Bon Scott was my friend. Something I'm very proud of. Alex Harvey was Bon's biggest influence. He idolised the guy. Just look at Bon's wardrobe. Miss them both like fucking crazy.
Utterly fantastic. Alex was a massive influence on Nick Cave, but this demented version of "Next" with the eerie string orchestra with their hooded faces and Zac Cleminson's leering face always stood out as a high point in Alex's career. He has been gone for nearly forty years now but the very height of his powers, Alex Harvey was unbeatable. Gone, never to be forgotten.
I'm from Parkhead,Glasgow. My house was about one mile from where Alex grew up around the Gorbals. I had led a fairly sheltered life till my friend and I skipped school one day. We were 14 years old. It was early 1974. Tam took me to his Uncle Billys flat. It was clean but untidy. Records lying around everywhere. Bass guitar against the wall. He was around 20 and seemed a cool guy to me. He asked me if I liked Alex Harvey and I said I had never heard of him. He moved to within arms length, looked me right in the eye, and in slightly menacing fashion, he growled "Well you fucking should have, he lives just down the road". I just looked at Tam sheepishly, all he said was, "Have you got any juice uncle Billy?" Billy played Next on the spot. Then the entire Next album. It blew me away. My senses were keen, believe me. I had never heard anything remotely like it, and this guy was as local as Glasgow Celtic! "Fucking magic" as uncle Billy put it, and I wasn't about to disagree. I bought everything SAHB put out eventually, even the madcap Loch Ness Monster Alex released when he was quite obviously not thinking straight. Nuff said about that! That day was an awakening alright. Slade just never sounded the same! Alex was a mad genius if ever there was one.
I'm a little older than you, Steve, but I met Alex in the late 70's at the original Marquee Club in Wardour Street in London when he was managed by Mountain Music (my way in!) and when I eventually got past John Miller who was "looking after" him at the time... I found him one of the most articulate people I've ever met...
David Dubery Thanks David, I would have loved to meet Alex but I reckon "star struck" wouldn't have done me justice. Mad Genius is perhaps clichéd, but he was far from the norm, that's for sure. I've seen enough clips of Alex to appreciate he was one smart guy. Alchohol is no respecter of talent or acumen though and there's little doubt he was badly affected by it by the end of his life. A sad loss, and way too early.
Great Story thanks for sharing. I always loved Midnight Moses and Framed. I saw him one time on TV in the states I dont remember the tune. But I thought this band is great. Alex and Zal were my favorites
An amazing show man and a very underrated Band.. I saw them live.. And my first experience was at the Hull city Hall... All standing and me and my sister Theresa wangled our way to the front.. Hands on the stage and were never the same after seeing that performance.. What a brilliant teenage memory.. I loved him.. Nobody like him and never will be.. He will always be my favorite pirate ☠️ ❤️
Great stories guys (you always get the best stories under 70's music clips). Regret that I never saw them live, but I remember seeing this on TV in '72 and when I first heard this track a little earlier when I was 17, living in a 2-bed flat over a hairdressers in London which I shared with 5 of my best mates (up to 20 most weekends). It would be safe to assume that we were all pretty stoned at the time and I remember being struck by how stark and visceral it was. The guy who threw this little gem on the turntable was every bit guitarist Zal Cleminson, just without the face paint. We lost touch about 10-years later but I recently found out that he became a senior partner in a big firm of accountants! Pretty sure I'm not alone thinking that I'd do anything to be back in 1972 instead of the shitshow that the world has turned into in 2021. I've got my fingers crossed that when we get out of this (like permanently) there'll be a jukebox of time and we can chose what year to come back in. They'll be rockin' out to 'Next' in hell when I leave
I was working as a steward at the Free Trade Hall Manchester when the band were playing, A fight broke out and Alex said he wouldn't play on , I broke up the fight and he continued, I was 16, I am now 65.🤩🤭
My God, utter genius, the whole band, everything about it is perfect. Can you imagine something so deep, performed nowadays. The Lyrics (Jacques Brel) the performance, the musicianship, the theatre. Brilliant!
Probably because he never got a chance to come here to the United States on a major tour on top of the legal problems along with other hardships he had . I also recently found out about him recently and I'm happy that I did because he is an amazing artist that people across the world should know about.
Definitely not only the presence of his voice the sheer drama. In addition you had the comedy of Alex and his band as the hammed up with the best of them. Entertaining 5*
Alex Harvey's death was a massive loss to the world of music. He was not only a great singer, but he and his band were fantastic entertainers as well. I would love to have seen them live. Rest in peace,Alex - you were fantastic!
I am blessed to have seen SAHB live at Exeter University in the early 70s. Before the rest of the band came on this geezer came onto the stage wearing a mac. We wondered who he was. We soon knew! In the next couple of minutes he came on in full stripy Tshirt magic and performed Faith Healer as an opener. That was seriously the best gig I have ever seen, and I've seen quite a few.....
I got into The Sensational Alex Harvey Band when I was a teenager back in the 70's and have loved his music ever since. Unlike so much from that time it stands up so well.
He was always on tour, everyone got to see them. Post Hippie, Pre Punk, Airbrushed out of popular culture's history, along with The Stranglers and Dr Feelgood.
At the start he says Alex left the band (1976) and made a comeback in 1979 (other people say this too), but I saw SAHB live on the Sunday night at Reading in 1977 - with the line-up in this video.
Ahead of his time - truly creative - I was a performer (naked) from sea to shining sea and this was one of my main "shows" - the audiences loved it (and me too :)
As this an autobiographical song, and Brel wasn’t born until 1929, then the military service he undertook, was post 1948; powerfully performed by Alex nonetheless.
@@Mudge07 and I think having seen film of Jaques Brel performing, he would have loved this version of his song. As powerful in Alex Harvey's Scottish drawl, as in Brel's (Belgian) French. Also helped by the excellent Mort Shuman and Eric Blau translation of this (and other) Brel songs which became the show "Jaques Brel is alive and living in Paris" I remember this well, as my father worked in that show in London, when It came to England.
Wow, this is a different take to the main one that comes up when you search for the Old Grey Whistle test perfomance of this song! Very interesting to hear a different (but, of course, still amazing) vocal interpretation by Alex
I've just said on the Faith Healer video, Richard, not only the music but also the great characters. Where are the characters on today's music scene? The overriding attitude today seems to be sincerity, but no humour, no-one trying to be outrageous.
I still recall watching this whistle test episode with a lot of very stoned males in Liverpool and not one of them had any concept of what the song meant except me ..thank you Alex you’re music had a profound sense of humour and terror for all the gang ..but especially on me.....Next..
Thanks for the upload. I love this track. They should use it to promote the clothing store :) I was in there today and was most disappointed they weren't playing it...
If my dad had known in the early seventies I was listening to this, he would have thrown out my record collection. Jaysus... army brothels and gang bangs whilst my sisters were listening to David Cassidy and the like. Very very brave man who refused to conform. I so wish I had been at Parkhead when they supported The Who. Apparently they blew Daltry & Co off the stage.
i was the same, all my mates wanted to go see donny osmond or bay city rollers......... but my mum decided i was too young (only 15) to go see him, my elder brothers were into S.A.H.B at the time so i guess i knew her reason why lol,,, how little did she know when she let me take my little sister to go see (i cant even say his full name) Glitter at the apollo............. Vambo Rools X
Well, this is weird. Some of the comments go back 6 years - talk about being late! Anyway, David, I think your reference points are spot on & Alex should be given the same international recognition as a truly seminal artist. Thanks for the observation - dunno about you but I'm sick of all the wee c**ts that just want to post angry bullshit. NEXT!
man of pioneer. . he was big band, rock n roll, musical, pop, theatric, prog psych, established performer toured with the beatles leather jacket days. . proto hard rock, metal, punk, avante gard, poet writer. . if he lived to this day, he'd be man of the millennium. . all this before arthur brown, daevid allen, alice cooper, peter gabriel, bowie, and bands like kiss, acdc, sex pistols. so on.
Try the definitive Scott Walker version. You'll love it. And then there are Scott's other great Brel songs like Jackie, Mathilda , My Death, Amsterdam, Alone, Funeral Tango, Girls and the Dogs and Sons.
This is the song I think of when I think of SAHB. Hard hitting lyrics set in a brilliant musical arrangement; though he did this more than once, Next is always the one that I remember.
Weird, wicked witchcraft is this that I've just witnessed. Feeling fucked up and blessed. Full of joy. Filled To the brim with emptiness. Suddenly coming to my senses. Out of this fabricated modern universe and headlong to the past pastures of plenty. When music had some magic. Tragic. To realise we're all on the road to capitalistic mindnumbing hell. Shoving my head in a microwave oven with some uranium, sending my cranium back in time. To queue for the tickets for the show. Next in the line to an infinite adventure of one heart, soul and mind. This act was one of a kind. Wasted to know, nothing like this Will ever reappear.
I don't think you will ever see another Alex Harvey and this incomparable stage craft!
A mixture of being frightfully mesmerised and pure Genius!
Bon Scott was my friend. Something I'm very proud of. Alex Harvey was Bon's biggest influence. He idolised the guy. Just look at Bon's wardrobe. Miss them both like fucking crazy.
i love acdc. my dad was in two other bands, not sahb, with alex.
🤘
Superb outfit. I am 74 now . Saw them at Reading 1980's A great band so under rated. RIP Alex died too young.
Utterly fantastic.
Alex was a massive influence on Nick Cave, but this demented version of "Next" with the eerie string orchestra with their hooded faces and Zac Cleminson's leering face always stood out as a high point in Alex's career.
He has been gone for nearly forty years now but the very height of his
powers, Alex Harvey was unbeatable.
Gone, never to be forgotten.
Demented is right, Alex's facial expressions are riveting.
I'm from Parkhead,Glasgow. My house was about one mile from where Alex grew up around the Gorbals. I had led a fairly sheltered life till my friend and I skipped school one day. We were 14 years old. It was early 1974. Tam took me to his Uncle Billys flat. It was clean but untidy. Records lying around everywhere. Bass guitar against the wall. He was around 20 and seemed a cool guy to me.
He asked me if I liked Alex Harvey and I said I had never heard of him. He moved to within arms length, looked me right in the eye, and in slightly menacing fashion, he growled "Well you fucking should have, he lives just down the road". I just looked at Tam sheepishly, all he said was, "Have you got any juice uncle Billy?"
Billy played Next on the spot. Then the entire Next album. It blew me away. My senses were keen, believe me. I had never heard anything remotely like it, and this guy was as local as Glasgow Celtic! "Fucking magic" as uncle Billy put it, and I wasn't about to disagree.
I bought everything SAHB put out eventually, even the madcap Loch Ness Monster Alex released when he was quite obviously not thinking straight. Nuff said about that!
That day was an awakening alright. Slade just never sounded the same! Alex was a mad genius if ever there was one.
I'm a little older than you, Steve, but I met Alex in the late 70's at the original Marquee Club in Wardour Street in London when he was managed by Mountain Music (my way in!) and when I eventually got past John Miller who was "looking after" him at the time... I found him one of the most articulate people I've ever met...
David Dubery Thanks David, I would have loved to meet Alex but I reckon "star struck" wouldn't have done me justice. Mad Genius is perhaps clichéd, but he was far from the norm, that's for sure.
I've seen enough clips of Alex to appreciate he was one smart guy. Alchohol is no respecter of talent or acumen though and there's little doubt he was badly affected by it by the end of his life. A sad loss, and way too early.
Great Story thanks for sharing. I always loved Midnight Moses and Framed. I saw him one time on TV in the states I dont remember the tune. But I thought this band is great. Alex and Zal were my favorites
An amazing show man and a very underrated Band.. I saw them live.. And my first experience was at the Hull city Hall... All standing and me and my sister Theresa wangled our way to the front.. Hands on the stage and were never the same after seeing that performance.. What a brilliant teenage memory.. I loved him.. Nobody like him and never will be.. He will always be my favorite pirate ☠️ ❤️
Great stories guys (you always get the best stories under 70's music clips). Regret that I never saw them live, but I remember seeing this on TV in '72 and when I first heard this track a little earlier when I was 17, living in a 2-bed flat over a hairdressers in London which I shared with 5 of my best mates (up to 20 most weekends). It would be safe to assume that we were all pretty stoned at the time and I remember being struck by how stark and visceral it was. The guy who threw this little gem on the turntable was every bit guitarist Zal Cleminson, just without the face paint. We lost touch about 10-years later but I recently found out that he became a senior partner in a big firm of accountants!
Pretty sure I'm not alone thinking that I'd do anything to be back in 1972 instead of the shitshow that the world has turned into in 2021. I've got my fingers crossed that when we get out of this (like permanently) there'll be a jukebox of time and we can chose what year to come back in. They'll be rockin' out to 'Next' in hell when I leave
Unforgettable... Next...
He is like Shakespeare or Mark Twain a real entertainment
I was working as a steward at the Free Trade Hall Manchester when the band were playing, A fight broke out and Alex said he wouldn't play on , I broke up the fight and he continued, I was 16, I am now 65.🤩🤭
My God, utter genius, the whole band, everything about it is perfect. Can you imagine something so deep, performed nowadays. The Lyrics (Jacques Brel) the performance, the musicianship, the theatre. Brilliant!
why is this man and his band never mentioned in any rock doc? in my book he was one of the best of them all.
Probably because he never got a chance to come here to the United States on a major tour on top of the legal problems along with other hardships he had . I also recently found out about him recently and I'm happy that I did because he is an amazing artist that people across the world should know about.
Definitely not only the presence of his voice the sheer drama. In addition you had the comedy of Alex and his band as the hammed up with the best of them. Entertaining 5*
andy cole gnhgmcmjg
I agree
He's still loved here in his native Scotland. Sensational.
Sensational Alex. Some day soon they will see your originality and give you the full credit you and your band deserve.
Pure GENIUS,sadly missed
Next 1:31 ❤
One of the greatest performances on TOGWT. Stunning vocal and performance. Great band too. Sensational.
My favourite OGWT performances: SAHB Delilah, SAHB Next, Dr Feelgood Roxette, David Bowie Queen Bitch and Captain Beefheart On the My O My.
Alex Harvey's death was a massive loss to the world of music. He was not only a great singer, but he and his band were fantastic entertainers as well. I would love to have seen them live. Rest in peace,Alex - you were fantastic!
I am blessed to have seen SAHB live at Exeter University in the early 70s. Before the rest of the band came on this geezer came onto the stage wearing a mac. We wondered who he was. We soon knew! In the next couple of minutes he came on in full stripy Tshirt magic and performed Faith Healer as an opener. That was seriously the best gig I have ever seen, and I've seen quite a few.....
By 1976 it had become a smoking jacket and sunglasses and a request to be "good boys and girls and go back to your seats".
Daniel Woodman Solicitors I saw them live in Berlin in either 1982 or 1983. One of the best live performers I have ever seen. Brilliant.
I saw them live in 1975 at the age of 15 and been hooked ever since.
A fantastic live band.
Part rock, part performance art, completely insane and brilliant
i grew up listening to this,and i have my mother to thank for it,she rocks! And Alex well he is a True Legend R.I.P
I got into The Sensational Alex Harvey Band when I was a teenager back in the 70's and have loved his music ever since. Unlike so much from that time it stands up so well.
even better !
WOW! What a great version. So much passion in Harvey's delivery.
what a legend! ahead of his time, and also a people's champ!
What can I say about this band that hasn't already been said he was a genius and awesome but I still listen to him nearly every day
I have never been able to get through a SAHB performance without smiling. It's impossible!
he was a real entertainer of rock in the same ilk as bowie! we will never see his like again fact
+andy cole I was just about to say the same thing . not onlt Alex ,the band is well,sensational
@@1lightheaded I don't think Bowie came close.
Totally agree
Tremendous still miss him even know mad brilliant sod that was a fantasticly talented and loved by so many!
He was always on tour, everyone got to see them. Post Hippie, Pre Punk, Airbrushed out of popular culture's history, along with The Stranglers and Dr Feelgood.
An excellent point, Jim. Those bands were precursors and sadly overlooked in musical history. Groundbreakers. RIP Alex, Lee Brilleaux and others.
jim crow I saw all of them live - Alex Harvey, The Stranglers and Dr Feelgood. That was a great era.
@@huwjones7946 Great times.
Alex Harvey what a genius ! one of my all time favs !
Brilliant song writing. Been a fan for years.
A man of incredible musical taste - who else would record a Jaques Brel song on a rock album?
Scott Walker , Jarvis cocker , Marc Almond , Nick Cave ( possibly)
What a solid live performance too. Super clean.
Best performance from Alex ever.
so original there is no one like him fabulous
Sensational,thats what he was. He done the best Deaililah ever.
Have you a brother called Dominic? He's allover the news man!
At the start he says Alex left the band (1976) and made a comeback in 1979 (other people say this too), but I saw SAHB live on the Sunday night at Reading in 1977 - with the line-up in this video.
SAHB was one of a kind. Very unique & special in the annals of Rock History. Vambo Rool.
Alex I deeply miss you !! Great Artist with many, many great songs. I'll keep your records like diamonds and listen to 'em again and again.
One of the greatest whistle test moments ever
Astonishing. Alex delivers a mind-blowing performance with the band not too shabby, either.
Alex is the music that kicked are backside and made us laugh but also made us enjoy a true poet and musician.
Mesmerizing version! The ending is freaking awesome!
unbelievable great performance!
SEEN HIM IN BALTIMORE, MD. HE WAS ON TRACK OF BEING THE MAIN EVENT.
How have I never heard this band until now. Quite the performance.
Charisma and soul in abundance
Miss ye Cuz. Drum in heaven.
Amazing Band.
Next was a brilliant album, the highlight being this song. Superb musical musical theatre. RIP Alex.
Ahead of his time - truly creative - I was a performer (naked) from sea to shining sea and this was one of my main "shows" - the audiences loved it (and me too :)
A brilliant song performed to manic perfection.
Absolutely fucking perfect. Next.
Alex Harvey...Glasgow Loves You.
Genius
Stargazer every music fan dose
Pure class Alex
Wish I'd seen these guys. Incomparable.
Wow great showmanship!
I've got only one album of Alex with the faith healer inside and it's wonderfull. It' a "vinyl" of course. I' ll keep it it all my life !
Get more...
one of the lost Best!
Utterly brilliant need I say it again Utterly brilliant what memories for me !!!!!
Sheer genius, Mark.
@@tonyanderton3521 agreed
Me too, totally agree.
Incredible performance.
great stuff,sorry i never got the chance to see him live.
written by jacque brel about World War One, and who alex would cover it. RIP Alex, the rock King of the North
As this an autobiographical song, and Brel wasn’t born until 1929, then the military service he undertook, was post 1948; powerfully performed by Alex nonetheless.
@@Mudge07 and I think having seen film of Jaques Brel performing, he would have loved this version of his song. As powerful in Alex Harvey's Scottish drawl, as in Brel's (Belgian) French.
Also helped by the excellent Mort Shuman and Eric Blau translation of this (and other) Brel songs which became the show "Jaques Brel is alive and living in Paris" I remember this well, as my father worked in that show in London, when It came to England.
Sheer genius. And Zal Cleminson just cracks me up every time. Must have been a big influence on the punk scene that was just a few years away.
Absolute CLASS
Wow, this is a different take to the main one that comes up when you search for the Old Grey Whistle test perfomance of this song! Very interesting to hear a different (but, of course, still amazing) vocal interpretation by Alex
Great Showman . A Great Band As Well . A +++++ !
ive only just discovered him,he was pretty awesome
693mike nice to someone not familiar with his work is getting a listen!
693mike check out "the giant stone eater"
i will!
S M H...The creativity, timing and execution of SAHB was flawless...Deal with this people...the era of SAHB was 40 plus years ago....
Is there no Scotch people watching this in 2022? I bet you miss this band! I was gutted when he died young😚
Scots are watching😅
I was 17 when I first heard him in 1973. Genius, sadly missed.
He 's a genius ! We miss Him !
god, modern music dont have anything like this anymore.......hasnt for years ....the70s was the best decade for music, appart from the 60s
I've just said on the Faith Healer video, Richard, not only the music but also the great characters. Where are the characters on today's music scene? The overriding attitude today seems to be sincerity, but no humour, no-one trying to be outrageous.
Great performer. Unique
I still recall watching this whistle test episode with a lot of very stoned males in Liverpool and not one of them had any concept of what the song meant except me ..thank you Alex you’re music had a profound sense of humour and terror for all the gang ..but especially on me.....Next..
❤️
Classic..
It is strange how many overlook this band ---- they were top class
Absolute respect, + Thank,s just for it.
CÔMICO, EXTROVERTIDO, TEATRAL E SAHB. PERFEITO DEMAIS.
That's a performance.
Thanks for the upload. I love this track. They should use it to promote the clothing store :) I was in there today and was most disappointed they weren't playing it...
Way ahead of their time, This Jaques Brel classic was better than both Brels original, and Scott Walkers cover
You guys have to see the great JACQUES BREL himself singing this master piece on stage...it stays on ur mind forever...
If my dad had known in the early seventies I was listening to this, he would have thrown out my record collection. Jaysus... army brothels and gang bangs whilst my sisters were listening to David Cassidy and the like. Very very brave man who refused to conform. I so wish I had been at Parkhead when they supported The Who. Apparently they blew Daltry & Co off the stage.
i was the same, all my mates wanted to go see donny osmond or bay city rollers......... but my mum decided i was too young (only 15) to go see him, my elder brothers were into S.A.H.B at the time so i guess i knew her reason why lol,,, how little did she know when she let me take my little sister to go see (i cant even say his full name) Glitter at the apollo............. Vambo Rools X
But please don't play the Hot City Symphony! ;)
They did.
I've never seen this before. What artistry
Harvey zappa beefheart on the edge of insanity truly original and brilliant
Well, this is weird. Some of the comments go back 6 years - talk about being late! Anyway, David, I think your reference points are spot on & Alex should be given the same international recognition as a truly seminal artist. Thanks for the observation - dunno about you but I'm sick of all the wee c**ts that just want to post angry bullshit. NEXT!
I would add Vivian Stanshall to that list. Quite different material but from the same era and the same dangerous mix of genius and madness.
Amazing
fantastic performance !!!!!!!!!!!
sadly missed - check out "Swamp Snake"
Fantastic,Alex was amazing 💯🍀
Fantastic !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our Ted and Hugh
Probably the best theatrical rock video ever
man of pioneer. . he was big band, rock n roll, musical, pop, theatric, prog psych, established performer toured with the beatles leather jacket days. . proto hard rock, metal, punk, avante gard, poet writer. . if he lived to this day, he'd be man of the millennium. . all this before arthur brown, daevid allen, alice cooper, peter gabriel, bowie, and bands like kiss, acdc, sex pistols. so on.
Try the definitive Scott Walker version. You'll love it.
And then there are Scott's other great Brel songs like Jackie, Mathilda , My Death, Amsterdam, Alone, Funeral Tango, Girls and the Dogs and Sons.
Effortless brilliance.
Great britain Band....🎸..
.
i think he is amazing
This is the song I think of when I think of SAHB. Hard hitting lyrics set in a brilliant musical arrangement; though he did this more than once, Next is always the one that I remember.
If you don't "get it" I feel sorry for you. This is what entertainment is all about. Alex Harvey roolz, ok!
Great version of the J Brel. Song.
If you search REALLY HARD, in life you will find hidden gems like this.
NEXT.....
Weird, wicked witchcraft is this that I've just witnessed. Feeling fucked up and blessed. Full of joy. Filled To the brim with emptiness. Suddenly coming to my senses. Out of this fabricated modern universe and headlong to the past pastures of plenty. When music had some magic. Tragic. To realise we're all on the road to capitalistic mindnumbing hell. Shoving my head in a microwave oven with some uranium, sending my cranium back in time. To queue for the tickets for the show. Next in the line to an infinite adventure of one heart, soul and mind. This act was one of a kind. Wasted to know, nothing like this Will ever reappear.
Amazing x
Maybe this doesnt show it but Zal is such an acomplished and brilliant guitarist.