HANK B MARVIN: NAMM Oral History Interview edit

On July 31, 2019 legendary British guitarist Hank B Marvin sat down with Graham Hoskins, owner of Australian Music Association member music store Concept Music in Perth (also Hank’s local music store) to chat about his career. The interview was conducted for NAMM’s Oral History archive. The NAMM Oral History Collection is unique, unlike any other collection in the world. The heart of the Collection is the depth of its narratives that cover innovative creations, the evolution of musical instruments, the ever-changing world of music retail, as well as our collective quest to improve music education around the globe. This is an edit of a longer version of the interview, which can be found at www.namm.org/library/oral-his...
Thank you to NAMM for permission to post the interview
Hank B. Marvin is the lead guitarist of the (mainly) instrumental group The Shadows, the best-selling British rock 'n' roll act before The Beatles, and backing band for Cliff Richard. Marvin and The Shadows had huge hits in the UK, including "Apache" and "Wonderful Land". As a guitarist, whose trademark was a clean, pure sound accentuated by a distinctive echo effect, Marvin is considered a huge influence on many big stars such as Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Brian May. Marvin uses a clean guitar sound with a Vox amplifier and often uses an echo, also known as delay, for songs like "Apache" and "Wonderful Land". He also developed a distinctive way of using the guitar's vibrato to give a "dreamy feel" to his playing. Marvin also had a solo career. His first critically lauded, self-titled solo album of instrumentals, which featured guitar set to orchestrated backing, was released in 1969, following the first disbanding of The Shadows, in late 1968. Marvin and The Shadows reformed for a 2004 Final Tour, and a 2005 European tour was also organised. Hank is presently living in Perth, Australia and is now semi retired.

[@johnsmith-sm6mh]

What a really nice humble bloke. I’m English born in the late 50s and a casual Shadows listener but fully appreciate the massive influence this man and his band had on musicians coming up .Seriously nice man , Bless you Hank

[@GRfourfun]

My late father loved the Shadows, he had a Burns in sunburst then a USA red and white Strat like Hanks, played really well. I grew up with the Shadows, always in the tape player in the car and loads more in the glovebox. Lost my dad 5 years ago and he had told me I want Wonderful Land played at his funeral. Never liked him talking about it but I did as he requested with Deer Hunter as walked his coffin in to the church. Tears coming down my face as I write this but watching this makes me think of fond memories. Love the Shadows and admire Hank so much just like my dad. If you’ve read this far thank you for listening to my ramblings.

[@minderDOTorg]

Hank is such a humble guy and will probably never realise what affect his playing has had on all popular music ever since. Thanks Hank for all the great exciting and emotional tunes over the years. Thanks for posting this.

[@garethparr649]

Hank is such a patient and humble guy he has been asked all these questions a thousand times before but still trots out the answers politely and with humility. Lovely man and doesn’t take his self seriously at all and don’t think he gets what a legend he or his band is even tho overshadowed by the Beatles I think people would still be there in there thousands if he or the shads decided to go once more around the block.

[@colinwright4139]

One of the best guitarists ever. Influenced so many to pick up a guitar.

[@passiton3801]

The man's a living history..

[@johnandrews6725]

What a wonderful humble man Hank is hope you know how many fans of you and the Shadows brought people together and got married just awsome

[@fredericmercier]

My first and favorite guitar teacher, I played "guitar" because of Hank and the Shadows, I know that I'm not alone, we're probably thousands... Thank you very much Hank you're a master of this very difficult and wonderful instrument !

[@MrBlurpBlurp-hg3dj]

me too

[@user-xu9xe2ls9l]

You are a superb guitarist,,, incomparable

[@happymotoring4674]

just recently found Hank by accident on youtube. What a treasure....just love the sound and showmanship. Wish he was more popular here in the states, all the best!

[@justinthyme3396]

I've met Hank a few times here in PERTH W Australia a real gentleman....😎🎶🎵🎶🎵

[@roythomson555]

Hank was the reason i picked up a guitar.

[@thedigitalemotion]

I'm using your music for Dad's funeral next Friday! Thanks for making music that he loved!

[@ferraridinoman]

Lovely guy! Always was and always will be ! xx

[@monabutterfield6479]

WHAT A WONDERFUL Man!!! Spectacular musician. Still a blooming heartthrob

[@MrBITS101]

Congratulations for taking the time to interview this legend, it was simply long overdue. I much love listening to his recollections. Truly one of the modern day greats, unfortunately he and the other members of the Shadows were soon overshadowed by people like the Beatles. But for the true believers we all appreciate their talent and how they definitely cornered a niche spot in popular music at that time. I grew up in the 60's and now looking back you can appreciate how ferociously competitive was the music scene in that decade and how Hank and the Shadows had a leading part of it after all they were their at the start in the 1950's and rode it all along upto today. Congratulations Hank, your a legend and have left your mark on this world, in a big way.

[@you8364]

True, when you think about it... It was really competitive and gave birth to different sounds... My dad always talked about it, I know why now..

[@markramlucken8502]

Luke warm, the Beatles were overshadowed by the Shadows , the Beatles had to leave UK n went to Germany . Because the Shadows were top of their music. The Beatles were influenced by The Shadows and all other rock groups in the world .

[@kennethhiggs3877]

A truly nice bloke, sharing memories..no over-inflated ego..he with the Shadows influenced so many young musicians

[@ProcashFloyd]

One of Britain's finest. Huge respect Sir.

[@charlescrisp2814]

Hank looks so well for his age.Wonderful interview with the best guitarist in the world and i also share the same birthday with Hank too

[@monabutterfield6479]

Lucky you

[@takashi_beoulve]

Nice! :D

[@thecatalunya1]

Nice guy Hank very modest ..

[@myjames48]

A fine gentleman , and brilliant musician. Hats to Hank. Wally can wait.

[@labradormcgraw]

I grew up listening to The Shadows. Spent hours trying to sound like Hank - never managed it. He's a guitar legend.

[@dd007x]

I started the drums after a Shadows concert in 1985 with my Dad. Wellington, NZ. Saw them again with my parents in 87 & 89. Then again in the UK 2004/5. Still love them after all these years. I am 47 now.

[@thesausage351]

I saw them in 87 at Ettalong Beach RSL, I was 9 at the time.

[@markramlucken8502]

I was priveleged to see the Shadows in South Africa Durban . It was Cliff n the Shadows somewhere in the year 2000 plus _, Never a day that I don't pick up my fender , Squire , fender Strat. N play some numbers from the Shadows . Cliff had one of the best backing band in the world the Shadows . The music of the Shadows will live on for ever. Thank u Hank ,Bruce n Cliff.

[@indieshack4476]

Wonderful Interview, the guy's in amazing nick for 77 or 78, still looks like Hank B Marvin! Great stories! I saw him in 1985 playing as a guest with Dire Straits at Hammersmith.

[@debbiekerr7659]

My parents are massive fans and used to take me to Shadows concerts as a kid. Loved them and still do now. My dad plays their music on guitar and has the same stratocaster. Hank my idol aswell ad I am 45 year old and I adore them

[@tyronerodgers]

I watched the recent BBC Shadows Doc and loved hearing Hank's anecdotes! That's why I am here. Amazing he will be 80 soon. He looks great!

[@huguettemarquet4675]

Your music is my anti-depressant ! Never forget when I saw The Shadows at Olympia in Paris, 1965 or 1966.

[@you8364]

Bloody legend you are...👍👍, I play guitar because of you... I'm now thirty and play the shadows songs on guitar and only have the shadows and Bob Marley on my playlist for when times I feel down... Thank you for sharing for us a bit of your magic..

[@hammybunghole4275]

The Shadows are one of my favorite bands

[@gregjones8412]

What a lovely talented bloke.

[@tattyshoesshigure5731]

Fascinating interview with Hank, what an extraordinarily good memory he has!

[@roberttyers3272]

I have been a shadows fan since 1959. I have seen them live many times in their various incarnations. I am 3 years younger than Hank and my dream was to meet him for a quick chat. Not to be but never mind. I have his music as a consultation Keep it Hank

[@GeorgeDeJongh-zj8do]

I learned from the shadows when i was in standard 6 n im now 75 n can't stop listening to cliff n the shadows its now 1am in the morning but i wanna finish listening to this interview i dont have to say how fab they are even at their old they are still one of thee most famous instrumental bands i would say

[@stratac30]

Hank’s always interesting to listen to, good interview.

[@mikehadley6048]

It seems that , at last, the Shadows are being recognised as an equivalent to the Beatles but 5 years ahead. Unless you were very young between 1960 and 1963,you could never appreciate the effect and impact the Shadows had on us teens of the day. Never forgotten, always loved and impressed as the music and musicians of our generation. Loved it all and still do- they spoke for a generation and they still do. Great stuff, Hank, Bruce, Jet, Tony, John, Liqurice and not forgetting Cliff Hall. Please keep going and that super sound - bring tears of delight to our eyes for as long as you can. With great appreciation and affection. Mike Hadley.

[@Tony410117]

And Brian Bennet. Fantastic drummer

[@skbhadra3764]

Hanks guitar playing had a great influence on me. I have a good collection of the music he created with the Shadows since the 60s. He has gone solo now and I am still enjoying his music. Great stuff Hank.

[@sunwooteddyboy2544]

my favorite guitarist~!! I enjoy listening to your music

[@CJ-pe5dl]

Excellent interview Hank is an incredible guitarist and we in Australia are so fortunate to have him here in Australia.

[@TheCelltek]

I am in my 70's and still love instrumentals .

[@scopex2749]

EXCELLENT INTERVIEW! My hero ever since I first heard APACHE back in the 60's. I had a few guitar lessons but I learnt to play by using my dads stereo. I discovered that Hank was on one channel and the rest (Bruce, John) on the other speaker -SO I would turn the balance over to the backing (the band) and turn down Hanks part very low so I could JUST hear it and tune my Strat to the same as he was tuned! BINGO. I then learnt Apache right thru. I joined the forces later on an shared a room with my best mate who was a MASSIVE Shads fan who loved guitar but couldnt play. So I then taught HIM and he became my rhythm guitarist and we would have jam sessions in our barrack block!! Happy Days. Thanks Hank. I went to see their farewell concernt I was in the FRONT ROW and in a pause between tunes Hank spoke with me !!!! I told him the story he loved it!! Ive had many Strats but never a Red one .....YET!!

[@darrenoak7187]

A very informative interview, lots of interesting content to inspire new musicians

[@josephbonello163]

Thank You Hank ..You are a true Gentleman

[@terrymanton5237]

` I have been wanting to hear from " Hank Marvin" -since 1965 - I always loved (and was an admirer of ) his sensitive and controlled `mastery` of the guitar !! - I would like to hear so much more about his experiences - with guitars and some of technical problems he would have encountered ?! - `

[@brendadinwoodie2388]

He looks absolutely amazing.

[@russellmoore7564]

Great great guitarist has been our hero for so many fellow guitarists , thank you Hank.

[@RolandElliottFirstG]

Great interview, thanks for uploading it.

[@Deliquescentinsight]

An iconic, pioneer guitar player, I grew up listening to his style, like so many U.K boys I wanted to play those sounds! Later, I began playing and Hank's influence was inevitable.

[@markramlucken8502]

I was influenced by Shadows music.

[@vk2umg]

Awesome interview very informative!!!!

[@syn707]

Thank you for posting this. Like the Ventures, Mr. Marvin and The Shadows inspired thousands of guitarists.

[@YOURMOTHER43211]

Thank you for everything sir!

[@5455zg]

beautiful story. For the future, please do not change anything. What was beautiful so far can stay. The new one can destroy everything.

[@gercupido6564]

My alltime hero. This man is an icon!

[@swpderf]

I learned to play the guitar through him and I saw them a few times alive, in Brussels and Antwerp . For me it is still the musician that I carry the most in my heart.

[@perrywilson2897]

I went to cesars palace in Luton and watched The shadows with a friend it was brillint

[@dreadnaught90]

Good chat. Great to hear Hank's take on the success of the Shadows. He doesn't make a big thing about his own abilities but he is a very gifted player.

[@multitrackman8118]

What a humble pro Hank is and always has been. He handled this uninspired interview so pleasantly. There were so many better questions which could have been asked but ,hey ho, it was nice to spend some time with a true icon. Thanks a million Bob Rowe

[@ArtePoeticaTV]

This man is a legend.

[@TheGearPeddler]

Hank you are a true Gentleman and Genius, a rare combination.

[@signalenergie]

I always wondered how the Shadows came up with their signature sound and their influence of American music. Thanks for sharing!

[@FirebrandVOCALS]

Awesome guitarist 🎸🎸

[@michelcalteau5231]

My guitar heroe and also my favourite guitar player only or with The Shadows...If I play guitar, it's because Hank Marvin and his band...Hank Marvin and The Shadows for ever !

[@pauljamesstevens4955]

My first guitar hero. What an amazing, lovely bloke.

[@Blacktulipphotos]

I’m so inspired by you Brother, from your lifes accomplishments and your musical talents. My Son-in-law Brother Shelton Muller has met you a few times back stage. Also George Benson back stage. I have only been fortunate to see you perform on film, so many times from early stage and European TV shows till the last Am Australian interview 4 years ago. Should you and your wife ever come to Melbourne for any reason, please come stay with us. We are the life of the party and (the ladies love to cook ) respect your privacy always. The huge Kingdom Hall ( Melton) is just down the road. Just call to let us know through the our Elders who will let us know when you’re coming. Ask the elders who we are first. We would be honoured and thrilled to have you and your wife as our guest. We are family of Jehovah too. Our pantries, fridges and freezers are full at your disposal. My medical first aid kit bags that I’ve now put together for my friends will also add to your go bag. Yes? Loving prayers 2U 👏💐

[@dixiefallas7799]

Great man and an inspiration to most top and bottom guitarists in England!🇬🇧

[@emlyngriffith5846]

Hank and The Shadows are responsible for me picking up a guitar and enjoying playing it for the last 60 years.....my heroes before The Beatles arrived. Thanks Hank!👍🍷

[@majeedmaniyar3411]

master of guitar..thanks hank..

[@garyallen2118]

Looking Good Hank....

[@khalidalaudin616]

He is a legend.

[@alfching2499]

My all time favourite by the Shadows is Find Me A Golden Street from there Debut LP 1961

[@alainquinzelaire1253]

Moi aussi...

[@Wooburnmusic]

Hank, thank you.

[@garymaxim6872]

Good ole Elder Brother Hank. X

[@jcpjean-claude4446]

Hank B Marvin : my first guitar héroe....always to day!

[@tommybrookes3066]

BRILLIANT TO LISTEN TO.

[@anatomia8513]

Nagyon bírom Hank Marvint, intelligens, humoros és persze elsőrangú zenész!

[@StratsRUs]

True.'That'll Be The Day' still packs a punch. It's only recently that I found out that The Crickets played on Eddie Cochran's ' Three Steps To Heaven'.

[@liorb5625]

Hank is a LEGEND

[@reginaldsardinha4399]

Thank God hank did not take George Harrison's advice to sing & forget instrumentals. Today The Shadows are remembered for their instrumentals & rarely for their songs which seem to be totally forgotten today. The Shadows have left a legacy behind with their instrumental hits & definitely not their songs

[@johnmason6628]

Legend. Hank inspired another legend Mark Knopfler.

[@MarkMcCluney]

I'm fairly sure that the hard blues guitarist Gary Moore was inspired by Hank too.

[@birrysund3269]

Hank Malvern is a legend The Shadows

[@b.marvin5745]

Hank Brian MARVIN was born in 1941 in Newcastle, England

[@davidestebanaburtobarria8390]

Hank: en Chile existen muchos seguidores del sonido Shadows que impusistes en tu música, me incluyo, quedamos atrapados con estas hermosas melodías, aquí en Chile prendió mucho Sonambulismo, Apache, Atlantic, No llores por mi Argentina y otros temas instrumentales. Nos gustó tanto escuchar esta música, que hemos tratado de interpretarla con nuestras guitarras, aunque no tenemos ese sonido tan propio de los Shadows. Es un sonido maravilloso. Gracias Hank por ese gran aporte a la música del mundo.

[@bemseller5515]

La passione è tutto nella vita e se sei fortunato di coltivarla sin da giovane, eccone i risultati... Grande Hank

[@deborasperduti1605]

Hank Marvin my guitarist favorite ..n1.. ..by Fabio Cerroni..play guitar The Shadows cover Italy

[@pythonspace]

Actually it was ‘Quatermasster’s Store’ Hank, after the TV sci-fi series ‘Quatermass’!

[@Adipsia1]

Hank's as amazing as ever, still so sharp and with it. It's a shame that we Brits allowed him to emigrate from the UK. He should have been a major part of our Brexit trade-deal. ;) Great interview.

[@harvey1954]

The ironic thing about James Burton was that he switched for a while to endorsing Rickenbacker guitars. He had a band at the time called . . .. The Shadows!

[@gunnarknutsson5798]

My first guitar hero was Hank Marvin. ,and still one of my favorit guitar players one the planet.

[@johnny5805]

He looks better now than he did 40 years ago.

[@keithtpc1508]

Hank Marvin, God of the guitar Gods

[@janetblack5181]

Hank Marvin was born in UK not Australia but he lives in Australia now

[@ivanhectordemarez1561]

Since 1986..

[@andrewanderson6118]

Hank is a Geordie

[@adrinathegreat3095]

Interesting how he said " We decided to come to Australia because they can nearly speak English" said in a serious non tongue in cheek way, he wasn't joking

[@factorylad5071]

I reckon I might know the guy who purloined the Hofner Commodore archtop it was stripped and very bleached pine with no strings that eventually disintegrated under his bed in his damp bedroom.

[@michaelschinkel5347]

A great Influnece for me

[@jorgeday5609]

Hank Marvin, idolo de siempre,te saludo del fin del mundo ,Santiago de Chile

[@Love-First]

💗🎶😃🎶👍

[@chuuska1972]

Jedi Master!

[@pythonspace]

Hank is a Brit, not Australian, even if he does now live there! I met him in England in the 70s.

[@horaciohectorperalta]

¿Que pedales de efectos usa o que efectos-con su guitarra obvio.?

[@keithg1xfl]

The Man who Inspired thousands of people to take up the Guitar

[@edisonbell3283]

Does anybody know how Marvin Welch and Farrar was formed and how they met? They never talk about it; I think they are grossly under rated and are my second favourite band. You can guess the first! By the way, I just bought my first Beatles record last week. I am 62!

[@markbraxton1289]

Where did the Baldwin guitars fit in ..they had wammy bars also

[@JackDemare]

👍😉

[@davidestebanaburtobarria8390]

Soy de Chile y para mi Hank Marvin fue mi gran guitarrista junto a The Shadows, yo practico esa hermosa música con mi guitarra y pistas. Grande Hanks

[@davidestebanaburtobarria8390]

Estimado Hanks no te imaginas que al Sur del mundo, Concepción, Temuco, Puerto Montt ciudades de Chile nos has influenciado con tu música instrumental en los años sesenta, setenta, con ese sonido tan particular en tu guitarra, que era una dulzura a nuestros oídos, Sonambulismo, Encuentrame en la Calle dorada, Apache y otros fueron nuestros clásicos . Desde Chile Hanks un gran abrazo para ti , para Brian Bennett y para Bruce Welch