Monday 30th October
Palace's
alleged Director Of Football, Mr Bob Dowie, has left the club
with immediate effect. Could never understand why the interfering
buffoon stayed on at Selhurst after his brother's illicit disappearing
act. Hopefully Bob'll re-join Iain "up North" at Clowtown,
his unique brand of transfer 'insight' hastening their slide
into the abyss.
_
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Sunday
29th October
Well, Firefest was a big success -
which is more than I can say about Palace's wretched performace
against Plymouth. Yesterday's 0-1 reverse was the club's third
consecutive home defeat. Promotion now looks an absolutely vain
hope, but unless something's done to stop the rot we'll be fighting
for our lives at the bottom of the table come the season's end.
Grabbed a bottle of Australian white wine to drown my sorrow
during the trip North, settling down to enjoy the Slade boxed
set. By Christ, did this band write some brilliant songs or
what? 'Far Far Away' and 'How Does It Feel' are so darned good,
I had to go back and listen to them a second time.
Gotthard were going through their paces at a packed Nottingham
Rock City as I arrived, the whole place rocking along to 'Lift
U Up'. Co-organiser Kieran Dargan passed by in a blur, looking
chuffed (and relieved) at the turnout. The event was running
about 20 minutes late due to one of the earlier bands being
granted a few extra minutes of stage-time, and with an apparently
strict 10.30pm curfew that didn't bode well for the headlining
act, Winger. So much so that guitarist Reb Beach came out to
help the roadies with the changeover. Alas, it took 'Blind Revolution
Mad', 'Loosen Up', 'Seventeen' and 'Down Incognito' for the
sound to achieve any sort of clarity, and the band were forced
to re-start one of my all-time favourite songs, 'Rainbow In
The Rose', due to a keyboard malfunction. Sections of the crowd
grumbled loudly at Winger's choice of material, and along with
'Junkyard Dog', two fine new tunes ('Generica' and 'Right Up
Ahead') were a little too heavy for their moderate taste. However,
'You Are The Saint, I Am The Sinner', 'Headed For A Heartbreak'
(a ditty that could have been purpose written for Crystal Palace
FC), 'Can't Get Enough', 'Easy Come Easy Go' and 'Madalaine'
ended things on an absolute high.
Kip had moaned from the stage that being forced to curtail his
set "fucking sucks", and was none too happy in the
hotel bar afterwards. I could see the situation from both sides.
Firefest is planned, financed and run by enthusiastic and unpaid
amateurs whose goal is to keep a style of music alive. You might
argue that in such circumstances Winger should have cut out
their blues jam, or the guitar and drum solos. But the fact
remains that allowing one or more of the support bands - which
is exactly what everyone else on the bill was - to overstay
their welcome represented a disservice to the show. When I mentioned
this to Kieran and somebody from the Bonfire camp, the latter
had the audacity to call me "a bean counter". No,
fuck off. It's about having respect for the band who'd flown
across the Atlantic to headline the show. [Incidentally, Dargan
insists that Winger were only contracted to play for 70 minutes,
which is exactly what happened].
Regardless of who's right or wrong, congratulations go to all
involved in making Firefest #3 so memorable. I thoroughly enjoyed
my first visit and will be back next year... whoever Palace
happen to be playing.
_
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Saturday 28th October
Okay,
I take back a small amount of the abuse I've written about the
post office in this diary. There I was, trying to decide which
Winger T-shirt to wear to Firefest and seeking as-yet unplayed
delicacies to occupy the train journey from St Pancras to Nottingham
when - bing, bong! - I must sign for a copy of 'The Slade Box
- A 4CD Anthology 1969-1991'. That'll do perfectly, thankyou.
Looking forward to a day 'n' night of record buying, footie,
rawkenrawl, alcohol and lots 'n' lots of gossip. Heaven... so
long as the Eagles don't lose to Plymouth.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Friday 27th October
Gee, it must be tough to be Budgie. I thoroughly enjoy seeing
them play, and last night at the Underworld was no exception,
but the aviary riffmeisters from Wales are fast reaching a point
where they must sit on their perch and take stock. Budgie have
played this same hall three times in as many years, probably
to identical fans on each occasion, and with little variety
in the way of set-lists. A brand new album called 'You're All
Living In Cuckoo Land' (their first since 1982's 'Deliver Us
From Evil') is recorded and mastered but with typical ill fortune
missed its deadline at the pressing plant. So knowing they're
obliged to play 'Panzer Division Destroyed', 'Melt The Ice Away',
'Turn To Stone', 'In For The Kill', 'Nude Disintegrating Parachutist
Woman' and the "well-pecked" (bassist/vocalist Burke
Shelley's term) 'Napoleon Bona-Parts One & Two' and 'Breadfan'
once again the trio romp through them happily enough. But the
evening's three new songs - 'Dead Men Don't Talk', 'Justice'
and 'Falling' - are good enough to confirm Budgie can do better
than clone their last London show, and the one before it. They
must envy a band like Iron Maiden who can proclaim, 'We're playing
our new album in its entirety, and if you don't like it then
just stay at home'. But part of the problem is of Budgie's own
making. With a 10-album catalogue and a history of almost four
decades of music to mine, would fans really mind them replacing
'...Bona-Part...' with the full-length 'Parents', or reviving
tunes as great 'Breaking All The House Rules', 'Wildfire' or
'Forearm Smash'? When we've all got to know '...Cuckoo Land',
a bit of a spring-clean must top their agenda...
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Thursday 26th October
An interesting statement has been released from Ozzy Osbourne's
office regarding speculation that Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler
and Bill Ward are lining up a tour with Ronnie James Dio as
Heaven And Hell - the title of Sabbath's masterpiece from 1980,
and one of the three greatest records to bear the group's name.
The press release states "there is only one Black Sabbath"
(falsely, in my opinion), then reveals that Iommi, Butler and
Ward will reunite with Ozzy in late 2007 for a tour to promote
- gasp! - the first "new album" from the classic line-up
in almost 30 years. Given the amount of false alarms we've endured
on this score, I'll believe it when I hear it. I wonder whether
the 'other three' have actually been informed of this decision,
or if it's just the Osbournes attempting to piss on their rivals'
fireworks? Shockingly, however, the communication ends on conciliatory
note towards Ozzy's arch enemy Dio, wishing him "much success"
with the project alongside Tony (yet mysteriously ignoring Geezer
and Bill's alleged involvement). Go on... knock me down with
that feather! I've gotta be dreaming!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Wednesday 25th October
Yes-s-s-s-s-s-s-s!
My London to Nottingham rail ticket just dropped onto the mat.
Yes, the Firefest
is now just three short days away. For the third consecutive
time the all-day melodic hard rock festival clashes with a home
game for the mighty Eagles, but there's no way on God's green
earth that I'd miss Winger playing a rare show on British soil.
Pausing only to grab a bottle of something lethal, I'll dash
to St Pancras and hope to reach Rock City in time for at least
some of Gotthard's special guest spot. My heart is weary at
missing the rest of a very strong bill - Bonfire, Fair Warning,
Wig Wam, Treat and Nexx - but for all Palace's flaws, cut me
and I still bleed red 'n' blue blood. Some tix are apparently
still available, so get y'self over there or miss a great night...
Hail to EMI Records for re-issuing for a set of classic Steve
Hillage albums in January. Ex-Gong guitarist Hillage was a musical
genius, creating some breathtakingly freaky and moving space
rock with his synth-playing girlfriend Miquette Giraudy. My
all-time favorite Hillage record is 1977's inspirational 'Motivation
Radio', which along with 'Fish Rising' (1975), the Todd Rundgren-produced
'L' (1976) and 'Rainbow Dome Musick' (1979) is at last to be
offered in remastered and expanded form (actually, 'RDL' doesn't
have bonus tracks, but I've only ever owned it on vinyl). Better
still, 'Green' (1978 - produced by the Floyd's Nick Mason),
the concert double 'Live Herald' (1979), 'Open' (1980) and 'For
To Next - And Not Or' (1982) all receive the same treatment
a month later.
P.S. There's no rush back to London from Firefest now, as Glenn
Hughes has put back his Shepherds Bush Empire show until March
"due to unforeseen circumstances."
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Tuesday 24th October
On the strength of 2003's highly credible self-financed
debut album 'The Failing Light', and having enjoyed conducting
a small interview with them for Metal Hammer, I sank a few vodka
& Diet Cokes whilst checking out female-fronted gothic hard
rockers Season's
End at the Underworld last night. Around since 1998, the
UK-based band are still possibly a little short of the finished
article presentation-wise, but musically, they're even tighter
than my wallet (believe me, that's tight), with just the right
combination of fiery axework, dextrous keyboards and soothing,
mellow sections. I quite like the fact that Becki Clark isn't
some dazzling Scandinavian goddess with a Size Zero figure,
and although it's unlikely she'll audition for Nightwish anytime
soon, she holds the show together (wo)-manfully, even when the
microphone cuts out at crucial moments. Album tunes 'Nothing
After All', 'Touch' and 'Celestia' offer a maturity and power
deserving of a far bigger audience, the show ending with their
best song 'Ghost In My Emotion'. However, 'The Emptiness In
You' (one of several unreleased songs aired) suggests their
next album will be a lot more uptempo and in your face.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Monday 23rd October
Well, I admit it - I'm shellshocked. Last night I went to
see the New York Dolls, or what remains of the influential US
sleaze-rockers, for the first time. Beanpole vocalist David
Johansen and guitarist Sylvain Sylvain still fly the flag for
the group's definitive line-up, though the presence of ex-Hanoi
Rocks bassist Sammi Yaffa and Crown Jewels guitarist Steve Conte
compensates for the omission of key personnel. I was amazed
how much Johansen and Sylvain seemed to enjoy themselves during
a thoroughly excellent show. Opening with the 1973 classic 'Looking
For A Kiss', the band hit the stage running and barely slowed
for breath all night. From the new album 'One Day It Will Please
Us to Remember Even This' we heard 'We're All in Love', 'Fishnets
And Cigarettes', 'Punishing World', 'Gimme Luv And Turn On The
Light', 'Plenty Of Music', 'Dance Like A Monkey', 'Gotta Get
Away From Tommy' and 'Dancing On The Lip Of A Volcano' (unlike
the record, devoid of guest vocals from that vile bald prat
from REM). Janis Joplin's 'Piece Of My Heart' received a brisk
rubdown, as did late guitarist Johnny Thunders' 'Can't Put Your
Arms Around A Memory'. Of the Dolls' classic catalogue, 'Personality
Crisis', 'Private World', 'Puss 'N' Boots', 'Pills', 'Trash'
and 'Jet Boy' all lit a metaphorical Bunsen burner beneath the
sold-out Forum, sending it - and yours truly - into delerious
meltdown.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Sunday 22nd October
Was disappointed that Palace brought home just a point from
yesterday's lively 1-1 draw with Leicester. What a soulless
shell the Walkers Stadium turned out to be. I'm well aware that
people call Selhurst a dump, but at least it has character.
These new purpose-built stadia are monstrosities, especially
Coventry's ground in the middle of that bloody industrial estate.
Gimme Selhurst and its leaky roof any day of the week.
Cheers to the individual calling themselves 'man from 1992'
for the latest imbecilic guestbook message. I do count Barney
from Napalm Death as a good friend, but although my memory sometimes
lets me down I've no recollection of going to see the Red Hot
Chili Peppers at Birmingham Hummingbird with him. You probably
saw Barney standing alongside Mole, a celebrated and rather
dashing roadie from the midlands who has the good fortune to
bear an uncanny resemblance to my good self (or at least my
overweight 1990s self). It's caused problems and confusion in
the past, with at least one band threatening to clout Mole for
a review penned by me. Anyway Man From 1992, given your obvious
lack of braincells it's an honour for a dolt like you to have
called me a "hopeless rocker" and a "mong".
You've somehow achieved the impossible by making the previous
guestbook poster 'f' - a Blaze Bayley fan who came up with the
tremendous slur of calling me "retared" [sic] - look
like a rocket scientist.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Saturday 21st October
Off shortly with my eldest son Eddie to see Palace play
(that should probably say 'lose') in Leicester. Still had time
for a quick news surf. After his recent jam with estranged brother
Igor, Max Cavalera
is now telling interviewers that the Sepultura line-up will
probably reunite next year. That's co-o-o-o-o-ol!!! Equally
fascinating, Blind Melon's surviving members have reunited with
newcomer Travis Warren as replacement for Shannon Hoon, the
charismatic singer who died of a drug overdose in October 1995.
I met Hoon several times and found him wonderfully engaging
and thought-provoking company. The thought of Blind Melon existing
without him is kinda sacrilegious, but I suppose I'm willing
to give it a try...
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Friday 20th October
Something for the weekend, sir? Indeed so. Yesterday got
off to a bad start with yet another unnecessary trek to the
Post Office collection depot. Why do the morons that walk these
rounds fail to comprehend that an otherwise bulky collection
of individual jiffy bags WILL fit the through the letter box
if you remove the elastic band? However, the tasty haul that
I brought home should occupy the coach trip to Palace's game
in Leicester tomorrow. It included a finished copy of the new
Meat Loaf album ('Bat Out Of Hell 3'), Tim Finn's 'Imaginary
Kingdom', a double anthology from Demon ('Time Has Come - The
Best Of'), a CDr of the new Starz album ('Live In Cleveland')
and a vintage Pat Travers band DVD ('Hooked On Music', recorded
onstage in Germany, 1976). Clive Nolan of Arena/Pendragon fame
was indeed been as good as his word and had mailed the debut
EP by his latest project, Caamora, plus a copy of 'Contagion',
the sole Arena album missing from my collection. 'Freelight',
the fourth album from Final
Frontier is a wondrous slice of pure-AOR from a band based
around the God-like presence of Mladen from Von Groove and Rob
Moratti's soaring vocals. So good is the Final Frontier record,
it softened the blow of John Waite postponing his long-awaited
UK dates until next March.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Thursday 19th October
Well, apart from from the exclusion of two key band members,
the Genesis reunion chatter has finally come to an end. Yesterday
afternoon I received an invitation to a London press conference
announcing Turn It On Again - The Tour. The band's line-up for
these dates will be Phil Collins on vocals/drums, Mike Rutherford
on bass and Tony Banks on keyboards.
Pointedly, vocalist Peter Gabriel and guitarist Steve Hackett
are not involved. For an old-school fan like myself, that's
not the news I'd hoped for. But then a yuppie-era, Gabriel/Hackett-free
Genesis is (marginally) better than no Genesis at all. I guess
we'll discover the full whys and wherefores when the band speak
out early next month.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Wednesday 18th October
If you expected me to be furious after Palace were given
a football lesson by West Brom at Selhurst last night, you're
mistaken. After the disappointing performance against Cardiff,
I almost expected it. Even Stevie Wonder could see the flaws
in our current squad - no pace, no midfield, a defence that
you can drive a combine harvester through and reliance on long
balls to a targetman (Scowcroft) who just doesn't look like
scoring - and given his dodgy looking transfer deals, manager
Peter Taylor's future is beginning to look precarious. What
was most purturbing about last night was my own acceptance of
the first goal, just before half time, and its successor a minute
or two afterwards. I'm getting used to losing... dare I say
it, caring about it less? Not since the Trevor Francis years
has supporting Palace been about apathy, but that's where I
find myself drifting right now.
On the other hand, the afternoon was lots more fun. After last
Tuesday's aborted attempt to interview Pete Way in the midlands,
the great man jumped onto a train to get the job done here at
Ling Towers (yes, I did bury the cocktail cabinet in the garden,
and nailed down anything remotely breakable). Arriving with
a bottle of Spumanti wine and obligatory can of Special Brew,
Monsewer Way was on fine form. After the work and indeed the
Spumanti were done, Pete took a look at my office. A photo of
himself,
UFO vocalist Phil Mogg and Eddie and Arnie from this summer's
Rock & Blues Custom Show is my current screensaver, and
upon noticing this he almost made me piss myself laughing by
innocently remarking: "Why am I on your PC with your kids
and Victor Meldrew?", referring to the grumpy
pensioner played by Richard Wilson in UK comedy show One
Foot In The Grave.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Tuesday 17th October
Last night it was back to the Royal Albert Hall for the
second time in a fortnight. The occasion? A one-off gig from
Meat Loaf to preview new album 'Bat Out Of Hell III: The Monster
Is Loose' (released in a week's time). Despite prohibitive ticket
prices - believe it or not mine had cost £55; those nearer
the stage must have been more expensive still - I'm reliably
informed that the RAH could have been sold out three times over.
Besides a top-notch band that featured former Todd Rundgren
bassist Kasim Sultan and ex-Anthrax guitarist Paul Crook, The
Loaf was backed on selected songs from the 'Bat Out Of Hell'
trilogy by the Hustler Symphony Orchestra, a group of 25 classically
trained babes that had to be seen to be believed.
The almost two-hour set began with an excerpt of 'All Revved
Up With No Place To Go', leading into 'Paradise By The Dashboard
Light', 'You Took The Words Right Out Of My Mouth (Hot Summer
Night)', 'Out Of The Frying Pan (And Into The Fire)' and 'I'd
Do Anything For Love (But I Won't Do That)', with 'Objects In
The Rear View Mirror May Appear Closer Than They Are' closing
the show's first half. After a short interval, the songs from
'Bat 3' started to emerge. Co-penned by Nikki Sixx, 'The Monster
Is Loose' sounded big enough to fill the Albert Hall, which
isn't something that's written too often, though 'Bad For Good'
sadly lacked the album's guest appearance from Brian May. 'If
It Ain't Broke, Break It' was a typical piece of Jim Steinman
whimsy, 'Blind As A Bat' proving that album producer Desmond
Child hasn't lost his skills of parody. The place went absolutely
apeshit for 'Bat Out Of Hell', followed by encores of 'It's
All Coming Back To Me Now', performed as a duet with Marion
Raven, and 'Life Is A Lemon And I Want My Money Back'. I thought
the audience reaction deserved at least another song, but Meat
decided to keep us waiting for a full-blown UK tour, details
of which will be announced shortly. If you're a fan, start saving
those pennies.
P.S. How much joy did it bring to log onto Sky Sports News for
the score of last night's Ch**lton-Fulham game, and see the
headline 'Sorry Addicks stay bottom'? And to a goal by one of
their ex-players... absolutely priceless! Keep up the good work,
Agent Dowie...
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Sunday 15th October
Am still absolutely gutted by Palace's defeat to Cardiff
yesterday. The visitors, who I'm surprised to say are points
clear at the top of the table, were certainly better than us
in the first half, but despite conceding yet another early goal,
newboy Stuart Green's strike restored parity by half time. I'd
have said the Eagles had the edge after the break, so it was
incredibly frustrating to concede what turned out to be the
killer blow just before the end, especially from a hotly disputed
throw-in that should have gone our way.
So I'm sitting here, hung over and pissed off at having to work
on my accounts on a Sunday, when a new guestbook
entry arrives. Oooh look... it's from a Blaze Bayley fan, hiding
behind the name of 'f'. This should be fun. Hehehehe. Apparently
I'm 'very retared' [sic] for allegedly "bashing" a
"legend" such as the erstwhile Maiden frontman. For
someone who claims to have listened and to and played heavy
metal "for over 25 years", this sorry individual appears
to have the IQ of a toddler. Listen up, 'f'... I'd rather be
'retared' than suffer any of your own afflictions, so get back
to the nursery and cheers for brightening my day.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Saturday
14th October
Alas, last night's all-Norwegian package of Grimfist,
Red Harvest and Susperia wasn't as appealing as it seemed. Grimfist
went on first before a small but enthusiastic Underworld crowd.
After releasing their '10 Steps To Hell' album, and indeed since
I last saw them opening for Enslaved and Arcturus on this same
stage, Tommy Hjelm has replaced ex-Necrophagia/Gorelord frontman
Frediablo. Hjelm seemed to be doing a pretty good job, but after
less than half an hour Grimfist were gone. I've seen Red Harvest
enough times to be assured of their excellence, but last night
something was definitely lacking. Unless you can give Red Harvest's
experimental blend of metal and industrial music your full attention,
their songs have a tendency to sound rather similar, and with
the crowd's enthusiasm waning the group's levels of interest
also seemed to wither. So thank goodness for headliners Susperia.
Unfortunately vocalist Athera was battling a throat problem,
but despite the declaration of "no fucking virus is gonna
stop my rock 'n' roll show", it was clear after just a
few songs that he was straining. Favourites 'Petrified', 'Home
Sweet Hell' and 'Anguished Scream (For Vengeance)' were matched
with previews of 'More' and 'The Clone', a pair of impressive-sounding
numbers from a fourth studio album. Oddly, the night ended with
Susperia's version of the W.A.S.P
classic 'Wild Child', Athera's larynx sounding sandpaper-raw.
_
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Friday
13th October
Some
of yesterday afternoon was spent exchanging jovial e-banter
with three of my musical heroes; guitarist Richie Ranno, singer
Michael Lee Smith and drummer Joe X Dubé, from the mighty
US hard rock band Starz
- though MLS isn't part of the ongoing reunion. Like contemporaries
Angel, Starz were a band whose records found cult appeal during
the 70s (in the UK, at least). Starz never gigged in Britain,
but along with Jon Bon Jovi, Nikki Sixx and many others I must've
spent hours playing air guitar to 'Coliseum Rock' and singing
into a hairbrush to 'Violation'. So it felt strange when the
'in' box pinged to a message from Smith, requesting I keep his
e-address confidential, unless of course I wanted pass it onto
"that magnificent blonde with the Twin Peaks of Perfection"
that he'd bumped into "at Brand's Hatch [whilst] watching
our Formula 3 racing car back in 1976". Seems the singer's
wife was around at the time. 1976... hmmmm, that's three decades
ago... it'd probably place said mystery blonde in her very late
forties, so my guess is that those self-same Twin Peaks now
very probably point towards her cowboy-booted toes. Maybe it's
time to let that memory go, fella.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Thursday October 12th
Grrrr....
Where to start regarding last night's England game? I'm still
spitting feathers with fury after a passionless display against
Croatia that was capped by Gary Neville and keeper Paul Robinson
contriving to hand the home side a Keystone Cops-like own goal,
placing the proverbial tin hat on a dismal but justified 2-0
defeat. England's national side are bollocks and will never
win anything again, I might as well just get used to it.
Back in the realms of music, I was shocked to hear that Justin
Hawkins has walked out on The Darkness for a solo career, citing
drug addiction and alcoholism among his main reasons for doing
do. But hang on a minute, aren't those things supposed to be
perks of the job?! I guess not if you spend over £150,000
on cocaine in three years, causing your nose to disintegrate.
According to reports, the band are to continue with new bassist
Richie Edwards at the microphone. You never know, without those
ridiculous falsetto vocals I might even end up liking 'em now.
Riveted onto the Ling Towers death deck at the moment: 'Robert
Johnson's Tombstone' by Thunder (on sale October 30; apparently
recorded in a mountain-top villa in Spain... all I can say is
that the Sangria worked its magic!), Wetton/Downes' 'Icon 2'
(due November 10; what a songwriting partnership!) and Uriah
Heep's 'Easy Livin' - The Singles A's & B's' (great music...
awful sleeve notes! Hahaha).
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Wednesday 11th October
Yesterday
was a watershed moment for Crystal Palace Football Club. Simon
Jordan outfoxed his arch enemy Ron Noades into selling the leasehold
of Selhurst Park for £12 million. We've got our ground
back at last, now we can spend some money on it and push on
from there. Speaking of the legacy he intends to leave behind
him, Jordan told Sky Sports News: "I'd like to stabilise
the club in the Premiership and have a stadium befitting of
the club's position, then see who's got the legs or the energy
or the outlook to want to take it on [from me]." But being
a long-term Eagles fan Simon did have the modesty and realism
to add: "By that stage I'll be an old man."
It was fantastic, completely unexpected news to receive, my
mate Steve O'Connell's call brightening the mood of glum frustration
as I sat in a car on a gridlocked M25. Was supposed to have
been going to Birmingham to interview Pete Way. The whole trip
was amusing in a Spinal Tap sorta way. Hope that Pete received
the message we'd been forced to turn back to London, as Robin
George had called him from a phonebox earlier in the morning
and failed to replace the receiver properly, jamming the line.
And although we'd been told Way's mobile wasn't working, we
called it and were relieved to hear it ringing... only to discover
his wife Rashida had taken it out shopping with her. I have
this vision of Pete still sitting in a pub somewhere near the
Bullring, looking at his watch. Then again, these things happen
all the time on Planet Waysted. He probably didn't turn up either!
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Tuesday 10th October
Here's some good news: Dave Mustaine is talking about bringing
his successful Gigantour package to the UK and Europe next year
in time for Megadeth's new album, 'United Abominations'. He's
hoping to have Anthrax, Testament, Exodus and one other group
on the bill. That's something to get excited about.
And how spooky is this? Two days after posting that photo of
myself with Bernie Tormé at Reading, a package from The
Great Man hits the doormat. Besides a message of thanks for
the recent review of the Desperado album in Classic Rock, Bernie
wanted to pass on a copy of 'Bitter & Twisted', the debut
from his latest venture GMT. I'd already seen the band (completed
by ex-Gillan/Mammoth bassist John McCoy and former Rachel Stamp/Bruce
Dickinson drummer Robin Guy) whipping up a storm at a Clive
Burr benefit gig at the Ruskin Arms last year, so knew of their
potential. What can I impart of Tormé's oeuvre that hasn't
already been written? Very little. A typically monstrous slab
of punk-tinged psychedelic hard rock, overlain with squalling
guitars, Whammy bar torture tactics and barely intelligiable,
electric soup-fuelled vocals, 'Bitter & Twisted' is worth
tracking down right away.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Monday 9th October
I
won't bore you by droning on about England's inexcusable 0-0
draw with Macedonia on Saturday beyond stating that it was a
soulless, half-hearted performance worthy of the Eriksson era.
The honeymoon for Steve 'Son Of Sven Gormless' McLaren is now
officially over. Wednesday night's game in Croatia is now bigger
than ever.
Thanks to webmistress Batttttty for sacrificing some of her
valuable Sunday to post a few more photographs in the Gallery
section. (Message from Batttttty: No problem
matey. We strawberry blondes have to stick together)
There are recently taken snapshots with Hanoi's Michael Monroe
and Andy McCoy, fellow Finns Lordi and those canine boozers
American Dog. And from my scrapbooks, vintage 'uns of Night
Ranger, Bernie Tormé and former Hendrix bassist Mitch
Mitchell. Each one brings back memories!
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Saturday 7th October
Enjoyed an unusual show from Walter Trout and The Radicals
last night. What was odd about it? Well, the band took the Mean
Fiddler stage later than billed and former John Lee Hooker/Canned
Heat/John Mayall's Bluesbreakers guitarist Trout announced:
"Good evening, London. Tonight's a special evening... Sammy
[Avila]'s keyboard's broke, so tonight we're gonna throw the
set-list away and be a power-fuckin'-trio for you." Kicking
off with 'Dust My Broom', an Elmore James classic covered by
ZZ Top on 'Deguello', Walter and his trusty rhythm section of
Ling lookalike bassist Rick Knapp (my, what a handsome fellow!)
and stick-twirling drummer Joey Pafumi performed just nine songs
during the next 105 minutes... Einstein won't be required to
work out what type of a show we're talking about here. "This
is fun!" exclaimed Walter a few numbers in, "I can
play even more notes than usual - even louder that I'd normally
be. It's perfect. I can play as fucking tasteless as I want!"
Although I'd like to have heard 'Life In The Jungle', the tune
that turned me onto Walter in the 1990s, the show's levels of
sponteneity and musicianship were utterly compelling.
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Friday
6th October
So
some daft Swedish paleontologist thinks that naming a fossil
after Motörhead mainman Lemmy Kilmister is clever, huh?
Dr Mats E. Eriksson, Associate Professor of Paleontology in
the Department of Geology at Lund University, professes to be
a long-time fan of the band and has given the scientific name
of Kalloprion Kilmisteri to a 428 million year old jaw of an
extinct, marine polychaete annelid worm found in the Silurian
strata of Gotland, Sweden. "Not only is Kilmister a legend
in the music business, but his name will have a permanent record
in science," explains Eriksson (I wonder if he's a relation
to the hapless Sven-Goran?!). Well, Mr Big Shot, here's something
to shove up your stethoscope. Come back to me when you've given
the name of Lemmy to your first-born son, you lightweight. I
introduce to you, Eddie
Lemmy Selhurst Ling, meeting his namesake at the 'God Save
The Queen' video shoot in 2000.
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Thursday 5th October
Wow...
Iron Maiden are performing the whole of new album 'A Matter
Of Life And Death' on their world tour, which began in Connecticut
last night. Bruce Dickinson had told me this was their plan
months ago, and sources close to the band later revealed their
intention to clear out much of the old material they'd been
playing for years. And so it has transpired, the likes of 'The
Trooper' and 'Run To The Hills' being axed from the set. Everyone
must agree that this is a supremely brave move on Maiden's part,
but one that vindicates their belief in the excellent 'AMOLAD'.
Then again, if I was some pimply-faced kid buying my first ever
ticket to see the band, I can't deny the fact that I'd be pretty
irate.
Palace's future at Selhurst Park is becoming shrouded in uncertainly,
with landlord (and ex-chairman Ron Noades) reportedly planning
to sell the land to property developers Structadene for £12
million, and an approach to re-locate to the National Sports
Centre having been reportedly snubbed by the Mayor. Structadene
are the company that bought Bournemouth's ground and generously
leased it back to them. As you can imagine, debate at the CPFC
Bulletin Board has been heated, with one poster branding
asset stripper extraordinaire Noades "a vile parasitic
arsewipe who'd sell his own mother's vital organs whilst she
was on her deathbed if it would make him a few pieces of silver"
and others pointing out that he's worse than that. Sites for
new stadiums are being proposed, and the idea of ground-sharing
with Scumwall, or somesuch lowlife London neighbour, is even
being floated - like a turd at the bottom of a toilet bowl.
There's no smoke without fire, and the silence emanating from
the Club is deafening. Whatever happens, unless Noades and surrent
supremo Simon Jordan come to some agreement, or the Supporters'
Trust steps in again, three years are all that remain on our
Selhurst lease. There's never a dull moment following this club.
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Wednesday 4th October
Paul Rodgers has always been one of my favourite vocalists,
and the much-travelled former Free/Bad Company/The Firm/The
Law/Queen frontman played a splendid gig at the Royal Albert
Hall last night. The beautiful yet cavernous London venue wasn't
full to capacity, but Rodgers certainly pulled a highly respectably-sized
crowd, running though several Free songs ('I'll Be Creepin'',
'The Stealer', 'Ride On A Pony' and 'Be My Friend', perhaps
predictably ending the show proper with 'All Right Now'), The
Firm's 'Radioactive' and 'Closer', plus some vintage Bad Co
('Feel Like Making Love' and 'Bad Company') before Gary Moore
brought the house down by joining him for excellent renditions
of 'Standing Around' and 'Louisiana Blues'.
Given that Moore has recorded the song himself, I was surprised
he didn't hang around for 'Wishing Well', though Gary would
return for an encore finale of 'The Hunter' that also included
a tribute to Hendrix with 'Little Wing' (nice solo from ex-Heart
man Howard Leese), 'I'm A Mover' and a one-man farewell of Bad
Co's 'Seagull'. Barring a fairly nondescript new song called
'War Boys' there was no doubting the quality of the performance,
nor indeed of Rodgers' seemingly indestructible voice, but with
such a rich catalogue to have mined, surely he could've managed
more than 90 minutes onstage?
My antennae are a-trembling with anticipation at news that Bob
Seger kicks off his first tour in 10 years in Grand Rapids,
Michigan, on November 8. With a new album called 'Face The Promise'
in the racks, my fingers are firmly crossed that it'll include
some British appearances.
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Tuesday
3rd October
Further
to yesterday's Genesis update, I received several emails from
individuals casting doubt on the Sunday Mirror's 'Gabriel snubs
reunion' story, insisting that Peter will definitely participate.
One, from a reputable source that I'm unable to name, even dares
to suggest there will be TWO tours... the Collins-fronted 'And
Then There Were Three...' line-up going out next year (possibly
including a spot at Glastonbury), followed by a full-blown,
Gabriel/Steve Hackett-augmented, 'Lamb Lies Down On Broadway'-themed
stadium jaunt in 2008. As a sworn enemy of the vile 'Invisible
Touch' era, I know which one of those options is the more personally
appealing!
_
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Monday 2nd October
A
chorus of boos for Peter Gabriel please. According to the Sunday Mirror,
the singer has chosen to pass on a moneyspinning Genesis reunion tour
that's being planned for next year. Seems that his schedule is fully
booked until 2008 (ain't it funny how many benefit gigs there are
for unemployed, orphaned, refugee, lesbian blue whales these days?),
though Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford, guitarist Steve Hackett and
Tony Banks are all anxious to get things moving in the next 12 months.
I guess we'll have to wait and see if they can hang around and wait
for Pete.
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Sunday 1st October
Although we've benefitted from a couple of them this season,
last minute goals don't half sting when they go against you. Just
as it seemed that Palace were coasting towards a fine 1-0 away victory
at Peter Taylor's former club, Hull City, yesterday, Gabor Kiraly
fluffed a cross and allowed the home side to notch an injury time
equaliser. Bugger! Incredibly, we still moved up one place to fourth
in the table - three points would've put us second. Bah!
Michael Turner's 90th minute exploits might've ruined my afternoon,
but the morning was pretty cool. Attended a record fair in Olympia
and came home clutching 20-odd more vinyl treasures. Preview are one
of those bands that AOR anoraks still bang on about, and their Keith
Olsen-produced, self-titled debut (released in 1983) was worth the
mere quid it cost. Among the rest of my haul were three albums by
the band Charlie (whose ranks included future Bad Company producer
Terry Thomas - not to be confused with the gap-toothed comedian),
Rare Earth's eponymous debut, a couple of Mahavishnu Orchestra albums
I didn't have (1973's 'Birds Of Fire' and 'Visions From The Emerald
Beyond', issued two years later), 'Branded Bad' by American Tears
(featuring Mark Mangold of Touch/Drive, She Said on keys), the Andy
Fraser Band's 'Andy Fraser Band' LP from 1975, Peter Hammill's 'Skin'
and pair of classic Horslips albums. That'll keep me busy for a while!
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