Hell To Pay

Out of print in U.S. Healey was a highly talented guitar player. The fact that he had been blinded by a rare form of genetic eye cancer from early childhood makes his achievements all the more remarkable. By the age of three he was taking his first steps on the guitar, but too small to play the instrument in the conventional way, he laid the guitar flat on the floor and subsequently, stretched out on his knees. He used the technique all his life, later claiming it gave him greater flexibility in bending and hammering the strings. Even though See The Light was a platinum seller, there are many Healey fans who say that Hell To Pay was Jeff Healey's best album. Six of the eleven tracks were penned by the band, yet it is the cover versions that had the greatest impact. Healey had found a groove with John Hiatt songs and cut an excellent version of 'Let It All Go'. But the album will be best remembered for the stunning version of 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' with George Harrison (the Quiet One) and Jeff Lynne lending their presence - and a guest appearance by Mark Knopfler on his 'I Think I Love You Too Much'. Three singles were released from the album by which time they had another million seller on their hands.