John Lees Barclay James Harvest
- timcaple
- 7 days ago
- 4 min read
The Journey of Sound
After years of thinking the Barclay James Harvest story had quietly drawn to a close, fans were hit with a wave of surprise — and delight — when news broke that the band is back with a brand-new album, Relativity. For a group that had seemingly stepped away from the stage, leaving us with treasured albums and live gems from decades past, this feels like an unexpected encore we didn’t know we were waiting for.
On the latest edition of The Rock ’n’ Blues Experience, host Tim Caple catches up with founding member John Lees to talk about the making of Relativity, how it all came together, and what it means for a band whose music has always had a timeless, emotional pull. It’s not just a comeback — it’s a reminder that great music never really stops; it just finds new ways to reach us and who knows there may be more to come John and the band are eagerly waiting to gauge the reception from fans but they haven't strayed to far from what made them what they are on this album.
You can watch the full interview with John on the show here on the website main page.
In a world where music transcends boundaries, John Lees and Tim Caple take us on a nostalgic journey through the evolution of sound and the indelible mark left by iconic bands. From the humble beginnings of a non-musical household to the grandeur of performing in front of a quarter of a million people, their story is one of passion, perseverance, and the timeless allure of music and if leaving a mark is important then remember that BJH became the very first western band to play a live gig in the former GDR
this coming years after East Germans were being arrested for trying to listen to the show they performed in Berlin back in 1980..
In he early days John reminisces about his early exposure to music, sparked by an Eddie Cochran record brought home by his sister's RAF boyfriend. Despite growing up in a non-musical household, the allure of blues and rock 'n' roll was irresistible. "It was like a magnet," Lees recalls, as he and his peers found solace and expression in the unrestricted world of blues music. He adds, "We started off playing blues music because it was less restricted by convention."
The Rise of Barclay James Harvest: Lees shares details about the formation of Barclay James Harvest, a band that emerged from the underground music scene. "We were kind of in this folk rock oblivion," he notes, highlighting their unique sound. With influences ranging from the West Coast sound to the orchestral tones of the Mellotron, the band carved a unique niche in the evolving landscape of progressive rock. Their journey was marked by a blend of luck, timing, and the unwavering support of a local businessman who believed in their potential.
As the band gained momentum, they found themselves performing at iconic venues and festivals, sharing stages with legends like Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin although when i did remind John of a gig in Edinburgh where they supported Zeppelin he couldn't quite remember if it happened or not .The transition from local gigs to international acclaim was both exhilarating and daunting. Lees recounts the surreal experience of playing in front of 250,000 people in Berlin, saying, "I was terrified, absolutely terrified." Yet, the experience was transformative, as he humorously recalls a stage manager shouting, "Not you, you're in the band," when he mistakenly tried to leave the stage.
The Legacy Continues despite the challenges of an ever-changing music industry, Lees and his bandmates continue to create and innovate. Their latest album, "Relativity," is a testament to their enduring passion and commitment to their craft. "Four ads are better than one," Lees emphasizes, reflecting on the collaborative spirit that drives their music. With a blend of new material and timeless influences, the album resonates with fans old and new, proving that the spirit of Barclay James Harvest remains as vibrant as ever.
The journey of John Lees and Barclay James Harvest is a testament to the power of music to inspire, connect, and endure. As they look back on decades of creativity and collaboration, their story serves as a reminder that the magic of music lies not just in the notes, but in the hearts and minds of those who create it as if of course you didn't know that already.
Don't forget you can watch the full video version of the interview on the main page of the website or click here .
As Relativity makes its way into the world, it’s clear that Barclay James Harvest still have plenty to say — and plenty of heart behind every note. For longtime fans, it feels like welcoming back an old friend; for new listeners, it’s a perfect entry point into the band’s rich musical legacy. However you come to it, one thing’s for sure — this is a return worth celebrating and judging by the reaction from people commenting after watching and listening to the new album the message is clear just keep them coming .
To dive deeper into the story behind the new album, be sure to tune in to The Rock ’n’ Blues Experience with me Tim Caple —
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