Nearly Back To Normal

Lots been going on, but nearly back to normal. Had a great time at The Vibrants gig a couple of weeks ago and sung with The Q Tones over the past weekend. A couple of photos for now.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Just a quick post to say I'll post something more substantial as soon as I get the time.
Hope everyone out there in Blogland is OK. Mark

Daddy T has a Blog

Well, my brother has succumbed and started a Blog. He is heavily into Reggae and has an excellent sound system on which he plays his extensive collection of CDs and has gigged at several establishments in Brighton. He gigs under the name Duppytune. A Duppy is a Jamaican name for ghost. Visit his Blog (Daddy T's Reggae Shack) and say hi. www.duppytune.blogspot.com

Collage

It's been a busy week, what with work and other things, so I have not had much time to post here.
Put together a collection of photos, CDs, BJ tickets as a collage. When I think back on all the good things that have come out of Blogging, like the friends we've made, the fun we've had, the music and performances we've seen it really makes me feel great. And it's all thanks to RF. Lovely lady!!
PS See some of my photos of Rachel etc. on Rachels MySpace site, here is a link http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=47158448

A Happy New Year

Another year goes and another comes. 2005 was a lovely year for me. What made it special was the new friends I have made through Blogging. You really are a lovely bunch. Special thanks to the lovely Rachel Fuller for getting me into Blogging and the great times I've had through it. It was four o'clock when we finally got into bed this morning so I'm a little tired. Have a great 2006 everyone and may it be good to you all.

PS Oh yes, the other thing that made 2005 special was that I married Jill in February.

One of the photos is of me taken on New Years Eve and the other is of revellers at the gig we did the same night. If you enlarge the photo you will see the bubbles we float into the party.
I don't normally wear earrings, I was getting in the party mood.

Happy Christmas Bloggers

Guess what arrived via the postman today? Our tickets for Basement Jam!! They were posted on November 24 and have taken a month to reach us. Must have got lost 'In The Ether' . Have a great Christmas everyone! Enjoy yourselves, don't overdo it and spare a thought for those less fortunate. Have fun!!

Spooky Photo

I took these photos whilst at a friends wedding reception about eighteen months ago. Opposite where the reception was being held was a circus. I was taking some photos of the big top when I noticed the moon behind the clouds. I thought it would make an interesting photo. I aimed the camera and just as I did I saw what appears to be a face. It lasted a second and it was gone. Spooky!!

Stu

Just seen a post from Claire Eliza asking if I have a photo of Stuart from Rachels band. Yes I have, here it is.

The Vibrants @ The Pleasure Unit

Another excellent set from The Vibrants!! These guys are going places! The Pleasure Unit is not a patch on The Halfmoon in Putney as a venue, but it doesn't matter if you have The Vibrants to watch. Met the band members after and they are really nice guys. Here are a few photos of the guys in action. Their EP is available on www.thevibrants.com Buy it!!!

Basement Jam (Part Two)

I took 120 photos at BJ here are a few more of them. I haven't bothered to explain who they are of, as you all know them.

Basement Jam - An Incredible Experience

Rachel and Me
Mikey and Me
Rachel and Mikey
Pete
Rachel
Simon

Mikey

Left to right - Me, Koos, Jim, Debby C
Stephanie, Gary, Jillytee, Marietta.
I do not know how to describe the experience of Basement Jam. This post would be full of repeated adjectives if I tried. There we are, about one hundred and twenty of us, mostly Bloggers, sitting in Oceanic Studios waiting for an intimate show to begin. Other Bloggers have described the event elsewhere (Garys, Mariettas and Jillytees Blogs) so I will just describe the special 'to me ' bits and post some photos. I met Mikey and Rene again and they are a fantastic couple. Mikey is such fun and did an excellent set, he also signed my photo of him that I bought from photographer Cat Stevens. I prefer Mikey to Foy Vance. I don't know why, but I do. Mikeys great!! Simon stormed through his set. Rachel , as normal , was perfect. Pete, well, what can I say. Well that's the short version of BJ. It was all a million times better than my description, just fantastically incredible. So I met Mikey and Rene, Simon T and now for the very special bit, not that Mikey and Rene and Simon aren't special, 'cos they are, very. But this next bit was surreal. During a break I am walking past Rachel and she is talking to Marietta. Jill is behind me and I hear Rachel mentioning smoking, so I say something like ' you must give it up Rachel' and Rachel says that she is going to see Alan Carr on Tuesday. We speak a little more as we walk along the corridor. Rachel leads us into a production room. Matt Kent is sitting to my left. Others are sitting around. In front of me in the middle of the room is, well it's him isn't it, Pete, the man whose music has been my inspiration in life for the past forty years. Now I am in dreamland, I take a couple of paces and say' Hi Pete, I'm Mark'. 'Hi Mark' he replies. I introduce him to Jill. Ask for a photo with him and he suggests I take one later on. 'Come this way Bloggers' says Rachel. We go through a door up the stairs (they are very steep) and there we are In The Attic. By this time, I'm thinking F**k me!! This can't be real!! We chat with Rachel, who is adorable, and after a few minutes she says we best get back to our seats as the show is about to start again and she needs a wee!! Down the stairs, holding onto the handrail, past Pete and into the corridor. How I got along the corridor with the widest grin in the world on my face I don't know. After the show I chat with Rene and she tells me they are driving back to Southend that night. I buy Simons CD and shake his hand and have a quick chat. After a couple of false starts I get my photo taken with Rachel (WOW!!!). I give Mikey and Rene a hug goodbye. We say goodbye to everyone and drop two americans Debby (Debby C) and Jim to Heathrow and drive home. Finally, I'd like to say Hi to all the Bloggers I met, especially Gary and Stephanie, Marietta, Debby and Jim, Koos, Delbut and lots more whose names I forget. And lastly a BIG thank you to Rachel, Pete, Mikey, Rene, Simon, Foy, Rachels band and all the production crew for a truly wonderful evening. Thanks!!!!! PS I said at the beginning of the year that it was my ambition to shake Petes hand before the end of the year. Idid it!!! Next year my ambition will be to have my photo taken with him as I didn't get it this time.

Disco and Basement Jam

A late start to the day, we finally got up at 1100 as we did a Disco last night. By the time we packed the gear away it was 0130 and we chilled out 'til 0245. It was a strange gig as no one appeared to want to dance until we played a request for The Music Man by Black Lace and then the dancefloor was full and it was 'cheese' for an hour. It's hard work setting up and for a four and a half hour gig which last night we started at 1630 picking the van up and finished at 0130. Nine hours work. Seriously need to look at the finances of running this 'hobby' as it is costing us money, but that's a decision for the New Year. Basement Jam tonight and we're really looking forward to meeting all the Bloggers and seeing Mikey, Rachel, Pete, Simon and Foy again. Got to get ready now. Will post later after the BJ.

Just for Molly (BallerinaGurl)

A few more pics of Sam, just for Molly. Sam is her cabana boy.

A Lovely View

As many Bloggers are posting nice views, I thought I would join in by posting this one taken on Sunday of the view from Richmond Hill. This is probably the best view in London. The photo looks better enlarged. About fifty yards from where the photo was taken live a very famous couple. She is an excellent singer songwriter and Blogger. He is a singer songwriter rock superstar. My ears are still ringing from The Vibrants gig on Saturday.

A Vibrant Weekend

Well, what can I say about The Vibrants at The Halfmoon on Saturday night. F***ing brilliant springs to mind. They are one excellent band. Full of energy and fascinating to watch. You must see them. I could go on and on but they are just so good. For me Sam stole the show (not just because I met him after their set) his guitar playing is second to none. He has a lot of attitude on stage and plays his guitar aggressively as well as singing backing vocals. Must not forget to mention the singer (don't know his name) who is also very good and works hard. Add the other three members of the band and you have one tight group. We stayed at The Richmond Hill Hotel for the night which just happens to be right opposite PTs and RFs house. Took a really nice photo of the house which I may post later in the week. Anyway, my ears are still ringing from the gig as we stood at the front. Don't forget to see The Vibrants!!!! www.thevibrants.com

The bottom photo is of Sam and myself after the gig. Sam is on the left. Thanks to Sam for taking the time to chat and for his patience with the photo. He knows what I mean. I must remember to keep my head down when having my photo taken. I've more chins than China.

Sore Fingers

I've been practising two chords C and G. Have not quite got it right but it's coming on slowly. Still get the odd string not sounding completely clear. I'll get there in the end. My fingers are sore but it will be worth it. A message to a former Blogger, my door is open, is yours?

My Guitar

I bought a guitar last Saturday with an effects box and practice amp. I just need to learn how to play it now. I have tried a couple of times during my life, so this is my final attempt. Gary asked me to post a photo, so here it is.

In The Attic

The last episode in the current series of In The Attic tomorrow. I've really enjoyed all of them and it has been very entertaining. So thanks to Rachel, Mikey, Pete and Simon plus all the guests for giving me so much enjoyment.

The Weekend So Far

The weekend so far has been excellent. Went to see Zero Stars on Friday evening. It was only their second gig but they were very good. Will see them again when they next gig. The photo of them was taken on my mobile phone, so once again not very good quality. The other photo is of two boys busking in Brighton. They were playing The Kinks number 'Sunny Afternoon'. The guitarist wants to get enough money to buy an amp. He is only nine. A star in the making! Highlight of the weekend was a chat with Molly (BallerinaGurl) on the phone. What a lovely lady!!! You rock Molly!!

In The Attic

On tonights In The Attic, Rachel mentioned that she would have a Blogger on the show next week to be interviewed. Well, I've put my name forward and fingers crossed. Tonights show was great, as usual, Mikey, Simon, Pete and Rachel. Marvellous!! Chatted with the lovely crowd in Mollys (BallerinaGurl) chat room. Last ITA next week, apart from the Christmas special. The weeks will not be the same.

A Feeling

I feel like someone from my past has stopped watching me. Nothing specific, just this feeling of not being watched. Anyway, apart from that nothing much to report. Busy at work with interviews to do tomorrow. I need two additional staff and have to interview nine people to get the two. Been out to see friends tonight so not much time to look around Blogland. Sorry Bloggers.

Disgrace

He calls for you, You call for me,
You cried 'cos you wanted to see me,
And it's OK for a short while,
We're all happy, we all smile,
Then a change of heart takes place,
Disgrace.

A Busy Weekend

Well that was a busy weekend. Saw The Calm Friday evening, Angst Saturday and today, just as I drove into our local shopping mall, got a call asking if I wanted to see Zero Stars rehearsing for their gig next Friday. So off I went to see them. They play rebel rock and are very good, although the rehearsal room was very boomy. Will see them when they play Friday. The venue for Angst was not ideal. Lots of bikers from around Kent and it made very interesting people watching. My lights etc. were well received and we arrived back at 0200 this morning, so I am a little tired. Jill has just got back from a weekend in Somerset visiting her son and Daisy, her Grandaughter, who had her second birthday on Saturday. The bikers get touchy about cameras in their clubhouse so I sneaked this photo of Angst on my mobile phone, hence the poor quality.

The Weekend Again!!!

How much quicker can the weeks flash by? Saw The Calm again last night. First half was mediocre but they came alive after a break. Took lots of photos, but wanted to capture the atmosphere so did not use flash. The result is lots of fuzzy photos. Posted the best one of the bunch. That's the problem with digital, it seems to take so long for the camera to process the info. Off with Angst tonight to a bikers do in Folkstone. Providing the lights, smoke, laser and strobe (for free) may get asked to sing which will be good.

Fireworks

The only fireworks we saw were what The Tar Babies produced. They play sixties songs such as Kinks, Small Faces, Beatles etc.. They were the best I've seen them tonight. Anyway, here is there website address which is very sixties and psychedelic looking. www.tarbabies.co.uk Next weekend is already looking very rocking with two nights of bands to see. When is Mikey going to do another live gig I wonder?

My Little Roller Skate

Here is my new car. Compared to my other one it is like a Roller Skate but I am getting used to it. It is a Nissan Micra 160SR. There are not too many of this model on the road at the moment as it is a recently introduced model. Nissan are limiting the edition to 1600. Let me know what you think.

My Car

For all of you that are waiting for a photo of my new car, I will post one tomorrow (Saturday).

A Sad Day

I'm sad today as I am changing my car tomorrow (Saturday). I have had it for just over three and a half years and have travelled seventy thousand miles in it. I have had lots of fun in it and will miss it terribly, but have to save money. So I am downsizing and getting something less flash and cheaper. This is a photo of it outside my office taken Friday 28 Oct..

Tired

Really tired today and p****d off but don't know why. Had a quick look round Blogland, posted on a few blogs and now time for bed. Up early in the morning, driving to Stansted for a meeting. Nighty Nighty. (Pyjamas, Pyjamas)

Stop Swearing

I do not swear that much, just the 'F' word. But some days I just have a bad day and every other word is the 'F' word. So I am not swearing at all until Friday at 2200 hours. Only broken the pledge twice today. Apart from that a normal day at work. Loads of problems. Looking forward to the weekend already.

Last Night

I was a little disappointed with The Calm last night. They didn't have their sound right. The female singer could not be heard that well at times. They had all their following with them who get the atmosphere going. It just didn't work for me. Should have seen Juicy Lucy who were playing five minutes walk away from where I was. Went shopping today in Crawley. Wasn't in the mood to buy anything, so bought some toiletries and that was it. Work tomorrow. Yuk!!

I Have Got To Get Myself A Guitar

I have tried twice during my life to play guitar but got no where. I am determined to but one and persevere. I need to be up there playing. I've a few things that I must do up to the end of this year but next year I'm buying a guitar and learning. I don't expect to be great but I want to be good. Off to see a band tonight while Jill is out with friends. The trouble is I watch all these amazing people playing guitars (Tuesday night didn't help) and I just want to pick one up and play. If only it was that easy.

Too Tired

Boring old fart tonight. Iwas really tired so stayed in. Watching TV. Boring.

Rain, Rain, Rain.

Blooming weather. Has rained most of the day. Sorted out my car insurance for my new car today, so I am all set with my personalised number plate to go on it. Pick the car up on the 29 of this month. Now, decisions on the weekend. Karaoke tonight, maybe, but I'm very tired, so maybe not. Plan to see The Calm tomorrow night and if they are not too good will catch Juicy Lucy again as they are playing in Crawley for the second week running. Then on Sunday we may go to Petticoat Lane with my bruv and Roxy. Must see my poor old Mum this weekend. She doesn't know it's me as she has a condition similar to Alzheimers. Jill is cutting the longer bits of my hair, not that it is long as I give it a number three at the sides and number four on the remainder. Well that's it . Have a good weekend to everyone, especially Shaun and Lisa with their new baby.

What a Night!!

Well I'm knackered after a days work, but it was well worth it. The Bedford gig
was excellent. Just finished watching In The Attic. Another excellent, fascinating show. Mikey gave Jill and me a mention which was really good of him. Rene and Mikey are so so nice. Anyway a couple more
photos for you and there is couple of me on my website. One with Simon T and one with Zak Starkey.
Oh, and contrary to popular belief, if you believed how Matt Kent was described on In The Attic, here is the man himself filming the event. Matt filmed the event and clapped the clapperboard extremely well.

The Bedford

Just got back from The Bedford. What a fantastic night. Words can't describe it.
Met Mikey and Rene. A really lovely couple. Had problems with my camera.
Wrong setting to start with and then the battery went and the spares I took were the
wrong ones. Three photos for you. One of Rachel with Mikey,
One of Mikey and Rene, Mikey and me. I'm off to bed
Will post a few more tomorrow.

Excited or What!!

Jill and myself are on the guest list for the Rachel Fuller/Pete Townshend/Mikey Cuthbert gig. I'm like a little kid at the moment. Fifty four and still getting excited like kids do at Christmas. Oh well, can't help it. Leaving work early and driving up in Jills Micra. Funny looking car. But nice.

Juicy Lucy and Brighton

Only caught the last fifty minutes of Juicy Lucy as Jill wanted to have a meal. They were so much better than the last time we saw them. Their drummer does a solo which last night was incredible. Had a chat with Ray Owen who writes their songs and is their singer and has been with the band since the early seventies. He used to hang out with Hendrix in the sixties. Bought their four track CD and felt like a teenager when I asked him to sign the sleeve. A great gig. Went down to Brighton today, that's the second time in a week. We only live about thirty minutes drive from Brighton so we should go down more often. Bought some Storm jewellery and a jumper to wear at the RF/PT/MC gig.

Juicy Lucy

Off to see a band called Juicy Lucy tonight. They had a hit in the early seventies.
They have the same singer who is very good. Caught the end of their set
three months ago, so it will be nice to see all of their performance.

Cheeky Girls

BallerinaGurl is working out a dance routine for Rachel and Mikey to dance to the Cheeky Girls number Touch My Bum. For those who have never heard of or seen the Cheeky Girls here is a photo of me with them. The photo was taken in September 2004. I'm the one on the right.

Blogs

I spend so much time Bogging. Not that I post on other bloggers blogs that much, i just like looking and reading. Just how some of the Bloggers find so much to write about and the time to write amazes me. Rachel F posts her guest list tomorrow and I have everything crossed. Today will consist of a walk round the shops and deciding what to do tonight. Blog on.

A Quiet Evening

My brother and his wife Roxy came round this evening. He's good company and Roxy makes us laugh. Watched Eastenders and Rogue Traders. Showed my brother the world of blogging and he was quite interested. One more day at work and another quiet weekend coming up. Must find something to do as we cannot have another Friday and Saturday night watching the telly. Thinking about buying a peronalised number plate tomorrow. I'll post on here what it is, if I buy it.

Jills at the Hairdressers

Yes, she is having her hair coloured. So I am Blogging. Posted at Mikeys site and Renes. They seem a nice happy couple. I often wonder if I am too old to do this Blogging lark. I'm fifty four but everyone says that I am good for my age (thanks to Superdrug vitamin E cream which I have used for the past twenty odd years) and also my theory that if you put on a couple of kilos a year it fills out the wrinkles.The problem is I will be massive if I live to my nineties. I only feel like I'm twenty three. I run a Disco/Karaoke as a hobby, sing with bands and watch live music whenever I can. Am I too old? I don't think so and I'm never going to think old either!!!

A Day Off!!

A day off, well sort of. Spent about 45 minutes on the phone during the day to work and popped in this morning. Went down to Brighton and had a walk round the shops. The North Lanes are good, lots of different independent shops. Spent lots of money in the Storm shop buying a neck chain and bracelet for myself and a bracelet for Jill. Also bought a book on the making of Tommy and a photo of Pete Townshend doing a jump with his guitar. Must buy the Matt Kent/Andy Neil book on The Who. Looked round the guitar shop as well. I will have one more go at learning, so will buy one in the next six months. Lovely weather today, nearly too hot. Work tomorrow, yuk!!

A Busy Day

Cut the grass this morning and cleaned some other bits and pieces up in the garden.
Went and bought a couple of Goldfish, Bob and Pop. My brother Neil and Roxy came round
after a weekend in London. Down to Brighton tomorrow as I have the day off . Lovely.

A New Car

Going to see about a new car today. My current one has done sixty eight thousand miles in three and a half years and it is time for a change. Looks like it will be a day of jobs tomorrow. Yuk!! I want to do something tonight but Jill is feeling under the weather so we may just stay in.

A Boring Weekend

Looks like this will be a really boring weekend. We are moving in a few weeks and we have to tidy up and get things in some sort of shape. No rock bands this weekend. Must take the three mike stands round to Angst. I seem to have got them from the last gig. Everyone is stating to talk about Christmas now. Bah humbug!!

Naming Ceremony

After rushing round Sussex yesterday, which took in Newhaven, Brighton (lots of VW campers down there for a rally) Hove and back to Brighton again, we went to the naming ceremony in the evening, which was an experience. About forty to fifty African women in traditional costume dancing away to African music and drums. A lovely experience.
Been on the phone to work several times this morning. Problems, problems. Off to see my poor old Mum this afternoon. She has a condition similar to Alzheimers and I'm not sure if she knows whether I'm there or not. Make the most of life as you never know how you'll end up.