Chris Spedding may not be a household name, but rock fans will certainly have heard his distinctive work in some bona fide rock classics.
A sought-after session guitarist of rare talent, Spedding’s fantastic fretwork can be heard on songs recorded by the likes of Paul McCartney, Roxy Music, Elton John, Tom Waits, The Who’s Roger Daltry, The Pretenders and many more.
The guitar icon, who recently celebrated his 82nd birthday, is sharing some sad news about his health, and is seeking the support of fans.
A Diagnosis
Eden Cale, daughter of Velvet Underground co-founder John Cale, has set up a GoFundMe to raise funds to pay for Spedding’s medical expenses after he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma.
“For over six decades, Chris Spedding has been bringing magic to stages and studios across the world with his inimitable guitar work with Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry, Elton John, John Cale, Jack Bruce, Tom Waits, Paul McCartney, and Robert Gordon. Chris’ genius as a musician, session guitarist, and producer has touched generations of music lovers. But to our family, he’s just been Uncle Chris,” Cale wrote.
“Now, at 82, Chris faces a tough new battle,” she continued. “In recent months, Chris was diagnosed with large B-cell high-grade, non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He begins intensive chemotherapy on August 20th, initiating a challenging 9-month treatment process. Because this fight will pause his ability to work and tour, Chris and his wife, Jody, need our support to help cover essential living expenses and additional medical expenses as they navigate this difficult period.”
She concluded by writing, “Anyone who knows Chris knows he is a kind, generous soul who would step up for anyone in need. For decades, he has given us unforgettable music. Now, it is our turn to rally around him to show our appreciation of him during this challenging time.”
Fellow Rockers Are Getting the Word Out
Among those who are spreading the word about the fundraising effort for Spedding are Phil Manzanera, guitarist for Roxy Music.
“As many of you know Christ is a huge part of the @bryanferry_roxymusic family as well as many other bands and artists…” Manzanera wrote on Instagram.
“If you can please follow the link in bio and consider donating to the cause,” he added.
Money Is Coming In
As of August 25, the GoFundMe has raised about half of the £50,000 goal (about $68,000 in U.S. funds).
In an Instagram post shared by guitarist/producer Freddie Katz, he pointed to Spedding’s stature in rock. ‘”The man is a giant,” he wrote, listing some of the many rock icons with whom he’s recorded.
“The music business is brutal…fame always comes before fortune,” he added, encouraging fans to donate what they could.
A Storied Career
Earlier this year, Spedding spoke with Guitar World about the many rock luminaries he’s worked with over the years.
Among his most memorable sessions was working with Paul McCartney on his 1983 “Pipes of Peace” album.
“That was like working with no other musician ever! His status is even greater now because he has this great band and he’s still going out live and doing old Beatles songs,” Spedding observed.
“When I worked with him he was still going through the phase of not wanting to do a Beatles song. It’s like Jack Bruce — when I worked with him he’d never do a Cream song. I just wanted to play ‘Sunshine of Your Love’ with him, but he just didn’t want to,” Spedding continued. “So back back then we just did original stuff with Paul. He likes to control things, being who he is — but under the guise of saying, ‘Play as free as you like; it’ll be fine.’ Then he’ll start to pick it all apart. If you’re doing well, he’ll leave it. But if you’re not doing well, he’ll sort of say, ‘Yeah, that’s great, Chris — but what about this bit here? What about doing this?'”
