Igor Sandler revealed details of Jim Marshall’s historic visit to Moscow
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A long time ago, on April 5, 2012, at the 88th year of his life, the great man known as the “father of loud sound”, one of the leaders in the production of guitar amplifiers Jim Marshall, left the world. The company he founded is more than 60 years old, and exactly 20 years ago, in 2004, he came to Moscow for the annual international exhibition “Music, Moscow, 2004” in Sokolniki, which brought together the most advanced technologies in the field of show business. That’s when we met. Our communication left a deep imprint in my memory.
For musicians, interested specialists and the press, the exhibition presented an incredibly gigantic assortment of musical instruments, lighting and sound equipment from the world’s leading manufacturers. Everyone wanted to go to Russia back then! There were concerts of domestic and foreign jazzmen and rockers, master classes by famous musicians-endorsers.
The Black Obelisk and Sergei Abolymov Band groups, jazz pianist Odyssey Bogusevich, saxophonist Oleg Ageev, drummer Greg Pisonette, guitarist Michael Brettner and many others demonstrated their skills, the capabilities of instruments and equipment to the guests.
One of the brightest and unforgettable events of the exhibition was “Marshall Day in Moscow”. Dr. Marshall – a simple English pensioner, a millionaire and a legendary manufacturer of sound equipment rolled into one – signed autographs for rockers and jazzmen for three whole days. I remember what I thought then: “This old man’s rating in the world of music is more like a cult of personality.” Everyone present there, I think, would agree with me. Fans, who are also users of speakers and amps, kissed his hands and hung gold chains they had taken off from themselves around his neck. However, everything is within the bounds of decency. The sweet, gray-haired old man with a cigar radiated incredible charm, and this disciplined the crowd better than any security.
As far as I remember, not a single fan left without an autograph or photo as a souvenir. On the second day, this unique performance was joined by legendary musicians Joe Lynn Turner and Glenn Hughes, who also visited the exhibition. I am sure that this event was remembered by everyone present for a long time and did not leave anyone indifferent!
Jim Marshall smoked a cigar and enjoyed caviar with Glenn Hughes. He played a dozen combos and two full Marshall stacks. The winnings fell on the numbers of the invitation cards, which were pulled out of the drum by Glenn Hughes. Dr. Marshall shook hands with each of the lucky winners right on stage, which was very encouraging and respectful for everyone. I had the feeling of a friendly party with old acquaintances.
The unique meeting continued with an unforgettable concert. It featured the trio The Marshall Band (from the UK, respectively), the Moscow group Offroad and the St. Petersburg superteam Pushking. It was the Pushking musicians who left a very strong impression. It’s not easy to hear them in the capital, they don’t perform in clubs as a matter of principle, and concerts at large venues are disappointingly rare. This is truly one of the few bands that play real, branded hard rock with interesting vocals, complex instrumental music and very interesting arrangements. Kokha, the frontman of the group, surprises me every time he sends me a new track – Well done with a capital W! In those years, I arranged a presentation of their album, organized concerts in Moscow, they performed at our events many times, and it was always very worthy and cool. And for Kokha’s birthday, we once came to St. Petersburg with a whole bus – an unforgettable trip! Since then, the musician’s house has been protected by my gift – from the first litter of my Alabais, I gave a puppy each to Kokha and Slava Zaitsev.
Meanwhile, the legendary Cruise guitarist and composer Valery Gaina, who had specially flown in from America for the exhibition, appeared on stage on Marshall Day with a welcoming speech. At the end of the evening, the tireless Dr. Marshall sang Louis Armstrong’s hit “It’s a Wonderful World” and pleased everyone with the extraordinary skill of the drummer.
Then we went to our studio and talked for a long time. Jim amazed me that, despite his advanced age, his program for his stay in Moscow was as intense as possible and he followed it completely! Daily multi-hour autograph sessions gathered many fans of his equipment. And Marshall paid attention to each person! Everyone received their own autographed poster or photo as a souvenir.
And here’s what he said about Russia then: “I’ve been waiting for this opportunity for a very long time! There is a long history associated with this trip. The first time I was invited was ten years ago. But when I learned that ten bodyguards were needed to ensure my safety, I decided to refuse. Then I regretted it many times. I’ve never been to Russia, so when I was offered to come this year, I said: I’ll go, come what may, and it doesn’t matter how much security there will be or whether there will be any at all! And so I arrived and found nothing terrible here. Wonderful people, Moscow is a very beautiful city, an incredibly warm welcome and great interest in my humble person. I am very grateful for all of this!” After such words, how could one not feel even stronger for him?!
The guru of sound technology was attentive to everyone – both famous musicians and beginners. Encouraged and inspired:
— I would like to say that we work not only for the stars. We try to produce different models – both top-class and more affordable ones that beginner musicians could buy. True, to do this we have to locate our production all over the world: doing anything in England is now incredibly expensive. But, despite the fact that the amplifier may be made in India, China or Korea, it will be a real Marshall…
In general, a professional to the core! The world is constantly changing and developing, so it was important for me, as a person directly connected with the world of music, to find out the doctor’s opinion about the changes that have occurred in the world of guitar sound with the advent of new technologies. Jim’s answer was short: “Everything that we invented more than forty years ago is still in demand, isn’t that the best answer!”
From those meetings and conversations, I made the main judgment: despite the fact that Jim Marshall was not a professional musician, his influence on the development of rock music and music in general cannot be overestimated. Do you agree with me?
Newspaper headline:
Memories of Marshall Sound
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