Bob Welch 'Future Games' 1979

Track 6 from Bob Welch's criminally over-looked classic 1979 LP The Other One.

[nomadsolos]

I love how someone can make a fluff comment like Fleetwood Mac was just helping Bob launch his career. Actually it was Bob Welch that saved Fleetwood Mac. That is a well documented fact. The song(s) here were Bob's songs, not Fleetwood Mac. FM recorded 5 albums with Bob Welch, over the span of several years. When Bob joined the band, they were on the rocks and by Mick Fleetwoods own admission had no band any longer. Bob brought them to the US, got them whipped into shape, with a new sound, and recorded on those five albums more than half the songs were his. He even paid the Income taxes for the band members that first year because they did not have work Visas yet. Imagine, paying the taxes for the whole band ? Not many would do that, but that is the kind of guy he was.
No, Bob Welch made Fleetwood Mac.

[thesugarvalley]

I just bought this album on discogs. CRIMINALLY overlooked!

[mustaphaechater]

this is probably the best version ever made of this song !

[seapinesglow]

Gone way too soon. I was hoping Bob would get around to releasing a great new album chock full of timeless melodies and licks and that unmistakable voice. Thanks for all the amazing music Bob! You were one of a kind!

[cathystruska]

Every time I play this I think of my Dad, a rebirth, a time of second chance, a time of Future Games..TJ STRUSKA

[cathystruska]

I too, think this version fits Bob perfectly, Bobby always had this jazz thing, listen to Fleetwood Mac's Coming Home. It's an homage between Pink Floyd and Wes Montgomery. How cool is that😜

[cathystruska]

Mick Fleetwood, the arrogant wonk, kept Bob Welch from nomination for the hall. It crushed Bob. He wasn't a time piece in their careers, he came in and changed their sound into The Best Era Of Fleetwood Mac.
Shame on Mick and Stevie and John, what an insult and dirty deal..TJ STRUSKA

[michaelgoodrich]

This is a very interesting reworking of this tune and I like it as much as the Mac version.  It is very imaginative.  Welch was an interesting song writer and  guitarist and I always liked his style.  His music quirky as it may be at times could take me places that few other musicians could and for that reason I will always have a special affection for him and his music.  A great pity the way his life ended.   He deserved more than what he got out of FM.

[jacileewray]

It's like this is his original version and Fleetwood Mac is the final version. Just listening to this for the first time and relistening to the Fleetwood Mac version (which is my favorite song) it is very interesting to see how a song evolves with more instruments and influence. But the Fleetwood Mac version is still spellbinding.

[jamesparise]

I was making a comment and youtube switched to the next song. Lost the comment. Anyway great entry. I can't believe I don't remember this album. I was always a big fan of Bobs. Especially the Paris stuff. Yes he was a pivotal influence in Fleetwood Mac. I really did'n care for them once he left.

[seapinesglow]

The Mac version is classic no doubt with its early 70's earthy way, but if you think this sucks then too bad for you. This remake fits perfectly on the LP and is one hell of pleasure to listen to with its late 70's smooth studio ethereal spell.

[LAL]

Did Bob write his music? It sounds like it.

[brucejohnson]

This version is missing Danny Kirwan's lead guitar which is outstanding. Welch does not play lead on either version.

[vincentc]

6 people are playing future games from the past.

[yaylineviolante]

Many say that Welch helped carry the band, but let's not forget about Danny Kirwan. Before Bob, Danny lead the band and wrote most of Mac's songs. Even when Bob Welch joined, Danny played most of the guitar parts especially on the song Future Games (except for the acoustic jazz licks that Bob added in the song, which isn't much). And it shows, Bob can't even come close to playing like Danny and this version of the song is a testiment. If Bob was so great how come the songs that he remade from his time of Mac aren't as widely known? Though it may not seem like it, I really do love Bob Welch. He definitely deseves his cut of the band, but I must admit that I am upset about the fact that Bob is more widely known than Kirwan. It is said that Welch contributed to Danny's poor mental health, for he would push his buttons and cause Danny to go over the edge, getting him fired from the band. From then on, yes I agree Bob Welch carried the band, but definitely not when Danny was a part of the band.

[igrowhigher]

Welch was certainly entitled to re-record his own tune in re-imagined way. That said, although there are things to like in this version, overall it does pale in comparison to the original F. Mac recording.

[seapinesglow]

@MusicalTree3
Sure why not? But I think most people already have it in their heads that the original is better. I just think they are different. I am a HUGE Mac fan and enjoy both equally.

[CatfishSkinner]

ATTENTION BOB WELCH FANS!! There is a pg on FB dedicated to trying to get him into the RRHOF with Fleetwood Mac! The page is called 'FRIENDS OF BOB WELCH' & there is a petition on that page! PLEASE SIGN & SHARE THAT PETITION! THANK YOU!

[vincentc]

I prefer the tone of this version, and have to say I like it more.

[texaschrist]

@Scott Shea Yes, danny was living on a diet of beer. Bob wanted danny out, did his best to accomplish it by suggesting danny was out of tune. Danny, with perfect pitch, a shy, hard working perfectionist genius was lucky to get out. Mick was doing him a favor firing him. .meanwhile, welch the rhythm guitarist(with bob Weston as well) is blessed to have the phenomenal final 3 minutes of future games played by kirwan. Welch said a decade or so ago that both were responsible. If so why did bob say the new version ( here) is a faithful version. The song is fabulous with kirwan's guitar solo, non- existent here. And bob is off key singing the choruses, much worse when singing it live. Like Syd Barrett kirwan did record more. Barrett with David and richard's help, and kirwan returned with more amazing/ beautiful songs .