I heard that Mick Green died last week. I don't know too much about him, other than he played with Johnny Kidd and the Pirates in the '50s. I first became aware of him when I saw a CD called "Two Greens make a blues". It was some compilation of Mick and Peter Green tracks. It was the Peter Green bit that made me take notice. If you are a Who fan then you will be aware of their cover of Johnny Kidd and Pirates' "Shaking all over". The original would have featured Mick Green for sure.
When I was in London (to go and see Peter Green and Mayall at the Albert Hall) I picked up a Pirates CD called "Out of their skulls". I didn't know many of their songs but one track did ring a bell. I remember it being played in the 70s but I can't be sure which version. A few years later when I was in the army I remember hearing this song being played at warp volume with a bunch of drunk COs banging away at the chorus. Maybe you recognise it
20 - The Pirates - Lady (Put The Light Om Me)
(Nice typo in the title)
Mick Green later appeared at the Cavern with Paul McCartney. This was an impressive band, McCartney, David Gilmour, Ian Paice (yes he of Deep Purple), Mick Green et al. I found two YouTube videos that must be watched.
This is what every Beatles' fan dreams about - an incredibly faithful version. Gilmour plays Harrison's guitar parts note for note and Green bangs away as only Lennon can. Here is McCartney making sure that we always remember that this song is now and always will be a rock 'n roll standard.
And here is Mick Green at his best. Momentous stuff indeed.
Here is a very respectful obituary. Thanks Mick - they are right. You were one of the best but you can bet that there are a whole bunch of us from all over the world who knew that.