Scott K Fish

SKF NOTE: Andy is on three George Harrison albums: Dark Horse (1974), Extra Texture (Read All About It (1975), and George Harrison (1979). Andy Newmark, Max Weinberg, and I were present at this interview in Manhattan — I think it was Andy Newmark’s apartment. Listeners will hear traffic noises sometimes.

This interview was meant for inclusion in a book Max and I were co-writing at the time. Our original book concept changed to a format I felt was too close to my work at the time as Modern Drummer’s managing editor. Max and I parted amicably. I retained our Andy Newmark interview and others (Paul T. Riddle, Jaimoe), and Max went on to write his book, “The Big Beat.”

I’m just revisiting Andy Newmark’s interview. The first time I saw Andy playing was at Westbury Music Fair (1971) with Carly Simon who had just released her first album, “Anticipation.” Andy’s drum fills on the album title track are classic.

Andy was the only drummer on John Lennon’s last album, “Double Fantasy,” and on Sly Stone’s “Fresh” album.

Max opens this excerpt asking Andy about his first meeting with George Harrison. Andy talks about that, about recording with George in Harrison’s home studio, and about George Harrison as “a regular guy.”