On the Border (Live 1992 Featuring Peter White)

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some far-out vibes as we spin On the Border (Live 1992 Featuring Peter White) by Al Stewart from the Rhymes In Rooms album! This track, recorded live with the talented Peter White on guitar, is a gem from their acoustic tour. One juicy piece of trivia comes from a BBC interview where Al Stewart shared that the Spanish guitar in the original studio version was played by Peter White, who was initially hired as a piano player. Producer Alan Parsons suggested adding a Spanish guitar flair, and White, to everyone’s surprise, picked up a cheap £30 guitar and nailed the part in just one or two takes. This live 1992 version captures that same flamenco-inspired energy, with White’s intricate fretwork shining through, especially in the extended intro before Stewart’s vocals kick in.

Another cool tidbit about On the Border comes from fan reactions on Radio Paradise, where listeners rave about the song’s cinematic quality and haunting lyrics. One fan noted how the live version feels rushed yet fresh, a rare treat since live performances of this track weren’t widely heard back in the day. Stewart himself explained in a 2016 interview with The Strange Brew that the song was inspired by a quote from British Prime Minister Edward Heath about civilians being on the frontline of battle, tying into the song’s themes of the Basque Separatist movement and the Rhodesian crisis. Fans on Reddit also love how the song’s historical depth resonates, with one user calling it a “fan favorite” that outshines even Year of the Cat in live settings.

Now, let’s rewind to how Al Stewart got his start. Born in Greenock, Scotland, on September 5, 1945, Stewart grew up in Wimborne, Dorset, England, after moving with his mother. His musical journey kicked off in the 1960s British folk scene, where he was a fixture in London’s underground clubs. He played at the first-ever Glastonbury Festival in 1970, rubbed shoulders with Yoko Ono before she met John Lennon, and even shared a flat with Paul Simon, who was collaborating with Bruce Woodley of The Seekers. Stewart’s first big break came with his 1967 debut album, Bedsitter Images, released on CBS. His 1969 album, Love Chronicles, made waves for its bold 18-minute title track, which earned the title of “Folk Album of the Year” by Melody Maker and featured guitarists Jimmy Page and Richard Thompson. Stewart’s knack for weaving historical and literary themes into his songs set him apart, paving the way for hits like Year of the Cat and Time Passages.

For more on Al Stewart, check out his official website, where you can find tour dates, a chat room buzzing with over 40,000 fans, and tons of song commentary. Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates. Fans can also dive into dedicated spaces like the Al Stewart Fans Facebook group, where Zoo Freaks can geek out over his music, share stories, and keep the hippie spirit alive. So, crank up On the Border, let those acoustic grooves wash over you, and stay tuned to THE ZOO for more righteous tunes!