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.
Wild In The Street
Chris Spedding Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Wild in the street
Wild in the street
Wild in the street
In the heat of the summer, better call out the plumber
To turn on the steam cock to cool me off
Well, your newspaper writers and your big crime fighters
Running wild in the street
Wild in the street
Wild in the street
Wild in the street
I got a banged up Chevy and a midnight lady
And two transvestites to keep the band
Well, you best not touch us, you best believe us
Your teenage John would be a mess
Running wild in the street
Wild in the street
I said, wild in the street
Wild in the street
Mrs. America, tell me how's your favourite son
Do you really care what he has done?
Wild in the street
Wild in the street
Wild in the street
Wild in the street
Wild in the street (running, running)
Running wild in the street
Wild in the street (running, running)
I said, wild in the street
Wild in the street (running, running)
Wild in the street
Wild in the street (running, running)
I said, wild in the street
Wild in the street (running, running)
Wild in the street
Wild in the street (running, running)
Wild in the street
Wild in the street (running, running)
Wild in the street
Wild in the street (running, running)
Wild in the street
Chris Spedding's "Wild in the Street" is a high-energy rock song that captures the rebellious spirit of the youth in the late 70s. The repeated chorus of "Wild in the Street" highlights the theme of youthful energy running wild and free through the streets. The song's opening verse features the singer calling out a plumber to turn on the steam cock to cool him off in the heat of the summer. The lyrics may be a metaphor for the young people's burning passion and energy that needs to be tamed by society. The line, "your big crime fighters, still need a drug store to cure my cough" could reference the hypocrisy of the older generation, who preach law and order but rely on drugs and medication to cure their ailments.
The second verse paints a picture of the singer's wild lifestyle. He has a banged-up Chevy, a midnight lady, and two transvestites to keep the band. This verse describes the unconventional, bohemian lifestyle embraced by some young people at the time. The line, "your teenage John would be a mess," might be a reference to John Lennon, who was known for his rebellious spirit and nonconformity.
In the final verse, the singer challenges Mrs. America to consider the actions of her favorite son. This can be interpreted as a sarcastic jab at the way in which American society idolizes certain individuals while ignoring their flaws. The repeated chorus of "Wild in the Street" serves as a call to action for young people to embrace their rebellious spirit and resist the societal norms.
Overall, the song Wild in the Street celebrates the youthful energy and free spirit of the late 70s, while also critiquing societal norms and expectations that try to suppress it.
Line by Line Meaning
Wild in the street
The world is a crazy place and I'm caught up in it
Wild in the street
The world is chaotic and unpredictable
Wild in the street
The world is a dangerous place and I'm trying to navigate it
Wild in the street
The world is full of energy and I'm riding the wave
In the heat of the summer, better call out the plumber
It's hot outside and I need help cooling off
To turn on the steam cock to cool me off
I need someone to take action and help me cool down
Well, your newspaper writers and your big crime fighters
The people in power aren't really helping me
Still need a drug store to cure my cough
I need something tangible to help me feel better
Running wild in the street
I'm living life to the fullest and not holding back
I got a banged up Chevy and a midnight lady
I have some rough edges, but I'm still moving forward
And two transvestites to keep the band
I have some unconventional allies, but they're still valuable to me
Well, you best not touch us, you best believe us
Don't mess with us, because we're a force to be reckoned with
Your teenage John would be a mess
If you got involved with us, you wouldn't know what hit you
Mrs. America, tell me how's your favourite son
I'm questioning the state of the country and its leaders
Do you really care what he has done?
Are you paying attention to what's really happening?
Wild in the street (running, running)
I'm still out here, living my life to the fullest
Running wild in the street
I'm not slowing down for anyone
Wild in the street (running, running)
I'm still here, making my mark on the world
I said, wild in the street
I'm not afraid to live my life boldly
Contributed by Jack N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@Bissen64
Chris Spedding has developed this very special sound - he certainly deserves much more recognition!
@walendxweg
Magik bus palette nachten kx 🎼01:55pire tanz hello👉
@christopherwest4580
One of Britain’s most underrated guitarists
@punkrockgems
Definitely..
@robertopenadelapena5926
Hace apenas una semana no había conocido nada sobre este músico. Pero escuche un programa de Radio 3 (RNE) sobre el GLAM ROCK y allí entre muchos otros sonaba y el nombre de Chris Spedding y su canción "Motorbikin". Un buen descubrimiento y aún más si todavía hay tanta música y otras cosas en este mundo.
@kenderen3736
Always loved this version the best.
@RobertPhillips
This was a favorite album...under rated
@larrymccarthy8215
First heard Chris on Sharks' First Water, which I love. Just recently discovering his solo stuff, which is certainly intriguing. The guitar playing is, of course, masterful.
@johnmcvicar8475
ONE OF MY GUITAR HEROES HE LOOK COOL AND PLAYED COOL STILL PLAY HIS ALBUM HURT JUST BRILLANT🎸
@markjohnson1224
Man, I tell you I saw him at the Marquee doing the promo for the Hurt album. How long ago was this? Did not expect anything and he blew me away. Prob one of the most memorable nights I had there. Did anyone film it? Some people should not be allowed to age.