MUSIC INFLUENCES Excerpts from a SOULFUL JOURNEY As we continued to probe the very depths of WILSON's soul, we felt that he was becoming agitated and somewhat distant. This happened on a few ocassions, and we understood that when dealing with artists who are so focused on their art form, it pays to be aware how sensitive and explosive they can be. Wilson had been staring at a fly on the wall, when he suddenly took off his watch and threw it with considerable force on target, killing the fly. The question would be WHY? .... You never ask WILSON WHY? ...He, like Chuck Berry is a spontaneous artist who does what he does. End of story. Chuck Berry influenced WILSON from an early age. WILSON has yet to meet with Chuck following his first meeting in Glasgow some 46 years ago. WILSON said " Meeting Chuck was one of the highlights of my life.
"Of all the early breakthrough rock & roll artists, none is more important to the development of the music than Chuck Berry. He is its greatest songwriter, the main shaper of its instrumental voice, one of its greatest guitarists, and one of its greatest performers." John Lennon was more succinct: "If you tried to give rock and roll another name, you might call it 'Chuck Berry'.
Memphis Tennessee
Berry was among the first musicians to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on its opening in 1986. He received Kennedy Center Honors in 2000 in a "class" with Mikhail Baryshnikov, Plácido Domingo, Angela Lansbury, and Clint Eastwood. In 2004, Rolling Stone ranked Chuck Berry #5 on
their list of the 100 Greatest Artists of All
Time.He was also ranked 6th on Rolling Stone's Rolling Stone's 100 greatest guitarists of All Time.
WILSON next secured a two week engagement for the 'Trakkers' in the Floral Hall in Morecombe, England. The band acted in a supporting role to a number of Mersey Beat bands, the 'Baron Knights', 'Big Three' and was support band for 'Manfred Mann'.
Manfred Mann and WILSON's support band 'The Trakkers'
Wilson is sandwiched between the Girl and his drummer Fergus McCann. Manfred Mann managed to hide his head from view.The Grapevine works ... within two months The Trakkers performed on BBC TV's 'One Night Stand'
Doo Wah Diddy
'The Morecombe gig was a turning point for the 'Trakkers'. Autographs, editorials, exposure and the opportunity to expand our circle of influence.' When asked about the 60's WILSON smiles. 'The DECADE to beat all DECADES as far as I'm concerned' he says, ' A turning point in artistic freedom, and bringing about a new and exciting consciousness. A period of genuine Madness...'
