing on tour. New group members include drummer Bish, bassist John Idan, lead guitar Ben King and harmonica player Billy Boy Miskimmin.
FROM RIMERSBURG TO RICHES
Bish said his parents bought him his first set of drums at age 5 and his first drum lesson was in first grade with Mrs. Crissman.
The idea of music at school never really caught on for Bish, and he didn't participate in the available venues.
"I never played in marching band. I wasn't into all that marching. Besides, kids in the band got beat up and I wasn't very tough," he said with a laugh.
Bish said an uncle, Fran Fry of Franklin, who was a jazz drummer and worked with the Pennsylvania Musicians Union, was a major factor in developing his music.
"He is one of the reasons I have a passion to play drums and cook. I am a huge barbecue fanatic also," he said.
Although he never participated in band at school, he formed a teenage band with Miles Altman, Steve Curll and Dave Daughterer that played AC/DC and Kiss songs.
He began playing in local cover bands and says he "cut his teeth" playing for 50 or so people at the Route 68 Bar.
"I was 15 and my parents had to escort me in. I thought that was the greatest thing I would ever do," he reflected.
After high school, Bish said he tried some college classes at Edinboro and did some odd jobs, but decided it wasn't a life he wanted. The decision to live his dream and pursue his music was easier for him than for his parents, both highly involved in the field of education.
"For them, when I decided not to go to college, well, let's just say we had a talk. My parents have doctorates and masters degrees and here is their son," he said with a chuckle.
However, Bish said his parents got on board his dreams after seeing his passion for music.
"When they saw that, they really supported me. They wanted me to go to college, but saw it wasn't for me. They are good parents," he said. "But, I still get the occasional wisecrack about coming back home and getting a real job."
After working a few years and scraping together a small amount of cash, Bish packed up a van purchased for $4,000 and headed to the west coast.
"I put in a microwave, a drum set and two suitcases full of clothes and drove to L.A. where I didn't know a soul,' Bish said.
With a little help from his parents, Bish got settled into a small apartment for the first month and began a rough journey on the way to his dream.
Like many of the millions of musicians and movie stars looking for work in Hollywood, Bish picked up the local music paper and began heading out to auditions.
"I roughed it. I survived the first six months eating a lot of Ramen noodles. I really struggled, but kept going to auditions and finally got a gig working with Ace Frehley from KISS in 1995, playing a side gig," he said.
The first break lasted a few months, allowing Bish to accumulate some cash and get a better apartment. He then became part of an industrial rock band, The Newly Deads, did a world tour and made three records.
"After that I bounced around. I got into Pretty Boy Floyd, an 80s hair band, and ended up doing 12 world tours and two MTV videos with those guys," he said.
When that band became "too much of a party and not enough work," Bish began working with Kevin Martin, the singer from Candlebox, and did European and U.S. tours.
"I got pretty lucky and just kept getting a better gig each time. They got more professional and kept stepping up," he said.
On the way to his Hollywood home after an eight-month tour, Bish said he got a call from his manager about an opportunity to work with the Yardbirds.
"I was in a taxi and my manager says, I just emailed you 32 songs - learn as many as you can on the flight to Toronto," he said. "I went home, did laundry and turned around and went back to LAX for a five-and-a-half hour ride to Canada."
Not realizing he was showing up to play as part of the group, Bish said he figured it was for a cover band that worked closely with the Yardbirds and was surprised by the opportunity.
"Getting a chance to play with the people that invented the type of music I was playing, wow. They are the legends and hall of famers," he said.
That was 18 months ago.
Now, as an established member of the group, Bish says the Yardbirds are one of the most fun and easiest touring groups he's ever been associated with.
"They have been great. I've had the whole band to my mother's house to stay the night and have dinner. They all enjoyed it so much, we are having a barbecue at my Mom's again this trip," he said.
DOWN THE ROAD
After the show concludes in Pittsburgh next week, the current tour for the Yardbirds will be on hiatus until next spring.
Meanwhile, Bish will return to his own band, Sink to See.
"The Yardbirds take a little time off, so while they do that I get to tour with the band that I actually get to write songs with. We are based out of LA and just signed a publishing deal. The record comes out at Christmas," he said.
"So when I get done with that, I get to join back up with the Yardbirds."
Keeping pace with a whirlwind schedule doesn't allow much time for anything but music. But, Bish says he doesn't need a vacation.
"I haven't had a vacation in 10 years. This is my vacation. Even though I will be in 200 cities in 32 countries during this tour, I have gotten paid to see the world and play music. I love what I do," he declared.
"It's hell on your social life, but I can't see myself doing anything else. I have a house in north Hollywood that I get to see for a week here and a week there. I have become an excellent suitcase packer," he added.
CELEBRITY STATUS
As a successful musician, Bish has been interviewed by Rolling Stone magazine, VH1, MTV and countless international and stateside publications.
But, returning to his hometown and garnering support from family and community has a stronger draw than fame any where else.
"My grandmother was at Clairview Nursing home and not doing too well. I was told I should fly back to see her. She was in her hospital bed and her old lady friends were all around and she introduced me to them as 'her rockstar grandson. That was all I needed," said Bish.
Additionally, returning to a rural area and telling local folks you play drums for a living, doesn't carry quite the image of success it may it large metropolitan areas.
"In this part of the country, people don't earn a living playing drums. This is the first hometown interview I've done. It feels good. When you leave a town like that and come back, you want to be able to say, 'Look what I've done,'" he said.
Experiencing the world of rock music at one of the highest levels, has left Bish with humble gratitude for what he has accomplished.
"It's been a bumpy, bumpy road. There is a lot of high and lows. The highs are unbelievably high and the lows are really, really low. But, you fly for 13 hours for one show and there are 2,000 kids waiting at the airport holding signs with your name on it, and it's worth it," he said. —The preceding unsigned comment was added by 24.154.53.69 (talk) 15:19, August 21, 2007 (UTC)
[edit] An Error In Your facts...
You say that the band started the careers of the guitarists. You are incorrect. Clapton was in Derek and the Dominoes and Cream beforehand so was already famous...
81.77.83.96 (talk) 14:20, 18 November 2007 (UTC)
Ryan
- Wrong. Yardbirds was 1965 for Clapton. Cream was 1966, and Derek and the Dominos was 1970....What is it about this article that draws such opinions? Ryan, do you have any Yardbirds, Cream or Derek and the Dominoes LPs? Or are you reading the copyright date off the back of a CD? The mind boggles. 24.6.67.7 (talk) 10:57, 29 November 2007 (UTC)
[edit] Clapton wasn't popular within the band
A new article on the Guardian Unlimited website Eric Clapton is not God quotes Jim McCarty as saying "Eric had these R&B mod songs he wanted us to do. Him leaving was a relief. Eric would be sitting in the van not talking to anyone. You'd think he's so moody, he's such a pain, we're fed up with this."
I'm not a regular editor on this article so I'm not going to wade in something negative like this, but I thought I'd point it out here so it can be discussed and maybe one of the regulars adding something about it. --WebHamster 12:39, 3 December 2007 (UTC)
[edit] Citations & References
See Wikipedia:Footnotes for an explanation of how to generate footnotes using the <ref(erences/)> tags Nhl4hamilton (talk) 06:51, 3 February 2008 (UTC)
[edit] Yardbirds name?
The article says that The term, "Yardbird" is used in the southern United States as slang for 'chicken' (as in poultry), and it is a slang expression for "prisoner" I read somewhere (don't remember where) that it was a nod to the great jazz musician Charlie Parker -- who was also known as Yardbird. Mdebellis (talk) 22:47, 15 March 2008 (UTC)
[edit] The Real First Choice for Appearance
According to several print sources, including the book included with their 1995 CD box set, it was The Velvet Underground--not The Who--who were Antonioni's first choice for a cameo appearance in Blow Up. Apparently, funds could not be found to make the cross-Atlantic trip and accomodations a reality.Jannyrcobs (talk) 04:44, 4 April 2008 (UTC)
[edit] Yardbirds interview 1965
As an editor at Crawdaddy!, I'm not posting this link as an external link or otherwise in order to comply with COI regulations. But it is a worthwhile read, originally published in NME in 1965, and contains some colorful quotes, so I humbly submit it for further consideration interview
Asst. Editor, Crawdaddy! FenderRhodesScholar | Talk 19:39, 30 April 2008 (UTC)
