Spedding was raised by adoptive parents in Sheffield before moving to Birmingham. During the late 1960s and early 1970s he became known as a guitar player on sessions for Alan Price, Jack Bruce, Pete Brown's Battered Ornaments and others. During this time he was also playing jazz with Nucleus and recorded and toured with Mike Gibbs. He was a session player on Harry Nilsson's breakthrough album, Nilsson Schmilsson, recorded in London.
During 1972-74 Spedding played a central role in Sharks, initially with ex-Free bassist Andy Fraser. They recorded two albums and toured with Roxy Music. After that, he toured and recorded with John Cale. He also played with Roy Harper's occasional backing band Trigger, notably on 1975's HQ album.
In 1975 Spedding had a Top Twenty solo hit in the UK with "Motor Bikin'", but subsequently became better known as a session guitarist, appearing and recording with Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music, Elton John, Brian Eno, Jack Bruce, Nick Mason and Katie Melua, amongst others. During the mid 1970s, he even took part in the Wombles' UK tour in full furry costume, whilst wielding his trademark Gibson Flying V.
Spedding recorded a version of the American singer-songwriter Garland Jeffreys' song, "Wild In The Streets", on his own Hurt album. The song has since been covered by the Circle Jerks and is featured on Tony Hawk's American Wasteland.
He also was the producer of the Sex Pistols first demos, which were recorded on 15 May 1976. The three tracks recorded were "Problems", "No Feelings" and "Pretty Vacant".
He made an appearance in Paul McCartney's Give My Regards to Broad Street in 1984, playing guitar in a session with McCartney and his wife, Linda. In 1995, he played on Willy DeVille's Big Easy Fantasy, and later that year, on his album Loup Garou.
Spedding was producer of the first two albums by Canadian rockabilly band "The Razorbacks" entitled "Go to Town"(1988) and "Live a Little"(1989).
Spedding has had a long association with rockabilly legend Robert Gordon recording the classic albumn 'Live at the Lonestar' in 1989. Their cover of Springsteen's 'Fire' is reported to be the Boss' favorite version.
In 2011 Spedding and Steve Parsons (aka "Snips", former vocalist with Sharks) are back together with Martin Chambers (Pretenders) on drums, Glen Matlock (Sex Pistols) on bass, and a new mysterious guitarist named Sixteen, making a five-piece band called King Mob.
Go to the Mardi Gras
Chris Spedding Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
While you stroll in New Orleans, you got to go see the Mardi Gras
When you see the Mardi Gras, somebody will tell you what's Carnival for
Get your ticket in your hand if you wanna go through New Orleans
Get your ticket in your hand if you wanna go through New Orleans
When you get to New Orleans, somebody will show you the Zulu King
You will see the Zulu King down on St. Claude and Dumaire
Down ……………………. is where you'll see the Zulu Queen
Get your ticket in your hand if you got to go to New Orleans, yeah
Get your ticket in your hand if you got to go to New Orleans
When you get to New Orleans, somebody will show you the Zulu King
The Chris Spedding song "Go To The Mardi Gras" is a tribute to the world-famous Mardi Gras celebration in New Orleans, Louisiana. The song encourages listeners to experience the festive atmosphere of the Mardi Gras and to witness the tradition of the Zulu King and Queen. The opening lines of the song "While you stroll in New Orleans, you got to go see the Mardi Gras" signifies the vast array of visual spectacles that the city has to offer its visitors. The lyrics emphasize that the experience of the Mardi Gras is unique and that it is something that cannot be experienced anywhere else-like a must-see spectacle. The lines "Get your ticket in your hand if you wanna go through New Orleans, When you get to New Orleans, somebody will show you the Zulu King" suggest that the Mardi Gras is a massive event with a lot to see and that it is essential for the tourists to have a guide or someone to show them around.
The lyrics further introduce the concept of the Zulu King and Queen, which are essential parts of the Mardi Gras tradition. The song mentions "When you see the Mardi Gras, somebody will tell you what's Carnival for" refers to the knowledge that tourists would gain from the experience of the Mardi Gras-which is undoubtedly an unforgettable experience. The songstress further cements this idea by singing "Down ……………………. is where you'll see the Zulu Queen," indicating the significance and magnitude of the parade.
In conclusion, "Go To The Mardi Gras" is a song that encapsulates the festive energy of the Mardi Gras in New Orleans. The lyrics encourage people to experience this unique and vibrant celebration and to witness the tradition of the Zulu King and Queen.
Line by Line Meaning
While you stroll in New Orleans, you got to go see the Mardi Gras
If you find yourself wandering around the streets of New Orleans, you absolutely cannot miss the Mardi Gras celebration
When you see the Mardi Gras, somebody will tell you what's Carnival for
Once you experience the exhilaration of Mardi Gras, someone will explain to you the full meaning and traditions of Carnival
Get your ticket in your hand if you wanna go through New Orleans
To fully explore New Orleans and all it has to offer, you should have your ticket ready to go
When you get to New Orleans, somebody will show you the Zulu King
Upon arriving in New Orleans, you will have the opportunity to witness the Zulu King and learn about the significance of his presence in the Mardi Gras festivities
You will see the Zulu King down on St. Claude and Dumaire
The location where you can see the Zulu King is at St. Claude and Dumaire
Down ……………………. is where you'll see the Zulu Queen
The unspecified location where you can see the Zulu Queen is somewhere in the vicinity of St. Claude and Dumaire
Get your ticket in your hand if you got to go to New Orleans, yeah
If you absolutely must visit New Orleans, make sure you have your ticket ready to ensure you don't miss out on any experiences
When you get to New Orleans, somebody will show you the Zulu King
Upon arriving in New Orleans, you will have the opportunity to witness the Zulu King and learn about the significance of his presence in the Mardi Gras festivities
Contributed by Eliana W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.