In A Broken Dream (Featuring Rod Stewart)

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "In A Broken Dream" by Python Lee Jackson, featuring the unmistakable vocals of Rod Stewart, from their 1972 album of the same name. This song has a wild backstory that’s perfect for our Zoo Freaks. Recorded in 1969, it wasn’t until 1972, after Rod Stewart’s solo hit "Maggie May" blew up, that the track was re-released and soared to No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart. Rod, then an up-and-coming session singer, was brought in because the band’s keyboardist and songwriter, David Bentley, felt his own vocals didn’t suit the song’s vibe. Here’s the kicker: Rod was paid with a set of car seat covers for his trouble. In one interview, he recalled, “I did it for a mate who ran a car showroom. He said, ‘I’ve got this group from Australia, but the singer’s not great. Can you do a demo?’ I said, ‘What do I get?’ He said, ‘I’ll give you a set of carpets.’” Some fans on Reddit even speculate he might’ve mentioned a leather jacket as payment in another chat, adding to the legend of this hippie-era deal.

Another juicy tidbit comes from the recording session itself, produced by DJ John Peel at Pye Studios in London. David Bentley shared a vivid memory: “I was in [drummer] David Montgomery’s Chelsea flat teaching the lyrics to Rod Stewart. The lights were doused, and Rod missed the last verse, repeating the first one instead, humming ‘mmm mmm mmm’ to fill the gap.” That impromptu hum became iconic, with cover versions faithfully mimicking it. The song’s raw, melancholic energy, paired with Mick Liber’s double-tracked Gibson SG guitar through a Vox AC-30 and Marshall fuzz, gives it that psychedelic edge our Zoo Freaks love. Fun fact: the track was later sampled in A$AP Rocky’s 2015 single “Everyday,” featuring Rod Stewart, Miguel, and Mark Ronson, proving its lasting influence. A 1992 re-recording with Stewart, David Gilmour, and John Paul Jones exists too, released in 2009 on The Rod Stewart Sessions 1971–1998, which one Reddit user called “phenomenal” for Gilmour’s otherworldly guitar.

Now, let’s dive into how Python Lee Jackson got their start. Formed in December 1965 in Sydney, Australia, the band was a mix of expats and locals, sparked by two UK transplants: vocalist Frank Kennington and guitarist Mick Liber, both ex-members of the surf instrumental group The Denvermen. They teamed up with drummer David Montgomery, formerly of Jeff St John & the Id, and soon added keyboardist David Bentley. By 1966, they were making waves in Sydney’s rock scene, releasing their first single, “Emergency Ward,” backed by a cover of Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love?” Though it was a minor hit, their early sound leaned into soul and R&B covers, like Major Lance’s “Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um.” In 1968, the band relocated to the UK, where they caught the ear of DJ John Peel at London’s Arts Lab. Peel signed them to his Dandelion label, setting the stage for their fateful 1969 recording session with Rod Stewart. Though they disbanded in 1969, they briefly reformed in 1972 to capitalize on the single’s success, adding guitarist Gary Boyle and bassist Tony Cahill, formerly of The Easybeats, for new album tracks.

Tracking down Python Lee Jackson online is tricky since they’ve long disbanded, and no official band website or social media accounts exist. Mick Liber, however, maintains a personal website where he shares his musical journey, including his time with the band and session work with Ashton, Gardner and Dyke. For Zoo Freaks wanting to connect with fans, there’s no dedicated Python Lee Jackson fan site, but you can find discussions on platforms like Discogs, where collectors trade vinyl and CD versions of In A Broken Dream. On Facebook, groups like “Rock Music Lovers” occasionally buzz with posts about obscure 60s and 70s bands, and you might spot some love for Python Lee Jackson there. Over on X, searching for the band pulls up fan posts praising the song’s gritty charm, though no official band account exists. For Rod Stewart fans, his official pages are active: check out rodstewart.com, Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates on his latest tours and releases.