Rod Stewart (October 21, 1972) – “For Rod – A Snake Bite From The Past” Feature - NME
This NME feature uncovers an unusual piece of Rod Stewart's recording history through the reissue of “In A Broken Dream” by Python Lee Jackson. Writer Danny Holloway examines how a recording session intended as a temporary solution unexpectedly became a hit and follows the story behind Stewart's vocal contribution to one of the most famous records he made outside his own catalogue.
Publication: NME
Date: October 21, 1972
Country: United Kingdom
Published under the headline “For Rod – A Snake Bite From The Past”, Danny Holloway investigates the renewed success of “In A Broken Dream” and the confusion surrounding the identity of Python Lee Jackson.
The article explains that Python Lee Jackson was not an individual but an Australian group that had existed for several years. According to the feature, broadcaster John Peel had discovered the band around the time he was establishing Dandelion Records.
During the recording of “In A Broken Dream”, the group encountered a problem when it became apparent that nobody in the band could sing the song in the required style. Several singers were considered before Rod Stewart was invited into the studio.
The article quotes Stewart recalling the session as an informal affair. According to Stewart, he simply arrived at the studio and was shown how the song should be sung. He describes himself as naïve at the time and claims there was no grand plan behind the performance.
Years later, the recording unexpectedly re-emerged as a hit. The article notes that the song was remixed by Miki Dallon before finally achieving success in the United States, where Rod Stewart found himself associated with a recording made years earlier.
Stewart is portrayed as both amused and slightly uncomfortable by the situation. He jokes about other obscure recordings surfacing from the past and refers to another recording where he sang all the wrong words after being brought in at short notice.
The piece also discusses the future of Python Lee Jackson. An album is said to be forthcoming, although the article stresses that it would not simply consist of old Rod Stewart recordings. Instead, it would focus on the actual group.
The feature concludes with comments from John Peel, who recalls the circumstances surrounding the recording and expresses concerns that recent reissues had created the impression that the success belonged primarily to Rod Stewart rather than the original band.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
By October 1972, Rod Stewart had become one of Britain's biggest rock stars through his solo career and work with Faces. The unexpected chart success of “In A Broken Dream” brought attention back to a much earlier recording session and introduced a new audience to Stewart's pre-fame work.
The article is valuable because it contains Stewart's own recollections of the session and explains how a recording originally intended as a one-off solution eventually became an international hit.
A large photograph of Rod Stewart accompanies the feature, reinforcing the newspaper's recognition that his fame was the primary reason for renewed interest in the record.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Examination of Rod Stewart's involvement with “In A Broken Dream”
Era: 1972 Rod Stewart period
Tone: Retrospective and investigative
Photography: Large performance photograph of Rod Stewart accompanying the article
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
• Feature titled “For Rod – A Snake Bite From The Past”
• Background to “In A Broken Dream” by Python Lee Jackson
• Rod Stewart recalling the original recording session
• Discussion of John Peel, Dandelion Records and Miki Dallon
• The unexpected revival and success of the recording
• Commentary on the relationship between Rod Stewart's fame and the record's renewed popularity
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