As his principle lyrist, Jeff chose Gary Osborne, a long time collaborator who had worked with him on many advertising projects. Together with Paul Vigrass (another alumni of the Wayne jingle factory) Osborne had released in 1972 an album which featured an early version of Forever Autumn, one of the most beloved songs on The War of the Worlds. Forever Autumn had started life bizarrely as a tune Wayne had composed for a Lego commercial, before metamorphosing into a track on Osborne and Vigrass’ debut album Queues (which Wayne composed and produced). Even more strangely, the song was a number 3 hit in Japan!
One of the greatest problems encountered was a difficult search for musicians who could fulfil Jeff’s exacting standards and vision. John Lodge of the Moody Blues endured a 36 hour marathon session on the song Thunder Child, but was just not able to make the cut because Jeff has recorded it too far above his range. Carlos Santanna, the renowned Mexican guitarist was drafted in to create the sound of the Heatray, but after one evenings work, (and unbeknownst) to either Jeff or Carlos) negotiations with his manager and Jerry broke down so completely and acrimoniously that the manager removed him from the studio. [su_highlight]Read more[/su_highlight]