The 2024 U.K. Red Special enthusiast meet-up was moved from Theale Village Hall to the Holiday Inn Reading West near Aldermaston this year to accommodate more demand and to separate the customary band section from the usually quieter day activities. The event was still hosted by Jon Underhill of The Red Special Guitar Podcast and his capable team with Andrek Hernandez of California on official videographer duties.
I usually produce a single highlights package video and write an event report here on my website. However, this year was special because Dr Sir Brian May CBE joined us for about three hours to answer questions, talk about the Red Special guitar, demonstrate its capabilities then present some community service awards and raffle prizes.
The Red Special was finished in October 1964 so the event was timed to celebrate its 60th birthday. I filmed some of his time with us and the YouTube video below contains a selection of these video clips. This is part one of a two part highlights package of this event. I did not film the Q&A session because I preferred to listen and not stand up to film which would restrict others’ view.
Brian was still recovering from his recent stroke and did not confirm that he would attend until the morning of the meet-up. He lost some mobility in his arm as you might have read on social media and had not played guitar for about two months until today. Please bear this in mind when judging his playing. Steve Prior is on guitar technician duties because Pete Malandrone is still recovering from a head injury and is not expected back at work for some time.
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