The artist had recently canceled tour dates due to health problems related to cancer treatment. His death has aroused many tributes, including that of the guitarist Joe bonhapassa who considers him “one of the greatest”.
A career marked by daring choices
Born in 1949 in Cambridgeshire, Terry Reid was already a guitarist and singer accomplished when he was asked to join the new group of Jimmy Pagewho was going to become Led Zeppelin. However, Reid declined this offer to ensure the first part of the American tour of Rolling Stones In 1969.
“I was very friend with Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones”said Reid in an interview with Classic Rock. “Keith asked me to do the first part of the Stones in the United States, but shortly after, Jimmy wanted me to join his new group. I was torn apart. Finally, I returned the ball to Jimmy’s camp. I said, “You better talk to Keith and tell him that I will not go”.
And to continue: “But Jimmy repressed him. He said, ‘I don’t want him to shoot me in the fucking leg’. Even at the time, Keith had a reputation. So I ended up going to America with the Stones. I even played with them in Altamont”.
Despite this refusal, Reid played a crucial role in the formation of Led Zeppelin by recommending Robert Plant et John Bonham to Jimmy Page. Reid has seen them perform with The Band of Joy: “He needed a singer capable of singing around these guitar agreements”he told Unecut [via Music Radar], “And not everyone was capable of it. I saw Robert with John Bonham, so I said to him:
Not only is Robert perfect, but you also have to take the drummer, it’s an animal
He also declined an offer to join Deep Purplethe position finally returning to Ian Gillan.
A promising solo career hindered
Reid’s solo career started with the album Bang, Bang You’re Terry Reid in 1968, followed by Terry Reid In 1969. These albums highlighted his fiery guitar game and vocal prowess. However, a dispute with producer Mickie Most and a contractual dispute slowed down his career.