Tribute to Tony McPhee from The Groundhogs : Now Spinning Magazine with Phil Aston

[@hovis13579]

Listen to The Hunt.......best ever.

[@DerickskeatWignall]

R.I.P Tony superb guitarist,the groundhogs my all time favourite band.

[@OutRAjious]

SPLIT….. amazing music

[@robertbridger111]

Great stuff , to me he was psychedelic Rock

[@davidlynch433]

My favourite Groundhogs albums are Thank christ for the bomb, Split, Hogwash and Solid, I've been playing them almost constantly since I heard the sad news of the death of the great Tony TS McPhee.

[@OutRAjious]

he was the real deal…

[@JohnFiocchi]

I was completely unaware of his passing. RIP Tony ❤ I have many Groundhogs cds. They were really interesting and are loved .

[@johnhenfrey5936]

Only ever saw Tony play with is wife, got to speak to him, he really was a lovely friendly man. R.I.P. Tony.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi John, Thank you for watching - Phil

[@risingstar7161]

RIP Tony McPhee. A real talent and a legend.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching - Phil

[@davidevans2484]

The whole of the Split album is brilliant. I love the last track, Groundhog, a solo slide guitar blues , so well recorded voice and guitar and a blues classic in my opinion. RIP Mr McPhee.

[@thomasthompson6791]

Started listening 1970 and still listening today. Timeless genius. Thank you Tony.....

[@savvycha]

Crosscut Saw, Promiscuity, Black Diamond are my fave songs. #RIPTSMCPHEE

[@geoffcurtis9890]

His music lives on 👏

[@garyh.238]

Thank you for this heartfelt tribute Phil. I love Tony's work on all of the Groundhog albums - I have them on regular rotation. There is not a week goes by that I don't hear one or another of their albums. Tony has left a fine legacy - great music played with genuine feel. RIP Tony McPhee.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Gary, thank you so much for your comment - Phil

[@TheRockerxx69]

I loved him and the band since 1970. I am 71 years old.

[@jayd59]

Billy boy Arnold and the groundhogs.. Riding the El...my fav... the guitar just stands out and you know the legend is playing. RIP ❤

[@keithwatkins7908]

RIP Tony. I only managed to get to see The Groundhogs live once, and Tony kindly gave us his autograph. What a guitarist of blues and rock, who for us of an older age, provided the wonderful music that we grew up on, and were privileged to hear. Thank you Tony, you are a legend and will not be forgotten, long may your legacy continue.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Keith, beautifully put - thank you - Phil

[@analoguesoul4594]

Saw him solo at the Running Horse pub in Nottingham in the 90s, absolute beast of a guitarist who simply got on with it - moved all his equipment by himself as well! Along with Rory Gallagher, an all-time fave. R.I.P. mate.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts - Phil

[@billinawe]

Great heartfelt tribute Phil. Tony was one of my favourite musicians and The Groundhogs one my favourite bands. R.I.P TS

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@evileyes4070]

I said to Tony McPhee at the Lady Godiva pub Coventry around 92 . " turn the guitar up I can't hear it." He said to me " F off " best album Blues Obituary 😎😍

[@dingbatmaster8825]

I actually was at that gig. I thought it so funny. The guitar was to low. When Tony told you to F off you tosser . The whole room laught at yah 🤣 the guitar was too low. Rip Tony

[@evileyes4070]

Well that is incredible. If you is at the gig

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

How amazing you were both at the same gig and remembered that incident!

[@evileyes4070]

@@NowSpinningMagazine I think this guy is pulling my leg

[@dingbatmaster8825]

@@NowSpinningMagazine😂😂

[@martyn26.2]

RIP Tony. A true legend and a very nice man.

[@chrisarnold3553]

I met Tomy many times at gigs and he was such a down to earth chap. I recall him calling me and asking if I was coming to see them play at the 100 Club. Ironically my gig that night had been cancelled. It was a great gig. We chatted a lot about this other side - the psychedelic, experimental music. He was far more than just one of the great British blues guitarists and writers, he was very creative. My fav album? Hogwash.

[@waynewilliams1763]

Tony’s music was way before it’s time, met the maestro a few times, very humble man, my favorite album was crosscut saw 👌

[@slowpawstevet3676]

yes i have all the albums, loved the Groundhogs since Split, saw Tony play a couple of times and was priviledged to buy him a pint and chat with him one evening in a pub in north London, sadly missed.

[@dilltdog1158]

Loved TS & The Groundhogs, I was fortunate to see Groundogs, Terraplane, The Tony McPhee ( Blues) Band and back to the reformed Groundhogs . TS was a lovely bloke who always had time for the fans.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching and sharing your memories - Phil

[@ArildOlsen-lp8op]

Great band. I saw Groundhogs live at the arctic blues festival located a bit north of the arctic cirkle in Norway of all places. Date was February. 24- 2001. Most of the tracks from split album.

[@charlierobertson7784]

I was blessed to have seen Tony with the Groundhogs in the Picasso Club in Glasgow in the early seventies. The stage was only about four foot in height and I was right at the front with Tony in front of me clad in his signature denim jeans, jacket and baseball boots. Sadly I never saw them live again, but followed them ever since and I'm now 71. Saddened to hear of his passing, but like many greats who have come into my life experience, his music lives on. Rest easy Tony and hopefully our paths may cross again in the passing of time.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Charlie, thank you for watching and sharing your memories - Phil

[@billsawers9462]

I remember the Picasso Club well and was a regular visitor there and also at the Burns Howff. Those were the days when Glasgow had a thriving music scene. Amazing times indeed.

[@hertfordable]

I was introduced to the Groundhogs at Friars in Aylesbury Tony McPhee was unique, I honestly saw him break strings at almost every gig but he just continued playing. I saw them many times after that. Since then I moved to Florida and I introduced an American guitarist workmate to Split, he was playing it continuously after that. Such a sad time losing a lot of the great musicians from the seventies including Dan McCafferty and Manny Charlton. Great memories. 🙏

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for sharing - Phil

[@fuheroes]

I first got into the Groundhogs in the mid seventies when I was a teen and then rediscovered them a few years ago and loved them even more . I love Split and Thank Christ for the bomb but my favourite is Hogwash

[@ledzep9501]

These terrible news are truly the Blues Obituary of a great blues musician... Most of the blues guitars masters are gone. R.i.p Tony...

[@Baz63]

what a band...what a guitarist. RIP Tony and many thanks for such wonderful music.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching - Phil

[@ericskinner7355]

Love all of his stuff, but I think Who Will Save the World is my favorite...✌️

[@surfraptor]

RIP Tony. Saw Groundhogs way back in 1969.

[@kempini]

Nice tribute to a fantastic musician. I started following the Groundhogs in 1970 and loved Tony’s guitar style. My first guitar was a SG just because he played one! So glad we have his music to treasure.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching - Phil

[@hovis13579]

RIP Tony......a musical genius and gentleman. Saw him solo unplugged in Belfast, brilliant.

[@selwyn77]

Thanks for that. That's the third great guitarist England has lost in the last twelve months : Kim Simmonds, Jeff Beck and now Tony. His song "Black Diamond" is one of my all time favourites by anyone !!

[@guacamolekid8883]

A genuine original. His mastery of dynamics, execution of style and purity of vision never cease to amaze and never gets old. You will always remain present and relevant through the gifts you leave behind. Thank you Tony. Rest in peace.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and watching - Phil

[@mckayuk]

Thanks for posting, it is indeed sad news for a Teenager that was hearing his albums as they were released and if not on my own hearing those albums on record players at mates houses and playing them over and over again. RIP Tony T.S.McPhee and as a hobby musician who learned several of your songs you can be sure they will be included when I play live at open mics etc.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts about Tony

[@Jeff-yt3qp]

A sad loss. A brilliant guitarist, I saw Groundhogs early 70s Sunderland Mecca brilliant. 🎸

[@robertcooper411]

Saw the Groundhogs at Northampton Cricket Club 1976 ( I think).One of the loudest bands I've seen, absolutely loved them and I rate Mr Mcphee as one of the best guitarists ever. RIP Tony.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching - Phil

[@51madmitch]

Very sad news, another one of my generation gone, the very late 60’s and the 70’s were a great time to be around the so called underground music scene, bought Split and Thank Christ when they came out, very distinctive style, saw them play at Southampton and Portsmouth from memory, was playing Thank Christ last week, like so many bands then their music stays with you, RIPTony, thank for all the pleasure you to so many.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for your heartfelt comment - Phil

[@georgecheung4271]

Thanks Christ for the tribute. Thank Christ for Tony McPhee. For me, it has to be Thank Christ for the Bomb.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi george, thank you for watching , great album choice - Phil

[@brucybabyy7355]

i,ll be spinning some tony tonight.

[@raymondmitchell7582]

Hi Phil, Yes sad news, a great loss. A truly great musician, and a legendary Blues Guitarist. Yes Split and Thank Christ For The Bomb are probably the definitive statements, I have all their albums up to Black Diamond (76) all good albums. I saw them live a couple of time, a superb live power trio, another day with sad news. I can see this coming weekend being ' Groundhogs Day ' Take care Phil.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you - You too - Phil

[@Dafalex22]

A.K.A. the "White Hendrix".........good friend.......RIP. 🖤♾♠

[@slowjammerukdog]

Thanks, Phil. He was unique, brilliant and, like you say, a totally authentic, down-to-earth, great guy.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you

[@backrowbrighton]

As usual Phil, a wonderfully warm hearted video. Glad you got to meet Tony like you did. 'Split' is a superb album and 'Solid' is also great. I got to see Tony on a blues tour package some twenty years ago with the late Alvin Lee and the great Edgar Winter. Tony was the special guest and opened the show with a smoking solo set of acoustic blues. RIP Tony, you kept it real the whole time.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching and sharing your memories of Tony. Phil

[@krg1605]

Thanks Phil. I still have an original copy of the Split album on vinyl. it is amazing how many 'so called' heavy metal fans that I speak to have never heard of Groundhogs. Really? What a band, what a man. RIP Tony. God bless. The music lives on!

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@wikingfaust]

Gracias por todo Tony! Gracias por ayudarme con tu musica en mis momentos mas dificiles y ayudarme a ser mejor persona. Descansa en paz.

[@billybobkingston5604]

What a band saw them live somewhere sometime, Rock in Peace

[@frankduffy2413]

Saw them live great band rest in peace

[@ozzycast]

Thanks for doing the respectful and lovely tribute, his music will live on.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@mikewest1542]

2 and a half great albums and a couple of decent ones, Split and Thank Christ for the Bomb was brilliant, half of Hogwash is excellent. Blues Obituary was very good , Who will save the World less so but never the less a great band which I saw twice with Tony and once with Ken Pulsenik Groundhogs .

[@The-Danish-Record-Hunter]

Rest in Peace, Tony! Damn it saddens me to hear this :(

[@perryfan49]

Sweet little tribute. Another member of the music world now gone. Rest Peacefully 🙏🏼

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@phrtao]

So sorry to hear about Tony McPhee. Saw him perform a few times and met him on 2 occasions. A real nice genuine guy.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@DaNiyaHodge]

Rip Anthony Charles McPhee, you will be missed

[@artslife3876]

Since the early 1960's. They supported John Lee Hooker in '64

[@keithbutler2222]

Saw them play live in Coventry back in the early 90s. Awesome band. I got 'split' on the strength of that one gig on vinyl.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching - Phil

[@thepipesmokingbeekeeper8917]

Legend

[@brucybabyy7355]

RIP brilliant player.

[@stuarttomlinson802]

My dad gave me his copy of split when i was 14 in 1995 changed my world - I picked up a guitar and wanted to play blues ! i wrote an email to Tony one year (i think 1998) asking him how the hell did he get that sound on the "groundhog" and He replied to me ! The secret was open G tuning. I always turned as many people as i could to the groundhogs. Tony will be dearly missed. R.I.P

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Stuart, thank you for watching and sharing your memories - Phil

[@fierceperedur]

Teenage anthem that Cherry red. Early seventies. It cant get any better than those days. Even with the war. r.i.p.Tony see when I get there!

[@umbertoyltp]

Thank you for your kind words, now it's truly time for a split. There's nobody like Tony McPhee! ❤

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching - Phil

[@umbertoyltp]

@@NowSpinningMagazine my favourite song is 3744 James Road

[@clivesnowden4348]

Beautiful tribute, Phil. Thanks.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@terrydaktyllus1320]

Sad new indeed - RIP Tony McPhee. "Split" is going on straight after this video.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching - Phil

[@jean-lucpernel2202]

Hi Phil,sad news,beautiful hommage, je suis très affligé j'aime beaucoup ce guitariste mon premier album était thanks Christ for the bomb qu'il repose en paix et restera dans nos cœurs lorsqu'on écoutera ses disques 😢

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@LeeLucas]

Tony was very much my idol back in the seventies. Come to think of it I don't think I've ever spent as much money on any other artist buying the complete collection of the Groundhogs back in those days when I first got into them. It was without a doubt the album Split that got me into them and I can even remember paying £60 for a mint copy of their first album Scratching The Surface second hand back in those days. Besides Split, there are many other sure favourite albums that the Groundhogs made such as Thank Christ For The Bomb as you mentioned. Hogwash, Solid, Crosscut Saw and Black Diamond to name a few more. I met Tony on a couple of occasions, the first would have been at the Red Lion where he was playing by himself. I even took a few of my favourite albums for him to sign back then. However, the last time I saw him play was at the Bogary in Solihull in the 2000's, Jasper Carrot's old club he was playing by himself again and the amazing thing about that gig was that my own brother was supporting him on that occasion and he completely blew my idol off the stage. I will never forget it, on that night in question the club was rammed and Tony came on and played his first half of the set. Then my brother went on and played his support act and after that nearly everybody who was there left after the amazing reception my own brother did on that night with his performance on the guitar. I am going to be perfectly honest and as a musician myself seeing my old idol get blown away hurt deep inside on that night, but it also taught me a lot of aspects about playing the guitar. There is no doubt that Tony had a special creativity in creating music but as a guitarist, he was not that technical, certainly nowhere near that level that my brother could play. But where Tony still wins in my book is really with how creative he was and his music still speaks volumes to me in relation to that of my own brother. However, I love them both. Really GREAT! tribute to one of my guitar legends Phil and very well appreciating the truly amazing job you are doing. R.I. P. Tony and thank you for the tremendous pleasure you gave to me over all these years and the pleasure you are still giving me even today with your great music.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Lee, thank you for watching and sharing your Groundhogs story - there are still a few gaps in my collection. Phil

[@jimwood1968CDcollectorCAVE]

Split is a brilliant album that we all treasured back in 71. Cherry Red was the stand out track. Wasn't it Tony who said "Anything Hendrix can do I can do better" ? I had seen some photos of him looking rather poorly in recent years. Thanks for doing this Tribute Phil. Nice seeing you outside and the Geese enhanced it. lol

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi Jim, thank you - they were actually very hungry seagulls! Phil :)

[@jimwood1968CDcollectorCAVE]

A good job you didn't have a Chip on your shoulder then lol

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

HaHa 😂

[@AJAndyO]

Very sad news indeed. Thanks for this tribute, Phil. I’ll be listening to Split first thing tomorrow. RIP Tony McPhee.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you 🙏

[@stephenbarrow3352]

Saw them once supporting Paul DiAnno at the Patti Pavilion in Swansea early 2000's sometime. R.I.P. Tony 😢

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching - Phil

[@AndrewSnowden007]

Call me an Eccentric Man I don't believe it! Great guitar player. Eccentric Man his best track in my opinion. Had lots of great tracks and live from Leeds from 73 is excellent. Surprised he wasn't more famous in the 70's.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching and sharing your thoughts - Phil

[@johnminassian4887]

Tony's passing is very disturbing to me. I've listened to his music since the sixties. I guess I just hoped he would always be there. I'll be taking out my copy of Split for a listen this evening.

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Hi John, thank you for watching - Phil

[@51madmitch]

I find they stay the same as when we first saw them, forget like all of us they get older to.

[@kevinpennick3604]

Great player.saw groundhogs several times 71 onwards

[@buriedverydeep]

Another Awful News...This Year Is Horrific for Us All..Rip Legend ❤️🔥❤️😪🙏🙏

[@NowSpinningMagazine]

Thank you for watching - try and stay postive, this is inevitable as our heroes get older. It is also a reminder that we possibly have less time ahead of us than behind us. So do something today that brings your joy and includes music - Phil

[@lukewand]

He played from a place that was only his.... he helped so many in doing so.