h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hello Recumbentman

This is a bit cheeky, but I'm currently compiling a collaborative Entry over at the Musicians' Guild on what makes a Guitar Hero (talent, innovation, influence, on-stage gimmicks, etc.) Would you object if I 'borrowed' your lines about Paul McCartney to use in the Entry (with a credit for you on the Entry, of course?)

"Paul McCartney revolutionised electric bass-playing. From a thankless treadmill, he transformed it into a nimble, witty and eloquent force"

The Entry as it stands at the moment can be found at A3384317.

Thanks for your time!



Danny B.

I'd be delighted.

If you want more, I'd add "Paul took over the bass on the death of Pete Sutcliffe; a quirk of history that put the group's most creative player on what was (till then) the least prominent instrument. He forged a new style, steering clear of the jazz influence he professed to dislike, and his fresh bass lines became one of the indefinable yet unmistakable hallmarks of the Beatles' style."

I see I put "style" in there twice. Say "He forged a new language".

I question the statement that George taught John Lennon. George was a few years younger; I have read that Paul taught John, hence some of the interesting chords in for instance "She loves you" -- Paul didn't re-string the right-handed guitar for himself, just worked out the chords from scratch, back to front (though he did re-string the bass).

Nice to see Les Paul in there.

Some Les Paul trivia: his name is pronounced "Less" (short for Lester) not "Lezz". He invented multi-tracking without multi-track equipment; he used two tape recorders, playing live a second (and third) part to be recorded along with the playback of the first track(s). Since the quality decayed in each subsequent taping, the top line had to be recorded last. He broke his right arm in a car smash and lost the mobility of his elbow; he had it set to an angle that still allowed him to play. His drinking threatened his career (and life) and his salvation was his angelic other half, the equally multi-tracked Mary Ford. I have their signatures on a photo.

Does Mississippi John Hurt deserve a place in there too? Glorious stuff.

Excellent - thanks for all that! I'll add it to the Entry next time I get chance to work on it

Thanks Danny. No need to mention that I have a signed photo of LP & MF

Looking forward to the Entry