The Zombies Bassist / Composer Chris White Explains "Butcher's Tale" #britishrock #psychedelicrock

Mark Preston: To have Chris White on film was very, very special to us, and to me on a deep personal level. I attended several moving performances of The Zombies Odessey and Oracle, including the historic 40th Anniversary show at Shepard’s Bush in 2008. As we learn from our interview “A Butcher’s Tale” was composed by Chris, and it is an emotional recollection of how his family was affected in the Battle of Somme in World War One. We conducted Chris interview on November 11 which is Armistice Day in England. Their holiday is similar to Memorial Day in the United States to honor fallen soldiers in past wars. Our cinematographer Derek Hanlon suggested that we post the Odessey and Oracle album on the wall behind Chris as visual backdrop. Before we started shooting our interview which was scheduled before noon, Chris asked me if we could pause for a moment of silence at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to observe two minutes of silence as is custom. Of course, we agreed. When the clock struck 11 in Room B at Terminal Studios in Bermondsey, we stopped shooting and all of us; including Bass Player editor Joel McIver, my partner Tom, Derek, Ollie our assistant, my wife Joanne, and Chris’ wife all stood in a circle with our heads bowed. Just seconds into our observance, the Odessy and Oracle album crashed to the floor. Chris opened his eyes and looked at me “these things happen for a reason” he said! Here is our conversation with Chris! Tom Semioli: Interviewer / Writer. Mark Preston: Interviewer / Producer / Director. Derek Hanlon, Oliver Harley Symonds: Cinematographers. Mark Polott: Editor. With very special thanks to Melani and Edward Rogers, Susan Enterline, Cindy da Sliva. Photos by Dina Regine, Joanne Preston. www.KnowYourBassPlayer.com

Added 26 Mar 2026