“Gary Fletcher in the studio with us … and I played that track (‘Payback’ from the new album 'Human Spirit) a few weeks ago now, Gary, & the the reaction I got to it was just absolutely fantastic. I really was amazed, you know, by how many emails I got and how enthusiastic everybody was about that track.” Bob Harris, Radio 2.
GARY FLETCHER is probably best known as the
bass player in The Blues Band, although his song writing talent
is respected by many. The band’s encore anthem, his song 'Green Stuff',
has been a constant in their live set since the Ready album was released in
1980, and has been covered by bands throughout Europe. The band’s latest
album, 'Stepping Out', features Gary’s song 'Stepping Out
On Main', another big winner with audiences.
Gary’s initial influences came from the blues, most notably 'Eddie
Boyd' with Fleetwood Mac and Cream’s 'Wheels of Fire' double
album. Exposure to these blues-orientated records sowed the seeds of his musical
aspirations
Though left handed, he didn’t let the fact that the instrument was a right
handed one stand in his way, and to this day plays a guitar strung for normal
right hand use – left handed, ie. upside down. Only a few other guitarist
play like this from the late Albert King to Coco Montoya.
His initial pro bands were Panama Scandal, the famed Blues/Rock band,
Sam Apple Pie - later known as The Vipers – and with Dave
Kelly & Wilgar Campbell, the ex Rory Gallagher
drummer in The Wildcats ; The Dave Kelly Band followed and
then mega success loomed with The Blues Band .
25 years later he’s been developing his own band with his son Jack on
bass and original Dire Straits drummer Pick Withers.
Two CD’s have followed - a compilation 'The Official Gary Fletcher
Bootleg Album' CD - and 'Human Spirit' on BGO Records, both showcasing
Gary’s great songs and acoustic & electric material.