How did all this start? Well, it started with a book - which is available everywhere - just saying.
What does the lead singer of Status Quo think about global warming? Does the lead singer of Deep Purple think we’re doing a good job of caring for the planet?
These questions and more are tackled by going to the source and asking them. Over eighty music stars, past and present, are quizzed on their opinions about religion, aliens, politics and of course, the issues of climate change.
Why? To raise awareness about the plight the planet is in. Nothing speaks to humans more than music and the influence these legends of rock and pop have is immense.
Featuring folk from Jethro Tull, Deep Purple, Status Quo, Genesis, The Who, Toto and tons more!
Funny, thought provoking and eye opening, Minds Behind the Music is a book unlike any other. So settle down with a nice environmentally friendly cup of tea and enjoy.
Find out more about the Minds Behind the Music project HERE
Why did I start this project? Trust me, over the past few months I’ve often considered this question. Music managers, pop agents, sarcastic rock stars and the endless chasing have more than once seemed like a nightmarish battle of wills. But if we can’t stand up for what we believe in then why bother getting out of bed in the morning?
It all started after I’d finished making a documentary about overpopulation. I popped on the old musical machine, hit the random button and the Queen song, “Is This The World We Created?” came on. It’s a truly beautiful song delivered brilliantly by Freddie. The words struck me like no other. We claim to be the most advanced species on planet Earth, and yet if we were to judge on the levels of destruction, we’d be the worst. There and then I decided I had to do something. In my past life I was a marketing man. Yeah I know, line up to take aim. My head spun, I must be able to use some of my rubbish skills to help out our planet and all the suffering we create!
And then it struck me! I had absolutely no idea what to do. Needless to say I was in a bit of a mood that afternoon. And so off to bed I went. I woke up with the whole idea in my head. Music stars have a massive amount of influence in the world. I mean, why else would people wear hoodies and a certain brand of training shoes? It’s a selfie and selfless world we often live in. If I could possibly get through to a few musicians and get them to give me interviews then maybe people would read a book. If I went for rock, pop and folk stars I’d be getting a wide range of people interested. Even if they bought the book and went straight to the chapter with their music hero in, it would be worth while. The questions would have to be interesting of course and so why not ask them stupid questions? Like do you believe in aliens? Obviously I was perfectly capable of coming up with stupid questions. Boy was I surprised with the answers.
And so, that morning I put together an email and opened up the web browser. I already knew a few music stars and I tried them first. Within an hour I had responses. Within a week I had dozens of stars all saying yes Phil! Blimey. I have to say it, the response from the music world has been amazing and I want to thank each and every one of them for putting in the effort. Apart from those who didn’t of course. I just deleted them from my play lists. You know who you are. Of course, you can always get in touch now and we’ll consider you for the follow up book.
Seriously, do I have to write a bio of Don McLean? If you don’t know who he is then just where the hell have you been? OK, my publisher is looking strange at me now, so I better write something.
Don McLean is a music legend. Who, on planet Earth has not heard the song “American Pie”? Even Madonna has heard of it. Anyway, it’s nearly 9 minutes long and has been called a cultural touchstone about the loss of innocence. It’s genius, go listen.
Of course, this isn’t his only hit. The song “Vincent” was huge too (also performed as a duet with Ed Sheeran for Teen Cancer America). A beautifully melodic song about the life of Vincent van Gogh. And there’s “And I Love You So” which has been covered by Elvis Presley Perry Como, Helen Reddy and Glen Campbell amongst others. Look, there’s just loads of great songs by Don, go and do a search!
In 2004, Don was inducted into the illustrious Songwriters Hall of Fame. The man is nothing short of, and way beyond, the term, Legend. I was humbled to be allowed close enough to ask him my potty questions.
If you could be any other musician past or present, which one would it be and why? I would be Duke Ellington because he was a beautiful man with exquisite taste.
If you had to name one song from any genre that really speaks to you, which one would it be and why? It would be White Christmas by Bing Crosby as I heard in the very early 1950s because it brings me back home again to a kind of perfect happiness.
Are you a Mulder or Scully? Do you believe aliens have visited planet earth and if so what do you think they think about mankind?
I am positive aliens have visited planet earth. To think that we are the only life in an endless universe is like believing the earth is flat.
What was the happiest day of your life and why? That’s a hard one since I have had many happy days. Perhaps it was getting my first Martin D28 guitar in 1963.
If “God” (whatever your idea is on that) were stood before you now, what one question would you ask him/her and why? As a former Catholic it would have to be the Holy Trinity and I would ask Jesus if since he is God and all knowing, if he knew when he died that he would rise from the dead. Being God he would have to say yes and he would admit that he really, therefore, did not die.
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