Quick Q and A with Lin Sprague
 by Kathy S-B  ·  13 July 2008

Lin Sprague is making a return visit to the UUCM Annual Beatle Benefit on July 19th. Lin currently resides in Randolph, MA and is a long-time Beatles fan. Lin has contributed to a couple of Todd Rundgren tribute recordings; he has also contributed a great many guitar tabs to the definitive Todd website.

When did you first pick up the guitar? What prompted you to do so?

I started off playing alto saxophone in the 4th grade school band. I really wanted to play the trumpet, but I didn't remember what it was called, and I told my parents the wrong name and they rented me a sax instead. I was too embarrassed to admit my mistake and played sax for 4 years. Anyway, a Jr. High School dance featured a band playing heavy guitar rock like Hendrix and Cream, and I thought, "that's wayyy cooler than then sax. Gotta get me one o' them" And I did!

You have participated in a couple of other Beatle benefits in the past, most notably in England. How did your involvement with those come about?

The English Beatles concert is an annual event held in Hastings to support MacMillan Cancer Relief, a UK support organization. I was invited by an old friend who is heavily involved in the local music scene there. I've done it twice and I'd go back at a moment's notice, either to play or just to listen - it was that much fun.

What period of Beatles music do you appreciate the most?

I remember anticipating each new Beatles record — you couldn't wait to hear what new sounds and styles they had found. The later stuff is so colorful and experimental, and it changed the way pop and rock records are made and heard. But I think I get the biggest charge from their early stuff because it is so full of youthful energy, ambition, and fearless enthusiasm. Their joie de vivre jumps out of the speakers at you. You can't craft that.

What do you consider the Beatles' legacy? Will people still be listening to them a hundred years from now?

I hope so — I would like all generations to feel some of the pleasure I've gotten out of their music. No matter what will be considered "popular music" in that distant future, I think The Beatles music will come to be considered some of history's greatest and most enduring folk music.

What's your favorite Beatle? And why?

When I was a kid, it was George, 'cause he looked cool with his big Gretsch guitar, and he had the best hair. Yesterday it was Paul, 'cause his bass playing has always thrilled me, he can still write a killer song, and he can pretty much sing, write, and play anything. Today it's John, 'cause in his musical naivete he came up with songs that nobody else could have come up with, and he had a killer rock and roll voice. And Ringo was always there, slammin' away with his great sound, steady time, unique fills, and impeccable taste.

Do I have to pick just one?