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Tony King was general manager of Apple US in the early 70s, but thereafter worked directly with John and Ringo, promoting their work from 1973 through 1975. Beyond that, he was a true British rock Zelig figure, partying with The Beatles the night before they flew to America for their 1964 Ed Sullivan Show debut; working with Andrew Oldham and the Stones during their “Satisfaction” heyday; thereafter for George Martin and AIR Studio, and then Apple. He also befriended Elton John (before he was) as well as tons of others. His story has just been published in “The Tastemaker: My Life with the Legends and Geniuses of Rock Music.” (He’s also in the May Pang doc, The Lost Weekend: A Love Story.)
You can get his backstory here: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/music/article/tony-king-interview
and see him as “the Queen” in this 1973 Mind Games TV ad: https://youtu.be/lx-DNpoKfVg
We covered a ton of topics, including all the aforementioned plus the AIDS tragedy and his favorite music.
Great interview. Thanks Tony! Only this week I obtained an original pressing of Walls & Bridges (a rival to Plastic Ono Band for the best solo Lennon album). The LP is exquisitely produced–astonishing sound. Better than any reissue I’ve heard. And of course the fun packaging Tony mentions. All to go with my “Listen to This Badge” badge.
Tony’s memoir is available as an audiobook on Audible. The audiobook might be a viable option for people having problems obtaining a copy of the physical book. There is also an eBook version available for the Kindle.
Tony is a cool spirit — I really enjoyed the interview and hearing his experiences about those epic days. I can see why he attracted so many artists around him … thanks also for playing the songs and clips referenced in the interview and the creative editing in fusing clips and isolating the vocals. Always great work!
One of Robert’s best interviews. Tony is a brilliant and sensitive person and gives great insight into the crazy rock n roll world he lived in. Of interest is his staunch defense of Yoko – he nearly shuts down the interview at the slightest hint of any criticism of her.
BTW I have been able to find copies of any of the books Robert mentions in SATB interviews through this website: https://www.bookfinder.com/