Spedding: The British Rock Guitarist's Journey

Chris Spedding is a versatile and influential English guitarist and session musician whose career spans over five decades. Hailing from Sheffield, England, he is best known for his distinctive guitar work across rock, punk, and new wave, and for his 1975 solo hit "Motor Bikin'" which charted in the UK Top 20.

Early career

Born in 1944, Chris Spedding began his professional music journey in the 1960s, quickly establishing himself as a sought-after session player. His early work included contributions to bands like The Battered Ornaments and Nucleus, showcasing his adaptability from jazz-rock to progressive styles before launching his solo endeavors.

Breakthrough

Spedding's commercial breakthrough arrived in 1975 with the single "Motor Bikin'", released on Rak Records. The instrumental rock track, driven by its revving guitar riff, peaked at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart, cementing his public profile as a solo artist and leading to his self-titled album that same year.

Key tracks

Motor Bikin' — This 1975 instrumental hit defined Spedding's commercial peak and remains his signature song.

Pogo Dancing — A key track from his 1976 album that connected him to the burgeoning punk scene.

Guitar Jamboree — A later solo piece that perfectly showcases his clean, melodic, and technically proficient rock style.

Hurt By Love — This track highlights his skill as a vocalist and songwriter beyond his instrumental prowess.

Throughout the late 1970s, Spedding became a pivotal bridge between rock and punk. He famously produced the early demos for the Sex Pistols and played guitar on the first album by The Vibrators. His session work remained prolific, contributing to records by artists like Jack Bruce, Roxy Music's Bryan Ferry on albums like "Boys and Girls", and even Paul McCartney.

Spedding continued to release solo material and collaborate widely into the 1980s and beyond, working with everyone from art-pop singer Robert Gordon to avant-garde artist John Cale. While not a constant chart presence after his mid-70s hit, his reputation as a guitarist's guitarist and a versatile studio professional never waned, with a steady output of albums and live performances.

For fans of Spedding's brand of sharp, intelligent rock guitar, explore similar artists featured on our site. Listen to Brian May for another master of distinct, melodic British rock guitar. Discover Wilko Johnson for a similarly rhythmic and driving UK guitar style. Check out Robert Gordon, an artist Spedding frequently collaborated with on a rockabilly revival sound. Explore The Vibrators to hear the punk energy Spedding helped capture in the studio.

The music of Chris Spedding is a staple on our network's classic rock FM stations and dedicated guitar rock streams. His tracks, from the hit "Motor Bikin'" to his deep-cut collaborations, are regularly featured in rotations celebrating the best of British rock history and influential session musicians.

You can hear the influential rock and guitar work of Chris Spedding on radio stations featured right here on onairium.com. Tune in to discover his classic hits and session contributions across our curated selection of stations.