Leo Lyons-Ten Years After's 1968 US tour

1968. My recollections on the first US tour made by Ten Years After.

[@johnvanstone5336]

Leo is a great story teller and comes over as a very nice person, long may he live and play his bass ! 🇬🇧😁❤️

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for the kind words John.

[@donaldbenson9301]

Purely incredible! Like walking through a museum of the 60s with an orator that lived it, played it and shared it. Beautiful

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words, Regards Leo

[@OmniGuy]

You are an animal on the bass and totally mean that as a compliment. Thank you for ALL the great music.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words. Regards Leo

[@StevenRubio]

Saw you at the Fillmore West in July of '68 ... Paul Butterfield was the headliner ... TYA blew us away, bought Undead ASAP after that. Thanks for the memories.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Steven. I remember that gig too. Great times. Thanks for watching.

[@andreasciarne3042]

Legendary musician and a nice cool guy.....I saw you and TYA live in Milano in the 1970s...what a concert! And your bass performance in particular is really unforgettable ! Love

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for the kind words Andrea

[@joelee5875]

Thank you for sharing these stories AND! for also sharing the bass line to I'd Love To Change The World, that was a kind and generous gesture., you are one of the greats.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Joe. Thanks for the kind words. I'm pleased to hear that you enjoyed the video.

[@ulissescayressantos3923]

leo, thank you ten years after, every day and forever

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thank you for listening.

[@blackcatsandpoppies]

Leo, that was the best story I've heard in a while. You had me smiling and laughing. Thanks!!!

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Glad you enjoyed it Susan.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for watching Susan.

[@Kalighat13]

such a so positive nice man !!!

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

It's vital to be positive but sometimes difficult. Stay safe.

[@martypritchard7165]

Leo, I not only saw you perform in Phoenix 1968, I was the guy the two young women called to come hang out with the four of you around the pool. It was at the Travel Lodge. The young women thought the four of you were part of the Grateful Dead which one of you corrected. I did not think that the accents were very Dead like. I was wearing cowboy boot and it may have been you that was trying to talk me out of them. You said that you were going to the Grand Canyon the next day. You played prior to The Greatful Dead and blew them away. I had never seen a base player attack his instrument like you did. I was impressed that each of you were allowed a solo. I bought Undead the next day. I though that was a great name for a live album.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Marty. Thanks for your post. A moment in history. I remember the gig well and also the Travel Lodge. They were fun times. It was not me asking for the boots. I had many pairs of my own. Regards Leo

[@NoviJimB]

KZbin is so great not only for the music and the movie/TV show clips, etc, but for these kinds of stories. Love hearing this stuff. I was a big music fan starting when I was three, right before the Beatles came over here (I had six older siblings, most who were into music). As a kid I wanted to be a drummer but my parents didn't want to listen to all that banging. I started getting into heavier rock in 1972 when I was 12 and discovered Ten Years After when I was 13. My brother got me started on the guitar when I was 14, by then I was already a huge TYA fan, and Alvin was my first big influence. I've been playing ever since. We wore out that Live album in the mid 70's (along with Rock And Roll Music To The World), and how many times have I heard Alvin saying 'Leo Lyons on the bass' after 'Good Morning Little Schoolgirl'? Hundreds. You guys were my 2nd concert ever in 1974 at Cobo Arena in Detroit, 10 CC opened, and I saw you there again in 1975 with Slade opening. You had amazing energy on stage, not sure how you made it through those shows! You had to be exhausted after every one of them. Thanks for all of the incredible music and for sharing your stories here.

[@NoviJimB]

You might remember The Grande Ballroom in Detroit. Pretty sure TYA played there some. It was just before my time, it closed down before I had started going to concerts, but it's a legendary venue. They had everyone playing there back in the late 60's/early 70's - TYA, Big Brother, Savoy Brown, The Who, Fleetwood Mac, Spooky Tooth, and on and on...

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Jim. Thanks for watching and for the kind words. Enjoy your music. It keeps sane in this crazy world.

[@keithdonnellan5564]

Leo thanks for the whole of TYA. Saw you live at the Royal Albert Hall with Support 'Clouds' Then at the Isle of Wight 1970. You and I ands others were so lucky to live in the greatest times. Thanks for making a great addition to my memories.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for watching.

[@michaelalahverdian5549]

I saw you in Providence, RI (early '70's) it was a long time ago. After watching you perform, decided to leave percussion behind, and learn the bass. You had (and still do) a big influence on me. I treasure meeting you in 2013 in Rhode Island and having our picture taken. You were so kind, along with Joe Gooch and Ric Lee....incredibly great guys. I am also honored to have you as a friend on Facebook. Stay well my friend, and I wish you well.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for the kind words Michael. I remember the gig. great fun.

[@sacapuntasfregerio4274]

lucky I would have loved to hear them play live

[@wazhazhe5831]

I just discovered your channel. I loved the stories from the '68 tour. I saw TYA in '69 in Lewisville TX (just outside Dallas). I think I'm right on the year. Those were great times with the best music ever made. Thanks.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi. Wazhazhe. Thanks for watching my channel and for the kind words. I remember Texas and I remember 1969. Great times.

[@larrypeake7632]

Leo, huge TYA FAN!!! Your still my favorite bass player.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Larry. Thanks for the kind words. Regards Leo

[@RHR-221b]

Once again, Leo: You are one of Nature's Perfect Gentlemen. Thank you for your honest and enthralling remembrances. Long may you/they continue. As an update: I'm still looking to find my dear friend, Jimmy Bolton (TYA roadie, early 1970s). Unfortunately, the trail is somewhat cold at the moment. From me and mine, to you and yours. Stay free. Rab 🍻

[@G8GT364CI]

Don't give up hope.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks again! Good luck with locating Jimmy.

[@RHR-221b]

@@G8GT364CI 👍 Thanks, Bob. 😎

[@G8GT364CI]

@@RHR-221b Anytime, R F.

[@pawelpap9]

Undead - album that introduced me to TYA in communist Warsaw, Poland in 1968. I still listen to it. If you thought London lacked some luster back then you should have come and visit Warsaw. So listening to TYA, Canned Heat and other performers you mention was a great antidote to grim communist reality and your music was like a distant beacon of hope and freedom.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Paweł. Thanks for your post. I agree with music being a beacon. I always thought that the Woodstock movie was a positive sign of hope to the music fans in the Eastern Block

[@pawelpap9]

@@LeoLyonsMusician Apparently authorities in communist Poland thought the same as the movie was not shown. The same applied to Western rock records and I am deeply ashamed to admit that I became acquainted with TYA music only through pirated reel-to-reel copies. The listening itself was not illegal, the problem was where to get the music from.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

@@pawelpap9 Yes That's true. I know people from the Eastern block used to listen to a BBC radio station that transmitted there.I did quite a few interviews on that programme. A couple of years ago I met a Polish lady who was caught with a TYA LP and spent the night in jail.

[@elskarko]

Hey, Leo, this is one fantastic story for one who was an obsessed 13 year-old in 1969 when you played Manchester in December. My first proper gig. Cheers and all the best from Up North.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi John. I guess it was Manchester City Hall? They were great days. Thanks for watching.

[@G8GT364CI]

Good morning Leo, I used to play in a dive bar in Framingham Ma somewhere around the millennium called The Happy Swallow, but we used to call it The Swill. Now this was the kind of place where you had to wipe your shoes on the way out not on the way in and they had a rather colorful bartender there who told great stories. We would talk once in a while during breaks and one day we were talking and one of us mentioned your band and he laughed and said he had a great story. Seems you guys played at a big outside concert sometime during the 70's in Framingham, (Carousel Theatre?) I don't remember the details but he said it was a great concert. Anyway he said he had some great Hash that day and called one of you over to the edge of the stage and shared some, he liked it so much he asked if he could call the rest of the band over to all partake, when done you guys went back and played a 40 minute version of The Stomp! Haha! He said it was excellent. Now I have no idea if this really happened or not but he had this faraway twinkle look in his eyes as he was telling it that just made you want to believe, haha! I still laugh when I think about it now.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Bob. If it was the Original TYA lineup and the story is true I guess I wouldn't remember anyway. I recall sometimes Alvin would forget which song we were playing in the middle of a jam.

[@G8GT364CI]

@@LeoLyonsMusician Haha! I'm amazed you remember your gigs as well as you do with the thousands of gig you played. I would have to like to have heard The Stomp for 40 minutes though!

[@222blacka]

leo was the reason that i started to play the bass guitar this men is my rocking hero !!! keep on rocking leo lyons stay save ;-)

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for the kind words Taika. Enjoy your music.

[@222blacka]

@@LeoLyonsMusician your welcome mr lyons love your youtube video,s can check them out for hours and hours hihi i hope that the corona will be gone soon its time to go back on the road . i was just checking out the studio rehearsal video in germany from 69 where alvin was playing the stratocaster . what i have never understand why was everbody so focust on alvin lee back then his guitar playing style was from the soul amen . but your base style is like it came from above and it is not only your playing style but also the move,s you do on the playing the tone everyting . last week i was in a big theather it is brand new i was there with a friend of my we had a invite . the theather hes a big sound system that was getting tested with indian music ..... i was like well i have some good music 2 test out the sound system so i put my phone on the system and put on the song i''d love to chaince the world the sound was so loud but so fresh . have a nice day mr lyons ;-)

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

@@222blacka Thank you for your comments. I feel lucky to be able to keep playing music ( that is once Corona is under control )

[@222blacka]

@@LeoLyonsMusician your welcome !! thank you for makings this video,s here on youtube i love your story,s from back in the days ;-) i can not wait till that days comes i will wait for your return on stage my master keep on rocking mr lyons

[@adrianwaters3265]

These videos are brilliant .Thanks for posting them.✌️🙏

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Glad you like them. Thanks for watching. Regards Leo

[@ronkikuchi5126]

We first saw you at the Fillmore West, playing second band to Canned Heat. When Big Bear came on stage, he said I dont know who those guys are but they should be where we are. Next week you were. We saw nearly all of your shows.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Ron. Thanks foe your support. Much appreciated. Great times.

[@danpadez8973]

Hello Leo, this is Patrick from Lyon France. What a marvellous surprise to find you today on youtube giving a speech about the US 68 tour. Unfortunately, as you know, I have difficulties to understand spoken english (I don't practice enough) so I think I miss 50-60 % of what you say, but In understand the major line. When I'll listen to it a second time, it'll be better :) A great thank you and a big Hello from France !

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Patrick. Thanks for the kind words. Re language. There's a link on the video that you can click on to give you French subtitles. I believe most of the translation is understandable

[@danpadez8973]

@@LeoLyonsMusician Yes !!!!!! Wonderful . Thank you. In fact I understood many things without subtitles, but with them, all is clear for me now. Hope to see you soon on stage !

[@TheLeodane]

Hi Patrick how are you ? Lionel from the UK

[@danpadez8973]

@@TheLeodane Hi, fine, and I thank you. What about you ? I am very pleased and happy to hear from you. I'll wrtite you on your private email address, if I still have it in my mess organized computer

[@lukylight]

wonderful story - I like it very much! Cool to hear it!

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Glad you enjoyed it Luky.

[@pictonpig2446]

Hello Leo - you guys were/are my favorite band and I unfortunately never got to see TYA since I was too young when you were actually together. I did get to see Alvin in Concord, CA back in '88(?)...which was great. The reason I started playing guitar was because of you guys. Stole the show ay Woodstock in my opinion...bought all your albums too. Please try to keep the stories coming if you can...intriguing to me and also to find out what a nice gentleman you are. Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences with your fans and take care - Eric

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for the kind words Eric. Good luck with your music.

[@rd32]

I’m from Tennessee and love the license plate in the background.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

HI RD. I lived in Nashville for 15 years. It's one of my old license plates. Regards Leo

[@garyshane1063]

Thanks For The Great Storys , I Have A CD 1968 Of TYA Playing US , Its Fantastic -

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for watching Gary.

[@Chiroman527]

Great story..... Being a part of this Generation , hearing these things brings back endearing memories... To my recollection, the music lovers of that era , Knew everything about the bands of that era. That's why Rolling Stone magazine became such a hit. A Must read for the goings on of your favorite bands. TYA way My Favorite, as the Blues Rock era got shuttled into the mainstream. I was an avid listener of the "underground" radio station in NY : WNEW FM. That was the only station could hear TYA, John Mayal Judy Collins, Cream, Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead , etc.... Not the Poppy stuff played all over the radio (still loved the Beatles, Stones too). In 1968 , as a 17 year old, learning to play Drums (by ear, never really could read Music), in a Garage Band with HS buddies who too learning to play their Guitars, we played the songs we could handle : Gloria, I'm So Glad, In the Midnight Hour, WE Gotta Get Out Of This Place .... But 1 member of the "band" and me Loved TYA. Once we heard Undead and Shhhh. Wewere Hooked. Good Luck Leo. Be well.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for sharing your story Aldo. Enjoy your music.

[@dwtochermusic6809]

Fabulous experience!!😎😎😎😎

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

I really enjoyed it. Thank you.

[@keithdonnellan5564]

WOW Again nice person & you mentioned 'Tiny Tim' he was at IOW 1970 -You know all the others WHO Hendrix Taste Doors ...............5 days of my like I will never forget. Thanks.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Keith. Yes. I was lucky enough to have already met most of the musicians around at that time.

[@stevieemery3603]

After listening to Cricklewood Green. one of my favourite albums by the way, I just had to find out who was laying down all those great bass lines. What an amazing player you are. Really enjoyed this story of the first tour. God Bless You Leo.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Steve. Thanks for the kind words and for watching the video. Stay well. Regards "Leo

[@roccidisopa661]

Leo, I knew Jerry Hoff in the Eighties, he worked with a band I played in. Great guy. He’s since passed away.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi cocci. Sorry to hear about Jerry's passing. He was a great introduction to the American lifestyle.

[@G8GT364CI]

Leo, we really enjoy your videos, hope you're going to do some more.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks Bob. Good to hear. Yes. I'll do more videos. I've been unable to record these past three weeks but all's working now. Regards Leo

[@hillbarry580]

Hey Leo I just found you on you tube and you look great! Its a trip down memory lane and your musings are wonderfull. I had no idea that you were keeping a journal of the tours but i'm now going to watch all your videos. Hope you remember our trip to Kings canyon park and a week on horseback. You were always curious and insightful. Barry Hill

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

'Barry Hill from Hollywood.' Of course I remember our Kings Canyon adventures. Hope you're keeping well. I'm on a bus somewhere in Bavaria. My band is on tour for the month. Nothing new to you; lots of travel and then a gig. No time or energy for parties these days with our current routine. Please stay in touch. Regards Leo

[@glennmaciver-allan7320]

Hi Leo from Winnipeg! Saw TYA twice here, great shows.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

I enjoyed my visits to Winnipeg.

[@dwtocher6806]

Thank you sir leo lyons knight of thE turn table

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for watching DW. Regards Leo

[@bobkelly5318]

great stuff Leo,thanks for sharing...hanging with Owsley and the Dead..nuff said

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Bob. Thanks for watching.

[@paulredrup6190]

love this x

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thank you Paul

[@dylanrekrut990]

Love you Leo!

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thank you.

[@mikeboyd6532]

What a fabulous genuine raconteur. Top man Leo! Loved your work from when I was 11 in 1968, still love your work today!

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for watching Mike. Much appreciated.

[@cantweallgetalong]

Leo, Thank You! It's so funny listening to a Brit talk about the attraction to American music roots. You Brits have such an enormous amount of talent for such a small island. I was just under being a teen when the Brit band invasion of America hit. My roots are heavily influenced by the Brit interpretation. I really am still a big fan over 55 years later. Thanks again from America. Keep these videos coming. P.S. Yes, the GD are a big part of my listening preference too.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for your post. I guess the grass is always greener. I still love travelling around the States and the music coming from there. Of course I liked UK music too. Stay safe. Regards Leo.

[@borjehagsten7982]

And what a great history it became. Love the way you tell it and add time-related photos to your video. Thanks - soo looking forward to your book, Leo!

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Glad you enjoyed it Borje. My book should be released next year. I can add more info in a book form,

[@TheLeodane]

Hello Leo I love these video’s please keep them coming. This one remembering TYA’s first tour of the U S A made me think of the contrasts in the music scene then and now. As I recall TYA played a gig for me in the same year at the Wooden Bridge pub in Guildford England to a crowd of 300 ,although I did tend not to refuse anyone so maybe a few more. You mention meeting John Mayall also Jeff Beck and Graham Bond in California, all three played that small venue in Guildford in 1968. We were so fortunate back then

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Lionel. Hope you're keeping well. Yes I recall playing The Wooden Bridge one time when parts of London were flooded. We had to travel to the venue in a Lorry to get able the water level. They were fun times. It was a great time to be young with all that live music available to us. Look forward to catching up once the pandemic is under control. I can't wait to do some more touring. Regards Leo

[@anthonycook4297]

That was just terrific , Leo . Such a great history and you documented things well. And, the GOLDEN BEAR brought back good memories. That little club in Huntington Beach , California was amazing . So very many fine acts throughout the years. Unfortunately, no longer there . Cheers bass brother 🙌🏽

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Anthony. Glad you enjoyed it. Good luck with your music.

[@paulfuller8985]

What a great bloke . I had not listened to Ten Years After for about 20 years until a couple of years ago my brother emailed me a video of the the band playing Good Morning Little School Girl . I had forgotten what a great band they were .All great musicians .

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for the kind words Paul.

[@Fruupp50yearson]

Hi Leo, do you know Graham Nash? (1 year older than you) another lad from the north of England who made it big in the States way back when. Both of your are incredibly easy to listen to and articulate, please do continue recording your memoirs on KZbin, it's all great content, its 5am here in Kent, England I am am rivetted to your stories from life on the road in the 60s. Interesting to hear that Jimi Hendrix played bass occasionally left-handed, I saw that on your video recording with Johnny Winter. All the very best, Roger in Folkestone.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Roger, thanks for watching my videos. No I didn't know Graham Nash personally although I have worked with him a few times as far back as when he was in The Hollies.Regards Leo

[@johnphillips2867]

Was feeling a little down until I watched your KZbin as alway ....brilliant ....thank you

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi John. Thanks for watching.

[@petebaumann1057]

Wonderful to see you looking so well. Saw you guys a lot in the 69 to 72 range. Saw the roadies reign you in at Woodstock. How's your neck? I loved your playing. I've always said the WS performance of I'm Going Home was the single best live performance of a song that I ever saw. Saw TYA at Filmore East also.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Pate. Thanks for the kind words. My necks fine thank you.The whole body aches these days but music keeps me going.

[@christersvensson4948]

Yes, a very pleasant and fun fact-filled story indeed, your first album, being so strong, probably caught Mr. Graham's attention and other musicians did react to it as well, it would be interesting to hear more from the years 1970-1971 and other festivals after Woodstock-in the fall of 1969 several English bands were billed at US festivals e.g. Led Zeppelin, what other bands/members did you meet? Best Regards Chris Swenson

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Christer. Thanks for watching the video. Re your request. I'll look at my notes.

[@mamothcar1]

Hey Leo, hope you are doing well! I saw Ten Years After, in 1975 in Houston Tx, you guys had Leslie West Band open up for you. I was just 15 years old then! I was watching some old videos playing live with Alvin, and you were playing a Fender Jazz bass, and I don't see how you didn't cut your right hand with the metal pickup cover they had on those basses??? Did you ever cut yourself with the way you played? You also produced some UFO albums, I think Pete Way was big fan of yours, I think he stole some of your sounds...miss him I was big fan of Pete.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi. No I never cut myself on the bass. I had lots of blisters though until my fingers calloused. I remember the Houston show very well. I believe it was the first gig on that particular tour. Re Pete: We were good pals and as for the record sound Pete played my Jazz Bass on all the recordings.

[@jeffdoyle4703]

Loving every one of these stories! Takes me back!

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks Jeff. I'll keep 'em coming.

[@paulnicolosi4792]

Leo, when you played with Canned Heat, did you spend much time talking with the late Larry Taylor? He was my inspiration to become a bassist in 68. Years later, he became my friend and teacher. Keep up the great work!

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Yes Paul. I knew Larry well. We first met in 1968 and played together many times right up to his passing.

[@paulnicolosi4792]

@@LeoLyonsMusician Thanks Leo. Yes, Larry was an amazing musician, as well as a very nice person.

[@duncansmith8992]

The fact is, what Leo and the lads, along with Jeff Beck, Clapton, Zeppelin. et al, experienced, can never be experienced ever again. The innocence of those times, with the excitement of Americana, along with the fact no British people really went abroad, must have made these times absolutely amazing. Mind blowing in fact.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

They were a great time for being young and into music. .

[@nickyfont347]

Hey Leo, I´m back and and very happy to meet you again! It´s a rainy day here in some part of South America and I´m preparing myself to record some guitar and bass tracks for my band. Listening your stories inpires me and I enjoy the fact that I notice you feel happy when you remember that great times you lived with Ten Years After and all the bunch of great musicians around! It inspired you many things at that time and it inspires many of us today!

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thank you for the encouragement.

[@markravitz1684]

Leo....you and the rest of the band were certainly living the dream of every aspiring musician! Why do you think Alvin was so difficult to deal with????

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

He couldn't handle the success.

[@markravitz1684]

@@LeoLyonsMusician That is too bad. No doubt was frustrating to the rest of the band. Positive Vibrations was a good record in my opinion and it would have been nice for the band to continue. About Time was much more raw....a good album, but I thought the drum sound.....snare drum wise was too intrusive. What did you think of that record, and what was the story if any, regarding the 1988 reunion?

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

@@markravitz1684 Thanks for your question. I try to do video about it.

[@dmarm955]

Love it. Nuff said.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thank you.

[@carlwarmington5325]

Would love to hear you speak about the making of the Watt album. An album that I have to hear every couple weeks, still blows me away!!

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Carl. I'll look at that record and see what i can do.

[@bryanmclellan8546]

Leo, I had a friendly relationship with Herb Staehr and years later after he passed away, his sister sent me a nice note and a copy of his visual history of Ten Years After. I have many fond memories of seeing TYA through the years and recall going back to the Book Cadillac Hotel in Detroit after a gig you did with Slade at Cobo Hall. Too many years ago, maybe it was 10CC? I talked for hours at the hotel bar with who I think was Andy Johns, Glyns brother. Did he tour with you? I ended up in Memphis and the last I knew you were in Nashville. Thanks for the memories -

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Bryan. You've got me wondering . We played Cobo Hall many times; once with Slade as support and once with 10cc. The recording engineer you met was either Andy Johns or Chris Kimsey. Both spent time on tour with us at one time or another. Thanks for supporting TYA. Stay safe. Regards Leo

[@bryanmclellan8546]

@@LeoLyonsMusician Yup. Must’ve been Andy Johns. Thanks Leo. Btw, he was a most interesting fellow. He had an interesting perspective on rock and roll. Curious, did Ric give you an advance copy of his book? It debuts here in the States in April.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

@@bryanmclellan8546 No I've not read Ric's book. I'm sure everybody has a different perspective on the same events.

[@bryanmclellan8546]

@@LeoLyonsMusician wow so he didn’t pass his book to you before publishing. Interesting. You guys on the outs?

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

@@bryanmclellan8546 We shared many things together but Ric often saw things differently to me.

[@imannonymous7707]

I have a question leo I'm a huge fan of you and the band. I see you still play and I'm dying to know who and what inspires you musically these days ...its not a loaded question im just in awe and curious ..... peace n love ...most of all respect

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi I'm. It depends on my mood but with KZbin and Spotify available I surf the channels. I'ma songwriter too so i listen out for a good song. I've recently discovered a singer songwriter called Ashley. Mcbride. Of course I always revisit my roots in Rock'N'Roll, Blues, Jazz and Country. The other day I found some videos on Ricky Nelson and it reminded me that aside from Elvis, Chuck Berry etc. The early Jaybirds ( my first band) covered several of his hits. Music is a brilliant media.you can go forward and back depending on how you feel at any one time and always find something to lift the spirits.

[@Chiroman527]

Leo, I got Ric Lee's Book: From Headstock to Woodstock. Reading his book, and the recants of your stories which seem very much in Synch with each other. Ric's recounts his personal chronological timeline and of course how you guys got together (from Jaybirds to TYA). All you guys came from Very Humble Beginnings .... I think the general population (like me - at 69 YO), didn't realize to what extent !!! I believe, that everybody kinda felt that being part of the British Invasion - second Wave - that you guys had the Glamour enjoyed by the Beatles, the Stones, etc. . According to you and in accordance to Ric's book, Not So !!! Please keep up your YT Diary Stories.

[@Chiroman527]

Oh Yeah......Saw TYA 2X at the Fillmore East , which is long gone. Great Shows without all the Bullshit of today's fanfare..... just great Rock and Roll / Blues. Now, the Fillmore East is a larger , built up apartment building. As a mortgage loan officer, I handled the Mortgage on the building. The day after I inspected the building (the building's lobby has references to the old Fillmore East), there was a major gas explosion , which leveled the old 4 story apartment building with a store on the ground floor, located across the street , the NEXT Day !! The leveled building was located at the SE corner of East 6th Street and Second Avenue.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Aldo. Thanks for watching. More to come.

[@patarcher3642]

Thanks so much for sharing!

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Pat. Thank you. You're welcome.

[@sawiola55]

Fantasitc channel,Mr Leo :) We want more :)

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for watching. Much appreciated.

[@sawiola55]

@@LeoLyonsMusician , have You ever met Ritchie Blackmore and Rory Gallagher ? What do You think about their playing :)

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

@@sawiola55 Hi. Yes I've met them both and almost ended up working with them. Both are great players but my preference would be Rory's style of playing. I guess I'm steeped in the blues.

[@sawiola55]

@@LeoLyonsMusician ,thank You very much for the answer! 🙂

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

@@sawiola55 My pleasure

[@ediek8048]

Leo, did TYA play a night at the Filmore West with the original Fleetwood Mac and The Jeff Beck Group (with Rod Stewart and Ron Wood)?

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Edie. Yes. It's possible. We toured with both bands. Regards Leo

[@Pepco54]

I listen to Cricklewood Green so good

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for watching Paul. Regards Leo

[@alex-x7u]

LEO YOU REMIND ME OF jeremy spenser from fleetwood mac you both perfect gentlemen god blesss you

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words.

[@Pepco54]

Vinteresting

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for watching Paul. Regards Leo

[@blakkat4126]

This past Christmas, to my actual surprise, one of my gifts was a bass guitar. I'm sure neither you nor the ghost of John Entwistle need be concerned. Strangely, I never hinted for a bass guitar one but I am kind of excited about it. Since I’m not a player, I’m asking you what the best way to start learning the bass. I’m not planning on being good enough to play in a band, or anything like that (I’m old) but maybe just enough to play some lines with certain songs, then who knows after that. Regardless, if you can steer me on the right starting path, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time. Tom

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Tom. Congratulations on starting playing bass. It would take a long letter to give you tips..There are many bass player lessons on line.. I suggest you check out scottsbasslessons.com on You tube. He does very good subscriptions bass courses but he has some great free videos on You Tube. Also listen to some simple rock and roll or country songs and try to copy what the bass player is doing. If you understand chords it will be a big help. Good luck. Regards Leo

[@nickyfont347]

By the way Leo you showed that Grestch folding bass on this video. I remember the video of 1983 live at the Marquee (wich is one of my favorite ones) and there you were playing not with your Jazz Bass but with some kind of Sg-like bass. I guess it was a Wal bass Am I right? At least it looks very similar to Wal basses!

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Nicky. Yes the bass is a Wal bass. I still have it and it's a great instrument. Wishing you every success with your recording. Regards Leo

[@dougm6081]

Thank you so much for sharing your reminiscences from the days of yesteryear. In case you don't already know it, you're a natural storyteller- interesting and exciting. You mentioned Jimi wanting to sit in, I'm sure there was a lot of that. I read that Larry Coryell wanted to jam with the band. Do you have any stories of such times? Thanks again for taking the time to share all this with us. I look forward to hearing more as your time permits. Thank you.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

HI Doug. Thanks for the kind words. Yes. Larry Coryell did jam with TYA at the Scene Club.

[@nolarino]

That was very interesting Leo, thank you! Do you remember playing at the Eight Bells pub upstairs, in Mansfield NottinghamshireI This was the Jaybirds era ,saw you there when I was a teen I 1963 I believe. It was a great show.I also remember waiting for you guys in the all night cafe called The Last Post when I was playing with the Newtones band from Sutton in Ashfield.We used to meet after the gigs. so many years ago but happy memories.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

HI Nolarino. Hope you're well. Yes I remember The Last Post Cafe very well. Great fun. I never played the Eights Bell pub but Bonney (EX Fentones) ran a disco there and I helped him by doing door security. Regards Leo

[@nolarino]

@@LeoLyonsMusician Yes Leo it was in the disco upstairs and not actually inside the Eight Bells Pub but upstairs.I am sure, very thank you, I am nearly 73 years old now so have be careful with this virus around, I don't live in UK anymore but have lived in Florida since 1980, my family still live in UK though. Oh and I have a New Fender P Bass and also a Fender Jazz bass 1993 I just play around at home, not in a band.I so Remember eating Chinese food in Doncaster with our bands after our gigs there, Alvin was making jokes about the Trog's band who where there in the restaurant with us at our table God Bless you Sir and stay safe.My name is Peter Kerry bye the way.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

@@nolarino Hi Peter. I remember the Chinese restaurant too. I did a US radio show with Reg Presley some years later. He was a very interesting guy. I lived in Nashville for fifteen years but six years ago moved to Cardiff, Wales. One of my sons still lives in Nashville. Regards Leo

[@nolarino]

@@LeoLyonsMusician Leo I believe I meant to say the White Post Cafe, Its been many years since I lived there. Thanks again.

[@shankly01]

I had tickets to see TYA and Jethro Tull at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester in 1969. TYA had been on tour in America and had only arrived back in England the day before. When we got to the concert and took our seats, they announced that TYA would not be playing that night due to fatigue from the tour. Very disappointing and never did get to see you guys live 🤬

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

I'm sorry to hear that. That's one incident I really don't recall. I always believed that we never missed a show.

[@shankly01]

@@LeoLyonsMusician No problem Leo, still get to watch you guys on KZbin. Great band and like your music more now than ever.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

@@shankly01 Thank you.

[@klaasj7808]

only 2k views? whats up. best band @ woodstock and only 2000 views

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

I must try harder.

[@alex-x7u]

i am an bassist always loved leo and chick churchill alvin was the pistacio on top of the icecream but chic and leo carried 50 000 miles beneath my brain like NO BODY IN THE UNIVERSE EXCEPT JACK BRUCE AND GINGER BAKER album blow your mind GOD BLESS LEO AND CHIC CANT GETT ENOUGH OF TYA people listen up to TYA shhhhhhh blow your mind hsaallejulia.............

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for watching and for the kind words. Good luck with your music. Regards Leo

[@Pete-Fisher]

Absolutely brilliant Leo - what an amazing trip that must have been. It took me a little longer to get over there, but I made it in 2005, 2006 and 2008 to play some pretty prestigious gigs with a European reggae act. I can identify with your feelings on first being there, truly a dream come true. Thanks so much for sharing your stories...still looking forward to the book!!

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks Pete. It looks like my book will be out some time next year.

[@Pete-Fisher]

@@LeoLyonsMusician that's great news! I just put out my first book called Tour Tales 2001-2008, which you'll find and be able to dip into at Amazon!

[@stevegurgon]

Hi Leo I could not make out the sisters last name you mentioned that Peter Green was staying with? I wanted to look them up? If anyone can add, I’d appreciate it.. you mentioned anyone that knows their rock n roll history would know.. so would like to know about them during this spectacular time in rock history.. thanks

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Steve.I mentioned the Sanchez sisters.You'll find them somewhere on the internet. Thanks for watching.

[@thekeysman1]

Would love to hear stories on alot of the bands you played with or opened for, or they opened for you, like or if? Savoy Brown, Fleetwood Mac(Peter green) Jethro Tull, Brian Auger's Oblivion Express, Traffic, The Guess Who, Rare Earth, Grand Funk, HUmble Pie

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi john. I'll give it some thought.

[@thekeysman1]

@@LeoLyonsMusician Thanks Leo, this would be so great so hear.

[@YorkyOne]

Interesting that Jimi Hendrix borrowed your bass when he jammed with TYA. Ashley Hutchings of Fairport Convention recalls that Jimi got on stage to jam with the band in London and instead of borrowing a six string asked if he could use Ashley's bass. Was Jimi in actual fact a frustrated bassist? Fairport's singer at the time was Judy Dyble who famously sat knitting at the edge of the stage whilst Hendrix jammed with the rest of the band. And there's a TYA link, as Judy's husband Simon Stable was a good friend of Alvin Lee.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi TelBoy. I doubt Jimi was a frustrated bassist. He was left handed so it would have been harder for him to have played on a borrowed right hand guitar. Yes Simon was a friend of TYA.

[@YorkyOne]

@@LeoLyonsMusician Of course, that makes absolute sense. Really enjoying the videos, keep 'em coming.

[@roccojc8071]

My dad got to see you play with tya in Barrie Ontario. I don’t know if you would remember

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Yes I remember Barrie, Ontario. I have a friend who lives in the area.

[@jimallison6125]

Leo, Did you write a book about your life? I'd like to read it. Any books you could recommend concerning TYA?

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Jim. I have a book in the works but I need to knuckle down and finish it. Ric Lee TYA drummer has a book out but I've never read it. Regards Leo

[@playthatsoloboi3705]

hey there leo, im a huge fan of your work, and as a bass player i really would enjoy if you could talk about your gear, some of the bass lines that u did, records that u enjoy, that would be awesome, just subscribed to your channel too! cheers from Brazil

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thanks for subscribing. I'll do my best talk more about the things you request.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Just checked again. I already did a video called 'The search for the 'Holy Grail Of Bass Tones' That talks about my bass gear.

[@playthatsoloboi3705]

@@LeoLyonsMusician awesome, im already watching it! thanks

[@mor4725]

Thanks for the great story Leo! Was great to hear enjoyed every bit of it. Could you solve a little mystery for me? In the start of the video you show the first TYA album... Who is the 5th person on there?

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Yes I can. The extra person is an extra out of focus photo of drummer Ric Lee.

[@mor4725]

@@LeoLyonsMusician Thanks for clearing that up! Been wondering for ages. Was there any reason to put Ric up twice?

[@petermilovich4451]

yeah, this is a nice story...keep it comeing

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Thank you, I will

[@Dr.Fiendish]

The greatest moustache in the history of British rock? I think so.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Why. Thank you.

[@charleswinokoor6023]

This is very interesting from a strictly historical perspective. He mentions that Alvin Lee was uncooperative doing radio interviews. I’m not surprised to hear that. When I was in high school I heard Lee being interviewed on WBCN in Boston. He was surly and more than a little obnoxious. The interviewer played the Neil Young song “Cinnamon Girl” and asked Alvin whether he liked it. I remember him calling it “watered down pop.” I thought that was rather snide of him. Maybe he was in a bad mood that day, but he didn’t come off too well. Hopefully he wasn’t always that bitchy.

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

No. Alvin wasn't always surly but he didn't much like doing interviews.

[@mns8732]

Now Americans dream of England

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Very True.

[@DexterHaven]

So many unnecessary asides is off-putting. This is why people have scripts, so they don't get this wordy and wander all over the map. jeesh!!

[@LeoLyonsMusician]

Hi Dexter. I don't quite understand your post but if you're saying I don't tell what you want to hear you don't have to listen.