On the Border (Live 1992 Featuring Peter White)

Hey there, Zoo Freaks, it’s the Zoo Crew spinning some classic vibes for you on THE ZOO radio station, and right now we’ve got the smooth sounds of Al Stewart’s “On the Border (Live 1992 Featuring Peter White)” filling the airwaves. This track, originally from the 1976 album Year of the Cat, is a fan favorite that’s stood the test of time. In an interview with The Strange Brew, Al shared that the song was inspired by a quote from British Prime Minister Edward Heath, who said, “In the future, the civilian population will be on the frontline of battle.” Al wove this idea into the song’s lyrics, with the first verse touching on the Basque Separatist movement in Spain and the second reflecting the Rhodesian crisis (now Zimbabwe). He noted its prescience, especially after events like the Paris attacks, as it captures the reality of civilians caught in conflict. The live 1992 version, featured on the acoustic album Rhymes in Rooms, was recorded at places like McCabes Guitar Shop in California and Banana Hall in Osaka, Japan, with Peter White’s stellar guitar work adding that signature Spanish flair.

Now, let’s talk about that iconic Spanish guitar solo in “On the Border.” According to Al, in a BBC interview, the song’s producer, Alan Parsons, suggested adding a Spanish guitar to match the song’s borderland setting between France and Spain. Enter Peter White, who was hired as a piano player for the session. To everyone’s surprise, Peter revealed he could play Spanish guitar, picked up Al’s £30 cheap guitar, and nailed the solo in just one or two takes. Fans on Songfacts rave about the cinematic quality of the track, with one listener from San Diego expressing shock upon learning Peter White, not Al, played the solo. Another fan from Ohio loves how Al’s lyrics paint vivid pictures, especially lines like “Late last night the rain was knocking at my window… The spirit of the century / Telling us that we’re all standing on the border.” It’s no wonder this tune, performed live with Peter White at venues like The Saban in Beverly Hills in 2024, keeps the Al Stewart fan community buzzing.

Let’s dive into how Al Stewart kicked off his musical journey. Born on September 5, 1945, in Greenock, Scotland, Al moved to Wimborne, Dorset, England, as a young kid with his mother, Joan Underwood. His early years were steeped in the 1960s British folk revival, and he was right in the thick of it, hosting at the Les Cousins folk club in London and rubbing shoulders with legends. Al’s bio on Wikipedia notes he shared a flat with a young Paul Simon and knew Yoko Ono before she met John Lennon. He played at the first-ever Glastonbury Festival in 1970, setting the stage for his unique blend of folk-rock and historical storytelling. His debut album, Bedsitter Images, dropped in 1967, followed by Love Chronicles in 1969, which made waves with its 18-minute title track and a guest appearance by Jimmy Page. By the time Year of the Cat hit in 1976, with hits like “On the Border,” Al had cemented his place as a folk-rock icon.

For all you Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with Al Stewart’s world, check out his official website for tour dates, discography, and more. You can follow him on Facebook and Instagram for updates on his latest shows and releases. On X, Al shares thoughts and interacts with fans, keeping the vibe alive. The Al Stewart Fans Facebook group is a great spot for Zoo Freaks to join discussions, share concert stories, and geek out over his music. Plus, fan sites like alstewart.com offer deep dives into his career, from his early folk days to his recent 2024 live album with The Empty Pockets. So, keep those dials locked on THE ZOO, and let’s keep grooving to Al’s timeless tunes!