The British invasion of the United States in the 1960s was no little effort. Some musicians, notably Janis Joplin, were apparently not fans of the era. On Rock History Music, Grand Funk Railroad bassist Mark Ferner told the story of their flight in a helicopter that became a ridicule for The Rolling Stones. “It was the opposite to me and my friend Janice Joplin because we discussed it while she was smearing chocolate all over the seats of a helicopter that The Rolling Stones would use next.
” This is the reality; this is the story, brother; she didn’t like them because we would sit and talk about the British Invasion, my ass. Those men, singing in American English because we’re the only ones free, those guys are born subjects to the crown, they’re born subject to jerks…’ we’re I’m going, ‘Yeah baby talk to me.'”
Farner recalled Joplin’s stance about bands like The Rolling Stones that crossed the Atlantic; he added: “She’s smearing this chocolate all over these plush seats in this helicopter that’s been done up inside like a motorhome, and that was back when Mick [Jagger] wore those white satin pants with the big brown stain on the back.” It was hotter than the sheriff’s pistol in Florida, brother, and I’m not talking about the melted chocolate; there was no way they could have avoided sitting in it.”
The Invasion was the best thing that had happened to American musicians, according to some, such as Jeff ‘Skunk’ Baxter. Last summer, in an interview with Guitar World, the guitarist revealed his thoughts on getting musicians back to their roots, saying:”‘Hold on, have you ever heard of Lightnin’ Hopkins and Muddy Waters?’ said the Brits.
” All of these bands said, ‘Hey, let us reintroduce you to your roots.’ “I believe they did a huge favor for American musicians.” The interview is available to view below.