Q&A Sessions
Dave Walker: October 12 - 25, 2000
Page 2

Hello Mr. Walker. I have other questions. Sorry if it looks like I'm getting carried away. What did you think about Bob Weston, who is maybe the least talked about Mac guitarist? Did you ever play guitar on stage? It is said that Bob Welch thought you were rough around the edges. What do you think of that? Would you say you fit the style of Fleetwood Mac? Do you know any of the future members of Fleetwood Mac (i.e. Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Dave Mason, etc.) Hope you'll answer this second set. This will be the last one, I promise. (Timothy Lewis, Trumbull, Connecticut, USA)

Dear Tim,

Thanks again for your e-mail. Regarding Bob Weston a very, very good guitar player. Bob Welch may be accurate in saying that I was rough around the edges, but you must understand that compared to the other members of the band I was from a place that would have scared them all to death. Of course my style was wrong for Fleetwood Mac, or I would still be with them. I did meet Lindsey and Stevie later on at some of the Fleetwood Mac sessions and liked Lindsey a lot. Regarding Dave Mason I didn't even know that he was with Fleetwood Mac but I knew Dave Mason in the early 60's when he was with a band from Worcester, England, called the Hellions which also included, Jim Cappaldi on drums. The band I was in at the time was called the Red Caps and we recorded for Decca and did gigs with the Hellions. Hope this has helped again.

Regards, Dave Walker

Hello Mr. Walker. I have other questions. Sorry if it looks like I'm getting carried away. What did you think about Bob Weston, who is maybe the least talked about Mac guitarist? Did you ever play guitar on stage? It is said that Bob Welch thought you were rough around the edges. What do you think of that? Would you say you fit the style of Fleetwood Mac? Do you know any of the future members of Fleetwood Mac (i.e. Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks, Dave Mason, etc.) Hope you'll answer this second set. This will be the last one, I promise. (Timothy Lewis, Trumbull, Connecticut, USA)

Dear Tim,

Thanks again for your e-mail. Regarding Bob Weston a very, very good guitar player. Bob Welch may be accurate in saying that I was rough around the edges, but you must understand that compared to the other members of the band I was from a place that would have scared them all to death. Of course my style was wrong for Fleetwood Mac, or I would still be with them. I did meet Lindsey and Stevie later on at some of the Fleetwood Mac sessions and liked Lindsey a lot. Regarding Dave Mason I didn't even know that he was with Fleetwood Mac but I knew Dave Mason in the early 60's when he was with a band from Worcester, England, called the Hellions which also included, Jim Cappaldi on drums. The band I was in at the time was called the Red Caps and we recorded for Decca and did gigs with the Hellions. Hope this has helped again.

Regards, Dave Walker

Have you read Mick Fleetwood's autobiography? If so is it fairly accurate as far as your tenure with the band? Anything to add? Any funny/crazy stories/memories about Benifold ? Thanks much for doing this Q & A session. (Dave Podolske, Chicago, Illinois, USA)

Dear Dave,

Thanks for your e-mail. How can I put this in a civilized way ? I would concure with Mick Fleetwood on about 75% of his oppinions regarding me. I only have two things to say in my own defense, one, that he could have chosen his words a little better and two, to my mind he has always been a bit of a wimp. My best memories of Benifold are Phil Mc Donnel, Fleetwood Mac's tour manager, a truly good and honest human being, when at times, honesty was at a premium at the Fleetwood Mac house.

Regards, Dave Walker

Hello Dave, Thank you so much for answering my previous question(s). I'm a big fan of Danny Kirwan. A great guitarist and vocalist who's highly underrated and unappreciated by the masses. A talent who's definitely missed these days. You mentioned earlier that you had formed a brief band with Danny Kirwan. What was the name of that band and the type of music you played ? What year was it ? Was there anything recorded in the studio or live that we could hear someday ? Was Danny's alcoholism problem the reason that band didn't take off ? When was the last time that you saw or talked to Danny Kirwan ? (Steve Elliott, Arlington, Virginia, USA)

Dear Steve,

Thanks again for your e-mail. Regarding Danny Kirwan, the band we had together was called, Hungrey Fighter, we did one gig at the University of Surrey, Guilford, England. Nothing was ever recorded. Danny's alcoholism was a factor in the band not realizing it's potential as he was hard to communicate with. In fairness to Danny the rest of the band members drank a fair bit themselves and although musically some interesting stuff was going on, the whole focus of the project left a bit to be desired. Hope this helps.

Regards, Dave Walker

Hello, again, Dave!

From reading your answers, from reading answers from Bob Welch's & Bob Weston's Q&A's earlier, there wasn't much comraderie amongst Fleetwood Mac during your tenure. What I'm roundaboutly attempting to ask is, were you really "the outcast" or did you establish any sort of comraderie with anyone in the band, or was it a constant adversarial situation?

And, I gather from a previous answer of yours, that Kim Simmonds wasn't the easiest person to get along with? (hence the complete revolving door of personnel in Savoy Brown seemingly every album after your tenure) (Steve Denison, Long Beach, California, USA)

Dear Steve,

Hello again. Yes, I probably was the out-cast. Adversarial is probably too strong a word to use as over-all there was a friendly atmosphere most of the time, of course, I never heard what was said when I wasn't there, and they were a little timid about looking a person in the eye and speaking their mind. I did get along with John McVie a little better than with the others, probably.

Savoy Brown's record of personal changes probably answers your Kim Simmonds question, itself. Thanks for your continued interest.

Hi Dave,

Good to hear that you're alive and well & still enjoying your musical adventures. You have already dealt with most of my potential questions in response to others already but here's a couple of things regarding your Fleetwood Mac tenure:

1) Did you actually move in with the band at Benifolds (and if so, for how long)?

2) How do you remember those days now - happy times, or simply frustrating ones (somewhere it is written that you & John just used to hang out at the pub most of the time, so it sounded pretty good to me!)?

3) Any plans to eventually tour anywhere with your new project?

I think that's all I can think of for the moment. Hate to sound awkward, but as requested by someone else, I too would be very interested in a signed photo if such a request wouldn't be a major hassle sometime in the future. It's just good to hear that you're back! (Damon Torsten, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia)

Dear Damon,

Thanks for your e-mail. I did not move in Benifold as I had a place in London, but we did stay there at the house most of the time when we were rehearsing and recording. I have to say that it was frustrating time for me as I was involved with people that I liked but was unable to contribute for one reason or another. Yes, John and I were good drinking partners and as an Australian I'm sure that's something, you understand.

At present, I am quite happy being a local musician up here in Montana where I live. Finally, I have become comfortable with a musical style that suits me and I still do gigs here and there and unlike some of my past associates, I still have all my hair. No worries mate.

Have a tinny on me. Dave Walker

P.S. We'll get a photograph to you as soon as possible.

Hello Dave--

Was it a good experience rejoining the Savoy Brown band after you had already left the group? Do you play any instruments other than harp? If so, did you ever play any instruments on stage with either FM or Savoy Brown? Do you have a web site? What kind of music are you currently writing and performing? Do you stay in touch with any of the members of Savoy Brown? Is it fulfilling enough to play music in the club scene, or do you still feel you need to get into a high profile gig? Your style in Savoy Brown is and was the best. Chris Youlden was very good, but you were the best singer that they ever had. Hands down. As much as I like Savoy Brown, I think, and just about everyone that I've ever talked to about the band thinks that you were the strongest singer. Do you have any albums for sale? (Eddie James, Dunedin, Florida, USA)

Dear Eddie,

Thanks so much for your e-mail. I am humbled by the esteem in which you hold me as a singer. I was very moved by the fact that I am remembered in such a way. Re-joining Savoy Brown was a good experience but after 4 years of touring America and Europe in small cars and staying in Motel 6's and then having no money at the end of strenous months on the road, it took it's toll. I do play rythm guitar and keyboards and once in a while did play rythm guitar with Savoy Brown, back in the 70's. I do not have a web site. The material I am writing and recording in my home studio is a kind of blues, folk, Pink Floyd mixture, heavy on melody with strong bass guitar and drum lines. If that makes any sense. I do stay in touch with Andy Sylvester from Savoy Brown and he came to see me at a couple of gigs that I did in England recently. Right now I am happy playing local gigs in Montana where I live but would not turn down the chance at something a bit more high profile if I thought it was right for me. Hope this has answered your questions. Thanks again for your encouragment and kind words.

Regards, Dave Walker

Mr. Walker, I saw you perform with Savoy Brown in the late 80's and you were great. It's also great to see you're still involved in music. I have two questions. How did you get started in the music biz and who who are your influences. Thanks for the Great music over the years and hope to hear more from you soon. (John McLaren, South Bend, Indiana, USA)

Dear John,

Thanks for your e-mail. Glad you enjoyed the music.

Where I was from in England, most of us kids had very little chance of getting out of the factories or coal-mines, that our fathers and their fathers before them were committed to working in. Up until the advent of the Beatles in 1963, the only way out was professional soccer. That was my first love until the age of 13 and that is what I had wanted to be. At age 13 I started seriously listening to American rock and roll music as the English version was pretty lame. My first influence was the Everly Brother's record, Wake Up Little Susie, closly followed by Jerry Lee Lewis's, Great Balls Of Fire and after that, Eddy Cochran, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, etc. I have always liked music ever since I was a little boy and actually started singing in public in a choir at my local Methodist Church at age 6, so I have had a lot of experience with the voice. Hope this answers your questions. Thanks again for your kind words.

Regards, Dave Walker

Thank you for answering our questions, Dave. You have been spirited through many of my favorite bands during your career (Idle Race, FM, Sabbath), and I must admit, I've regarded you as somewhat of an enigma. If you could have stuck with any of those groups, which do you feel would have been most appropriate for your talents?

I understand that your short-lived band with Danny Kirwan was called The Hungry Fighter. When did this occur? Do you remember any songs, recordings or gigs from that period? Who in the band caused its quick dissolution? Furthermore, there is a song on Danny's "Midnight In San Juan" LP titled "Look Around You" that is credited to D.Walker - is that your tune? If so, great job; it's a wonderful tune. Thanks for your time and good luck with your nascent musical projects. (Chris Frohring, Cleveland, Ohio, USA)

Dear Chris,

Thanks for your e-mail. Good questions. The band that perhaps suited me best was the Idle Race because I was not required to be lead singer all of the time and was able to develop vocal harmony skills that were never used in subsequent bands, eg. Fleetwood Mac, whose vocals were monopolized by Christine and Bob Welch. They may say words to the opposite but I was never given the chance. Hungry Fighter was in existance in early 1974 and only played one gig at the University of Surrey, Guilford, England. The band did not maintain because perhaps we were not focused enough musically, and in addition, Danny Kirwan's problems were just starting and this made communication extremely difficult. The song Look Around You, on Danny's album is indeed mine and I was flattered when a musican of his quality thought to include it. Hope this has answered your questions.

Many thanks, Dave Walker

Hi again Dave. To answer your question 'How are things in New Mexico'-- well things are fine. I was shocked to know that you lived in New Mexico for a while, anyway, Are there any plans to release any of your recordings with Idle Race on cd? What happened to Dave Bidwell? What was your very first recording and is it available anywhere? Thanks again for your time! (Tom Kirby, Roswell, New Mexico, USA)

Dear Tom,

Thank you again for your e-mail. There is a compilation album by the Idle Race spanning the whole career of the band. I believe there is an Idle Race Web site but I'm not sure how you would get there. The album may be on United Artist records but again I am not sure.

Unfortunately Dave Bidwell, who was one of the great gentlemen of music, passed away in tragic circumstances in 1977. The Savoy Brown album, Live in Central Park on Relix Records is dedicated to his memory, we all loved and miss him. My first record was a cover version of the Isley Brothers classic, Shout, it was recorded by my first band the Red Caps on Decca Records in England and was released in May 1963. Good to hear from you again.

Regards, Dave Walker

Hi Mr. Walker! Thank you very much for taking the time to do this. I was wondering, of all the Fleetwood Mac personnel incarnations that you're familiar with, which do you hold in the highest regard musically, and professionally? (I guess I am really asking two different questions). Thanks! :-) (Lisa G., Bloomingdale, Illinois, USA)

Dear Lisa,

Thanks for your e-mail. My favorite Fleetwood Mac, both musically and professionally was the original line-up of Mick Fleetwood, John McVie, Peter Green, Jeremy Spencer and Danny Kirwan.

In the late 60's I was singing in a band called the Idle Race and was fortunate enough to open for Fleetwood Mac's original line-up at the Lyceum Theater in London and they were the most impressive group I had had the privilege of sharing a stage with since the Beatles in 1963. Many thanks for your interest.

Regards, Dave Walker

Hi Dave-- thank you for all your honest answers regarding your musical and personal experiences. I was wondering, what was the state of the McVie marriage during your time with the band? I imagine that too much alcohol must have had a negative impact on that relationship. Did Christine mind that you guys spent so much time at the pub? :-) Thanks again! (Maggie, Orlando, Florida, USA)

Dear Maggie,

Thanks for your e-mail. John and Christine McVie obviously loved each other and in truth Christine could probably drink all of us under the table but John was inclined to verbally chastize Chris when he had had a little too much to drink. If Chris had any complaints regarding the ammount of time that John and I spent in the bar then she never voiced them to me, in fact I don't recall John spending that much time with me in the pub, but when I was gone from the band, John always stopped off at my place on his trips on to London and we would always consume a few. Thank you for your interest. Kind Regards.

Hi Dave! :) You mentioned trying to put a band together with Danny Kirwan and members of Savoy Brown, but it never got off the ground. What year was this? Did you guys write any songs together, or make any demos? If so, what was that like, with Danny? Most Fleetwood Mac fans know Danny had some major demons, and he hasn't played the guitar in years! :( Thanks for doing this Q&A!!! (Elonna, Ithaca, New York, USA)

Dear Elonna,

Thanks for your e-mail. The band that we tried to put together with Danny, Andy Sylvester and Paul Raymond was called Hungry Fighter and this took place in early 1974. We did one gig at the University of Surrey Guilford, England, and that was it.

At this time Danny's guitar playing was still superb but he was becomming increasingly withdrawn and hard to communicate with, I think we all wish Danny the best even to this day and I honestly believe that all Fleetwood Mac's fans prayers should be with him.

Kind regards, Dave Walker

Hi, Just a few questions. What's your birthdate? (You don't have to give the year, I was just wondering the calender date.) It appears as though you sang uncredited on "High on the ride" on the self titled Mistress album as well as co writing. Are there any others on that album you appear on? Although to me it sounds like it might be "Clouds", What songs are you on on the album by John Cipollena's Raven? (I wasn't sure.) In my research on Idle Race, it looks like Jeff Lynne had left and then the second line up of the band (which included yourself) had recorded a single on Liberty records "In the summertime" b/w "Told you Twice" and then you went on to record the "Time is" LP for Regal Zonophone. As neither of these songs are on that album, could you let us know if you are in fact on it or not? (It sounds more like you on "In the summertime" but I wasn't sure.) When you look at your discography on The Penguin, are there any recordings you have been on that have been released that you do not see listed there? (I would be most interested!) Do you like the new Mooncrest CD of Savoy Brown called "Jack the toad live '70/'72" which has you on "Hellbound Train" & "All I Can Do"? If you can't remember about the recordings I've asked about, who do you think is my best bet to contact to find out about your presence on them? Sorry, I'm just a big fan! Thanks for your help in advance! (John, Aberdeen, Scotland, U.K.)

Dear John,

I guess you didn't get my first reply, so here it goes again. As a Scotsman, you may be pleased to know that my birthday is the 25th of January, which is the same birthday as Robert Burns, your great poet. On my father's side of my family, I am connected to the clan McKay.

I did have a lot to with the song High on the Ride, in it's original form and Mistress may have used some old tracks, but I think this is unlikely. I believe I am on one track on John Cippolina's, Raven Album, something to do with the Grass Being Greener. You are right on your Idle Race facts. Actually, Dave Pritchard sang lead vocals on In The Summer Time, b/w Told You Twice. I sang back-ups. Funnily enough the record went to No. 1 in, of all places, Argentina. I was on the Time Is album singing And The Rain, Alcatraz, Bitter Green, and By The Sun. Also harmonica on The Clock and vocal harmonies keyboards and some rythm guitar on all other tracks. Probably there are numerous Savoy Brown recordings that I am on as there have been several compilation and foreign albums released. If the live Jack The Toad is indeed from 1970 to 1972 then All I Can Do and Hell Bound Train is definitely me. Other info. may be obtained from Arnie Goodman as Mystic Records in N.Y. Thanks for your patience. Appreciate your questions.

Kind Regards, Dave Walker

Hello again Dave,

It is nice to see so many people come out in support of you and your work. I saw you many times during your tenure with Savoy Brown and also with FM, always a great show! I was wondering if the early incarnations of the two groups had any influence on your music? Do you have favorite tunes from them or from your work with the groups?

I did not know that you had performed on the same stage as the original lineup of FM. My opinion is that Jeremy Spencer is unfairly given the least credit for the initial success of the group, but feel, had he not been there, regardless of the talent of the others, we may never have heard of them, at least in that form. Since you were also there to witness the performances, would you please let the Fleetwood Mac fans who were not privileged to these shows, know what they were like and how he was recieved by the audiences. Wishing you much happiness, Thank you again. (Joe Panackia, Macomb, Michigan, USA)

Dear Joe,

Thanks again. Actually, the type of music I'm into now has more in common with the material I used to play with the Idle Race, Jeff Lynne's old band.

Regarding the original Fleetwood Mac, Jeremy seemed to balance out very nicely the serious side of the band although at the same time his old time rock and roll songs were done very diligently and well. The original line-up was very charismatic with Green dressed Cossack like and the rhythm section of Mick and John, one of the best ever. Kirwan's guitar very classy. Perhaps one of the best bands to be heard. Hope this helps. Again, many thanks,

Dave

I was just skimming through Jet Celmins' bio of Peter Green (for about the 1,000th time) and came across an anectote regarding the time in 1973 that you let Andy Sylvester take care of your Jaguar Interceptor...anything you'd like to add to that story? Such as, the condition of the car when you returned to claim it? :-) (Steve Denison, Long Beach, California, USA)

Dear Steve,

Actually, the car was a Jensen Interceptor, an English built car with a 383 cubic inch Chrysler engine, which went like a rocket. As I recall, the car came back with a small dent in it somewhere which I was not too concerned about.

How this detail should be included in Peter Green's biography is beyond me. Having never read the book perhaps you know more about the dent then I do. Please help me, send details.

Thank you, Dave Walker

Hello again Dave! Did the two songs on the Penguin album have any personal meaning when you wrote them or were they songs you just wrote just to give Fleetwood Mac something to work with? How did you and Bob Weston get along? Have you heard his new CD? Thanks so much for answering our questions. It's been fun reading your responses! (Sharon Bos, Sterling, Virginia, USA)

Hello again Sharon,

The song, The Derelict, was written from a life experience and did have personal connotations for me at the time, which still remain to an extent to this day. Road Runner, was the old Junior Walker song and was just a suggustion from the band, so it was just something that we covered.

My relationship with Bob Weston was OK until we played a gig at the Orpheum Theater in Boston where we had had an unusally good response and went back on stage for a well deserved encore.

We decided to play Freddie King's Going Down, which I had previously sung with some success with Savoy Brown. Instead of playing the tune, Bob Weston went into a long intro. which developed into nothing and left the band standing on stage without playing a thing. We came off stage thoroughly disappointed and when Bob was chastised by manager Clifford Davis for spoiling everything for everyone he turned around and said, "If you c*nts can't get behind what I'm doing, then f*ck you." I asked him if I was included in that statement and said that if I was, I was going to beat the sh*t out of him, at which John McVie said that I was the kind of guy that he spent most of his life trying to avoid, which I thought was kind of like putting the cart in front of the horse. No I have not heard Mr. Weston's CD as most of the stuff I listen to these days was recorded in the 60's and 70's. Sorry for the profanity but that's what was said to the best of my knowledge.

Regards, Dave Walker

Hell-o Dave

Glad to see your having some fun with this Mate! I got a couple of things for you but first I'll help you on couple of questions you been asked.

1-- Savoy Brown live 70/72 they are fm-b-casts and Kim's private tapes ( your check is in the Mail Dave)

2 - Dave Mason played in FM from 1994 to 1995.

I hope that helps Dave now to my questions for you.

Was Cliff Adams your manager with Savoy Brown and the Mac ? Could you tell us what the going rate was as a sideman in Savoy Brown vs The Mac ? Did you ever ride in Bob Welch's ice cream truck ? We hear it was a nice ride. Thanks for your time Dave; I hope to see you sometime in Minnesota. I would like to say hell-o my friend. (Bill Seamans, Buffalo, Minnesota, USA)

Dear Bill,

Thanks for your e-mail and your information. Actually, I am sure there will be no check in the mail for me. Savoy Brown was managed by Kim Simmond's older brother Harry, a jovial burglar. Clifford Adams or Davis as he was professionally known was the manager of the Mac. He was a tough and sometimes abrasive charater but a thoroughly good guy, who has been unfairly maligned in Fleetwood Mac history.

The going rate for side man with Savoy Brown at the time of our biggest albums 1971-1972, was the princely sum of $100.00 per week, with no per diem, not a lot for a band member with records in Billboard's Top 50. The pay with the Mac was much much better. I didn't know that Bob Welch ever owned an icecream truck, although my stay with Fleetwood Mac was a bit of a Rocky Road.

Thanks, Dave Walker

Hi again Dave, sorry for the same questions twice, I've just been having some trouble with my PC lately and I didn't want to miss the oppertunity. Last question, I promise! Are there any other recordings released by you with The Redcaps other than the 1963 "Shout" single on Decca you mentioned? Did you join Idle Race after leaving The Redcaps? Thanks so much for your help and understanding. (John, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK)

Dear John,

Glad we got things sorted out. Actually, I made two other singles on Decca with the Red Caps, a cover of Chuck Berry's Talking 'bout You, and a band written song called, Funny Things.

I did not join The Idle Race directly after the Red Caps, but played in a couple of bands in between. One band deserves mention. We called ourselves Beckett and this band comprised of three guys plus myself. The guys names were Pete Oliver, Don McGinty, and Colin Timmins, three incredibly good musicans, who kind of helped me back into circulation. No recordings were ever made with this band, unfortunatly. Nice to hear from you again.

Best wishes, Dave Walker

Hey Dave,

First let me say the Penquin Album wouldn't be the same without your two songs. I read somewhere that the reason Bob Welch played bass on the song "Revelation" was because you and McVie were out tying one on. True or not? (John Gallo, Rochester, New York, USA)

Dear John,

Thanks for your e-mail. Many thanks for the compliment, it was appreciated. It seems that through the course of answering many of these questions that John and I were always at the bar. I feel I need to clear my friend Mr. McVie's name, as I think his drinking habits have been grossly exaggerated, but it may well be that Bob Welch did play the bass track on Revelation, but I can not be sure as I was in the bar. Whether John was with me or not, has long since been erased from my memory bank.

Best wishes, Dave Walker

Dear Mr. Walker,

As you have already thoroughly answered any questions about your music career that I may have thought to ask (and many more that I wouldn't have thought of!), I have a more personal question, if it's okay. I'm a married mother of 3 (5 years, 3 years, and 7 months old!), so right now I literally eat, sleep, and breathe family life. This results in my curiosity about other people's families...you mentioned a girlfriend previously, but have you ever been married, and do you have any children? If so, are any in the music business themselves?

I'd like to thank you so much for doing this Q&A - it has been an absolute pleasure to read. You have been so very gracious and honest in your answers, and I commend you for your obvious ability to "let bygones be bygones." It's been refreshing to read such straightforward answers from you; you haven't "sugar-coated" anything, nor have you been like "it was all their fault, they were a bunch of jerks." From the sounds of it, in regards to your Mac tenure, I truly believe that you were pulled into a band that just wasn't your style and that you couldn't quite fit into musically and stylistically. With the frustration that must have caused you, I can understand the possible desire to visit the pub on occasion! :o) I'm so pleased to get to hear your side of the story about your Mac involvement; up until now, mostly all we fans have had to rely on with regard to that was Mick's book, and it's been suggested that Mick was, uh, not quite accurate about some things. Oh, and I'm still rolling on the floor laughing over your "Mick was a bit of a wimp" comment - what a hoot! Ask anyone here, and they'll tell you that I love Mick, but THAT is just too funny!

It is wonderful to hear that you are still performing and making music in YOUR OWN style, which must be a great feeling!!! Anyway, in my long-winded way I would like to thank you again, and wish you all the best in life - musically and otherwise! Take care and God bless! (Lori Aimino, Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA)

Dear Lori,

Thanks and thanks again for your e-mail. Isn't a sense of humor a wonderful thing ? Actually, I was married 3 times but have no children. For the last 2 and a half years I have been with a lady who has herds of kids. She is a midwife and so children in one way or another have become a big part of my life and I realize that they are an important responsibility and a full time job.

I have tried to be honest in my answers but I must admit that once in a while a little angst has been allowed to manifest itself. I am old enough now to have become a little nostalgic and melancholy and I want you to know that your correspondance really touched me. May God bless you and your family too.

Regards, Dave Walker

Dave-- thanks so much for answering all the questions. You seemed to have covered any questions I could think of. But after seeing The Redcaps mentioned - I went and found a song "Talking About You" by the Redcaps -1963 Decca on a Jimmy Page Session Man album. Is that you? Do you recall a young Jimmy Page ripping it up on guitar? Opening for the Beatles? Thanks. (Frank Caccese, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA)

Dear Frank,

Thanks for your e-mail. Yes, it was me with the Red Caps but Jimmy Page did not play on that record. The guitar solo was played by another mamber of the band, a guy named, Roy Brown. The story behind Jimmy Page is that several bands from the city of Birmingham, which is where I am from, were on the Decca label and were invited down to London to cut singles at the Decca Studios. The record label on that day had session musicians available to help in case they were needed.

The session players on this particular day were Jim Sullivan on guitar and John Paul Jones later famous with Led Zepplin on base. We did not need help on any tracks in fact we did not cut Talking About You at Decca Studios. We recorded it later at a studio called Regent Sound with engineer, Bill Farley behind the board. Bill was a friend with the band and had also recorded the Rolling Stones at Regent.

Actually I opened for the Beatles four times. Many thanks for your interest.

Regards, Dave Walker

Hi, Dave. It´s great to hear from you! Which are your all-time favourite albums? Are you still in touch with any member of the Mac? Who do you think about Bob Welch? What do you think of today´s music? In your opinion, is there any interesting artist? Thank you and I hope to hear your solo project soon. (Daniel Galera, Madrid, Spain)

Dear Daniel,

Thanks for your e-mail. Three favorite albums come to mind, Beatle's Abbey Road, Crosby Stills and Nash, first album and Pink Floyd, Dark Side of the Moon.

I consider Bob Welch to be a very talented man. Having lived in fairly remote areas of America for the last several years, I have not stayed in touch with any members of Fleetwood Mac. I do not listen to much new music as I find myself still liking the music of the 60's and 70's very much. At present I am working on original songs and with luck would hope for some kind of release in the next year or so.

I was in Spain on vacation 5 years ago and enjoyed your country and your people's hospitality a great deal. If there is anything else that I can help you with, please feel free to ask.

Gracias, Dave Walker

Hi, Dave! Thank you so much for participating in this Q & A session! I wondered over the last couple years whether or not you would be tracked down so that we fans could be re-introduced to you, and here you are. Scanning over the previous answers, I saw that you mentioned the minimal production of "The Derelict." I am curious to know what you think of "Road Runner." There is a book that lists that song as perhaps the worst recording Fleetwood Mac made, yet I think it is a highlight of the album. Thanks again, and take care! (Jonathan Donahue, New York City, New York, USA)

Dear Jonathan,

Thanks for your e-mail. I thought Road Runner was a decent choice of song for me to sing but again, it was done very quickly and the vocals did leave a lot to be desired.

I have never heard it referred to as the worst Fleetwood Mac recording ever and in my own defense I could probably come up with a couple of those silly sickly sweet songs written by other members of the band that might qualify for that dubious distinction.

After I was fired from the band I bumped into Richie Blackmore in London and he told me he really liked it, so you're in good company if you liked it too. Many thanks for your warm support. I'll always wear it.

Regards, Dave Walker

Closing Comments:

Dear Marty,

Many thanks. More people expressed interest with what I had done with the band and with what I am doing now than I had anticipated. Sometimes it was difficult to answer questions objectively, but I have done my best and I hope that I have not offended anyone, too much. Many thanks to you and your family and everyone out there.

Regards to you all,

Dave Walker