Bill Nelson is probably THE most criminaly underrated guitarist ever. So many solo's to choose from when asked to pick his finest.....Crying to the sky,Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape,Axe Victim,Love with the Madman spring to mind along with many others but for me it's either Soundtrack or Heavenly Homes. Genius.
Absolutely right the reason I picked up a guitar in 1976, the most amazing melodic guitar I've ever heard to this day, adventures in Yorkshire landscape one of the best.
I wish Bill hadn't turned his back on guitar solos after Be Bop Deluxe ,I know some of his more recent albums have brought them back but you know it annoyed me he was influenced by Punk .
@@willpike3416 I couldn't agree more....I was really disappointed when he disbanded BBD. Red Noise and all the "alternative " stuff didn't do it for me.
Being a big bebop fan I couldn't agree with you more.. The end riff of heavenly homes still makes my hair stand on end..bill nelson is a true musical genius and what a guitar player!
Totally agree. Music in Dreamland, Maid in Heaven, Love with the Madman, Sister Seagull , the guy's a genius ! Futurama 1975 one of my favourite albums.
ICYMI - Cherry Red Records has a new 15 CD + 1 DVD box set of this coming out in August, plus a 3 CD shorter version for those not inclined to shell out for the box.
I normally dislike live albums, but Live in the Air Age Is an exception. It has an almost jazz-like feel that is such a departure from his studio records.
One of my favorites and nobody knows him. So clean fast and talented. Lucky to see Be Bop Deluxe once. He does stuff you never hear especially the effects and tone.
My first discovery of Bill Nelson was in 1982, with his album "The Love That Whirls (Diary of a Thinking Heart)". There has been a lot of good music from him since then.
Great you cover this! Bill Nelson and Be-Bop Deluxe are in the front of my listening list. Yes, and don't let us forget about Red Noise, Northern Lights and all the others....
Great quote at the end about how, like it or not, Bill is defined by the Be Bop Deluxe days, but as one introduced to Bill Nelson in 1980, I have to say his "The Love that Whirls" (not a "guitar" album and thus no mention in this video) is an absolute masterpiece and a genre of music unto itself.
Been following Bill from the Bebop years and as a guitarist one of my biggest influences, the jazziness in his guitar lines " Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape"? Amazing!! Thanks for giving him due credit.
I saw Be Bop Deluxe open for Robin Trower in Atlanta, great show, after they were done Bill just kept playing as they were removing the gear, no amp, just kept playing with his eyes closed, amazing !!!
I was at that show as well. Supposedly Trower’s roadies had “lost” Bebop’s costumes which pissed Nelson off. I believe they ended the show with “Terminal Street”, which they played until the power was cut to the amps. Great show!
I saw Be Bop on that tour of his Live In the Air Age album. Being a guitar player from the sixties this man really blew me away. In fact, listen to his playing on that album. This man really played fantastic music. It was unforgettable. His tone control is superb. Songwriting as well. That live album is amongst the best.
I saw BBD in the 70's on the Sunburst Finish tour. Inexplicably, they were third bill to Paris and Golden Earring. Bill put on the best performance of any guitar player I have ever seen, and I have seen many! It still gives me goose bumps when I think of it...seeing them in the small Portland, OR. Paramount theater. I remember Paris came on next and were woefully ill prepared and almost booed off the stage. I still wonder if they were simply blown away by Bills performance and couldn't concentrate.
I saw BBD fall of 1977 in the gymnasium at New England College in Henniker, NH. I’ll never forget it. I stood feet in front of Bill Nelson. Needless to say it was a phenomenal performance. We met the band afterwards and partied a bit with them. What a great memory!
I remember one of the main music newspapers in the 70’s calling the music of Bebop Deluxe “Sophistirock”. I’ve been playing guitar for over 50 years and Bill has been my biggest influence. Thanks for the music and the memories Bill.
As a long-time BBD/BN fan, I very much enjoyed this video, kudos to you, Guitar Historian. While I'm at it, I'll advance another plug for the fine keyboardist Simon Clark. That's right, Simon Clark, the name he went by all his life outside BBD, and by which he's credited on Peter Gabriel's records. Nelson could not handle having two Simons in his band and insisted Clark go by his middle name. I've read one quote where Simon let on he was never thrilled with this, and happily returned to using his personal name in his music industry life from his departure from the band onward.
Easily my favourite guitarist, musician & composer. Even today 2022 he is generating sublime and unique sounds. He’s a nice down to earth guy too. Without doubt, the greatest musical influence on my life. I’m 60 by the way so have enjoyed a lifetime of Bill’s adorable creations.
Was a big fan of BBD back in the day, I've got a few of their albums. What i liked most about the band was that they didn't sound like any other band at the time. Bill's sound was always forward looking. I saw the band twice, and at the second show to promote Drastic Plastic, Bill voiced his frustration that the crowd wanted most to hear their earlier music. In my opinion DP was an album that pushed the new wave sound forward, obviously influencing many young bands. Thanks for reminding me of a fun time in my life!
Thanks for showing the great Bill Nelson some appreciation. Bill was my first guitar hero when 'Sunburst Finish' was released here in the UK. That was the year I really got into playing guitar so Bill was a real strong influence on me. For me, Sunburst Finish was the best of BeBop Deluxe.
Bill's discography is truly huge, anyone really wanting to grasp his talent have a lot of listening in front of them. It's hard to pick a favourite song. Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape of course, Panic In The World, Banal, Stay Young, and Blazing Apostles are all great in their own right. Thanks for making this excellent clip, and now subscribed.
Bill Nelsons music accompanied me for a big chunk of my life. Summer of God’s piano and his work with David Sylvian (Gone to Earth) are particular favourites. Such a tasteful visionary musician. Brilliant!!
I got Northern Dream when it first came out, very limited run and was instantly hooked. Since then have seen Be Bop and Bill in various incarnations many times also attending a couple of Nelsonicas too. For me the man's a genius. Thank you so much for spotlighting him and the great work you are doing highlighting other "forgotten" axemen. Nice one.
Saw Be Bop Deluxe at Swansea University in the mid seventies. Surreal gig, as they played in a lecture room, with tiered benches, where there had probably been lectures during the day!! Only about 150+ present, but they played a long set and the sound was sensational. One of the most memorable gigs I attended.
Futurama & Sunburst Finish are still two of my favourite and most played albums. Red Noise, Liverpool Empire March '79 was my first ever gig. Great documentary will go and have a look through the rest of your videos. Cheers from NZ.
Great video thanks for sharing. I saw BBD twice at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester '76 and '77. Masterful band and Charles was on top form too. Cheers.
I saw Be Bop Deluxe in Miami, Florida at the Gusman Musical Theater sometime in the mid-70's. Don't remember the year, unfortunately. I was home on leave from the Navy, and my friends were going to see this group named Be Bop Deluxe. I had never heard of them but my friends were all raving about them so I went out and bought Live! In The Air Age to get an idea of what I was getting into. I was blown away by Live!, and the concert was still to this day one of the best I have ever seen. Purple Haze was the encore and it was wondrous to behold. Bill has a certain touch with the guitar. I can tell it's him within just a few bars of whatever he's playing. It's interesting to me that Yorkshire Landscape is the instrumental that seems to be most associated with him, but to me Shine from Live! In The Air Age is far and away my favorite.
Thanks for posting this video Be Bop Deluxe is my favorite all time band & first band I ever saw. Had the privilege to have met Bill & the band twice while touring in my hometown & recall many memories of playing their albums into the wee hours of the night in my younger days.
First saw Bill in the 1970’s with Be bop, and since then he’s never disappointed me. Great Guitarist, fabulous songs but a brilliant risk taking musician.
Saw him several times at Southampton uni, amazing gigs, such great live performances, seen from feet away. Priceless memories with my dear Brother. Super times.
Thanks for the full lowdown on Nelson’s career. I’ve been a fan of BBD for a long time but now I’ve got more music to go in search of. This is a great series! 🎸🤘🏻🎸
Great lost history of one of the greatest guitarists ever, imho. And BBD really was stellar Bill, though the name might've thrown the non-curious off. Cheers, docdownunder...
I was fortunate to see BBD live one time, at the old & now long gone Keystone, in Berkeley, CA. It was in '75 or '76, because he was playing songs from both Futurama & Sunburst Finish. I don't remember too many other details these 4 plus decades on... except that he absolutely rocked the house as my good friend (who was also a BBD lover and who'd turned me on to them & Nelson a year or so before) and I sat with our smiling jaws open and tears in our eyes. And that we walked out to the street in a kind of daze, our minds totally blown by his virtuosity. He has been one of my all time favorite guitarists ever since to this day. I believe him to be a musical genius in his own right. I'll always feel grateful that I got to experience seeing Bill live at least one time.
An absolutely first class interpretation and summary of one of my favourite musicians of my lifetime. nuff said. except ... very nicely done. PS First Saw Be Bop / Bill on the Modern music tour. (Manchester apollo)then, Drastic plastic then Red noise. Then at one of his weekends in york about 5 years ago.
Good show. Bill Nelson strikes me as a true musical artist, always experimenting and moving forward. I hope he keeps going. I saw him in Toronto at the El Mocambo with a post be-bop / red noise band and was thrilled when they played one of my favorite songs at the time, "Contemplation". We waited around hoping to see Bill after the show, but didn't wait too long. My brother left him a copy of Marshall McLuhan's book "The Mechanical Bride" and swears some of the photos from that book made their way into Bill's collage art on later ambient album covers. Should also mention that Bill Nelson is a master of playing e-bow guitar.
Been a huge fan of Bill and also BeBop Deluxe since Live in the Air age came out about 1977 ish? One of my fave songs and solos though is.... No trains to heaven. Rocking tune, great lyrics, vocals and the guitar parts are blistering. Beautiful
Thanks so much for undertaking so much research on Bill. For me Bill Nelson will always be the consummate artistic genius... someone whose musical and lyrical talent elevates them to a different level.
Thank you for a great video. Lots of info I never knew. Love love love Bill and BeBop Deluxe ! Maid in Heaven and the Modern Music Suite being my favorites.
I saw Be Bop Deluxe during their 76/77 UK tour. They were magnificent. Bill played a cherry red Gibson 335 custom and he absolutely let it rip that night. He just confirmed what I always new: a guitar prodigy come into his pomp.
What a ride ...first heard Red Noise on Tommy Vance’s Friday Rock Show on BBC Radio One, then bounced back via Peel to Northern Dream, and then leap-frogged forward to Quit Dreaming, only skimming through BBD much later. The other theme that has me hooked on Bill Nelson are his guitars - the ES for sure, and the modern Eastwoods, but his use of a Yamaha SG was iconic for me, and so on point for the times, mirroring its use by New Wave artists like Stuart Adamson and and John MacGeogh. A fascinating life in music presented with remarkable clarity. When I suggested an episode on Bill (not very long ago), I knew it’d be good, but this exceeds. Thank you!
That was a great video on Bill Nelson, as a teen in the 70s I loved the music from be bop deluxe, my first be bop album was sunburst finish, I think my favourite be bop album has to be "live in the air age". Always striving to improve and get to the point where Bill is happy with his own work is a fitting tribute to one very understated and brilliant musician. I agree more than a vertuoso guitarist, Bill is a great producer, writer, a great rare talent
I was able to catch Be Bop Deluxe during their Live in the air age Tour in Oct 19, 1977. They were supported by Nektar and a band called City Boy. I was hooked to Bill Nelson guitar playing after that show. Location of the show Albany N.Y. Palace Theater.
I was in a Prog cover band way before I got signed and doing my own material. In the cover band we fell in love with Bebop Deluxe. We played lots of Yes and just about all of Sunburst finish and the next few albums. I still love Bill's playing which to me was a step away from Jazz Fusion. Great composer,guitarist and vocalist.❤
saw him with red noise in 1980 ar manchester university's cavandish house venue..id never heatd of him prior to that.being a 19 yo kid i was into deep purple.sabbath.floyd etc..bill if you read this..thank you.thank you thank you for opening my eyes and broadening my taste in music..you are one of my biggest influences in my own work..
Hi Paul.That wouldn't have been Red Noise as they only did one tour in 1979.I do however think that I was at the same gig you mention in Manchester and it would have been "Bill Nelson & The Practical dreamers". Were FOS the support band? Cheers.Alan.
@@discoduckification im sure it was red noise and it couldve been 78 or 9..it was at the old cavendish house venue just off oxford road..i could be wrong.i saw 100s of bands there from 77 to 81ish there.still.a great guitarist.very under rated
Saw Be Bop Deluxe as they were getting started, playing a set in Huddersfield in a Night Club called Stripes under the Beir Keller. Groups played there every week, not a real stage you stood so close you could pull the guitar strings. I remember vividly them coming on Bill in full make up looking very much like David Bowie so thought they were a tribute band, how wrong I was , mesmerised as they went through their set which was what was to become shortly the album Axe Victim. In an intimate atmosphere the decibels cranked up songs that became anthems in my head still to this day. I truly thought they would become a supergroup but that was never the intention. I was upset when he broke and reformed with a new line up as I thought it was all over. I then saw them with the new line up when much more popular on a proper stage even with a big crowd. For me the mark one version is the best as i was into the power of the raw music but appreciate his work thereafter. So thank you Bill Nelson for a night that altered my life and appreciation of music you truly are a master of your craft and one of the greats.
@@GreasyGee is completely right. The way I heard it, when he handed in the tapes for Quit Dreaming, the label's response was that they couldn't see a single there. Nelson responded with (and I paraphrase) "What, you want the same old banal shit?". The answer was "yes", so that's what he proceeded to write.
I saw Bepob D in 1975/6. I went to college and volunteered to help at the gigs. Oxford poly as it was then had a hall for over 1,000 and a loading bay perfect for touring trucks. So at 19 I was backstage and mightily impressed by Mr Nelson. His roadie showed me the cheap Gibson copy that they used to set on fire. Showbiz. Awesome show.
Great episode. I awoke an hour ago to a new 'Forgotten Fretmasters' and got all excited like a kid on Christmas morning. Don't know if that says more about your show or my aging self. I'm ashamed to say that I'd never even heard of Bill Nelson but, now, I'm enlightened and looking to devour some of his seemingly vast catalogue of work. Thanks for another episode. Great stuff !!
hey karlos, if you love guitar try "LIVE IN THE AIR AGE" fyi: brian may is such a fan he has a guitar custom painted like the cover of axe victim. david gilmore bought his live pedalboard he's such a fan! enjoy! :)
Thank you for this - I love Bill Nelson's music, it has always been with me, I've actively sought it out when all around me were condescending and preferred mainstream. Your detailed narrative is encouraging and pleasing, so much so that I have subscribed. Take care, Eddie. P.S. I bought a Gibson ES335 to play purely because of Bill's sound.
I have not watched this whole video, but you do cover a lot of history. I have to input, that "Live in the Air Age" has such profound and melodic runs. It is one of the greatest albums produced, IMHO.
GREAT comprehensive video! Bill and Bebop were seminal in my music fan journey. I always thought of Ian Thornley of the band Big Wreck (of course in a different era) to be in the same musical buffet style of influences. Hard to categorize, but impeccable chops in songwriting and musicianship. Here's to you one day doing a deserved deep dive into Mr. Thornley!
I’m so glad that you featured bill nelson bebop deluxe was my favourite band in the 70s and my favourite album is “modern music” man I’ve played that CD 10,000 times.
I was recording in the studio in my first real band in Hull 1981 same time as bill Nelson (from nearby Selby), we were finishing as he showed up to make an album but he did better than us!
A forgotten fretmaster by the general public possibly, but not by guitarists around the world. He is one of my favorite guitarists and songwriters. I don't know anyone who plays lead lines remotely like him. The Live! In the Air Age album is one of the greatest live albums in rock music.
Couldn't have picked a more interesting artist been listening to Bill since kid!Have all the albums and cds and few on cassettes and own most all Bill's solo work but he's constantly making more!I have a few albums and a lot of cds on Bill's old Cocteau label to which no longer exists!Well done commentary best ive heard so far!I love Bill's guitar work beautiful! AND SKILLED!
“Northern Dream” is one of my all-time favourite albums. A real gem! I used to have an original pressing on the Smile label, and have since replaced it with the CD on Esoteric.
I was 15 years old when I walked into my local import record store at Townhall station in Sydney back in 1979 and I heard Bill Nelson's Red Noise debut entitled, "Sound on sound'. I, absolutely love this record and I still listen to it today. Fav track? thats a tough one but i'll go with, "Revolt into style". The whole album is amazing
Great guitarist and songwriter. Saw them live once in about 1975 and really enjoyed the show. It was on the tour that followed the release of Sunburst Finish and Nelson ended the set by setting light to his guitar (a cheap copy, NOT his beloved 330!). As a guitarists he was up there with many of his more celebrated contemporaries, while his songwriting was first-rate. I defy you to play me a more perfect pop song than Ships in the Night!
I had a roommate who kept telling me, "Listen to this, listen to this, it's fantastic, it's better than the Bowie hooker!" And he was right, it's great. For musicians, there are only two options: Either you do what you want, and success is random, or you strive for success. In between, there's really nowhere to go. If you are striving for success, at some point you will have to make a compromise. And risk losing your musical "soul". Hooray Mr. Nelson !
I saw BBD, The Bill Nelson Band & Bill & Ian Nelson perform in the 70's & early 80's . What an excellent summary of BN's career you've put together. His "Getting the Holy Ghost Across " ( Under a Blue Wing in the US ) album is also worth a mention.
Drastic Plastic and Sound on Sound was my introduction to Bill Nelson and have remained a fan ever since. Definitely not forgotten. So sorry to hear about his health issues.
Bill Nelson is probably THE most criminaly underrated guitarist ever. So many solo's to choose from when asked to pick his finest.....Crying to the sky,Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape,Axe Victim,Love with the Madman spring to mind along with many others but for me it's either Soundtrack or Heavenly Homes. Genius.
Bill is the greatest guitarist of all time.
Absolutely right the reason I picked up a guitar in 1976, the most amazing melodic guitar I've ever heard to this day, adventures in Yorkshire landscape one of the best.
I wish Bill hadn't turned his back on guitar solos after Be Bop Deluxe ,I know some of his more recent albums have brought them back but you know it annoyed me he was influenced by Punk .
@@willpike3416 I couldn't agree more....I was really disappointed when he disbanded BBD. Red Noise and all the "alternative " stuff didn't do it for me.
Being a big bebop fan I couldn't agree with you more.. The end riff of heavenly homes still makes my hair stand on end..bill nelson is a true musical genius and what a guitar player!
His long solo on Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape from Live In the Air Age is one my all time faves.
indeed!
Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape from Live in the Air Age gives me goosebumps
Along with the solo from Crying to the sky.
I guess I'm not the only one.
I want that played at my funeral. the greatest.
Crying to the Sky.... One of the greatest guitar solos ever, and a beautiful song....
Or even two of
@@chriswalford9228 My favourite, and simply the best!
a nod to jimi hendrix!!✌🏼😎
Saw BeBop Deluxe live twice. One of THE BEST EVER. He changed a broken string on stage, while playing.
I love Bill Nelson, a great yet underrated genius.
Totally agree. Music in Dreamland, Maid in Heaven, Love with the Madman, Sister Seagull , the guy's a genius ! Futurama 1975 one of my favourite albums.
I’ve seen Bill play in person, a few times… that guy can make a guitar sing.
Live in the Air Age by Be Bop Deluxe one of the best ever live albums out there ...
ICYMI - Cherry Red Records has a new 15 CD + 1 DVD box set of this coming out in August, plus a 3 CD shorter version for those not inclined to shell out for the box.
@@ambadad bought the 16 disc set when it came out
Sorry. It is THE best ever live album out there. I want it in my coffin when the time comes.
I normally dislike live albums, but Live in the Air Age Is an exception. It has an almost jazz-like feel that is such a departure from his studio records.
Drastic plastic besr bebop
One of my favorites and nobody knows him. So clean fast and talented. Lucky to see Be Bop Deluxe once. He does stuff you never hear especially the effects and tone.
My first discovery of Bill Nelson was in 1982, with his album "The Love That Whirls (Diary of a Thinking Heart)". There has been a lot of good music from him since then.
Great you cover this! Bill Nelson and Be-Bop Deluxe are in the front of my listening list. Yes, and don't let us forget about Red Noise, Northern Lights and all the others....
I never forgot him! Bill Nelson is up there with the greatest guitarists, not only a phenomenal player, but a prolific composer, and a great thinker!
Holy Smokes Guitar Historian did you raid my record collection??!! Bill Nelson is genius then and now -- Beauty Pick!!!
Nope not a genius at all
"Crying to The Sky" -- to my mind (and ears) that heavenly-resplendent tune is a brilliant tribute to Jimi Hendrix. Many thanks, Guitar Historian!
An amazing musician and song writer. Modern Music is my favorite album of all time. He is the Steven Wilson of the 1970's...
Great quote at the end about how, like it or not, Bill is defined by the Be Bop Deluxe days, but as one introduced to Bill Nelson in 1980, I have to say his "The Love that Whirls" (not a "guitar" album and thus no mention in this video) is an absolute masterpiece and a genre of music unto itself.
I had no idea about Bill Nelson or Be Bop Deluxe. I went to Apple Music and played the first track and was blown away! Thanks for this!
@Busta Speeker Axe Victim, which was killer!
@Busta Speeker haha, will do and thank you👍
Another long time Bill Nelson fan since the early 70s with Be bop deluxe,still producing great and unique music.To me the most underated guitarist
Been following Bill from the Bebop years and as a guitarist one of my biggest influences, the jazziness in his guitar lines " Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape"? Amazing!! Thanks for giving him due credit.
"Shine" from LITAA would be a monster jazz hit if released today.
I saw Be Bop Deluxe open for Robin Trower in Atlanta, great show, after they were done Bill just kept playing as they were removing the gear, no amp, just kept playing with his eyes closed, amazing !!!
Oh damn! TWO forgotten Fretmasters in one show??
@@TheGuitarHistorian yes sir, so it would be great if you could do Robin Trower, Frank Marino and Johnny Winter, just saying 😎
Roy Buchanan also forgotten hero
And Jerry Reed.
I was at that show as well. Supposedly Trower’s roadies had “lost” Bebop’s costumes which pissed Nelson off. I believe they ended the show with “Terminal Street”, which they played until the power was cut to the amps. Great show!
I saw Be Bop on that tour of his Live In the Air Age album. Being a guitar player from the sixties this man really blew me away. In fact, listen to his playing on that album. This man really played fantastic music. It was unforgettable. His tone control is superb. Songwriting as well. That live album is amongst the best.
A fine summary of Bill's career. I've been a fan since the 70's and he continues to inspire.
.
I saw BBD in the 70's on the Sunburst Finish tour. Inexplicably, they were third bill to Paris and Golden Earring. Bill put on the best performance of any guitar player I have ever seen, and I have seen many! It still gives me goose bumps when I think of it...seeing them in the small Portland, OR. Paramount theater. I remember Paris came on next and were woefully ill prepared and almost booed off the stage. I still wonder if they were simply blown away by Bills performance and couldn't concentrate.
I did cover artwork on a fan based tribute CD that was presented to him in his birthday in 1998
I saw BBD fall of 1977 in the gymnasium at New England College in Henniker, NH. I’ll never forget it. I stood feet in front of Bill Nelson. Needless to say it was a phenomenal performance. We met the band afterwards and partied a bit with them. What a great memory!
The two great guitar guys are easily Bill (UK) and Nils Logren (USA) - have you got an episode planned to cover him??
Soundtrack on Futurama has got the best guitar solo starting at 4 minute mark, however, there's great fierce fills throughout.
I remember one of the main music newspapers in the 70’s calling the music of Bebop Deluxe “Sophistirock”. I’ve been playing guitar for over 50 years and Bill has been my biggest influence. Thanks for the music and the memories Bill.
As a long-time BBD/BN fan, I very much enjoyed this video, kudos to you, Guitar Historian. While I'm at it, I'll advance another plug for the fine keyboardist Simon Clark. That's right, Simon Clark, the name he went by all his life outside BBD, and by which he's credited on Peter Gabriel's records. Nelson could not handle having two Simons in his band and insisted Clark go by his middle name. I've read one quote where Simon let on he was never thrilled with this, and happily returned to using his personal name in his music industry life from his departure from the band onward.
Easily my favourite guitarist, musician & composer. Even today 2022 he is generating sublime and unique sounds.
He’s a nice down to earth guy too.
Without doubt, the greatest musical influence on my life. I’m 60 by the way so have enjoyed a lifetime of Bill’s adorable creations.
I'm standing by my opinion. This guy is the best narrator on RUclips. I love this channel. So interesting. Great work.
Very, very well documented and researched scripts!
Great summary of Nelson's career and music; enjoyed it a lot!
Thank you , that was interesting. Bill is a great artist and remains so.
Was a big fan of BBD back in the day, I've got a few of their albums. What i liked most about the band was that they didn't sound like any other band at the time. Bill's sound was always forward looking. I saw the band twice, and at the second show to promote Drastic Plastic, Bill voiced his frustration that the crowd wanted most to hear their earlier music. In my opinion DP was an album that pushed the new wave sound forward, obviously influencing many young bands. Thanks for reminding me of a fun time in my life!
Imo, concert goers rarely want a band to play new music, they want to hear what drew them to the group in previous years...
Be bop!! Red noise!! All killers!! He was way before his time! Great job ❤
Thank you for this, a grossly underappreciated player & musical genius❤
Another of my favorites .
Thanks for showing the great Bill Nelson some appreciation. Bill was my first guitar hero when 'Sunburst Finish' was released here in the UK. That was the year I really got into playing guitar so Bill was a real strong influence on me. For me, Sunburst Finish was the best of BeBop Deluxe.
Thank you, Bill should NOT be forgotten!
Bill's discography is truly huge, anyone really wanting to grasp his talent have a lot of listening in front of them. It's hard to pick a favourite song. Adventures in a Yorkshire Landscape of course, Panic In The World, Banal, Stay Young, and Blazing Apostles are all great in their own right. Thanks for making this excellent clip, and now subscribed.
Excellent production. Thank you. Met Bill at Nelsonica and been following him since 1975. Thank for this!!
So glad you are highlighting Bill
Bill Nelsons music accompanied me for a big chunk of my life. Summer of God’s piano and his work with David Sylvian (Gone to Earth) are particular favourites. Such a tasteful visionary musician. Brilliant!!
A new 8 cd Be bop deluxe is out ..Thanks for covering one of the best guitar players . Ear pleasing sonically great Bill Nelson
I got Northern Dream when it first came out, very limited run and was instantly hooked. Since then have seen Be Bop and Bill in various incarnations many times also attending a couple of Nelsonicas too. For me the man's a genius. Thank you so much for spotlighting him and the great work you are doing highlighting other "forgotten" axemen. Nice one.
Well done for recognising Bill Nelson, a good episode and a great series. Thanks for this content.
Saw Be Bop Deluxe at Swansea University in the mid seventies. Surreal gig, as they played in a lecture room, with tiered benches, where there had probably been lectures during the day!! Only about 150+ present, but they played a long set and the sound was sensational. One of the most memorable gigs I attended.
I saw BBD in 1978 at the Hammersmith Odeon (as it was then). One of the most memorable concerts of my life.
Futurama & Sunburst Finish are still two of my favourite and most played albums. Red Noise, Liverpool Empire March '79 was my first ever gig. Great documentary will go and have a look through the rest of your videos.
Cheers from NZ.
Great video thanks for sharing. I saw BBD twice at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester '76 and '77.
Masterful band and Charles was on top form too. Cheers.
Soundtrack from the Futurama album is one of my favourite tracks ,brilliant guitar playing
I saw Be Bop Deluxe in Miami, Florida at the Gusman Musical Theater sometime in the mid-70's. Don't remember the year, unfortunately. I was home on leave from the Navy, and my friends were going to see this group named Be Bop Deluxe. I had never heard of them but my friends were all raving about them so I went out and bought Live! In The Air Age to get an idea of what I was getting into. I was blown away by Live!, and the concert was still to this day one of the best I have ever seen. Purple Haze was the encore and it was wondrous to behold. Bill has a certain touch with the guitar. I can tell it's him within just a few bars of whatever he's playing. It's interesting to me that Yorkshire Landscape is the instrumental that seems to be most associated with him, but to me Shine from Live! In The Air Age is far and away my favorite.
Thanks for posting this video Be Bop Deluxe is my favorite all time band & first band I ever saw. Had the privilege to have met Bill & the band twice while touring in my hometown & recall many memories of playing their albums into the wee hours of the night in my younger days.
First saw Bill in the 1970’s with Be bop, and since then he’s never disappointed me. Great Guitarist, fabulous songs but a brilliant risk taking musician.
Saw him several times at Southampton uni, amazing gigs, such great live performances, seen from feet away. Priceless memories with my dear Brother. Super times.
Thanks for the full lowdown on Nelson’s career. I’ve been a fan of BBD for a long time but now I’ve got more music to go in search of. This is a great series! 🎸🤘🏻🎸
Wow, great tribute! Now do one on Stuart Adamson!
Great lost history of one of the greatest guitarists ever, imho. And BBD really was stellar Bill, though the name might've thrown the non-curious off. Cheers, docdownunder...
I was fortunate to see BBD live one time, at the old & now long gone Keystone, in Berkeley, CA.
It was in '75 or '76, because he was playing songs from both Futurama & Sunburst Finish. I don't remember too many other details these 4 plus decades on... except that he absolutely rocked the house as my good friend (who was also a BBD lover and who'd turned me on to them & Nelson a year or so before) and I sat with our smiling jaws open and tears in our eyes. And that we walked out to the street in a kind of daze, our minds totally blown by his virtuosity.
He has been one of my all time favorite guitarists ever since to this day. I believe him to be a musical genius in his own right.
I'll always feel grateful that I got to experience seeing Bill live at least one time.
An absolutely first class interpretation and summary of one of my favourite musicians of my lifetime. nuff said. except ... very nicely done. PS First Saw Be Bop / Bill on the Modern music tour. (Manchester apollo)then, Drastic plastic then Red noise. Then at one of his weekends in york about 5 years ago.
Good show. Bill Nelson strikes me as a true musical artist, always experimenting and moving forward. I hope he keeps going. I saw him in Toronto at the El Mocambo with a post be-bop / red noise band and was thrilled when they played one of my favorite songs at the time, "Contemplation". We waited around hoping to see Bill after the show, but didn't wait too long. My brother left him a copy of Marshall McLuhan's book "The Mechanical Bride" and swears some of the photos from that book made their way into Bill's collage art on later ambient album covers.
Should also mention that Bill Nelson is a master of playing e-bow guitar.
Been a huge fan of Bill and also BeBop Deluxe since Live in the Air age came out about 1977 ish?
One of my fave songs and solos though is.... No trains to heaven. Rocking tune, great lyrics, vocals and the guitar parts are blistering. Beautiful
His playing on David Sylvian's "Gone To Earth" puts him up there with the greats !
Agree, brilliant album
From the album "Futurama", the song _Soundtrack_ features amazingly expressive guitar work, and hands down the greatest outro ever.
Thanks so much for undertaking so much research on Bill. For me Bill Nelson will always be the consummate artistic genius... someone whose musical and lyrical talent elevates them to a different level.
Thank you!!!! I asked you about this a week or two ago and here it is!! I love Bill Nelson!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you for a great video. Lots of info I never knew. Love love love Bill and BeBop Deluxe ! Maid in Heaven and the Modern Music Suite being my favorites.
I saw Be Bop Deluxe during their 76/77 UK tour. They were magnificent. Bill played a cherry red Gibson 335 custom and he absolutely let it rip that night. He just confirmed what I always new: a guitar prodigy come into his pomp.
TGH, another great episode. Lots of us who still remember from way back then. 👍✌️❤️
What a ride ...first heard Red Noise on Tommy Vance’s Friday Rock Show on BBC Radio One, then bounced back via Peel to Northern Dream, and then leap-frogged forward to Quit Dreaming, only skimming through BBD much later. The other theme that has me hooked on Bill Nelson are his guitars - the ES for sure, and the modern Eastwoods, but his use of a Yamaha SG was iconic for me, and so on point for the times, mirroring its use by New Wave artists like Stuart Adamson and and John MacGeogh.
A fascinating life in music presented with remarkable clarity. When I suggested an episode on Bill (not very long ago), I knew it’d be good, but this exceeds. Thank you!
That was a great video on Bill Nelson, as a teen in the 70s I loved the music from be bop deluxe, my first be bop album was sunburst finish, I think my favourite be bop album has to be "live in the air age". Always striving to improve and get to the point where Bill is happy with his own work is a fitting tribute to one very understated and brilliant musician. I agree more than a vertuoso guitarist, Bill is a great producer, writer, a great rare talent
Bill Nelson, Steve Hillage, XTC the very finest but oft forgotten. Thankyou for this great video :)
I was able to catch Be Bop Deluxe during their Live in the air age Tour in Oct 19, 1977. They were supported by Nektar and a band called City Boy. I was hooked to Bill Nelson guitar playing after that show. Location of the show Albany N.Y. Palace Theater.
City Boy, whom I really enjoyed, had a 10CC vibe.
I was in a Prog cover band way before I got signed and doing my own material. In the cover band we fell in love with Bebop Deluxe. We played lots of Yes and just about all of Sunburst finish and the next few albums. I still love Bill's playing which to me was a step away from Jazz Fusion. Great composer,guitarist and vocalist.❤
saw him with red noise in 1980 ar manchester university's cavandish house venue..id never heatd of him prior to that.being a 19 yo kid i was into deep purple.sabbath.floyd etc..bill if you read this..thank you.thank you thank you for opening my eyes and broadening my taste in music..you are one of my biggest influences in my own work..
Hi Paul.That wouldn't have been Red Noise as they only did one tour in 1979.I do however think that I was at the same gig you mention in Manchester and it would have been "Bill Nelson & The Practical dreamers". Were FOS the support band? Cheers.Alan.
@@discoduckification im sure it was red noise and it couldve been 78 or 9..it was at the old cavendish house venue just off oxford road..i could be wrong.i saw 100s of bands there from 77 to 81ish there.still.a great guitarist.very under rated
Saw Be Bop Deluxe as they were getting started, playing a set in Huddersfield in a Night Club called Stripes under the Beir Keller. Groups played there every week, not a real stage you stood so close you could pull the guitar strings. I remember vividly them coming on Bill in full make up looking very much like David Bowie so thought they were a tribute band, how wrong I was , mesmerised as they went through their set which was what was to become shortly the album Axe Victim. In an intimate atmosphere the decibels cranked up songs that became anthems in my head still to this day. I truly thought they would become a supergroup but that was never the intention. I was upset when he broke and reformed with a new line up as I thought it was all over. I then saw them with the new line up when much more popular on a proper stage even with a big crowd. For me the mark one version is the best as i was into the power of the raw music but appreciate his work thereafter. So thank you Bill Nelson for a night that altered my life and appreciation of music you truly are a master of your craft and one of the greats.
For one of the greatest guitar solos on a pop-oriented song, look no further than "Banal" from Quit Dreaming & Get On The Beam". Marvellous!
Beat me to It, I get the impression that It's very tongue In cheek.
@@GreasyGee is completely right. The way I heard it, when he handed in the tapes for Quit Dreaming, the label's response was that they couldn't see a single there. Nelson responded with (and I paraphrase) "What, you want the same old banal shit?". The answer was "yes", so that's what he proceeded to write.
Damn right.😊
I saw Bepob D in 1975/6. I went to college and volunteered to help at the gigs. Oxford poly as it was then had a hall for over 1,000 and a loading bay perfect for touring trucks. So at 19 I was backstage and mightily impressed by Mr Nelson. His roadie showed me the cheap Gibson copy that they used to set on fire. Showbiz. Awesome show.
Great episode. I awoke an hour ago to a new 'Forgotten Fretmasters' and got all excited like a kid on Christmas morning. Don't know if that says more about your show or my aging self. I'm ashamed to say that I'd never even heard of Bill Nelson but, now, I'm enlightened and looking to devour some of his seemingly vast catalogue of work. Thanks for another episode. Great stuff !!
hey karlos, if you love guitar try "LIVE IN THE AIR AGE" fyi: brian may is such a fan he has a guitar custom painted like the cover of axe victim. david gilmore bought his live pedalboard he's such a fan! enjoy! :)
@@danriley903 Thanks man; much appreciated.
Bill Nelson is a musical genius in guitar playing and songwriting. Probably the greatest guitarist of all time.
Thank you for this - I love Bill Nelson's music, it has always been with me, I've actively sought it out when all around me were condescending and preferred mainstream. Your detailed narrative is encouraging and pleasing, so much so that I have subscribed. Take care, Eddie. P.S. I bought a Gibson ES335 to play purely because of Bill's sound.
I have not watched this whole video, but you do cover a lot of history.
I have to input, that "Live in the Air Age" has such profound and melodic runs. It is one of the greatest albums produced, IMHO.
GREAT comprehensive video! Bill and Bebop were seminal in my music fan journey. I always thought of Ian Thornley of the band Big Wreck (of course in a different era) to be in the same musical buffet style of influences. Hard to categorize, but impeccable chops in songwriting and musicianship. Here's to you one day doing a deserved deep dive into Mr. Thornley!
I’m so glad that you featured bill nelson bebop deluxe was my favourite band in the 70s and my favourite album is “modern music” man I’ve played that CD 10,000 times.
Thanks so much for making this video. Bill Nelson is a brilliant musician. 🔊🤠👍
I was recording in the studio in my first real band in Hull 1981 same time as bill Nelson (from nearby Selby), we were finishing as he showed up to make an album but he did better than us!
A forgotten fretmaster by the general public possibly, but not by guitarists around the world. He is one of my favorite guitarists and songwriters. I don't know anyone who plays lead lines remotely like him. The Live! In the Air Age album is one of the greatest live albums in rock music.
👍 well done for acknowledging Bill! Great stuff..
Thanks for posting this. Never heard him before, what an amazing player! Love his tone and style.
Pretty well one my fave artists since bebopdeluxe
Couldn't have picked a more interesting artist been listening to Bill since kid!Have all the albums and cds and few on cassettes and own most all Bill's solo work but he's constantly making more!I have a few albums and a lot of cds on Bill's old Cocteau label to which no longer exists!Well done commentary best ive heard so far!I love Bill's guitar work beautiful! AND SKILLED!
“Northern Dream” is one of my all-time favourite albums. A real gem! I used to have an original pressing on the Smile label, and have since replaced it with the CD on Esoteric.
The greatest..
Well done you. 🙏Thank you for taking this beyond BBD.👍
Thanks for this; Bill is a talent who should have been much more recognised.
I was 15 years old when I walked into my local import record store at Townhall station in Sydney back in 1979 and I heard Bill Nelson's Red Noise debut entitled, "Sound on sound'. I, absolutely love this record and I still listen to it today. Fav track? thats a tough one but i'll go with, "Revolt into style". The whole album is amazing
I first heard Bill Nelson when I bought "Live in the Air Age" when it was released & wore that LP out.
Great guitarist and songwriter. Saw them live once in about 1975 and really enjoyed the show. It was on the tour that followed the release of Sunburst Finish and Nelson ended the set by setting light to his guitar (a cheap copy, NOT his beloved 330!). As a guitarists he was up there with many of his more celebrated contemporaries, while his songwriting was first-rate. I defy you to play me a more perfect pop song than Ships in the Night!
I had a roommate who kept telling me, "Listen to this, listen to this, it's fantastic, it's better than the Bowie hooker!"
And he was right, it's great.
For musicians, there are only two options: Either you do what you want, and success is random, or you strive for success. In between, there's really nowhere to go.
If you are striving for success, at some point you will have to make a compromise. And risk losing your musical "soul".
Hooray Mr. Nelson !
Ooooh, much as I like Bill, I would not say he was better than Ronno...no, no way. More accomplished songwriter though.
Informed and resonant. Thank you, sir!
Thank you! Love Bill so much.
I saw BBD, The Bill Nelson Band & Bill & Ian Nelson perform in the 70's & early 80's . What an excellent summary of BN's career you've put together. His "Getting the Holy Ghost Across " ( Under a Blue Wing in the US ) album is also worth a mention.
Drastic Plastic and Sound on Sound was my introduction to Bill Nelson and have remained a fan ever since. Definitely not forgotten. So sorry to hear about his health issues.