I've always been fascinated by the idea that creativity can unleash the darkness within you, and especially musicians who have more or less lost their minds through their genius, like
Syd Barrett:
(image from last.fm)
Peter Green:
(image from Guitar News and Reviews)
Skip Spence:
(image from last.fm)
But one man in particular, Mister Joe Meek, is by far the most fascinating.
Joe, born Robert George Meek in 1929, was one of the most important innovators of the psychedelic sound. Unfortunately his success and talent didn't translate to the booming pop world (dominated by the Beatles and the Stones), and he sank into severe financial debt and depression.
Joe Meek was also gay in a time when homosexuality was actually illegal in the United Kingdom, which only heightened his feelings of alienation.
Paranoia was another fun part of his psyche. At one point, Joe thought Decca Records had hidden microphones in his wallpaper to steal his music. I've heard stories where he'd drag his gear in the bathroom and lock himself up in there until whatever he was working on had been finished. He also accused Phil Spector of stealing his ideas, which is awesome in so many ways.
But alas, Joe never bounced back from his troubles. On February 3, 1967, Joe Meek took a shotgun owned by musician Heinz Burt and killed his landlady, and then himself.
When I mention the name Joe Meek to most people, they have no idea who I'm talking about. But just listen to some of the tracks he produced. Quite the man, and the legend, even wallowing in his own creative nightmare.
Joe, born Robert George Meek in 1929, was one of the most important innovators of the psychedelic sound. Unfortunately his success and talent didn't translate to the booming pop world (dominated by the Beatles and the Stones), and he sank into severe financial debt and depression.
Joe Meek was also gay in a time when homosexuality was actually illegal in the United Kingdom, which only heightened his feelings of alienation.
Paranoia was another fun part of his psyche. At one point, Joe thought Decca Records had hidden microphones in his wallpaper to steal his music. I've heard stories where he'd drag his gear in the bathroom and lock himself up in there until whatever he was working on had been finished. He also accused Phil Spector of stealing his ideas, which is awesome in so many ways.
But alas, Joe never bounced back from his troubles. On February 3, 1967, Joe Meek took a shotgun owned by musician Heinz Burt and killed his landlady, and then himself.
When I mention the name Joe Meek to most people, they have no idea who I'm talking about. But just listen to some of the tracks he produced. Quite the man, and the legend, even wallowing in his own creative nightmare.
Blue Rondos - Little Baby
John Leyton - Johnny Remember Me
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