Mike Kellie (Spooky Tooth) RIP

Mike Kellie, who was a founder of both Spooky Tooth and the Only Ones and had a lengthy career as a session drummer, working with the likes of George Harrison, Peter Frampton and Traffic, died on Thursday, Jan. 18. He was 69.
The news came via the Facebook page of John Perry of the Only Ones. “We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of our friend and colleague Mike Kellie,” he wrote. “Kellie learned of his illness last summer but, characteristically, chose to keep the diagnosis private. We will post more, personal, appreciations in due course but for the moment we’ll recall the 40 years of music-making we shared with him. A gentleman, a friend and a fine musician. Our thoughts are with his family.”


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Born March 24, 1947 in Birmingham, England, Kellie said in a 2013 interview that he “was always fascinated by drums” and began playing them around the age of 14.

He tooled around with various local bands, including one called the Locomotive, which featured Chris Wood on saxophone and flute. When Wood left to form Traffic with Steve Winwood, they recommended Kellie to a London band called the V.I.P.s that briefly contained Keith Emerson. His departure prompted them to change their named to Art, and they released Supernatural Fairy Tales in 1967. The arrival of Gary Wright, who later had success with “Dream Weaver,” that October led to another name change, and Spooky Tooth was born.

Spooky Tooth broke up in 1970 after four records with that name. Around that time he began establishing himself as a session drummer, appearing on the debut albums by Joe Cocker, Peter Frampton and Splinter, a group produced by George Harrison. He also played on the soundtrack to the film adaptation of the Who’s Tommy and Traffic’s The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys. He rejoined Spooky Tooth in 1973 for a couple of years, a stint that brought future Foreigner star Mick Jones into the fold.

RIP saw them at Leeds Uni late 60's do remember Better by you better than me from the set

Leeds Uni was one of my hang outs too. Lucky enough to see The Who there circa 71 and a bit later The Clash, or was that the Poly?

Clash were at Leeds Uni.  Think they were supported by The Slits, if that was the same tour.

I met Mike Kellie.  He lived in the flat upstairs from where I was crashing in Forest Hill.  Nice guy.  He had some knitted slippers I seem to remember.

Kenny - their "I am the Walrus" was on the Island sampler Bumpers.  I used to like samplers

Re the Bumpers album - I distinctly remember thinking that "Thunderbuck Ram" would make a great name for my first racehorse.  Not to be unfortunately.

Bumpers was a great album, blackbarn. I remember hearing at some wild party I was at. Some real talent on it.

Had the Last Puff Album back in 1970 I Am The Walrus was on that if my memory severs me well

Kenny, Luther Grosvenor is my next door neighbour, very good guitarist and a smashing bloke.

That's cool, nortons/ I've spoken with Phip Capaldi (after Jo Brown gigs) I think Luther worked with his brother, the late Jim.