Gary Thain of Uriah Heep

[countrybass]

I just found this thread too.I have a question.I saw him on that "electrocuted" tour,but in St.Paul MN.Something happened to him that night too.Was he zapped again? I remember reading about it in the old Rolling Stone magazine(the Dallas electrocution).At the show in St.Paul,I remember the singer say how they would play another show for free if they couldn't continue.But if memory serves(it's a bit foggy from those days!!) the keyboardist finished the show on bass.Does this ring any bells for anyone? Loved that band and Gary Thain.

 

[Kne]

I just found this thread too.I have a question.I saw him on that "electrocuted" tour,but in St.Paul MN.Something happened to him that night too.Was he zapped again? I remember reading about it in the old Rolling Stone magazine(the Dallas electrocution).At the show in St.Paul,I remember the singer say how they would play another show for free if they couldn't continue.But if memory serves(it's a bit foggy from those days!!) the keyboardist finished the show on bass.Does this ring any bells for anyone? Loved that band and Gary Thain.

That was interesting to hear, was this show after the Dallas electrocution?
I don't think Hensley played bass, but he played slide guitar on many songs.

 

[Mystic Michael]

Hi Micheal, sorry to tell ya, Gary did not join the band till Demons and Wizards.

Cheers

Oops, you're right: It was Paul Newton who played on Salisbury

Never mind...

MM

 

[etherbass]

Hey guys.. does anyone know how Gary Thain got that "thain" tone? I know used fender basses.. both P and jazz.. what did he do for strings amps and recording? thanks!!

 

[Heepman]

If there are any of you out there that want to talk about Gary (I am working on a tribute for him) feel free to e-mail me, thanks[/QUOTE]

I am a huge Uriah Heep and Gary Thain era fan.
a few years back, i collected some personal messages and tributes from some Heep fans and had a former bandmate [from NZ} deliever them to Gary's mom. It is amazing how many people remember the guy and how much he contributed to Uriah Heep and rock n roll!
I have been researching and collecting info, tales and tour data on Heep for years and would to hear from anyone who has seen the band [w/ dates, venues, stories....] or any of the related bands [pre Heep] OR any players who'd site GAry [or other Heep alumni] as major influences.

thanks
K

 

[Michael Vee]

Never Forget Gary Thain.

Just an amazing bass player in his era. I hope this thread continues on forever here on Talkbass. A lot of young bassists need to hear what this man did in his time.

 

[Lesfunk]

Sunrise!

 

[ack]

I've always loved the bass in Bird of Prey. It's quite a simple line for a guy of Gary's talents, but that line really drove a song that was quite melodic. His bass playing was really awe inspiring.
Easy Living, Gypsy, The Spell, Circle of Hands, So Tired...these are all songs that made me want to play bass when I was a kid.

 

[jazzbo58]

Bird of Prey was Paul Newton. Gary didn't play with Heep until Demons and Wizards Album. He's by far my favorite Bassist.

Cheers,
Jim

 

[gweimer]

Gary Thain was a huge influence on me. The thing was, he wasn't one of those guys that I consciously tried to mimic. I was always going after Jack Bruce, Geezer Butler, Dennis Dunaway, Martin Turner, etc.

When I started playing, and started writing my own bass lines in a band, I sat back and listened to what I was doing one day. Holy Crap! I'm going Gary Thain!

It's the ones that sneak up on you that influence you the most.

"Sweet Lorraine" has so many bits that I've probably borrowed over the years that it's not funny.

 

[jazzbo58]

I know what you mean! I listen to myself from live recordings and I'm constantly throwing in a "Thain Riff". It's automatic.

Cheers,
Jim

 

[lowend1]

Time to revive this thread again. There's alot of great stuff on YouTube...

 

[HMNC]

Time to revive this again. I will post some news on Gary Thain soon.

 

[Lemoore-on]

Easily one of my biggest influences

Does anybody have any pics of him playing? Im putting together a sleeve tattoo of all my favorite bass players I would like to have him in it.

 

[sedan_dad]

My 14 year old boy's a Flea nut .
I just turned him on to Thain.
His mouth hit the floor.

 

[lowend1]

"Give us about two minutes to tune the guitars and the Moogs and the voices and things and we'll be with ya"

 

[jazzbo58]

"Give us about two minutes to tune the guitars and the Moogs and the voices and things and we'll be with ya"

Yes indeed! That is by far my favorite album! Thain at his finest.

Cheers,
Jim

 

[jazzbo58]

My 14 year old boy's a Flea nut .
I just turned him on to Thain.
His mouth hit the floor.

That's awesome! I love turning people on to Gary's playing. I've yet to see someone not impressed.

Cheers,
Jim

 

[sedan_dad]

All the Geddy Lee followers should take the time to search out Gary Thain.
You'll be amaized .

 

[freshbass]

I remember being a teen and learning to play bass. [I was into all the usual guys and then I heard Gary Thain. His sound and musicianship made him my greatest influence immediately. I still play a jazz bass w/ flatwounds and try to balance the drive w/ the melodic.