Great Moments in WFMU History #8

Free (us of) Arthur Lee (by Irwin Chusid)

Legendary, reclusive, and law-entangled ex-Love frontman Arthur Lee emerges from the shadows, visits WFMU to tape an interview and performance. Historic day -- Lee is a long-admired icon among staff, a Syd Barrett-like enigma. He sits at the piano and performs one new -- and lousy -- song. The small staff "audience" glance at each other worriedly. Arthur starts another "new song" -- which sounds like "Over the Rainbow" -- but stalls halfway through. He abruptly pushes back from the piano, shrugs, and says he doesn't feel like playing any more. The tape stops. The host and engineer wonder if he means it. Lee begins rolling a huge joint, and drawls meaningless new age/hippie blather for half an hour off-mic. The interview is cancelled. Oct. 24, 1992.

Illustration by Peter Gallagher

Comments

[Jeffrey]

Nice one :) Thanks!

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[Matt]

This kind of makes me want to take my donation back. C'mon, the guy wrote some great records, never got popular, hardly got any recognition, was at a veritable low-point in '92 before even finding out how low somebody can go - do you expect him to be articulate and happy and - not stoned?

[Matt]

This kind of makes me want to take my donation back. C'mon, the guy wrote some great records, never got popular, hardly got any recognition, was at a veritable low-point in '92 before even finding out how low somebody can go - do you expect him to be articulate and happy and - not stoned?

[Timmy]

Arthur Lee was a true American Icon, as well as an original inovator. He was Hep, Hip & a hippy. He wrote & performed fantastic songs. He hit the wall hard yet, he recovered, & lived to tour once again. This world is only better for his accomplishments & spirit.

[waylon solos]

where's the tape of this performance? lets hear it. so what if it wasn't happening for the poor guy that day. you should share it. it's arthur lee after all!