Elephant's Memory was a great band that had a full run from 1967-1976, but are perhaps most famously known as the backup band for John and Yoko (1972-1976). They are amazingly versatile, as you can tell from existing live video from various performances.
It seems like one of those rock legends, existing more in memory and random footage rather than on official album status. Gary shared lots of excellent stories.
The panel explored Gary's memories of working with John, and NOT working with him. Due to some of John's immigration restrictions, he was not allowed to "work" in the US, and thus kept the band "on retainer" for an extended period of time. When they were doing a benefit television performance in LA, John and Yoko called in LIVE to acknowledge them as their band, even though they couldn't appear with them. John produced a self titled album of theirs on Apple Records, but it has YET to be released on CD, due to whatever bullshit reasons.
Gary discussed-briefly before choking up- the night of John's death. Gary had been scheduled to play a jazz gig across from the Dakota & was coming up out of the subway when he saw the ambulance carrying John pulling away . . .
It seems like one of those rock legends, existing more in memory and random footage rather than on official album status. Gary shared lots of excellent stories.
The panel explored Gary's memories of working with John, and NOT working with him. Due to some of John's immigration restrictions, he was not allowed to "work" in the US, and thus kept the band "on retainer" for an extended period of time. When they were doing a benefit television performance in LA, John and Yoko called in LIVE to acknowledge them as their band, even though they couldn't appear with them. John produced a self titled album of theirs on Apple Records, but it has YET to be released on CD, due to whatever bullshit reasons.
Gary discussed-briefly before choking up- the night of John's death. Gary had been scheduled to play a jazz gig across from the Dakota & was coming up out of the subway when he saw the ambulance carrying John pulling away . . .
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| Three handsome guys!!! |
Howie Edelson, Rock Writer
Gary Van Scyoc, Bassist with the Elephant's Memory, John Lennon's Band
"John asked if he could join OUR band. That shows you how much respect he had as a musician!"
http://garyvanscyoc.com/
Darren DeVivo, WFUV DJ
Legendary (and all around fabulous) Beatlemaniac, sharing excellent music in the NYC-listening area.
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