Richard 'Charlie' McCracken | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Richard McCracken |
Also known as | Charlie McCracken |
Born | Omagh, County Tyrone, Northern Ireland | 26 June 1948
Origin | Dublin, Ireland |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | Bassist |
Years active | 1968–2010 |
Formerly of |
Richard 'Charlie' McCracken, credited as both Richard and Charlie McCracken, (born 26 June 1948) [1] is a [2] Northern Irish bassist who was a member of Irish blues rock power trio Taste, featuring Rory Gallagher. [2] He also played with The Spencer Davis Group and Fastway, and also was a session musician with Medicine Head, Kevin Ayers, Mike D'Abo and Francis Dunnery.
McCracken joined Taste alongside drummer John Wilson, replacing original bassist Eric Kitteringham in 1968. [3] With Taste, McCracken opened for Yes, Cream and Blind Faith and at the Isle of Wight Festival 1970, alongside Jimi Hendrix and The Who. [4] In late 1970, they disbanded for numerous reasons, including bad management, differences with Gallagher and financial issues. [4] They performed their last show on New Year's Eve in Belfast. [5] Wilson and McCracken immediately formed ' Stud' in early 1971, with Jim Cregan and John Weider, both past/future members or Family, [6] while Gallagher went on to pursue a solo career.
Stud dispanded in 1973, [6] McCracken next joined a re-formed Spencer Davis Group with Spencer Davis, Ray Fenwick, Eddie Hardin and Pete York. The group released the albums Gluggo (1973) and Living in a Back Street (1974) before once again disbanding. [7] McCracken contributed to an album called Hardin & York With Charlie McCracken, with former Spencer David bandmates Eddie Hardin and Pete York in 1974. [8]
After four years, McCracken reappeared as bassist of Axis Point, with former members of Family, Spencer Davis Group and Judas Priest. [9] The band existed between 1977 and 1979. [10] McCracken resurfaced in 1983 as the first "Permanent" bassist of Fastway, a band founded by former Motorhead guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clarke, and former UFO bassist Pete Way, Way had departed shortly after the band formation. [11] With Fastway, McCracken recorded All Fired Up in 1984 before departing alongside drummer Jerry Shirley after "Hardships of touring". [11]
Following the death of Rory Gallagher, McCracken and Wilson reformed Taste in 1996 with new guitarist/vocalist Sam Davidson. McCracken retired from the band and music in 2010, he was replaced by Albert Mills. [2]
Year | Artist | Title | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
1973 | Kim Fowley | International Heroes | |
Roy Ayers Ubiquity | Red Black & Green | ||
1974 | Hardin & York, Charlie McCracken | Hardin & York With Charlie McCracken | |
1976 | Kevin Ayers | Yes We Have No Mañanas (So Get Your Mañanas Today) | |
Medicine Head | Two Man Band | ||
John Weider | John Weider | ||
1977 | Rhead Brothers | Dedicate | |
Mickey Thomas | As Long As You Love Me | ||
1978 | Kevin Ayers | Rainbow Takeaway | |
1986 | Tony Barton | Stoned | |
1987 | Mike D'Abo | Indestructible | |
1996 | Kevin Ayers | First Show In The Appearance Business (The BBC Sessions 1973–76) | |
1998 | Too Old To Die Young | ||
2001 | Francis Dunnery | Man | |
2005 | Pete York Percussion Band | Extension 345 Live! | |
2007 | JJ White | Featherhead | |
2011 | Kevin Ayers | Rainbow Takeaway / That's What You Get Babe |