The reason I write today is it has always “bugged me” the idea that Whiter Shade was Procol Harum's calling card. Nonsense! When I was in London, Procol were regarded as the “intellectual” type group and trying to see them in UK was hard. Not for lack of interest of fans, so I think that one about not being big in UK is a bit of a tale. However perhaps just my take, but Gary’s voice was considered exceptional then and now and I think he must have taken some kind of lessons cos it’s honestly better now, just listen to Salty Dog at Ledreborg – that is one hard song!
I won’t ramble on but here is a wee composition of mine, not a song, although I do write songs under Robertson Tait. You are welcome to use it on your website.
When asked about Procol Harum, and them being a One-Hit Wonder, I replied ;
“Well I think you’re skating on thin ice there,
'cos Gary, the old salty dog, is still a fire
that shines brightly and has a voice as strong as Samson, so
really I think it’s a case of new lamps for old, in this group’s case.
Anyway, I’m off to see them at the Grand Hotel and I’m hoping
for something magic, but perhaps that’s just an old English dream, but
I’ll let you know how they were, and I promise nothing but the truth ... oh what was that one hit they had ... eludes me now.”