| Queen Archivist 10.02.2008 20:54 |
Does anyone know what happened to John Harris - Queen's senior road crew person from the early/mid 70s? What did he do after working for Queen. Is there any kind of biog on the net or anywhere else? Any recent photos of him, etc? He was such an intergral part of Queen at such a crucial time, and yet there's so little 'out there' that I can find. It doesn't seem to add up. Can anyone throw any light on this? Thanks |
| Penetration_Guru 11.02.2008 02:44 |
I've tried a couple of times, but it's a fairly common name. I thought he retired on health grounds around the end of the 70s, but will inevitably be proved wrong by somebody within two minutes |
| FriedChicken 11.02.2008 04:41 |
didn't he die of cancer a couple of years ago? |
| john bodega 11.02.2008 08:38 |
FriedChicken<br><font size=1>The Almighty</font> wrote: didn't he die of cancer a couple of years ago?That was Jim Hutton. |
| John S Stuart 11.02.2008 08:57 |
Zebonka12 wrote:No: I think PG and FCTA are both correct.FriedChickenTheAlmighty wrote: didn't he die of cancer a couple of years ago?That was Jim Hutton. I too thought that John had passed away. In my memory, I seem to recall reading it somewhere - but alas the old grey cells are not what they used to be! If I find it - I will post it, and if I remember inncorrectly (or don't find it) then I can't! |
| Queen Archivist 11.02.2008 09:42 |
I think a few of you are getting confused with Mike Stone, who passed away 3 or 4 years ago. |
| John S Stuart 11.02.2008 10:26 |
Queen Archivist wrote: I think a few of you are getting confused with Mike Stone, who passed away 3 or 4 years ago.That is very possible. (As I said: 'The old grey cells are not what they used to be!') But, I believed John Harris had also passed away from years of fighting ill-health. (Which kind of confirms PG's theory). If not, I stand corrected. This will ofcourse, now annoy me until I find the bit I think I am looking for, or someone else comes up with a more definitive answer. |
| Sebastian 11.02.2008 10:52 |
I know that Mr Harris was ill in late 70's, that's why they dedicated 'Jazz' to him. But as far as I know he recovered and went back, only to leave soon because he'd got some personal problems with his workmates. No idea about what happened to him afterwards... I remember seeing him in Magic Years though |
| FriedChicken 11.02.2008 11:00 |
Zebonka12 wrote:No no, he has gaycancer, but he's still aliveFriedChicken<br><font size=1>The Almighty</font> wrote: didn't he die of cancer a couple of years ago?That was Jim Hutton. |
| Micrówave 11.02.2008 11:05 |
That is an awfully common name. Ray Charles last album included a sound engineer credited to a John Harris, I don't know if it's the same one... released August 31, 2004 |
| Penetration_Guru 11.02.2008 12:38 |
Doesn't Brian know? I realise Greg can't bother him incessantly, but he'd have a better idea of when & why he "left" Queen |
| Oi ! Fingers ! 11.02.2008 12:50 |
I think he is still working with that f*cking annoying duck, Orville. Am I being helpful ? |
| John S Stuart 11.02.2008 13:02 |
Oi ! Fingers ! wrote: I think he is still working with that f*cking annoying duck, Orville. Am I being helpful ?To paraphrase 'Nation Of Haircuts'... "I said JOHN Harris NOT Keith Harris..." |
| Queen Archivist 11.02.2008 14:25 |
Oi ! Fingers! You are a bit strange mate... in the head. Get the kettle on, I'm on my way. Keith Harris indeed! |
| somedayoneday 11.02.2008 17:12 |
I am sure that I read that John Harris died - and possibly not long after the illness he had that kept him away from the group's activities in 1978. 'As It Began' mentions how the European tour that spring had to go ahead without him. Surely, therefore, Jacky should be able to shed some light on this one. |
| Oi ! Fingers ! 12.02.2008 06:42 |
Sorry everyone, my mistake with the Orville thing. What I meant to say was that after his Chelsea career in the '70's Harris went on to run a sweet shop in Ruxley lane Ewell, and then became a popular after dinner speaker and match day host at 'The Bridge' |
| Borhap80 12.02.2008 07:23 |
Didn't he participate in the ANATO documentary (approx 2005), or maybe I'm mistaken....!? |
| Borhap80 12.02.2008 07:25 |
Ehh... forget about it... Bob Harris... |
| Penetration_Guru 12.02.2008 12:34 |
For those hard of thinking, we're also not discussing: Jet Harris Rolf Harris Colin "Bomber" Harris |
| Pim Derks 12.02.2008 12:41 |
I bet this is another case of Brian's Curse. |
| Micrówave 12.02.2008 12:45 |
For the record, I thought Richard Harris was wonderful in Camelot. |
| Donna13 12.02.2008 12:52 |
I wonder if it would be helpful to write to the other John Harris - the one who did the music mixing for the Grammy Awards on Sunday night. Maybe he has been asked this question before and would know the whereabouts of Queen's John Harris. The John Harris I'm talking about might be the same John Harris that Microwave was talking about - I don't know. Does every John Harris go into some sound engineering or editing field? Anyway, the John Harris I'm talking about works for Effanel Music Inc. (effanel.com) but I don't see an email for that company - just a phone number in New York City. Edit, again - here it is: info@effanel.com. |
| Donna13 12.02.2008 12:58 |
Micrówave wrote: For the record, I thought Richard Harris was wonderful in Camelot.I thought Harrison Ford was great in Raiders of the Lost Ark. |
| vadenuez 12.02.2008 13:58 |
Jonathan Harris... Dr. Zachary Smith in "Lost In Space" |
| FriedChicken 12.02.2008 14:14 |
George Harrison, great songwriter. Unfortunately died a couple of years ago :( |
| John S Stuart 12.02.2008 15:59 |
Penetration_Guru wrote: For those hard of thinking, we're also not discussing: Jet Harris Rolf Harris Colin "Bomber" HarrisRon 'Chopper' Harris? |
| Rien 12.02.2008 16:11 |
I can only offer a picture of John Harris from 1976. (taken from a bootleg cd) link |
| Griffin 12.02.2008 19:06 |
Ah, Franco Harris. 1972 -- the Immaculate Reception -- wasn't that the name of one of Queen's aftershow parties that tour? |
| Benn 13.02.2008 09:07 |
JSS, re: >>Penetration_Guru wrote: >> >>For those hard of thinking, we're also not >>discussing: >> >>Jet Harris >>Rolf Harris >>Colin "Bomber" Harris > > > >Ron 'Chopper' Harris? Mo Harris (Eastenders character) Chris Harris (New Zealand cricketer) Keith Harris (Puppetteer of Orville and Cuddles) |
| Crazy LittleThing 13.02.2008 18:17 |
vadenuez wrote: Jonathan Harris... Dr. Zachary Smith in "Lost In Space"Definitely one of the great Harrises. |
| Oi ! Fingers ! 14.02.2008 12:21 |
What happened to Anita Harris ? Where is she now? |
| Negative Creep 14.02.2008 12:38 |
Apparently he writes for Sound on Sound. link |
| john bodega 14.02.2008 15:02 |
Jim Hutton. |
| Micrówave 15.02.2008 12:17 |
Oi ! Fingers ! wrote: What happened to Anita Harris ? Where is she now?The pace of her career slowed somewhat during subsequent decades, and film appearances have been rare. However, Anita has maintained a steady presence in cabaret and stage. Her singing skills have, until recently, been employed more frequently in pantomime and stage musicals rather than on records, but she is still recording and still in excellent voice. JET HARRIS 2006 saw Jet's first single release in over 40 years, "San Antonio", coupled with "Ignition" precede an album of all new material scheduled for release in 2007. RON "CHOPPER" HARRIS On the 13th November 2007,He took part in the limited edition autobiography CD series called 60 minutes with Ron Harris when he was interviewed by David Knight. |
| meddows 20.02.2008 17:12 |
A note from Ratty dated 2002: John Harris was taken seriously ill at the end of the 1977 US winter tour and replaced by Trip Khalf. He returned for the 1979 UK crazy tour but after that parted company with Queen. He is believed to have returned to teaching. link |
| crawdaddy 13.09.2011 03:34 |
This is my first post on here and I am in Spain.Watched SCD tonight and seeing Brian prompted the old nostalgia thing.Back in the '70's worked in both Rogers pad at Barnes and John Harris (top roadie since the very early days) pretty nearby.Great guys both of 'em.Always been curious as to how John got on .Done a google search and all I can find was that he had been very ill and had left the band .He was actually sleeping on the floor of his lovely pad as he was waiting for the furniture to arrive. Showed me his Aston Martin in the garage ,but there was nothing in the house.I was a BT residential engineer and was there to give him a landline connection.Such a nice guy ,as was Roger who I got to move some furniture with me in his house cos thats where he wanted his new,flash, push button phones.All the rage about 1977. Would realy love to hear about John if anyone knows. I am new and just finding my feet here.Posted the above on Strictley Come Dancing thread and someone took offence to my very first post. Found this thread and although very interesting,still no positive news on John Harris. Got a few little anecdotes on my meetings with both John and Roger Taylor if anyone is interested. If not, or if I get some bad mouthing comments implying ''why should we be interested in what you have to say'', I will just drop it and hope that someone will come up with some news about John. Was gonna put a happy smiley on here,'cos I always try to be happy and cheerful,but it comes up with ''The command is not implamented yet.''Any ideas ??? |
| The Real Wizard 13.09.2011 10:26 |
Just bypass those folks. There are plenty of people who'd love to hear your old stories ... so bring 'em on ! Nice to have you here. |
| e-man 13.09.2011 10:34 |
isn't john harris briefly featured in the magic years documentary? |
| Micrówave 13.09.2011 10:58 |
I'd forgotten how informative this thread had gotten... It's good to know people still care about Harry Johnson. |
| rhyeking 13.09.2011 11:06 |
John Harris moved to Canada and set up the Harris Institute in Toronto, where they teach audio production: link I've met some grads of the program over the years. I didn't think this was a mystery, but he's still very much alive. One woman I met from the program described him as something like a "loud, cantankerous English gentleman." Sounds about right. There's a current profile photo on his staff listing on the site. |
| Micrówave 13.09.2011 11:18 |
His bio mentions nothing about being head roadie... link |
| Sebastian 13.09.2011 11:29 |
No, that's not him. He's roughly the same age as Roger, if not younger. So, it's hard to believe that while being about 12-14 years old, he was already writing and performing in Ontario and touring Canada and the States, especially given he's English and he, most likely, didn't fly from across the pond until the Mott tour in '74. |
| rhyeking 13.09.2011 13:05 |
Maybe... |
| crawdaddy 13.09.2011 15:28 |
Big thanks to Sir GH and others who have given me a bit of encouragement and shown interest in what I have to say. Been writing a few notes on your comments. I agree with Sebastion that it is not JH ,as I have only seen the 2 fuzzy pics of him on this site that are obviously JH.Nothing else around. The pic on the Canadian site is nothing like him. He was also quite softly spoken and very friendly and polite. He had a persona that conveyed friendliness and calmness. I have written some notes over the past few days,cos lets face it...................I was about 25 when I worked at Rogers' pad in White Hart Lane,Barnes if it was '77 or that era.............work it out yourselves my age now. It is so vivid in my mind ,but I have to write it all down which I haven't done until now.Will let you know my recollections soon................and hope other Queen fans share them as well if they were around then. |
| cmi 06.11.2016 09:07 |
http://discuss.queenonline.com/viewtopic.php?f=22&t=2773 |
| IndigoSlam 18.07.2019 15:04 |
John Harris is alive and well, married with two kids. |
| GoodTimesAreNow 28.07.2019 12:02 |
1975 Second left: John Harris Second right: Roger Taylor |
| Mkls 18.08.2019 08:38 |
MAgic Years vol 2 , around 11mins shortly after the hyde park footage - looks like an 1986 interview bit done by DoRo (probably at some magic tour venue / rehearsals..) . Of course in an ideal World, one could just write a message on facebook to Rudi, get an answer in a day about that interview and we had the correct information, but in in our world even the official archivist is asking for info about JH (not even recognising the 1986 footage, obviously at that time he was alive and was available for interviews!!) actually in an ideal world the original interview 35mm footage would be transferred to HD by Doro and QPL and were put into the next documentary. or even on youtube. now that would never happen of course, you get the 10 second snippet for an 1987 documentary... duh.. |
| Mkls 18.08.2019 08:44 |
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| on my way up 18.08.2019 15:54 |
Well, I hope that by now John Harris has been found and that he has done his story and maybe given/sold any useful information/tapes or whatever he has. Wasn't this the reason they have an archivist? |
| MercurialFreddie 03.09.2019 13:23 |
Wasn't it said by Rhys Thomas or GT that John Harris' tapes were nowhere to be found ? I remember reading that bit here about the tapes, written by GT and I was shocked. All of the early live material, most precious, gone or not found ! Pure shock.... My Fairy King live 72', I'd love to hear that version. |
| Toozeup 05.09.2019 03:55 |
I'm pretty sure My Fairy King was the only track never played live from the first album, according to John Deacon. Too many multi-layer harmonies to pull off live. |
| IndigoSlam 16.09.2019 17:21 |
Ok so the John Harris you are all talking about and looking for is my brother in law, if you want to know something specific please post it and I’ll ask him and see if he fancies answering or not. I did tell him I’d posted he was alive and well which made him smile so you never know. |
| IndigoSlam 16.09.2019 17:23 |
Oh and that picture is indeed John Harris, and he’s not sold or told anything to anyone as far as I know. |
| Penetration_Guru 18.09.2019 23:12 |
IndigoSlam wrote: Oh and that picture is indeed John Harris, and he’s not sold or told anything to anyone as far as I know.Ask him to get in touch with Greg Brooks via Queen Productions, who has a question that's been burning for about a decade |
| Kamenliter 19.09.2019 01:28 |
Hi IndigoSlam - Nice to have you on the forum and welcome. Thank you for your offer to ask John some questions. I think the biggest question most would like to know is, does John have any tapes of early Queen shows in his possession? Trevor Cooper, a roadie for the band Mr Big, who opened for Queen back in the 70's, is quoted in the book 'Queen The Early Years' (page 203) stating that John used to tape every single Queen gig and would listen back on the tour bus afterwards. Thanks for any information you can provide! |
| Chopin1995 19.09.2019 11:57 |
Kamenliter wrote: I think the biggest question most would like to know is, does John have any tapes of early Queen shows in his possession? Trevor Cooper, a roadie for the band Mr Big, who opened for Queen back in the 70's, is quoted in the book 'Queen The Early Years' (page 203) stating that John used to tape every single Queen gig and would listen back on the tour bus afterwards. Thanks for any information you can provide!This. If I could add anything: 1. Does he have any photos, any other tapes, diaries, setlists, anything from those days? And if there's slightest chance to share it? 2. Did he read Brian's Queen in 3D book in which Brian remembers John very fondly? 3. If he could tell the story about his days with the band it would be absolutely fantastic :) |
