The Dirty Mac Members, Gear & Sound

Genre

Members

Select a The Dirty Mac band member to check out the music gear they use live and in the studio.

Eric Clapton

Roles:

Guitarist

Groups:

Mark Knopfler’s Guitar Heroes The Yardbirds Cream Derek and the Dominos John Mayall & the Bluesbreakers The Plastic Ono Band Eric Clapton & His All Star Band The Secret Police George's Band The Louisiana Gator Boys Blind Faith T.D.F. The Singing Rebel's Band The Singing Rebel's Band Eric Clapton and the Powerhouse Delaney & Bonnie and Friends Eric Clapton & The Powerhouse Immediate All Stars Eric Clapton And His Band Slowhand and Van Sting with Eric Clapton Sean Head Showband B.B. King & Eric Clapton

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John Lennon

Roles:

Singer Guitarist Keyboardist Composer

Groups:

The Beatles The Quarrymen David Bowie (band) The Plastic Ono Band John Lennon Apple

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Keith Richards

Roles:

Singer Guitarist

Groups:

The Rolling Stones Various Artists for Children's Promise Artists United Against Apartheid Keith Richards and the X-Pensive Winos The New Barbarians Little Boy Blue & The Blue Boys Mick Jagger & Keith Richards The Glimmer Twins Jagger/Richards Nanker Phelge

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Mitch Mitchell

Roles:

Drummer

Groups:

The Jimi Hendrix Experience Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames Gypsy Sun and Rainbows The Dave Morrison Band Sid de Vay Choir Ramatam The Riot Squad

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About

The Dirty Mac was a supergroup assembled for the Rolling Stones' 1968 television special, "The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus." This iconic ensemble consisted of John Lennon (vocals, rhythm guitar), Eric Clapton (lead guitar), Keith Richards (bass guitar), and Mitch Mitchell (drums). While their collaboration was brief, The Dirty Mac left a lasting impression with their potent blend of rock and blues rock, showcasing the raw energy and virtuosity of its members.

How to Sound Like The Dirty Mac

The Dirty Mac's sound is a powerful collision of raw, blues-infused rock energy. Their music features rich, overdriven guitar tones that carry a sense of urgency and intensity. With Clapton's use of the 1988 Soldano/Cornish Guitar Routing System, his guitar work melds seamlessly with Lennon's rhythm, often played on a Fender Stratocaster Electric Guitar, delivering a gritty yet melodic edge. Richards' bass lines, supported by the punchy resonance of a Mesa/Boogie Mark 1 A804 amp, provide a driving foundation, while Mitchell's dynamic drumming adds a vibrant layer of complexity. The ensemble's sound is characterized by its aggressive yet melodic interplay, creating an electrifying atmosphere that captures the spirit of late 1960s rock and roll.

Get the The Dirty Mac Sound

Want to sound like The Dirty Mac? This gear comes straight from the setups of the band's members, based on proven sources. Dive into each artist's page for more detail and inspiration.