Diamonds and Rust. Joan Baez cover.

Joan Baez tells us that she wrote this song about a phone call she received, completely out of the blue, from Bob Dylan.
This was ten years after their affair had ended.
All Bob said was "listen to the words of my new song".
After he had read out the lyrics, he hung up, leaving Joan in pieces.
A few years later they were both appearing on the same Bill together, and he asked who the song was about. She lied and told him it was about her ex husband.
She later confessed.
This old guitar is a German built Hoya 12 string, which I bought 2nd hand in 1969 for £10.
It was quite difficult to play for 2 reasons - firstly the fingerboard is flat, like a nylon strung classical guitar. I think a lot of steel string guitars were like that in the late 50's early 60's.
Secondly the action was not very good. I.e. the strings were a little high from the fingerboard. Double trouble with a 12 stringer.
But I loved the big full sound it made so I persevered with it.
During covid lockdown I decided to try and do something about it, so I treated it to a new nut (where the fingerboard meets his headstock) and a new bridge saddle.
I then, with some trepidation, tightened the neck trussrod, which straightened the neck out a little and brought the action down.
Then I bought some super light strings.
Now it's much easier to play and I'm very pleased with it.
The other day I was rummaging in the loft for something and came across an old guitar pickup. So this morning I fixed it to the soundhole and used it for this video.
I hope it sounds okay.
Thank you for listening, I hope you enjoyed Joan's story. 🙂🎸

[@akirad01]

I think of Judas Priest on this song.

[@mobsiesixsixsix9785]

Me too.

[@troymiller1287]

Tim the ripper with judas was about the best version I've ever heard

[@cassandrabeerandrewstewart8254]

Me too…

[@johnsims5330]

No joke. Rob Halford's three octave voice. A duet with these two would be bucket list worthy.

[@enge]

Same here

[@suedemutant8196]

This song gives me teary eyes 🥺

[@medeshan]

I have been watching some of your videos and eventually I will watch them all. I love your voice and how well and clearly you play your guitar. Thank you Mr. Clifford.

[@anastasiosgraikos7135]

So happy that the algorythm worked finally!

[@PedroSilva-fw1zv]

You are Amazing Sir , God bless you

[@arnaldotanta3630]

One of my all time favourite songs and i born in 67 , i , joan baez , bob dylan , the music and the world , we all thank you sir, well done, keep the good work 👍👍👍

[@jongut9908]

La conosi por judas priest , la ame por Joan Baez , y la aprecio por usted , gracias.

[@anderb9311]

once again ... nearly beautfiul Mr. Clifford ... :-) .... over really nice ... you bring some melancholie into it ... keep up your good work ... really good interpretation from ones of the beautiful songs in the world until today ... enjoy your life Mr. Clifford ...

[@jamesrodriguez4829]

Bravo! I grew up listening to this song from Judas Priest. 👏

[@Egonzal316]

You have a very comforting voice.

[@scottcanavan1639]

Man, I am so happy I found this channel. Great stuff.

[@Terbie36]

Baez's best song. Wonderful job.

[@bloodshed_]

Your covers are incredible! I hope you can and are able to put them up on spotify one day.

[@lifespillars]

Keep it up brother. Your music is reaching the people

[@ilovemefirst4689]

First notes I hit the 👍 button. One of my favorite songs. Eerily and hauntingly beautiful. Thanks great job!

[@stuartnewton9987]

This has just made the hairs stand up on the back of my neck.......this so wonderful......just love the sound of a 12 string.

[@Egonzal316]

You are excellent. I would like to hear you cover Pink Floyd's Hey You, or Wish You Were Here.

[@pelleredin134]

I really liked that. Thank you! Dark outside now, frozen droplets nearly forming snow falling on the window. Listening to this mellow tune while the kids mske an absolute mess with pancakes in the kitchen, thinking about good things in life lost, and good things found. With the years comes perspective on old grief.

[@iliyailiev7023]

I still remember buying that Judas Priest album "Sin after Sin" , right after I had listened the " Painkiller " . Well it wasn't what I've expected , but I loved it ! Has great songs in it and " Diamonds and Rust " is one of the best .

[@Opethian777]

Sad wings of destiny is my favorite priest album then sin after sin.This song on unleashed in the east is superb. I love this man's version...just haunting.

[@BULLET-PROOF-BAND]

Wow, so emotional! Just keep on singing the way you do. ❤️👊❤️ the song itself is beautiful and you’re making it even more special.

[@carlosyabar]

Beautiful cover - I discovered your channel with the Iron Maiden cover - hope you can do more rock/heavy songs.

[@mikeatwork7593]

What a fantastic version, this is a haunting song for me and I love both the Joan Baez and Judas Priest versions of this song, it takes on such a different meaning for whoever listens to it/sings it because it could be about anyone. Even if it was written about Bobby, this makes me think of my lost past every time.

[@ramiromacielpereira3660]

You have a new fan in Brazil, thank you so much Mr Stuart!

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks Brazil from England. Thanks for listening and commenting 🙂 🎸

[@АлександрШашев-ъ3ч]

Просто, восхитительно! Что за дивный дедушка!

[@robineliason7850]

From Iron Maiden (yeah, I picked you up on MP's channel) to Luke Kelly to Joan Baez, awesome! A soul after my own heart, good music is good music! Thank you, you have made my day.

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks Robin. Yeah I just love all music. No borders. It's all a joy 🙂. Thanks for listening and commenting 🙂 🎸

[@coupdegras107]

Amazing rendition. Truly inspired

[@patrickewer9714]

Very good song Clifford! Thank you for your beautiful talent! ❤

[@royallen7095]

Well done Stu, and great luthier work too. The twelve string sound is delightful.

[@ForeverAnxious]

I don't know if you realise how good your guitar playing is Stuart but in my opinion you are one of the best acoustic players on You Tube Today...

[@stuartclifford8795]

Oh wow thank you very much. And thanks for listening and commenting it makes my day 🙂🎸

[@d4ngerous4]

Went to see joan baez last concert in edinburgh, was brilliant!🎉

[@stuartclifford8795]

Wow. Wish I was with you 🙂. Thanks for listening and commenting 🙂 🎸

[@stefankablitz1468]

Ich bin immer wieder begeistert 😅 sauber ein größer Musiker.🤘

[@gazzag7201]

Beautiful 😊

[@kerrywebb4565]

I love how you interpret the music and words.

[@thinlizzyguide]

So fantastic and pure

[@lguitare]

Very Nice version of Diamonds and Rust my friend, Thumbs up 👍!

[@GuttersV]

pls go on, Im waiting for more such beautiful sounds. I THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

[@mikeferris408]

As many posted.. yes i was turned on to this song from judas priest... and obviously its 1 of their biggest hits even thou its a cover by them. Fine job you did sir! Great great song! Loved it the 1st time i heard it so many years ago. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍

[@Opethian777]

Excellent cover,very haunting. Have you considered doing Epitaph from sad wings of destiny? Great upload!

[@johnholmes8996]

Love your choices of songs

[@makarenagalvez2589]

Woooww, esta canción es una rareza, me encanta. Y la interpretación de Stuart con su guitarra de 12 cuerdas es buenísima, me encantó el final que le dió 👏👏👏👏👏

[@metalpower2371]

You play awesome, keep going ,,🤘🏻😎👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@BrummieDebs]

Absolutely a pleasure to listen to ❤ thank you

[@andyskorgan4152]

I am becoming your fan, this is just so I can feel, man, thank you mate !!!

[@bethhutchins5657]

Beautiful done👏

[@blackritus]

Love this song. Beautiful performance!

[@pgprojex]

This could be THE definitive version ... and it's officially unreleased. Phenomenal!

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks for multi video watching pg 🙂. Makes my day 🙂🎸

[@johnkauffman7605]

Excellent! Great cover!!

[@michaelorr430]

nice work! I love The Judas Preist live version of this song as well!

[@DaM-nv4bx]

Woooow...que buena interpretación! Conocí esta canción por la versión de Judas Priest y me encantó. Lo felicito señor Stuart,usted me ha emocionado,mis respetos y un saludo desde Buenos Aires,Argentina 🇦🇷

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks from England 🙂

[@chrisw5742]

AMAAAAAAAZING

[@alexandrepolydoro4038]

Interpretação com alma e sensibilidade! Perfeito!

[@ozzysabbath4466]

Classic track well done\m/

[@harryharefoot3058]

Well done Stuart 😊 I like it

[@ghepensimi6609]

The voice of wisdom

[@DesertSandSailor]

Awesome work, thank you for sharing your talents

[@brianpateman2666]

Thank you Stuart. I know the song but not the story. I like the story of your 12 string too, what a lovely sound - maybe it will motivate me to sort out my own 12!

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks Brian. Get it sorted they make a treat sound 🙂. And thanks for listening and commenting it makes my day 😊 🎸

[@petebushey3664]

Really enjoy and appreciate all of your videos/ songs. Keep up the awesome work!! In a world filled with bad news and disappointments, this stuff right here is very refreshing. Music makes everything better.

[@marcelodurante9418]

Nice. Please, play "Don't talk to strangers", Ronnie James "Dio".

[@Colin32269]

Thanks for this Sir.. Im watching your chords n playing along with you today.❤

[@stuartclifford8795]

That makes my day thanks 🙂🎸

[@Asselheimer]

Very Nice you have a great voice..lg Mike

[@jeremiasstutz120]

que bueno haber conocido tu canal stuart, sos un campeon ya estoy suscrito saludos crack

[@sudicalwig]

Magical. Nice guitar man!

[@alexandrecardoso1020]

Bravo!!!! I'm a new fan from Brazil!

[@stuartclifford8795]

Welcome to England 🙂

[@ramirez6995]

Emocionante!!! Saludos desde Argentina!!

[@stuartclifford8795]

Greetings back from England 🙂

[@starr99]

12-string! Sounds good. Like the solo. Trying to notice your technique, using a pick and fingerpicking. Cool

[@tomstrom63]

jag kommer ofta hit till din kanal ! det är så befriande att lyssna på dej och jag gillar verkligen vad du gör ❤❤

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks so much Tom. And thanks for multi listening. Makes my day 🙂🎸

[@timglas]

Awesome!

[@JohnnyMarques97]

Great musician!

[@DervishD]

Oh, my god, Stuart. You made me cry again, man! 😄 I love this song, it's one of my favourites from the marvellous voice of Joan Baez, probably because of the story that's behind. Your version is very different but I have loved it, really. You're great. My wife says this is probably the best cover of the song she has heard, because it is not the typical you can hear now and then. Lovely, really.

[@stuartclifford8795]

Wow, thank you! 😊

[@vellson]

Love it!❤

[@regismariano2510]

😍Very good

[@thirstn8959]

awesome job.Keep videos pls.

[@LuminaxtheChargeKeeper]

Man I have always loved the Priest version more than the original, but you won me over on this.. I like yours the best.

[@ALBERTOMETALNEVERDIES]

un tema muy bueno.....LO QUE NO HACEN LAS DISOGRAFICAS LO HACES TU STUART....GENIAL¡¡¡¡ 🤘👌👍👍👍

[@GuttersV]

I thank you so much

[@shuddupeyaface]

Joan played Bury MET a few years ago. I missed it. Blew my chance. Doubt She will visit again 😢

[@MichaelWood-d7s]

Dude you Rock 🎸 🎤 🎼

[@pennyyoung2291]

Great choice Stuart👍🎶😍🌷

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thank you Penny. Been on my list for some time. 🙂

[@drrock1957]

Brilliant well done m8!!!!!!!!!!

[@PIPESTONE82]

Maestro Roshi.....

[@kahunaboss]

thank you, sir

[@eriks3260]

Damn good!!!!!!

[@Ford.Prefect]

Thank you, Stuart ❤

[@stuartclifford8795]

Thanks Ford. You weren't in Hitch hikers Guide to the Galaxy were you? 😀 Thanks for listening and commenting 🙂 🎸

[@Ford.Prefect]

@stuartclifford8795 Oh but I was. At least the character I'm lending my nick name from;) Got to read that again. Adam's humour simply is brilliant. Thank you for playing your music :)

[@HD-Tech]

I'd love to hear Stuart do Rob Halford's lyrical version of this song. That would be so cool

[@TheBbreeg]

Super.

[@Ippsidippsi]

🤘🏻😎 Yoy’re a newfound favourite, must be a pro..? Do you use your right ringfinger for picking light tones? It looks so. Your voice and guitar just get right into my heart🥹💙

[@stuartclifford8795]

No, not a pro... I was In a semi pro band in the 60's, did a bit of casual folky gigging in the 80's and 90's just for the fun. Other than that, just enjoying the music myself. And yes the 3rd finger picking crept up on me by accident in the sixties. I was initially trying to mimic George Harrison's sound. I could hear him playing in octaves, so I played octaves on the 1st and 4th strings. Then I just found myself using the third finger all the time, even on rock solos. Then I realised George was playing a Rickenbacker 12 string with pairs in octaves! Then came Bob Dylan acoustic stuff to learn, and the 3rd finger became entrenched. The rest is history. Thanks for listening and commenting it makes my day 🙂🎸

[@svenzia]

Hurraaah 😊

[@HarrySevilla]

¡¡Larga vida al maestro Stuart Clifford.!!

[@stuartclifford8795]

❤

[@сергеймельников-г9я]

Дядя молодец!!

[@scipioafricanus1346]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@diamonddriller8800]

❤

[@catfishkate]

ufff 🩶🩶🩶 podrías tocar la de Layla de eric clapton 🥺🥺

[@eriks3260]

Very nice. Have you heard the Judas priest version????

[@3point14sqrd]

I like it more than the original

[@3point14sqrd]

Thank you, I am a lefty

[@TheRamblingsofBry]

Nice

[@tiny5500]

✨✨💎🧡💎✨✨

[@silapinissara4780]

Amazing acoustic performances! If you ever visit our country, we will be happy to offer you pro bono recording time in our studio. ;-) Tropical & Musical Greetings from Thailand!

[@stuartclifford8795]

Oh hi Thailand welcome to England 🙂

[@maurolima1767]

💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯

[@shuddupeyaface]

That's great thanks Stuart. I'll gift it to my lad. Do I just need to set up a telegram account?

[@stuartclifford8795]

Sorry, it's a scam. Don't reply to it, it didn't come from me. I am in the process of getting rid of the scam. Sorry again and thank you for listening 🙂

[@Alamo-cz5xc]

A true classic in multiple genres. Beautifully done 👏