Chris Spedding (born Christopher John Spedding, 17 June 1944, Staveley, Derbyshire) is an English rock and roll and jazz guitarist, best known for his session work.

Career

Spedding was raised by adoptive parents in Sheffield and Birmingham.

During the late 1960s and early 1970s he became known as a guitar player on sessions for Alan Price, Jack Bruce, Pete Brown's Battered Ornaments and others. During this time he was also playing jazz with Nucleus and recorded and toured with Mike Gibbs. He was a session player on Harry Nilsson's breakthrough album, Nilsson Schmilsson, recorded in London.

During 1972-74 Spedding played a central role in Sharks, initially with ex-Free bassist Andy Fraser. They recorded two albums and toured with Roxy Music. After that, he toured and recorded with John Cale. He also played with Roy Harper's occasional backing band Trigger, notably on 1975's HQ album.

In 1975 Spedding had a Top Twenty solo hit in the UK with "Motor Bikin'", but subsequently became better known as a session guitarist, appearing and recording with Bryan Ferry, Roxy Music, Elton John, Brian Eno, Jack Bruce, Nick Mason and Katie Melua, amongst others. During the mid 1970s, he even took part in the Wombles' UK tour in full furry costume, whilst wielding his trademark Gibson Flying V.

Spedding recorded a version of the American singer-songwriter Garland Jeffreys' song, "Wild In The Streets", on his own Hurt album. The song has since been covered by the Circle Jerks and is featured on Tony Hawk's American Wasteland.

He also was the producer of the Sex Pistols first demos, which were recorded on 15 May 1976. The three tracks recorded were "Problems", "No Feelings" and "Pretty Vacant".

He made an appearance in Paul McCartney's Give My Regards to Broad Street in 1984, playing guitar in a session with McCartney and his wife, Linda.