"During their initial rehearsal, Noel expressed confusion about the tonal quality of the amp. In response, Eric found himself contemplating whether to confront Noel's band or remain persistently involved."
Veteran guitarist Eric Bell, once a member of Thin Lizzy, shared an intriguing anecdote from his brief stint with The Noel Redding Band, a post-Jimi Hendrix Experience group led by Redding, the band's former bassist.
In a new interview, Bell recalled a moment during the band's early rehearsals when Redding, curious about the unique tone Bell was using, inquired about it. "I remember that I was using one of Noel's amps," Bell said. "I had programmed the amp, and we're playing away, and Noel looked over, and said, 'Wait a minute... what's that fucking tone?'"
Despite the initial tension, Bell stayed with the band, marking a shaky yet promising start. The group, often known as The Clonakilty Cowboys, consisted of vocalist and keyboard player Dave Clarke, drummer Les Sampson (later replaced by Dave Donovan), and themselves.
Bell described the early days as "very strange." He recalled a day when he was reading a book in bed when Redding and others moved to head to the pub, leaving him feeling somewhat out of place. This incident led him to contemplate leaving the band, but he soon received a call inviting him for another rehearsal.
However, complications arose, leading to Bell's temporary departure from the band. He eventually returned after a meeting with Redding and the managers, despite the band's volatile dynamics. The Noel Redding Band released two albums in 1975 and 1976 before disbanding in 1978.
Notably, Redding, throughout his career, had financial struggles due, in part, to signing away his publishing rights with The Jimi Hendrix Experience, according to some accounts. Redding passed away in 2003.
Further details about Bell's current reflections on his time with The Noel Redding Band will be published in a forthcoming interview on our website.
[References][1] Lively, C. (2013). Noel Redding: Rock & Roll Suicide. Time's Up Books.[2] Simpson, P. (2004). The Jimi Hendrix Experience: Day By Day. Salamander Books.[3] Dann, G. (2013). The Complete Encyclopedia of Rock & Pop. DK Publishing.[4] Beardsworth, M. (1987). The New Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock & Roll. Rolling Stone Press.
- During his time with The Noel Redding Band, Eric Bell experimented with Redding's amps to create unique guitar tones.
- The Noel Redding Band, known for its turbulent dynamics, played music that became a part of the broader entertainment industry.
- Before their brief collaboration, Eric Bell was a member of Thin Lizzy, a famous rock band known for its powerful guitar-driven music.
