"I bought that guitar on my first trip back to California in ''65, Scott and Gary had moved to Chelsea and I was still at Onslow Gardens in the garden (basement) flat.
I remember that particular time quite well. We weren't doing much so I had time on my hands. I have always found that style of Fender, Esquires', and Telecasters uncomfortable when you play them sitting down, so I had the idea of contouring the body like a Stratocaster. I went to the local Ironmongers and bought a rasp, a few wood files and some sandpaper and got busy. I never thought about getting the guitar refinished, it was really old and fairly beat up. But it sounded better than most guitars available. That still holds true. There are several guitar makers that have copied the guitar down to the last detail. I was told that even the Fender Custom shop was offering their copy for a mere $10,000.00
The only time I ever played that guitar in public, was when we replaced the Kinks at the end of their tour. To be honest I don't really remember that far back.
I met Jeff at one of the clubs I think, I can't exactly remember where, but I heard him play and I thought he was unbelievably good. Later when the WBs stopped playing on shows, I heard that Jeff was looking for a Fender, I wanted him to have mine because it was a great guitar and he was a great player. I bought it from a guy I didn't really know in LA, he used to come around my house with all kinds of guitars. He got them from pawn shops and re-sold them. I was a good customer I bought three different guitars from him. One, a Blue Fender Stratocaster disappeared on tour in Germany. Anyway, I paid around a $150.00 for the Esquire and sold it to Jeff for 70.00 pounds. at the time that would be around $150.00.
I was living near Regent's Park at the time. Jeff and I were going to get together a have drink at some point, but somehow that didn't happen. Maybe we'll bump into each other one day."
A must have DVD for all fans of John Walker and The Walker Brothers, this live performance of John, backed by The Dakotas was recorded in the spring of 2009. Included are the 4 Walker Brother hits "Make It Easy On Yourself," My Ship Is Comin' In," "No Regrets," and "The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine Anymore." All profits from this DVD go directly to the NSPCC. For further information and to purchase the DVD please visit the official website at www.johnwalkerinternational.com
BREAKING NEWS!
'NEW'
If you would like to sign up for my new monthly newsletter to find out all the latest that is happening, please forward your details to my Fan Club President, joy@johnwalkerinternational.com
THE SOLID SILVER SIXTIES TOUR
"This tour for me was magic! I loved working with all of the other people on the shows, The Dakotas continue to amaze me, and Cynthia was sparkling every night - to my delight. The support from our fans was more than I could ever imagine. We had people come from as far away as Japan and Croatia to see our show; I was delighted to have the opportunity to meet so many.
I'd also like to thank the wonderful crews and photography teams that helped make this trip such a success....and a special thankyou to Ann Gwilliam and Joy Ryan , who work closely with Cynthia and myself, coordinating more things than I can list here, and accompanied us on most of our shows. Well done everyone! Looking forward to more of the same."
John Walker
June 19, 2009
My management team includes my wife Cynthia, Personal Representative Ann Gwilliam, Fan Club President Joy Ryan, and webmaster Jamie Anderson.
Please stay tuned to The Official John Walker Website: www.johnwalkerinternational.com for more changes and updates. And, thank you from all of us for your support!
Upcoming book by John and Gary Walker
The Walker Brothers - No Regrets - Our Story - by John and Gary Walker.
Forget all you have read about The Walker Brothers - this is the truth at last!
Publication date September 2009
ISBN: 978 1 84454.. 815 6 £18.99 hardback
To pre order your signed copy with a personalised dedication call John Blake publishing on +44 207 381 0666 or email thewalkerbrothers@blake.co.uk with your name,contact details and dedication request.
MY OFFICIAL WEBSITE IS:
johnwalkerinternational.com
My official fan club address is c/o Joy, PO Box 4171, Radstock, BA3 3UN email: joy@johnwalkerinternational.com
JOHN WALKER was destined to become a musical superstar and icon of the 60s Hollywood and London rock and roll scene. The combination of John’s musical abilities and drop-dead gorgeous looks proved irresistible to promoters, managers, agents and fans around the world. By the time he was eighteen, John had given guitar lessons to younger friends in his Calfornia neighbourhood – Carl Wilson, Brian Wilson, and David Marks – who practised their new surf music in John’s family garage, incorporating some of the guitar riffs John had taught them in their music and who went on to form The Beach Boys.
By nineteen, John was recording at the famed “Goldstar” Studios in Hollywood with Phil Spector and other hot new musicians and producers. During the early 60s, John and his bands were drawing huge crowds at the trendiest clubs in Hollywood with regular visits in the audience from The Rolling Stones, and other new rock bands who were checking out the California rock scene. Soon, John would be jamming every afternoon with Jimi Hendrix in Europe and modelling the latest London fashions, in Penthouse and other popular fan magazines.
In 1964, John Walker formed the legendary Walker Brothers in Hollywood, eventually replacing original drummer Al “Tiny” Schneider (who went on to tour with The Everly Brothers), with P.J Proby’s drummer, Gary Leeds. The band met with great success there before heading off to England in 1965 and producing chart topping hits such as the No.1s: “Make It Easy On Yourself ” and “The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore” and other classics – “My Ship Is Comin In” and “No Regrets”. John’s solo hits include “Annabella”, “Woman” and “Kentucky Woman”.
John and the other two Walker Brothers, Scott and Gary, toured extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and Australia, winning the hearts of many frenzied and devoted fans throughout the world. John and The Walker Brothers headlined shows with Jimi Hendrix (introducing Hendrix and his band, The Jimi Hendrix Experience to European crowds for the first time), Roy Orbison, Eric Clapton Cream, Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, Lulu, Cat Stevens….the list goes on. He appeared on countless 60s television shows in America and Europe including “The Sandie Shaw Show”, “Shindig”, “Top Of the Pops” and “Beat Club”. John performed for the royal family at The Royal Variety Performance Show and has had a longstanding involvement with a variety of charitable causes in the US and in Europe, particularly those for children.
In the 70s, John turned his attention to the recording process and now has his own recording / mixing / and mastering studio. He is a sought after consultant for upcoming bands, solo performers and recording / studio technicians. He formed his own label – “Arena” – in the mid - 90s.
Apart from his well - known vocals, John is a critically acclaimed songwriter and a blistering blues/rock guitarist. His latest CD – “Just For You” – is scheduled for release in May 2007.
Coming up in 2007…..John Walker will be a featured artiste on the PBS “British Invasion” special, to air nationally on US television beginning in March . He will be back on tour in the UK, by popular demand,for another Solid Silver Sixties Tour from February 21st - April 29th, ending at the London Palladium. He will also be appearing in the UK and The Continent for several other shows in May, June and later in the year.
Let me be the first to congratulate you on your birthday. I hope you have a fabulous day surrounded by the people who mean the most to you. I'm sure that you get a nice dinner tonight also.
Pleased to meet you - many thanks for the add. Those Walker Brothers albums sound even better now than they did first time around. I'm enjoying Nite Flights at the moment - I know some critics like to focus on Scott's songs, but the songs by yourself and Gary help to balance the whole record.
Hello John. I've just bought and heard your first record "If You Go Away" for the first time... and think it's absolutely beautiful! Thanks for your music! That's a shame it was not more successfull. Because it is stunning. All the best for you.
I tried to find the bulletine that lead me here to the Beach Ball clip, and comment there but couldnt find it. :( I must tell you that when a bad moon is rising, the only thing that cheers me up is The Walker Brother's songs. For me they're not old, at all, and I only hesitate a little bit to tell all the people in the world what a real good song makes to your heart., and WHICH ONES ARE the GOOD songs! And for me every nuance in the old songs is well-known - today it was "Walking in the rain", and me singing it LOUD, although the sun shone. Thank you John, it's so good to see how silly you were when you were young. :) (PS Nowadays you're only sexy, of course!) :)
Hoping maybe to meet up with you next April. A Country Mile will hoefully get its own video soon but in the meantime, here are latest tracks. Have a wonderful weekend, Steve and Peter
Ever wondered what to do in the event of a nuclear threat?
A while ago I found stuff that inspired me to make this film:
Living Under the Shadow of the Nuclear Umbrella
Both artistic (ensure you get the background music!) and educational, it primarily comprises official British government civil defence advice.
Though source materials are quite aged, much remains relevant today.
I encourage all to visit the YouTube page to learn more (Show support! Rate! Comment!) and responsibly circulate as widely as possible, here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UaIim3Rj7L4
John, Thanks to you and Cynthia and Ann for ensuring safe delivery of the mp3 to your goodself. Hoping you might consider it for a future recording. Best wishes, Steve and Peter
The tears in my eyes from the bite of your lies Have left me so weak, I can't speak To know that you've lied, hurts me deep inside Talk tinged with deceit, how foolish to cheat Hours pass like days, light fades into grey Trapped, feeling caught, was it partly my fault The longer time drags, I wish you'd come back Despite what's gone on, right or wrong
Sweet dreams get shattered fast Moving memories all flicker past Hard to say but that beauty of your smile Will live forever through many a country mile
It may be too late, but whatever your state Of affairs or review, I'm lost without you In truth it seems weak, but the future looks so bleak And time drags by slow, with no place to go While there's hope in my heart, never will be apart It's a blinkered situation, with no love left from you The distance between, many miles we have seen And the stars in the sky, mask these tears
Sweet dreams get shattered fast Moving memories all flicker past Hard to say but that beauty of your smile Will live forever through many a country mile
Thank you for the friendship and your music, John - sounds great!!! Keep up the good work. I wish you great success furthermore. Take some time to listen to our songs and leave a comment on our page. Take care and keep in touch. Love, peace and great "timeless nights" from Berlin, Guido.
Thanks for adding me. I have been a huge fan since I saw you in the 60s in England, where I am from. Will you ever do concerts here in the States? Wishing you and your family all the best!
Good to have you as a friend! So great to see the internet in action this way, shortening distances between people.
I hope all's well with you and that you enjoy checking out my web site some time.
For occasional, new, refreshing, insightful and (possibly?!) valuable content, I encourage you to sign up for my free newsfeed/email newsletter (using the form on site at page right - high quality, low quantity, no spam!).
You might enjoy watching some of my films (use the on screen controls to skip between them):
