I love Whiter Shade of Pale so much, it was a huge part of my musical experience while growing up. But, and I'm sorry to be that guy, but Matthew Fisher was forced to fight for decades against Gary Brooker and Keith Reid to get his fair share of recognition for his absolutely definitive Hammond Organ part of this song. He didn't even win past royalties, only future ones. But they always insisted that he didn't write those parts at all.
I just can't be an 'rip' person for Keith when he screwed over Matthew for most of their lives.
Again, I'm sorry, but I love this song too much to ignore the history and the harm Keith and Gary selfishly caused.
foresyte t1_je7k7ag wrote
Reply to Keith Reid, founding member and lyricist of Procol Harum, has passed away aged 76. by vch01
I love Whiter Shade of Pale so much, it was a huge part of my musical experience while growing up. But, and I'm sorry to be that guy, but Matthew Fisher was forced to fight for decades against Gary Brooker and Keith Reid to get his fair share of recognition for his absolutely definitive Hammond Organ part of this song. He didn't even win past royalties, only future ones. But they always insisted that he didn't write those parts at all.
I just can't be an 'rip' person for Keith when he screwed over Matthew for most of their lives.
Again, I'm sorry, but I love this song too much to ignore the history and the harm Keith and Gary selfishly caused.