The Wrecking Crew members at the time (1965) included:
- Larry Knechtel (Bass) : credited
- Tommy Tedesco (Guitar) : credited
- Hal Blaine (Drums) : credited
- Glen Campbell : not credited
The Grassroots members at the time (1965) included:
- P. F. Sloan (Guitar) : credited
- Steve Batti (Percussion) : credited
- Rob Grill : not credited
- Warren Entner : not credited
- Creed Bratton : not credited
- Rick Coonce : not credited
I guess the big question is why these back-up musicians were not credited on the back cover of
Barry McGuire's 'Eve Destuction' album.
Did they not play any instruments?
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the original line-up of the band that became The Grass Roots provided the backing tracks for some of Barry McGuire's recordings.
Specifically, the musicians who were assembled for the initial "Grass Roots" studio project—primarily members of the famous Los Angeles session musicians known as The Wrecking Crew—provided the instrumental backing for McGuire's biggest hit, the P.F. Sloan-written song "Eve of Destruction". P.F. Sloan himself played guitar on the track. Previous Message
Now you've aroused my curiosity, gabbytrioguy.
I'll have to look into this.
As far as the Mamas & Papas go, so far, I can't find any involvement with 'Eve of Destruction'. But I do know this:
For Barry McGuire's second album - 'The Precious Time' - he included the song 'California Dreaming', written by John & Michelle Phillips.
The Mamas & Papas provided the background vocals for Barry, before they became famous -
and before the Mamas & Papas made the song a major hit.
In the Mamas & Papas hit song 'Creeque Alley' - they mention Roger McGuinn (of the Byrds) and Barry McGuire:
"McGuinn and McGuire still a-gettin' higher,
And in L.A. - you know where that's at,
And no one's gettin' fat except Mama Cass."
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AsI recall they were uncredited and it was before the Grassroots and the Mamas and Papas had any hits of their own. Previous Message
I happen to have Barry McGuire's Eve of Destruction album (albeit in crummy condition) and according to the liner notes on the back cover here are the backup musicians:
P. F. Sloan - Guitar
Tommy Tedesco - 2nd Guitar
Steve Barri - Percussion
Hal Blaine - Drums
No mention of John Phillips or the Mamas & Papas
Dunhill Records Sound Supervisor - "Bones" Howe
The liner notes also describe Barry McGuire's voice as deep and sandpapery as you heard on the New Christy Minstrel's hit - Green Green:
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I also believe it was on Dunhill Records with backing by the Grassroots and the Mamas and Papas. Previous Message
It was waaay back in September of 1965 when former New Christy Minstrels member BARRY McGUIRE scored a #1 hit
with "Eve of Destruction".
Here we are over 6 decades later and this song seems so relevant today.
It was written by P.F.Sloan and when interviewed by reporters, Phil Sloan told them he originally wrote "Eve of Destruction"
as a prayer to God...in the form of a poem.
Sloan said he was begging God for clarity and understanding about the state of the world teetering on the edge.
P.F. Sloan did not want to live in a world where hatred and hypocricy over-ruled love and beauty.
The music was an after-thought.
Ironically, when BARRY McGUIRE first heard the song, he told Phil he didn't like it.
Phil Sloan laughed and said: "When I first heard you and the Minstrels sing Green Green, I didn't like it either." (hahaha)
ps Kathi: over the years, your Dad & I had several discussions about "Eve of Destruction"....
and for the record (pardon the pun)....we both liked this song very much.
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