Keith "Mac" MacLeod (9 July 1941 – 16 November 2020) was an English musician and a key figure in the Hertfordshire folk and blues scene from 1959 onwards.
Biographical Overview
Born Keith MacLeod in St Albans, Hertfordshire, he was a finger-picking guitarist who played alongside Mick Softley, Maddy Prior, and John Renbourn. He is best known as an early musical influence on the singer-songwriter Donovan, whom he taught guitar techniques including claw hammer style and finger picking. Donovan stated in a 1965 interview with Beat Instrumental: "The man who encouraged and helped me most was a fellow called Keith 'Mac' MacLeod. I've known him for about three years, and he's taught me everything from chord progressions on the guitar, to how to appreciate folk and real blues."
Hurdy Gurdy and Donovan Connection
MacLeod was the lead singer and bassist for the original line-up of the Danish power trio Hurdy Gurdy. Donovan wrote the song "Hurdy Gurdy Man" (1968, UK No. 4) for the group, but after a disagreement over production, Donovan recorded it himself. Donovan confirmed this account in interviews with NME (June 1968) and Melody Maker (July 1968). During the time Donovan was in India with The Beatles, he taught John Lennon and Paul McCartney the finger-picking styles he had learned from MacLeod, which influenced songs such as "Julia" and "Blackbird" on The Beatles' White Album. George Harrison also added an extra verse to "Hurdy Gurdy Man" while in India.
Career Highlights
- Toured as a sideman on Donovan's first national UK tour in 1965, including a date at the NME Poll Winners' Party alongside The Rolling Stones and The Beatles.
- Performed on stage with Joan Baez during that tour.
- Recorded with Argent (the post-Zombies band featuring Rod Argent), playing bass on tracks including "Telescope," "To Julia," and "Girl Help Me."
- Formed several bands including Soft Cloud (with Mick Softley), Amber (a sitar-drenched psychedelic band with Julian McAllister and Ray Cooper, produced by former Yardbirds singer Keith Relf), and later Silverlining (1999).
- Headlined at Middle Earth and supported Pink Floyd at the same venue.
- Played flute with the band Maya on their album Revelations.
Later Years and Death
After a period away from the music industry, MacLeod returned in 1999 with the band Silverlining. He reunited with Donovan on stage in Oxford in June 2005, their first performance together since 1965. MacLeod had been ill for approximately six years, suffering from tuberculosis, cancer, and emphysema. He died on 16 November 2020 at age 79 after contracting pneumonia while being treated in hospital.
