Surprising Backing Bands


A recent thread mentioned Meat Loaf's "Bat Out of Hell" and reminded me that the backing band behind Meat Loaf included Todd Rundgren's Utopia, Max W and Roy Bittan from Bruce's E Street Band, Edgar Winter, and, of course, Phil Rizutto. Steven Stills' first solo record included Clapton, Jimi, and a host of others.

I was wondering which other records might be notable for all star backing bands, particularly where they might be unexpected or not well known.

Marty
martykl

Showing 1 response by bongofury

Booker T and the MGs backed Neil Young in 1993 for a European Tour--much better than anything done with Crazy Horse over his storied career. I saw eight shows. "Ride My Motorcycle" is a five star bootleg from that tour and worth tracking down. One of the prize finds in my collection--pristine soundboard that rivals the best for sonics.

I am so-so on the Pearl Jam collaboration with Neil from 1994-1995.

Tom Petty produced Del Shannon in 1982, right before he committed suicide. That record, Drop Down and Get Me, sounds dynamic, features various stellar performances by the Heartbreakers, and is better recorded than any of Tom's catalogue and you would do right to snap up any copies out there. It had a very limited production run. Five stars all the way.

Bob Dylan's work with Tom and the Heartbreakers is a big yawn, as well as the tour with the Dead--no magic where there should have been IMHO.