Seen BJ live with Procol Harum four times in Montreal. He is in his own league. At a 1973 gig, all Procol's power went out aside from the drums. So we were treated to a 20 minute solo until the power was restored. Procol fell in with BJ and picked up POWER FAILURE from the solo break! It was a real drum clinic! Procol Harum was an all-star group, Trower, Brooker, (Reid), and Matthew Fisher, powered by BJ. Thank you for your historical documentary and exceptional drumming!
When people ask me about the best concerts I have seen, and I've seen most of the best groups of that era, I have to say Procol Harum at the Santa Monica Civic I believe around 1969. Yes BJ was incredible as was Robin Trower and the rest of the band. To this day, one of the most memorable concerts I have ever seen. Saw them a few times after as well but this one was the best.
BJ was , and still is my favorite drummer..I'm 66 and I've been listening Procol Harum for many years and still continue today .BJ is unpredictable inventive and the group would be nothing without him.Thank you for pay tribute to his huge talent 😊
Great video!! BJ is the most underrated drummer in rock history. It's 2024 and can't believe Bonham, Moon, Baker and Wilson live on the same island at the same time and play gigs and record at the same time. England was Rock Atlantis between 1962 and 1979. The more I listen to Procol, my ear goes to BJ. The band seems to play for him. Not only the way he was sitting, also the stage presence, facing piano and drums, leaving the center to guitar, bass and Hammond. Procol is a miracle of good taste, dark humour and insane virtuosity, and BJ was a gift from heaven. A reminder of talent, and how we shall take care of those wonders among us.
I loved BJ’s playing since the time I first saw him in New York City on Procol Harum‘s first tour of the United States. I saw him several times after that with the band. His sound and his style has always stayed with me. He had a fluid time feel that is unmistakable in his grooves and fills. Well done!
Guy- Thank you. I heard Procol Harum live 1972 and was astounded by the drummer. Jean Krupa in a rock band. Noticed his "jazz" technique. Great musician. Greatly missed.
We saw Procol Harum 3 times 1974/ 77. The band was unique . I still play drums ( started in Dec 64 ) and BJ is still in my top 20 . His playing on the "live" Conquistador 1972 is a wonder.
Hi Guy, I just discovered your channel this evening and have been enjoying it! First, I wanted to say that it’s great that you featured BJ Wilson. He is a great drummer and his playing unique. He doesn’t receive enough attention and your video demonstrates why people should check his playing out. I wanted to also say that I really have enjoyed your playing in Zebra. I have always thought your drum tone is great and love where it sits in the mix. Your playing has always struck me as a great mix of technique and feel. There is a swing that doesn’t sound robotic as some of the technical players do. The Zebra debut album is one of my all time favorite albums. So, thank you for being part of something that has given me so much enjoyment through the years.
Procol Harum was one of my favorites, but didn’t know much about B.J.. very creative drummer. Sad about his downfall. He is remembered as one of the greats in music. Thanks for this informative video bro. Aloha
"Simple Sister" is one of my favorite drum performances ever. I learned about it years later because I was a bit too young to appreciate Procol Harum in the early 70s. The film of Wilson playing that low on his set is mind blowing as well. But he definitely was one of those great British drummers and helped Harum's music just jump out of those speakers and grab your attention. Thanks Guy!
What a great choice: BJ Wilson, one of the most underappreciated of the great drummers to come out of the late 60s and early 70s, an era of so many fine players. That first Procol album has great playing by BJ (and Robin Trower on guitar), with 'Outside the Gates of Cerdes' being a prime example. Bill Eyden, a jazzer, came from Georgie Fame's Blue Flames, which was Mitch Mitchell's gig for about a year before Fame fired his band to go solo and Mitch joined Hendrix. (Coincidence: Prior to being Jimi Hendrix, the gutiarists stage name was Jimmy James and his band was the Blue Flames. So Mitch went from George Fame & the Blue Flames to the chap who had Jimmy James & the Blue Flames. Worth noting that BJ and Jimmy Page are both on 'With a Little Help...', which is likely where Page decided BJ would be great for his new band. (Also on that track were longtime Eric Clapton pianist Chris Stainton on bass and Tommy Eyre of Aynsley Dunbar's Retaliation, latter-day Sensation Alex Harvey Band, and others on organ.) Denny Cordell, who produced the early Procol albums, produced that Cocker tune and album of the same name, which featured Page and Wilson on several tracks. Cordell also produced the debut Leon Russell album, which has Wilson on the track 'Hurtsome Body' (Ringo, Charlie Watts, Buddy Harman and Jim Gordon also drum on the album). Originally, Traffic members Stevie Winwood (guitar) and Jim Capaldi (drums) were on the 'Help From My Friends' session. But after 32 attempts and still not nailing the 12/8 groove, Cordell sent them packing, bringing in Page and Wilson, both of whom were familiar with 3/4, 6/8 and 12/8 time signatures; Page from doing sessions and Wilson from Procol's repertoire. BJ was very unique in the late 60's/early 70s because he was one of the better rock players who was not a jazzer like, say, Mitchell, Ginger Baker, Jon Hiseman, etc. Even Ian Paice, a huge fan of Buddy Rich, was very jazz-oriented. Wilson also had a boys brigade band background in snare drumming, so he was rhythmically proficient, mixing both closed and open stickings around the kit. His 'symphonic' rolls, paradiddles, cowbell patterns, deep grooves, funky feel and hand-foot independence coupled with his skill for playing for the song whilst adding his own creative flavour made him something of an early Steve Gadd in the rock scene. Your demo tune selection was also great. 'Bringing Home the Bacon' is a particular fave, as are 'The Unquiet Zone', 'Nothing But the Truth', the solid 'Poor Mohammed' and locked-in 'Outside the Gates of Cerdes'. Though BJ's replacements, the excellent Mark Brzezicki and then Geoff Dunn, did admirable jobs, BJ was irreplacable. As you noted, he was to Procol Harum what John Bonham was to Led Zeppelin. Once again, a great choice. Thank you.
Great additional info - thanks! Cocker's first record had enough juice to get him on the charts here in the States. It's great to know all these other connections - I always wondered how things progressed the way they did from Cocker all the way thru to the Bangladesh concert. I think Page played on of his greatest solos on Bye By Blackbird there. I always thought of BJ in the same breath as Mitch Mitchell. As a guitar player I found them the most moving and inspirational. I think the best rock music has a "intrepid" feel, and BJ in Procol is the epitome of that vibe. Still cheers me up and gets me going when I'm feeling down. Cheers!
I had the pleasure of meeting BJ several times and once asked him why he set up his kit the way he did. He said there was no mystery or big philosophy to it, that was just the way it felt most comfortable to him. He also said that when Robin Trower left Procol Harum in 1971, he tried to make BJ go with him, which almost happened, only Reid and Brooker "bought BJ back", reportedly with an MGB. ("Not many people know that.")
Whenever I went to see Procol H my eyes were mostly on BJ because his drum style was (to me) totally unique. He was a great man and I'm so sorry he was hit with depression later in life. Totally a one off unique percussionist!
Thanks for this tribute to the brilliant and creative BJ Wilson. I remember when Procol Harum reunited releasing a new studio album and looking forward to hearing his drumming on new material. I was shocked to find out then that he had passed some years before under sad circumstances. A real heart breaker. I'm a long time guitarist and admirer of Procol Harum's music, with my favorite element being BJ's drumming. He is surely missed.
Been playing the music of Procol Harum for over ten years with my band SormoRock and yes, finding drummers able to fill BJ's spot has always been a daunting task.
I always wondered who was playing the cow bell on the Procol Harum recordings. i was thinking it could not be the drummer since there was so much other drum action going on. I was so impressed to find it was BJ Wilson all along. Sad to think that his greatness left us so soon.
Excellent video on the far too often overlooked BJ Wilson. His ability to be so incredibly expressive and melodic really makes the songs he played on work. One of my favorites is in his beautiful outro to the title track on "Broken Barricades." It's a great track, if a bit too short, but wouldn't be anywhere near as memorable without BJ's drum work. That could be said for so many of the songs he played on, including Joe Cocker's "Little Help from my Friends."
While living in Kings Valley, Oregon in 1987 we would frequent a bar called "Fort Tavern" near Fort Hoskins after work. One BJ Wilson would frequent there and I got the opportunity to play many games of cribbage with him.
I was in a band with him called Public Eye in 84/85 after he quit Joe Cocker's band. We played at the Wren Tavern and the Summit Grange Hall a number of times. I once rode with him once from his house near Kings Valley to Summit. He took a shortcut on logging roads. Scared the shit out of me. I loved working with him. He was not only one of the very best drummers on the planet, but also one of the best humans I've ever known.
Crazy, watching this on the 8th October 2023. BJ was a great drummer, he fitted Procol's music well, no easy feat with the classical bombast. Don't forget Queen were heavily influenced by Procol. Brian May has played with Gary Brooker many times and Roger Taylor performs on ''Shadow Boxed'' from Procols album, The Well's On Fire.
Good work here! You do drummers a great service by drawing attention to BJ. He definitely doesn't get the credit he deserves. I'm a guitar player, so Robin Trower's sound caught my ear and I've been a Procol fan since Home. At the very least everyone should check out the first 4(?) records. Trower also doesn't get credit for his pre-solo career work with Procol, but for me it was him and Beck that were throwing it down at that time. All that music is different but very powerful, and what you say about BJ being like the conductor is more than true. If you listen to the way the songs flow and build up you hear how he drove those songs. His parts were integral to their sound and power. Every drummer should study his playing paying attention to how much and how little he played as well as how dynamic he would be within a single song. He supports everything yet drives it all along. Like the best drummers, he's the engine. There was also a cult within Procol fans that focused on him; there's a website somewhere out there that has a lot about him THANKS again!!
I loved this video. Might be worth remembering that A Whiter Shade of Pale in fact did not feature on the original (i.e. UK) version of the group's first album due to record label issues. The single had been released on Deram and the LP was signed to Regal Zonophone (primarily EMI's outlet for the Salvation Army). In the US, however, both the single and the album came out on Deram so there were no legal problems with putting the two together.
I’m 69 years old and can remember where I was and what I was doing when I first heard Whiter Shade. It may not have featured BJ, but it made me a fan for life just the same.
Thanks Guy, Great Tribute to the BJ and one of my favorite bands Procol Harum! Also love seeing you with Zebra, three times here in Largo Florida! Remember you from New Orleans days on WRNO! Martin Peebles
My favorite drummer since the early seventies. Never felt so much pleasure listening to a drummer than with him. Actually, he played music more than only drums. Sad he died so young and tragically.
@@meep2576 He was a very good friend of mine and bandmate. He was very depressed about his wife divorcing him. He loved her and their two daughters very much. Since he never became an American citizen he couldn't stay in the US permanently after getting a divorce and was preparing to move back to England to reform Procol Harum with Gary Brooker. He called me in tears one night about a month before he was planning on leaving. He couldn't cope with the idea of not being with his wife and daughters. I called him back a few days latter and was told he was found unconscious in a motel room the night before. He had taken a bottle of aspirin. He lived for about 3 more years in a coma in a nursing home in Eugene, Oregon. He never regained consciousness and died from pneumonia. I miss him every day.
Thank you Guy. I've watched a number of your videos and just now understanding that you drum for Zebra. I'm not very familiar with the band beyond "who's behind the door " ,but I must say that song has always been so beautiful overall and the drumming superb. As for Bj Wilson, he is a treat! Lou Reeds " the kids" has a fascinating drum performance and reiterates your stating these early rock drummers didn't have a template. Who else could've filled a song so beautifully and individually? Perhaps many, but I'm so grateful for that performance. Thanks again!
I saw Procul 5 times, 3 different guitarists, but always those drums, front and center for good reason.. the best I ever heard, one of a kind, ...no one since has hit that mark, and I have seen some of the best
Thanks for doing this video. I loved BJ’s drumming, often delicate. In the early 2000s, Mark Brezechki was a wonderful replacement in Procol Harum. Mark captured BJ’s style.
@@GuyGelso I love BJ Wilson. His drumming was so distinctive, supportive, and impactful to the band. But Procol Harum was never a straight ahead rock band, even without him. The lyrics of Keith Reid, the soulful voice of Gary Brooker, and the spiritual depth of Brooker's songs set Procol Harum apart from everyone else. We were blessed that these people found each other and were able to do what they did.
Great video, but there is a slight misrepresentation at 0:46. The drum part on "Homburg" was played by Bobby Harrison, not BJ, since it had been recorded when Bobby was still in the band. There had been a big argument in the studio because the others wanted Bobby to play completely straight with no frills (pardon me, fills), which he finally did - albeit very sulkily. Subsequently, when BJ replaced him, a new version was tried out (an acetate still exists), but though BJ overall was by far the better drummer of the two, Bobby's version in this particular case worked better, and in the end BJ just added some fills to Bobby's drum track. Some later releases of the track (particularly the stereo versions) only have Bobby's drumming on them. Likewise, some alternate CD "bonus track" versions of early PH songs feature Bobby Harrison, not BJ Wilson. In the case of Homburg, the issue was subsequently settled in a court case which Harrison won (like Fisher very much later won his copyright case against Gary Brooker over the rights to the organ part on A Whiter Shade of Pale). Speaking with Bobby once concerning the matter, he told me he had bought himself a "very nice MGB" for the money. Incidentally, there was another drummer in the band even before Bobby Harrison, now only remembered by his nickname "Tubbs". If anyone knows the true identity of this gentleman, please step forward. ("Not many people know what").
His drumming on A Salty Dog....such a haunting, slow, elegant, orchestral piece...sold me on him. I imagine being a drummer and being tasked to come up with a suitable drum part for it and I'd be pretty stumped. The only knock I've ever heard against him was from another drummer - who said BJ's incessant use of cowbells on Whiskey Train made it unlistenable to his ears.
My understanding is that Gary initially did not intend for ASD to have drums but when he played an early version of it to BJ, BJ envisioned drum parts that ultimately made it the dramatic piece it became. He was so brilliant.
Just found your channel and I was cought of guard by your unusual set up. So can you tell us (or if you have told it) why you play that set up. I am able to play either way and with either hand...so I am very qurious. I see alot of left handed players playing on a right hand kit...so...thanks in advance.
Thanks for commenting. As far as Tom setup. I use 10.12.8…I feel the 8 on the right has advantages and different tonality that are cool. As for HH’s I’m in the process of going to openhanded playing so I have one on each side (I’m right handed) I play as much as possible with LH on HH unless the feel isn’t there and I’ll move to my safety HH on the right.
Great documentary and, yes, BJ was one of the best in MHO. But, I had liked it better if more footages of his playing would have been shown. Thanks for your good work, though...
Yea they problem is there is never any footage showing closeups of these legendary drummers, only an occasional long shot, so I play parts myself to give people a close up of how great these drummers were.
After Procol's debut album was released they recorded a stereo version of AWSOP and of course BJ and Trower were both on that. BJ got fired from Joe Cocker's band because he was always drunk. Read that in a Procol Harum book.
According to Barrie, he didn't get fired. He was a great friend and bandmate of mine and told me himself that he quit because Joe wasn't recording new material with his live band. He was using studio musicians, which was kind of stupid when you consider that Barrie was the drummer on Cocker's biggest hit. Jimmy Page still raves about BJs "magnificent" drumming on Little Help From My Friends. He did drink a bit, but so did Cocker. Barrie had been completely sober for almost year before he took that bottle of aspirin that dfid him in.
@@billd9667 Yes, it was aspirin. I thinned his blood so much that he had a hemorrhage in his brain. His last 3 years were spent in a coma. He died from pneumonia.
Very impressive - and a really nice tribute to a fantastic drummer..! I have made more cover versions of PH tracks myself - here is one of my favorites where BJ´s playing really comes into focus: th-cam.com/video/9o_RLuc8608/w-d-xo.htmlsi=VGFRhOY4gmRogI7S
That would have been great and probably would have made a strong second act for the Who instead of self-imitation. I’m not sure that BJ could have pulled it off though as he was a substance abuser by then. John Entwhistle would have loved to have him in his rhythm section for sure…
I don't like Procol Harum at all . I think the best album ever made was by Bob Ezrin ( producer , he was the person who made the sound of this album , not Lou Reed ) with Lou Reed . This is a album briljant produced and with briljant musicians played. When I heard the drum part on the song ' the Kids ' I was so very impressed ; it is sublime what the drummer there does and invented , to take that song to a much higher level ; incredible !!!! The same goes for the song ' Lady Day ' ; that open drum style ( what I don't hear in all the other rock bands he played because it would't fit ) and his briljant bass drum work , it is amazing what an impact that has musically on those 2 songs. I never ever heard that kind of drumming style from an other drummer : probably the cause is what he had musically in his head ; THAT WAS UNIQUE !!!! In short : the drums parts on those 2 songs are the best I ever heard ; not only technically but mostly musically . It is difficult to describe but listen to it , than you understand what I mean ( you don't have to like the song , lyrics or singing ) but listen to the musicians and special to B.J. Wilson ; briljant!!!!
That's not true. He was one of my best friends and a bandmate . He was never into heroin. It was alcohol that was his addiction and it was aspirin that he overdosed on.
Seen BJ live with Procol Harum four times in Montreal. He is in his own league. At a 1973 gig, all Procol's power went out aside from the drums. So we were treated to a 20 minute solo until the power was restored. Procol fell in with BJ and picked up POWER FAILURE from the solo break! It was a real drum clinic! Procol Harum was an all-star group, Trower, Brooker, (Reid), and Matthew Fisher, powered by BJ. Thank you for your historical documentary and exceptional drumming!
When people ask me about the best concerts I have seen, and I've seen most of the best groups of that era, I have to say Procol Harum at the Santa Monica Civic I believe around 1969. Yes BJ was incredible as was Robin Trower and the rest of the band. To this day, one of the most memorable concerts I have ever seen. Saw them a few times after as well but this one was the best.
Saw them right after Trower quit, they were great!!!
BJ was , and still is my favorite drummer..I'm 66 and I've been listening Procol Harum for many years and still continue today .BJ is unpredictable inventive and the group would be nothing without him.Thank you for pay tribute to his huge talent 😊
BJ was fantastic. His expressive drumming is a huge part of the song "A Salty Dog".
Great video!! BJ is the most underrated drummer in rock history. It's 2024 and can't believe Bonham, Moon, Baker and Wilson live on the same island at the same time and play gigs and record at the same time. England was Rock Atlantis between 1962 and 1979. The more I listen to Procol, my ear goes to BJ. The band seems to play for him. Not only the way he was sitting, also the stage presence, facing piano and drums, leaving the center to guitar, bass and Hammond. Procol is a miracle of good taste, dark humour and insane virtuosity, and BJ was a gift from heaven. A reminder of talent, and how we shall take care of those wonders among us.
Keith Moon said in an interview that BJ Wilson wes the best drummer on the planet.
I loved BJ’s playing since the time I first saw him in New York City on Procol Harum‘s first tour of the United States. I saw him several times after that with the band. His sound and his style has always stayed with me. He had a fluid time feel that is unmistakable in his grooves and fills. Well done!
Thanks for covering another underrated drummer. Toujours L'Amour!
Guy- Thank you. I heard Procol Harum live 1972 and was astounded by the drummer. Jean Krupa in a rock band. Noticed his "jazz" technique. Great musician. Greatly missed.
We saw Procol Harum 3 times 1974/ 77. The band was unique . I still play drums ( started in Dec 64 ) and BJ is still in my top 20 . His playing on the "live" Conquistador 1972 is a wonder.
Procol Harum is the best band of the era!! Killer band
I totally agree 👍
Fantastic! Inimitable BJ Wilson. R.I.P. BJ Wilson.
Hi Guy, I just discovered your channel this evening and have been enjoying it!
First, I wanted to say that it’s great that you featured BJ Wilson. He is a great drummer and his playing unique. He doesn’t receive enough attention and your video demonstrates why people should check his playing out.
I wanted to also say that I really have enjoyed your playing in Zebra. I have always thought your drum tone is great and love where it sits in the mix. Your playing has always struck me as a great mix of technique and feel. There is a swing that doesn’t sound robotic as some of the technical players do.
The Zebra debut album is one of my all time favorite albums. So, thank you for being part of something that has given me so much enjoyment through the years.
Thanks my friend…your the reason the band has kept playing for close to 50 yrs!!!
Don’t Forget he played on the first record of joe Cocker and on Berlin of Lou Reed
Procol Harum was one of my favorites, but didn’t know much about B.J.. very creative drummer. Sad about his downfall. He is remembered as one of the greats in music. Thanks for this informative video bro. Aloha
No problem! Thanks for watching…
"Simple Sister" is one of my favorite drum performances ever. I learned about it years later because I was a bit too young to appreciate Procol Harum in the early 70s. The film of Wilson playing that low on his set is mind blowing as well. But he definitely was one of those great British drummers and helped Harum's music just jump out of those speakers and grab your attention. Thanks Guy!
What a great choice: BJ Wilson, one of the most underappreciated of the great drummers to come out of the late 60s and early 70s, an era of so many fine players.
That first Procol album has great playing by BJ (and Robin Trower on guitar), with 'Outside the Gates of Cerdes' being a prime example.
Bill Eyden, a jazzer, came from Georgie Fame's Blue Flames, which was Mitch Mitchell's gig for about a year before Fame fired his band to go solo and Mitch joined Hendrix. (Coincidence: Prior to being Jimi Hendrix, the gutiarists stage name was Jimmy James and his band was the Blue Flames. So Mitch went from George Fame & the Blue Flames to the chap who had Jimmy James & the Blue Flames.
Worth noting that BJ and Jimmy Page are both on 'With a Little Help...', which is likely where Page decided BJ would be great for his new band. (Also on that track were longtime Eric Clapton pianist Chris Stainton on bass and Tommy Eyre of Aynsley Dunbar's Retaliation, latter-day Sensation Alex Harvey Band, and others on organ.) Denny Cordell, who produced the early Procol albums, produced that Cocker tune and album of the same name, which featured Page and Wilson on several tracks. Cordell also produced the debut Leon Russell album, which has Wilson on the track 'Hurtsome Body' (Ringo, Charlie Watts, Buddy Harman and Jim Gordon also drum on the album).
Originally, Traffic members Stevie Winwood (guitar) and Jim Capaldi (drums) were on the 'Help From My Friends' session. But after 32 attempts and still not nailing the 12/8 groove, Cordell sent them packing, bringing in Page and Wilson, both of whom were familiar with 3/4, 6/8 and 12/8 time signatures; Page from doing sessions and Wilson from Procol's repertoire.
BJ was very unique in the late 60's/early 70s because he was one of the better rock players who was not a jazzer like, say, Mitchell, Ginger Baker, Jon Hiseman, etc. Even Ian Paice, a huge fan of Buddy Rich, was very jazz-oriented. Wilson also had a boys brigade band background in snare drumming, so he was rhythmically proficient, mixing both closed and open stickings around the kit. His 'symphonic' rolls, paradiddles, cowbell patterns, deep grooves, funky feel and hand-foot independence coupled with his skill for playing for the song whilst adding his own creative flavour made him something of an early Steve Gadd in the rock scene.
Your demo tune selection was also great. 'Bringing Home the Bacon' is a particular fave, as are 'The Unquiet Zone', 'Nothing But the Truth', the solid 'Poor Mohammed' and locked-in 'Outside the Gates of Cerdes'.
Though BJ's replacements, the excellent Mark Brzezicki and then Geoff Dunn, did admirable jobs, BJ was irreplacable. As you noted, he was to Procol Harum what John Bonham was to Led Zeppelin.
Once again, a great choice. Thank you.
Great additional info - thanks!
Cocker's first record had enough juice to get him on the charts here in the States. It's great to know all these other connections - I always wondered how things progressed the way they did from Cocker all the way thru to the Bangladesh concert. I think Page played on of his greatest solos on Bye By Blackbird there.
I always thought of BJ in the same breath as Mitch Mitchell. As a guitar player I found them the most moving and inspirational.
I think the best rock music has a "intrepid" feel, and BJ in Procol is the epitome of that vibe. Still cheers me up and gets me going when I'm feeling down.
Cheers!
What a blessing. Thank you for gifting the world this video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
@@GuyGelso Many thanks.
That’s so crazy how low he sits, reaching up for everything seems like it would difficult. It’s strange how each player finds their own way to set up.
I had the pleasure of meeting BJ several times and once asked him why he set up his kit the way he did. He said there was no mystery or big philosophy to it, that was just the way it felt most comfortable to him. He also said that when Robin Trower left Procol Harum in 1971, he tried to make BJ go with him, which almost happened, only Reid and Brooker "bought BJ back", reportedly with an MGB. ("Not many people know that.")
Whenever I went to see Procol H my eyes were mostly on BJ because his drum style was (to me) totally unique. He was a great man and I'm so sorry he was hit with depression later in life. Totally a one off unique percussionist!
BJ was a one of a kind player, very different.Thanks for commenting
Thanks for this tribute to the brilliant and creative BJ Wilson. I remember when Procol Harum reunited releasing a new studio album and looking forward to hearing his drumming on new material. I was shocked to find out then that he had passed some years before under sad circumstances. A real heart breaker. I'm a long time guitarist and admirer of Procol Harum's music, with my favorite element being BJ's drumming. He is surely missed.
Yea was a drag to hear he passed…thanks for watching my friend.
Excellent video Guy. BJ was a very unique and extremely talented drummer definitely one of my influences
A much overlooked, yet brilliant drummer.
Been playing the music of Procol Harum for over ten years with my band SormoRock and yes, finding drummers able to fill BJ's spot has always been a daunting task.
Yes, he is tough to understand his playing…thanks!!
I always wondered who was playing the cow bell on the Procol Harum recordings. i was thinking it could not be the drummer since there was so much other drum action going on. I was so impressed to find it was BJ Wilson all along. Sad to think that his greatness left us so soon.
Excellent video on the far too often overlooked BJ Wilson. His ability to be so incredibly expressive and melodic really makes the songs he played on work. One of my favorites is in his beautiful outro to the title track on "Broken Barricades." It's a great track, if a bit too short, but wouldn't be anywhere near as memorable without BJ's drum work. That could be said for so many of the songs he played on, including Joe Cocker's "Little Help from my Friends."
Couldn't agree more!
I love music history. It's all about the back stories of the people who make the music. Good stuff!
While living in Kings Valley, Oregon in 1987 we would frequent a bar called "Fort Tavern" near Fort Hoskins after work. One BJ Wilson would frequent there and I got the opportunity to play many games of cribbage with him.
Fantastic story…he was amazing.
I was in a band with him called Public Eye in 84/85 after he quit Joe Cocker's band. We played at the Wren Tavern and the Summit Grange Hall a number of times. I once rode with him once from his house near Kings Valley to Summit. He took a shortcut on logging roads. Scared the shit out of me. I loved working with him. He was not only one of the very best drummers on the planet, but also one of the best humans I've ever known.
Crazy, watching this on the 8th October 2023. BJ was a great drummer, he fitted Procol's music well, no easy feat with the classical bombast. Don't forget Queen were heavily influenced by Procol. Brian May has played with Gary Brooker many times and Roger Taylor performs on ''Shadow Boxed'' from Procols album, The Well's On Fire.
Good work here! You do drummers a great service by drawing attention to BJ. He definitely doesn't get the credit he deserves. I'm a guitar player, so Robin Trower's sound caught my ear and I've been a Procol fan since Home. At the very least everyone should check out the first 4(?) records. Trower also doesn't get credit for his pre-solo career work with Procol, but for me it was him and Beck that were throwing it down at that time.
All that music is different but very powerful, and what you say about BJ being like the conductor is more than true. If you listen to the way the songs flow and build up you hear how he drove those songs. His parts were integral to their sound and power. Every drummer should study his playing paying attention to how much and how little he played as well as how dynamic he would be within a single song. He supports everything yet drives it all along. Like the best drummers, he's the engine.
There was also a cult within Procol fans that focused on him; there's a website somewhere out there that has a lot about him
THANKS again!!
Thanks … glad you enjoyed it!!!
I loved this video. Might be worth remembering that A Whiter Shade of Pale in fact did not feature on the original (i.e. UK) version of the group's first album due to record label issues. The single had been released on Deram and the LP was signed to Regal Zonophone (primarily EMI's outlet for the Salvation Army). In the US, however, both the single and the album came out on Deram so there were no legal problems with putting the two together.
I’m 69 years old and can remember where I was and what I was doing when I first heard Whiter Shade. It may not have featured BJ, but it made me a fan for life just the same.
Thanks Guy, Great Tribute to the BJ and one of my favorite bands Procol Harum! Also love seeing you with Zebra, three times here in Largo Florida! Remember you from New Orleans days on WRNO!
Martin Peebles
What up Martin!!! Glad you liked the video!!!
My favorite drummer since the early seventies. Never felt so much pleasure listening to a drummer than with him. Actually, he played music more than only drums. Sad he died so young and tragically.
Yea, one of my all time favorites. Thanks for commenting!!!
Anybody know why and what he overdosed on ? So talented ❤
@@meep2576 He was a very good friend of mine and bandmate. He was very depressed about his wife divorcing him. He loved her and their two daughters very much. Since he never became an American citizen he couldn't stay in the US permanently after getting a divorce and was preparing to move back to England to reform Procol Harum with Gary Brooker. He called me in tears one night about a month before he was planning on leaving. He couldn't cope with the idea of not being with his wife and daughters. I called him back a few days latter and was told he was found unconscious in a motel room the night before. He had taken a bottle of aspirin. He lived for about 3 more years in a coma in a nursing home in Eugene, Oregon. He never regained consciousness and died from pneumonia. I miss him every day.
Very nice to see B J get the credit he so rightly deserves as one of the best drummers in the rock era
Yea, not remembered enough. Great drummer!!
Thanks for featuring older drummers, that are before my time. Very interesting.
Thank you Guy. I've watched a number of your videos and just now understanding that you drum for Zebra. I'm not very familiar with the band beyond "who's behind the door " ,but I must say that song has always been so beautiful overall and the drumming superb. As for Bj Wilson, he is a treat! Lou Reeds " the kids" has a fascinating drum performance and reiterates your stating these early rock drummers didn't have a template. Who else could've filled a song so beautifully and individually? Perhaps many, but I'm so grateful for that performance. Thanks again!
Thanx for bringing BJ to people's attention. One of the greatest drummers that I have ever seen. Great on recordings, but murderous live. RIP...
Couldn't agree more!
Thanks for introduction to a unique drummer!Greetings from Greece
And he did all that incredible drumming using traditional grip.
I saw Procul 5 times, 3 different guitarists, but always those drums, front and center for good reason.. the best I ever heard, one of a kind, ...no one since has hit that mark, and I have seen some of the best
Thank you for this tribute.. it's well deserved...Well hopefully somebody will watch this that's never heard of him..or procal harum..
Thanks for doing this video. I loved BJ’s drumming, often delicate. In the early 2000s, Mark Brezechki was a wonderful replacement in Procol Harum. Mark captured BJ’s style.
Yea I loved BJ Wilson especially the middle period. Thanks for watching!!
BJ Wilson did so much more than keep time. He understood what Gary Brooker wanted and amplified the drama of Procol Harum. A unique talent.
Without BJ Wilson, Procol Harum would have just been another straight ahead rock band, which they kind of became in the 90’s
@@GuyGelso I love BJ Wilson. His drumming was so distinctive, supportive, and impactful to the band. But Procol Harum was never a straight ahead rock band, even without him. The lyrics of Keith Reid, the soulful voice of Gary Brooker, and the spiritual depth of Brooker's songs set Procol Harum apart from everyone else. We were blessed that these people found each other and were able to do what they did.
@@areirving well I meant with out BJ the albums in the end were more commercial to my ears not like the early years and middle period.
@@GuyGelso Thank you for featuring this great drummer.
Grand Hotel is a Masterpiece
Indeed it is and not easy to play drums to.
Nice one Guy! I'm not very familiar with B.J. I'll have to do a deep dive! That setup he had is crazy!
Procol Harum Beyond words in everyway
A total original.
Yes he was…thanks!
always break out the HARUM live performance from 2008 Denmark, for youngsters .... it still brings tears to many
Great video!
Great video, but there is a slight misrepresentation at 0:46. The drum part on "Homburg" was played by Bobby Harrison, not BJ, since it had been recorded when Bobby was still in the band. There had been a big argument in the studio because the others wanted Bobby to play completely straight with no frills (pardon me, fills), which he finally did - albeit very sulkily. Subsequently, when BJ replaced him, a new version was tried out (an acetate still exists), but though BJ overall was by far the better drummer of the two, Bobby's version in this particular case worked better, and in the end BJ just added some fills to Bobby's drum track. Some later releases of the track (particularly the stereo versions) only have Bobby's drumming on them. Likewise, some alternate CD "bonus track" versions of early PH songs feature Bobby Harrison, not BJ Wilson. In the case of Homburg, the issue was subsequently settled in a court case which Harrison won (like Fisher very much later won his copyright case against Gary Brooker over the rights to the organ part on A Whiter Shade of Pale). Speaking with Bobby once concerning the matter, he told me he had bought himself a "very nice MGB" for the money. Incidentally, there was another drummer in the band even before Bobby Harrison, now only remembered by his nickname "Tubbs". If anyone knows the true identity of this gentleman, please step forward. ("Not many people know what").
Thanks for the comment. I dug deep after you mentioned this and did find an interview with Harrison stating this info….thanks.
Can u do a video regarding Charlie Watt's drumming..?
If you have any influence at Drumeo can you ask them to put more Procul Harum tracks on as the only BJ Wilson track is With a Little Help.
Sorry, I’m not in contact with Drumeo
youve got nice influences :) so great :)
His drumming on A Salty Dog....such a haunting, slow, elegant, orchestral piece...sold me on him. I imagine being a drummer and being tasked to come up with a suitable drum part for it and I'd be pretty stumped. The only knock I've ever heard against him was from another drummer - who said BJ's incessant use of cowbells on Whiskey Train made it unlistenable to his ears.
My understanding is that Gary initially did not intend for ASD to have drums but when he played an early version of it to BJ, BJ envisioned drum parts that ultimately made it the dramatic piece it became. He was so brilliant.
When will there be a In Depth video of Phil Rudd of Buster Brown/ACDC
Maybe so…I’ll do some research and see what I can do with Rudd…thanks!!
Guy, have you covered Dave Mattacks yet?
Let me add, recommend even...a studio recording where his kit is well recorded and played..'As Strong As Samson", from a later PH LP...
Guy you and I have basically the same exact drum influences.
Then you have GREAT taste in music…ha ha …thanks for commenting.
Just found your channel and I was cought of guard by your unusual set up. So can you tell us (or if you have told it) why you play that set up. I am able to play either way and with either hand...so I am very qurious. I see alot of left handed players playing on a right hand kit...so...thanks in advance.
Thanks for commenting. As far as Tom setup. I use 10.12.8…I feel the 8 on the right has advantages and different tonality that are cool. As for HH’s I’m in the process of going to openhanded playing so I have one on each side (I’m right handed) I play as much as possible with LH on HH unless the feel isn’t there and I’ll move to my safety HH on the right.
Cerdes (Outside the Gates of) is my favorite PH song
Was he on any joe cocker albums?
Yes, that’s him on Cocker’s Little Help From My Friends and he was his touring drummer for a few years. He’s on several of Cockers live DVD videos.
Him and John Desmore are probably the best drummers of their era I call them theatrical drummers they set the scene
you missed out carmine appice, superb technical & hard hitting.
Carmine had plenty of admirers. Wilson and Densmore are largely unsung. It’s a terrible shame.
The “Octopus in a Bathtub”!
That’s what Gary Brooker called him!!
@@GuyGelso Loved his classic play in With A Little Help From My Friends - could’ve been the first LZ drummer!
WILSON TALENTOSO BATERÍSTA EXTRAORDINARIO.
Great documentary and, yes, BJ was one of the best in MHO. But, I had liked it better if more footages of his playing would have been shown. Thanks for your good work, though...
Yea they problem is there is never any footage showing closeups of these legendary drummers, only an occasional long shot, so I play parts myself to give people a close up of how great these drummers were.
Drummers, check out BJ's performance on the Salty Dog album. BJ is a paragon of power, restraint, taste, and bonhomie. Well worth emulating.
long live the Octopus.....
❤❤❤❤
Poly-plethora about the history of drummers here. Was he the guy at Woodstock?
No. He played on the studio version.
You should check out Pierre Van Der Linden.
I will check him out … thanks!!
Guy.. you're a straight up beast.. what a great player you are
After Procol's debut album was released they recorded a stereo version of AWSOP and of course BJ and Trower were both on that. BJ got fired from Joe Cocker's band because he was always drunk. Read that in a Procol Harum book.
So many self-medicate. Truly a shame
According to Barrie, he didn't get fired. He was a great friend and bandmate of mine and told me himself that he quit because Joe wasn't recording new material with his live band. He was using studio musicians, which was kind of stupid when you consider that Barrie was the drummer on Cocker's biggest hit. Jimmy Page still raves about BJs "magnificent" drumming on Little Help From My Friends. He did drink a bit, but so did Cocker. Barrie had been completely sober for almost year before he took that bottle of aspirin that dfid him in.
@@spibach Aspirin? Really?
BJ is my favorite drummer. So many have forgotten him, if the knew him at all
@@billd9667 Yes, it was aspirin. I thinned his blood so much that he had a hemorrhage in his brain. His last 3 years were spent in a coma. He died from pneumonia.
Great drummer. Sad ending. 😢
Yes very true, thanks for commenting
So many sad endings for so many great drummers… They live hard lives. Deafness often makes shut-ins of them, which engenders depression
Very impressive - and a really nice tribute to a fantastic drummer..! I have made more cover versions of PH tracks myself - here is one of my favorites where BJ´s playing really comes into focus: th-cam.com/video/9o_RLuc8608/w-d-xo.htmlsi=VGFRhOY4gmRogI7S
There are no degrees of unique
"unique" means being the only one of its kind; unlike anything else
Dude you need to find something better to do…nothing is going to change here.
Buddy Rich liked BJ's drumming too. BJ should have replaced Keith Moon in the WHO rather than Kenney Jones who was just alright.
That would have been great and probably would have made a strong second act for the Who instead of self-imitation. I’m not sure that BJ could have pulled it off though as he was a substance abuser by then. John Entwhistle would have loved to have him in his rhythm section for sure…
I don't like Procol Harum at all .
I think the best album ever made was by Bob Ezrin ( producer , he was the person who made the sound of this album , not Lou Reed ) with Lou Reed .
This is a album briljant produced and with briljant musicians played.
When I heard the drum part on the song ' the Kids ' I was so very impressed ; it is sublime what the drummer there does and invented , to take that song to a much higher level ; incredible !!!!
The same goes for the song ' Lady Day ' ; that open drum style ( what I don't hear in all the other rock bands he played because it would't fit ) and his briljant bass drum work , it is amazing what an impact that has musically on those 2 songs.
I never ever heard that kind of drumming style from an other drummer : probably the cause is what he had musically in his head ; THAT WAS UNIQUE !!!!
In short : the drums parts on those 2 songs are the best I ever heard ; not only technically but mostly musically .
It is difficult to describe but listen to it , than you understand what I mean ( you don't have to like the song , lyrics or singing ) but listen to the musicians and special to B.J. Wilson ; briljant!!!!
BJ Wilson. Awesome player in taste and all around musicality. Best trad grip player of all rock players in my opinion.
Heroin Addiction was his demon
That's not true. He was one of my best friends and a bandmate . He was never into heroin. It was alcohol that was his addiction and it was aspirin that he overdosed on.