Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Paul Kantner of the Jefferson Airplane, in reference to The Beatles' release of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, once described David Crosby bringing a tape of Sgt. Pepper to a Seattle hotel where they were staying and palying it all night long in the lobby to a group of perhaps a hundred fans. Kantner is quoted "Something enveloped the whole world at that time and it just exploded into a renaissance."

Do you suppose that this album caught Crosby's attention because of the melodies or the lyrics "A Day In The Life", "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds", or "Fixin A Hole" which may conjure up images of drug experiences? Has Crosby commented on Sgt. Peppers?

No doubt Crosby would have picked up on this,as
he was a well versed psychedelic enthusiast.He was also quoted back in'70 as saying that with all the good vibes from Peppers, one would think
music could bring peace to the world.Idealistic
dreamers, these boys were.But regardless, this period gave us some of the finest music ever
recorded.

Peter wrote:
Do you suppose that this album caught Crosby's attention because of the melodies or the lyrics of "A Day In The Life", "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds", or "Fixing A Hole" which may conjure up images of drug experiences?

Perhaps it "caught Crosby's attention" because Croz himself is actually on the Sgt. Pepper album (uncredited) -- a bona fide Byrds presence on a legendary Beatles album that most fans seem blissfully unaware of.


Quote:EC: The Beatles and the Stones would often guest on each others' albums, albeit low key. Once the Byrds had become famous, did you get a chance to guest on any sessions for other groups?

Roger: Yes, Crosby can be heard on "Sgt. Pepper."

-- Roger McGuinn, April 1999
Ear Candy Magazine Interview

Interesting article, but What did Croz actually do on "Peppers"? Sing along? Justbe there as a studio cheerleader?

I love the image of David in a cheerleader outfit

They say Crosby always had the right "stuff"...

Ok. So on which track or tracks does Crosby sing? I have listened to the album to try to figure this out. So far I'm not sure? One more time.

David Crosby might remember. After all, he was there.

OK Tomcat. Crosby has officially been asked. He has never responded to any of my email questions and so I am not holding my breath. In the meantime, in Mark Lewisohn's "Complete Beatles Recording Sessions" it is revealed that Crosby visited the Beatles at Abbey Road on Feb 22, 1967. On that day in their life they were recording and mixing "A Day in the Life."

I have been advised that Johnny Rogan's definite Byrds bio, "Timeless Flight Revisited" confirms that Crosby visited the studio in the evening. I do not have this classic and must get it. As the story goes, The Beatles sat Crosby between two giant speakers and then played him a Day in the Life. The photo that you posted and Roger McGuinn's comments would suggest that he did more that just sit between the speakers. Concerning the visit, Crosby was quoted as saying "I was stunned". Apparently, The Beatles gave him a pre-release copy of the song, which he in turned played for all of his friends.

So while we are waiting patiently for David Crosby's response and visit to The Rickenbacker Forum, perhaps "A Day In The Life" is it. Columbo, however, would likely conclude that this evidence is circumstantial and would need to make additional surprise visits. Let's hope that Crosby does the same.

Peter wrote:
OK Tomcat. Crosby has officially been asked. He has never responded to any of my email questions and so I am not holding my breath.

I was wondering why Croz wasn't listed on your Registration Page Correspondence page.

In the meantime, in Mark Lewisohn's "Complete Beatles Recording Sessions" it is revealed that Crosby visited the Beatles at Abbey Road on Feb 22, 1967. On that day in their life they were recording and mixing "A Day in the Life."

If one "mouses over" the above photo of Crosby and the Beatles, it should read, "Croz and Fabs - Abbey Road Studio 2 - Wed, Feb 22, 1967". And if one clicks on the photo itself, it should bring up a full-length stereo version of "A Day In The Life" in Real Audio.

I have been advised that Johnny Rogan's definitive Byrds bio, "Timeless Flight Revisited" confirms that Crosby visited the studio in the evening.

Affirmative. And it would've had to have been in the evening, too, since the Beatles reportedly didn't begin that day's studio session until 7:00 PM.

I do not have this classic and must get it.

It's still available from Amazon.co.uk.


As the story goes, The Beatles sat Crosby between two giant speakers and then played him "A Day In The Life".

Or what they had of it up to that time. It was still a work in progress (albeit in the final stages) through at least March 6, according to this timeline and sessionography.

The photo that you posted and Roger McGuinn's comments would suggest that he did more that just sit between the speakers.

Evidently, he also stood around the studio with a microphone in his face while the others wore headphones.

Concerning the visit, Crosby was quoted as saying "I was stunned".

Of course. EMI's Abbey Road Studio 2 had a great sound system! <g>

Apparently, The Beatles gave him a pre-release copy of the song, which he in turn played for all of his friends.

Rogan's account confirms this.

So while we are waiting patiently for David Crosby's response and visit to The Rickenbacker Forum, perhaps "A Day In The Life" is it. Columbo, however, would likely conclude that this evidence is circumstantial and would need to make additional surprise visits. Let's hope that Crosby does the same.

Methinks Lt. Columbo knows exactly where the Beatles lifted the idea from for the famous crescendo & piano chord ending of "A Day In The Life" -- Sir Paul's "Stockhausen" explanations notwithstanding.


(Jim "Stockhausen" McGuinn, anyone?) <g>

Here's the reply I got from Croz when I posted on the "Lee Shore."

no .......I was there ....a number of times ....including the night they
finished "Day In the Life".....but I did not sing on the record ........I
don't really think they needed any other singers do you ?

------------------------------

Date: Wed, 27 Dec 2000 17:21:01 EST
Subject: Re: Croz on Sgt. Pepper?

also .......always take anything that Rogan says with a whole shaker of salt
.......he writes if he was there but he is very frequently completely wrong
......he didn't even get my mothers name right .........

There you have it, folks.

Very nice work Paul. Your efforts are most appreciated. As always, when all else fails, go to the source! I must agree with Crosby, while he can sing like an angel, The Beatles did a reasonable job of "A Day In The Life" and really didn't need any additional help.

hello...
my memory is fuzzy but I think we recorded the strings on this night and invited some close friends to the studio, for a party.... told the strings to wear masks and weird noses and handed out party favors(hee hee)...it was a party basically with a recording session going on...george gave crosby his aetate copy .......
goodbye....

Could the illustrious Geoff Emerick be gracing these pages???

Didn't 'A Day In The Life' originally have an a'capella chord sung at the end, before the piano chord idea? And I remember reading somewhere that The Beatles got a load of friends into the studio for a party type thing and then they all sang the ending chord. Perhaps the Croz was on that.