Rod's Python Circus

The strange tale behind Rod Stewart’s incognito hit, involving John Peel, Oz magazine and a set of car mats. By Nick Warburton

Rod Stewart had yet to be catapulted to international stardom when he ventured into a London studio in April 1969 to record In A Broken Dream with expatriate Australians, Python Lee Jackson. Although greatly respected for his work with The Jeff Beck Group and The Faces, Stewart had no way of knowing the dizzy heights his solo career would reach in later years. As events turned out, his meteoric rise following the success of Maggie May helped propel In A Broken Dream to Number 3 in the UK charts in September 1972.

Released hard on the heels of Stewart’s second UK chart topper, You Wear It Well, the brooding rock-ballad In A Broken Dream took on a life of its own and stormed up the charts. Credited to a mysterious Python Lee Jackson, few might have made the connection with The Faces’ singer had it not been for Stewart’s trademark raspy voice.

As it was, the single’s overnight success came as a huge surprise to everyone involved but perhaps no one more so than Rod Stewart, who reportedly complained that he had not been told that In A Broken Dream would be released with his vocal on it. Initially he slated the recording in the press. “It’s not very good, but then I wouldn’t want to stop it coming …

by Nick Warburton
<< Back to Issue 343

You must be a subscriber to view the full article, subscribe now for full access to all online content.

Already a Magazine Subscriber? Register now for online access.

Login Here

Free Newsletter


Subscribe to
our email newsletter by emailing:

anna.bowen@
metropolis.co.uk