In this post our very own six string wizard, 2BadJim reflects on the legacy of The Pirates‘ guitarist, Mick Green.
We are going to share a lot of YouTube videos with you in this post, so we’ve put them all together into a playlist on our YouTube channel. Why not subscribe to our channel once you get there.
So to get started let’s watch a bit of the master at work.
The other day, I heard that The Jam’s Going Underground is 45 years old today. Which has made me reflect on the legacy of Mick Green, one of my favourite guitar players.
Mick Green was guitarist in the early 60s rock ‘n’ roll act, Johnny Kidd and the Pirates. That’s a story in itself and you can read more about it on wikipedia.
In the mid 70s, The Pirates reformed, and soon they ruled the London pub rock scene, playing rock and roll numbers and 60s one-hit wonders at breakneck speed; a particular feature was Mick’s guitar playing, a mix of rhythm and lead parts played on an abrasive sounding Fender Telecaster.
Paul Weller may be a less obvious inheritor of Mick’s guitar style, perhaps because he didn’t play a telecaster. But the intro to Going Underground sounds to me like a typical Green riff.
Anyway, songs that showcase Mick Green’s percussive style.
I Can Tell – Johnny Kidd and the Pirates. The early version and it’s all there.
Cheque Book – Dr Feelgood song borrowed from another of Wilco’s influences Mickey Jupp.
News of the World – The Jam. Get past the intro and the main riff is pure Mick Green.
Damaged Goods – Gang of Four. The original Fast Records single is Mick Green in the bathroom
Where does it go from here? The only recent guitarist showcasing this particular style appears to be James Oliver.
Do you know of any others? Where else should we be looking for the influence of Mick Green?
Let us know in the comments and we’ll add your suggestions to the playlist.
Slim Jim Blues 