Andy Fairweather Low, the 76-year-old Welsh guitarist known for his collaborations with rock legends like Roger Waters, Eric Clapton, George Harrison, and Joe Satriani, recently reflected on an “embarrassing” moment during his early days with Roger Waters’ band.
Throughout his career, Fairweather Low has worked as an ax-for-hire, playing alongside some of the biggest names in music while also leading his own projects, such as his pop group Amen Corner. The group scored four top-ten hits in the UK in the ’60s. Fairweather Low’s latest solo album, The Invisible Bluesman, was released this February.
Despite his extensive experience with iconic artists, Fairweather Low recalled a particularly awkward stage moment during his time with Roger Waters, shortly after joining the band. Speaking to Guitar World, he shared an embarrassing incident that took place during the The Pros and Cons of Hitch-Hiking tour while performing “Welcome to the Machine.”
“It was on the ‘The Pros and Cons of Hitch-Hiking’ tour during ‘Welcome to the Machine’. Because it was a big setup on stage, we had to wear headphones, which involved learning the art of taking the headphones off first before you took your guitar off,” Fairweather Low explained. “I managed that no problem, but I was also playing with a jacket on, which I wasn’t used to doing. And the first chord of ‘Welcome to the Machine’ is this strum on a 12-string.”
However, things went awry during the performance. “I strummed, but the sleeve of the jacket and my guitar caused the strum to sound like a ‘blurt’!” he continued. “I can still see that look from Roger now. Obviously, I was forgiven – because I spent 24 years with him.”
When reflecting on his time with Eric Clapton, Fairweather Low shared some life lessons he would give his younger self. He noted that it wouldn’t be about guitar techniques but rather about enjoying life more. “When I worked with Eric Clapton, not so much with Roger, I thought I was getting fired every tour, because at the end of every tour, you never knew whether you were doing the next tour,” he admitted.
“It didn’t matter who you were – you never knew, because in truth, Eric never knew which way it was going to go, too. So, it would be, enjoy it for goodness’ sake and let it run its course!”
Fairweather Low’s candid reflections on his career offer a glimpse into the challenges and uncertainties that come with working alongside legendary musicians.
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