Dave Pegg Bassist: The Wild Stage Fight Story Revealed

Early Years and Birmingham Roots

How did Dave Pegg become a bassist? His journey started in Acocks Green, Birmingham. Initially, he played guitar at age 14. The Shadows inspired his first musical steps. Hank Marvin’s Stratocaster became his obsession.

Young Dave attended Yardley Grammar School. He drew Stratocasters during art class. Furthermore, he worked as an insurance clerk after leaving school. However, music called him constantly.

The Birmingham beat scene thrived in the 1960s. Dave joined the Crawdaddys and Roy Everett Blues Band. They supported major acts like Spencer Davis Group. Additionally, they opened for The Moody Blues.

A pivotal audition changed everything. Dave tried out for The Uglys in 1966. Singer Steve Gibbons noticed his unique look. He offered Dave the bass position instead. Consequently, Dave bought a Fender Precision for £70.

This switch defined his career. Dave Pegg bassist transformation began with that Fender. His natural talent emerged quickly. Soon, Birmingham couldn’t contain his ambition.

The Fairport Convention Journey

When did Dave Pegg join Fairport Convention? He attended their show on his 22nd birthday in 1969. The Liege & Lief lineup amazed him. Ironically, it was their last performance together.

The very next day changed his life. Dave Swarbrick called with incredible news. Ashley Hutchings was leaving to form Steeleye Span. Moreover, Sandy Denny departed to create Fotheringay. Fairport needed a new bassist immediately.

Swarbrick remembered Dave from the Ian Campbell Folk Group. However, the other members worried initially. They expected a traditional folkie with beard and sweater. Instead, they got a rock musician.

Dave joined in late 1969. He moved into The Angel pub in Little Hadham. Thirteen people shared one toilet and minimal hot water. His daughter Stephanie learned colorful language there.

The Full House album established Dave’s reputation. His virtuosic bass playing elevated the band. Ashley Hutchings later credited him with revolutionary technique. Dave played jigs and reels on bass guitar instead of simple support lines.

The 1970 American tour proved transformative. They played The Troubadour in Los Angeles. Linda Ronstadt joined them onstage. Furthermore, The Eagles watched Richard Thompson’s playing nightly.

The Infamous Stage Incident

What really happened that night in Shrewsbury? The incident haunts Dave Pegg bassist legacy. It occurred before Fairport’s 1979 hiatus. The show became legendary for all wrong reasons.

Bruce Rowland had joined on drums. Ronnie Lane came for an afternoon pub session. Dave Swarbrick couldn’t handle alcohol well. Consequently, he became severely intoxicated before the show.

They attempted Dirty Linen during the performance. This challenging instrumental required precision. Dave was also over-refreshed but determined to perform well.

Swarbrick couldn’t stand properly onstage. He leaned heavily on Dave repeatedly. His violin bow kept poking Dave in the eye. Frustration mounted with each interference.

Dave took drastic action. He removed his bass guitar. Then he hit Swarbrick over the head with it. The blow knocked Swarbrick to the floor. Moreover, it broke the bass’s headstock.

Panic set in immediately. Dave ran offstage and caught a taxi. He fled back to Cropredy. His ex-wife Christine found him at home unexpectedly. He needed £80 for the cab driver.

The aftermath felt terrifying. Dave didn’t know if Swarbrick survived. Furthermore, he feared their friendship was destroyed forever. Bruce Rowland called the next day. He said, “Don’t worry, he deserved it!”

Swarbrick woke around 5pm. He had his alternative cigarette. Everything returned to normal surprisingly quickly. Their bond survived this explosive moment.

Years with Jethro Tull

Why did Dave Pegg join Jethro Tull? Fairport disbanded temporarily in 1979. Ian Anderson needed a bassist. John Glascock’s health had deteriorated after heart surgery.

The opportunity seemed enormous. Jethro Tull was internationally successful. Additionally, they offered financial security. Dave could finally build his recording studio.

His first Tull album was A in 1980. This electronic departure challenged Dave. He played fretless bass throughout. His intonation paranoia grew during recording.

Broadsword and the Beast followed in 1982. The medieval theme returned with heavier sound. Dave wore pseudo-medieval costume onstage. A Viking ship dominated their stage setup.

Crest of a Knave arrived in 1987. The album beat Metallica for a Grammy. This controversial victory shocked the metal community. Nevertheless, the album showcased Dave’s bass brilliance.

Fifteen years with Tull taught Dave discipline. Ian Anderson ran the band like an army. Record company wives fled from Dave at meet-and-greets. His sociable nature and libations caused concern.

Ian showed Dave crucial business lessons. Paying royalties meticulously mattered greatly. This knowledge shaped Dave’s later Fairport management. Moreover, Ian’s work ethic inspired everyone.

The 1995 Roots to Branches sessions proved decisive. Dave faced choosing between two loves. Fairport called him constantly. Steve Bailey covered some tracks. Jonathan Noyce eventually replaced Dave permanently.

Legendary Recording Sessions

Which sessions define Dave Pegg bassist reputation? Nick Drake’s Bryter Layter stands paramount. Dave considers it his favorite recording ever. The sessions happened incredibly quickly.

Nick came to The Angel pub. He stayed several days teaching the songs. Dave and Dave Mattacks analyzed his intricate chords. Nick’s right-hand guitar technique amazed everyone.

Nick remained incredibly withdrawn throughout. Dave never knew if Nick liked his bass parts. Nevertheless, the album became legendary. Today’s kids constantly ask Dave about Nick.

John Martyn sessions brought different challenges. Martyn’s Jekyll and Hyde personality frightened Dave. Substances made Martyn unpredictable and occasionally dangerous. You never knew where you stood.

Richard Thompson collaborations continued throughout decades. Their musical chemistry remained strong. Dave appeared on numerous Thompson solo albums. Additionally, Sandy Denny’s solo work featured Dave’s bass.

Personal Struggles and Redemption

Did Dave Pegg face personal demons? His divorce triggered difficult years. Drink and drugs consumed him increasingly. He became obnoxious on the road.

Fairport asked him to leave a US tour. This devastating moment forced self-reflection. Six months of recovery followed. He realized music’s importance to his life.

Drinking became part of his stage persona. He consumed a bottle of wine before Tull shows. Furthermore, half a dozen beers preceded performances. More alcohol flowed during the show.

One night Dave swore off drinking completely. Onstage, he became a nervous wreck. Ian Anderson noticed immediately. During the third song, Ian said, “For Christ’s sake, have a drink, Peggy!”

Dave taught Fairport and Tull how to party. They weren’t party animals before him. His arrival transformed their touring lifestyle. Nevertheless, he sailed close to the wind frequently.

Recovery brought renewed focus. Dave pulled himself together gradually. Playing live music meant everything. Consequently, he recommitted to his craft completely.

Building the Cropredy Festival

How did Cropredy Festival become legendary? Dave Pegg bassist vision created this institution. Initially, it started as a village reunion. Now it’s internationally respected.

Dave sold his Woodworm Studios eventually. Personal upheavals forced difficult decisions. Additionally, he dissolved management and record companies. Cropredy’s future seemed uncertain.

The festival bell hangs in Cropredy church. Fairport fans donated money for its renovation. Chris Leslie wrote “The Festival Bell” celebrating this symbol. Thursdays at 4 o’clock bring special gatherings.

Financial pressures threatened the festival recently. CEO Gareth Williams developed solutions. They downsized strategically to ensure survival. Consequently, the festival remains viable.

Meet On The Ledge became Cropredy’s anthem. Richard Thompson wrote this timeless song. Originally, it wasn’t about remembrance. Now it honors departed friends and bandmates.

Singing together at Cropredy feels sacred. Lost loved ones return through music. Maartin Allcock knew 2018 would be his last Cropredy. He died months after that performance.

Bass Innovation and Technique

What makes Dave Pegg bassist techniques revolutionary? Ashley Hutchings identified his pioneering approach. Dave played jigs and reels melodically on bass. Previous bassists provided only support lines.

This innovation spread throughout British folk-rock. Additionally, folk-punk bassists adopted his style. Dave’s virtuosity changed expectations permanently. Complexity and energy became essential.

Testament’s Steve Di Giorgio calls Dave influential. American thrash bassists studied his recordings. The Jethro Tull albums showcased his fretless prowess. Furthermore, his tone became legendary.

Dave mastered multiple instruments expertly. He plays excellent guitar and mandolin. His double bass skills developed with Ian Campbell Folk Group. Nevertheless, electric bass remains his primary voice.

Full House demonstrated his musical influence immediately. The 1970 album elevated Fairport’s technical ability. Dave’s bass spoke its own voice clearly. Simultaneously, it supported songs traditionally.

The Led Zeppelin Connection

Did Dave Pegg play with Led Zeppelin members? The Way of Life featured John Bonham on drums. Robert Plant played in another of Dave’s early bands. Both musicians preceded Zeppelin’s formation.

Dave drove Bonham home after gigs. His purple Renault van had mechanical problems. The bonnet flew up regularly on Redditch hills. Bonham lived in a caravan at his parents’ place.

The Way of Life broke up eventually. They were too loud for venues. Traffic light systems controlled volume onstage. Bonham hit his bass drum once. Immediately, the power cut completely.

Dave became a huge Zeppelin fan. Bonham and Plant attended Fairport shows. They loved the folksy elements. Sandy Denny sang Battle of Evermore on their fourth album.

Dave saw Zeppelin at Locarno, Coventry. A bomb scare interrupted the performance. Everyone evacuated except Robert Plant. He questioned why people were leaving. Dave felt pleased Bonham got a proper job.

Legacy and Influence

What defines Dave Pegg bassist legacy today? He’s Fairport Convention’s longest-serving member. Over 55 years of dedication prove his commitment. Additionally, he’s classic rock’s most consistent performer.

Fairport received BBC Lifetime Achievement Awards. Radio 2 listeners voted Liege & Lief most influential folk album. Television documentaries celebrated their story on BBC Four. Sky Arts also honored their contribution.

Dave wrote “Off The Pegg” autobiography. Nigel Schofield helped compile his stories. The book reveals decades of musical adventures. Furthermore, it captures British folk-rock history authentically.

His son Matt Pegg became a bassist. He played with Procol Harum and Francis Dunnery. Matt stood in for Dave with Jethro Tull occasionally. The Pegg musical dynasty continues.

Dave formed The Dylan Project tribute band. Simon Nicol, PJ Wright, and Steve Gibbons joined. They tour annually every autumn. Two studio albums and live recordings exist.

Sandy Denny’s music lives through Dave. Sometimes he wakes singing her tunes. Nick Drake’s legacy also connects to Dave. Kids constantly ask about working with Nick.

Dave wants Fairport to make proper vinyl. They could call it Finally Vinyly! Chris Leslie writes great songs for the band. Ralph McTell contributes material too. Demand for vinyl remains strong.

The 2025 winter tour celebrates 55 years. Dave Mattacks returned from America. They’re revisiting Full House material. Additionally, Gladys’s Leap tracks return to setlists. Classic rock fans worldwide anticipate these shows.

🎸 ESSENTIAL DAVE PEGG COLLECTION 🎸

Legendary recordings from the master bassist’s incredible career