denny laine – SMART

Denny Laine R.I.P.

December 10, 2023 by Alan Esdaile

More information… https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-67630264

Jacquie Hinves… I am so sorry to hear the death of Denny Laine. He was a wonderfully talented sweet man and I remember spending time with him and the McCartney’s and Jimmy Mc at the White Hart in Catsfield when they recorded at Parkgate Recording Studios. May he rest in eternal and everlasting peace. Xxx

Peter Fairless… RIP, Denny Laine. McCartney could only have dreamed of writing something as good as ‘Say You Don’t Mind’.

Colin Bell… I am heartbroken, Denny & I go back many years, I would not have had the life in music I’ve had without him. God bless, you’ll be forever missed.

Robert Searle… RIP Denny Laine

John Wilde… Thank you Denny.

Gerry Fortsch… Peace & Love.

Alamo Leal… Denny was a talented musician! I had the fortune to see him playing once and it was a huge lesson on simplicity and taste. My condolences. RIP.

Chris Howard… RIP Denny a very talented musician.

Mick O’Dowd… Really loved this guy. He was the REAL Moody Blues and never really got the acclaim that he so richly deserved.His solo career produced some under-rated classics and we all know what happened when he joined Wings. Co-writing Mull of Kintyre. He came across as a thoroughly nice person without the egotism that posses alot of less talented people, RIP Denny You Came You Saw You Conquered!

Dave Lelliott… RIP

Angela Mitchell… Rest In Peace Denny

Neil Partrick… Musician Denny Laine’s death announced yesterday saddened me as an unembarrassed fan of Wings since the age of 9 when I heard the classic single ‘Jet’ for the first time. Laine’s contributions to Paul McCartney’s new band were important, including co-writing ‘No Words’ on probably the best Wings’ LP, ‘Band On The Run’. A fellow Beat Boom northerner, with the early Moody Blues Denny was as important as McCartney in the shaping and influencing of the ’60s UK pop group explosion. In 67 he wrote and performed the classic psychedelic pop song ‘Say You Don’t Mind’. Laine became a key prop to McCartney in forging the solo Beatle’s new musical identity in the 1970s. However, it is surely for his/the Moody Blues’ take on the song ‘Go Now’, one of the greatest musical performances/UK pop singles ever, that Denny Laine should be most appreciated.

Drew Mclauchlan… I saw him with Ginger Baker’s Air Force in Cambridge in another millennium, but I never caught him in any of the “big” bands. Always loved “Go Now” though

Denny Laine with Colin Bell

December 10, 2023December 10, 2023 by Alan Esdaile

Colin Bell… Tunbridge Wells 1997, Denny & band, which included some members ‘moonlighting’ from The Rubettes & me. 30 years on, almost exactly, from the release of ‘Say You Don’t Mind’ which I’m (attempting) to sing with him. A priceless moment for me & now a much treasured memory.

Catherine Ireland… Denny worked with Ray when we lived in New Romney and he was lovely

Leigh Mitchell… Great photos!

Joe Knight… Wow! That’s awesome!

Neil Partrick… That’s excellent Colin. Great pics. Which members of The Rubettes were in tow in the day?

Colin Bell… Hard to remember exactly now Neil, but i think it was Alex & possibly Mick, but we only met for a brief time on the day. It was a town festival & i was in charge of all the acts so I was running between Denny, Suzi Quatro, Peter Sarstedt & half a dozen other acts all on different stages, so i was a bit busy!

Happy Birthday to Denny Laine – 29th October from Colin Bell.

December 2, 2021October 30, 2016 by Alan Esdaile

wings 1976 photo: http://www.jimsummariaphoto.com other photos supplied by Colin Bell

Colin Bell… I’d like to wish a big Happy Birthday today (29th) to Denny! Earlier in the week I wrote in the SMART Sounds review that 1967 was/is my favourite year for music. It was hearing Denny’s ‘Say You Don’t Mind’ played 5 times on the trot! by Johnnie Walker on Radio Caroline in April ’67 that made me want to get in the music business. It remains my all time favourite record. I always wanted to meet/work with him and in 1996 I finally got to interview him on the radio. We got on very well and shortly afterwards I was asked to supply the artistes for a festival in Tunbridge Wells. I duly organised Suzi Quatro, Peter Sarstedt and Denny to appear (amongst others). Denny put a band together (including some Rubettes members) and did a great gig. These photo’s were taken at the sound check where I attempted (and I do mean attempted!) to sing a few lines of ‘Say You Don’t Mind’ thus finally fulfilling a lifetimes wish. He’s a great guy and an amazing musician and still going strong in the States. Here’s to many more birthdays.

Alan Esdaile… Now if we could only find a recording of Colin’s version!

Mick O’Dowd… By the sound of things I reckon Colin might pay a king’s ransom to suppress it.

Colin Fox… I had a friend who was rewiring the Eastbourne Hippadrome when Wings were rehearsing there for their next tour, and Denny and other members weren’t slow in coming forward about what they thought of Paul McCartney.

Neil Steadman… I’ve got this track on a K tel compilation! It’s either on 20 or 22 dynamic hits.