From: owner-avalon-digest@smoe.org (avalon-digest) To: avalon-digest@smoe.org Subject: avalon-digest V6 #192 Reply-To: avalon@smoe.org Sender: owner-avalon-digest@smoe.org Errors-To: owner-avalon-digest@smoe.org Precedence: bulk avalon-digest Thursday, May 24 2001 Volume 06 : Number 192 Today's Subjects: ----------------- Re: [AVALON] Sunkissed flamingos awake [LeeSullivn@aol.com] Re: [AVALON] TOTP2 - Thanks Chris Turner [LeeSullivn@aol.com] RE: [AVALON] TOTP2 - Thanks Chris Turner ["Guy Lawley" ] RE: [AVALON] top of the pops ["Guy Lawley" ] Re: [AVALON] Decade comparisons ["David Squires " ] Re: [AVALON] Riverside Roxy ["Jane Collard" ] [AVALON] Meanwhile back in The Green Room... [Jocelyn Fiske ] Re: [AVALON] TOTP2 - Thanks Chris Turner [LeeSullivn@aol.com] To leave the list, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon-digest ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 04:34:14 EDT From: LeeSullivn@aol.com Subject: Re: [AVALON] Sunkissed flamingos awake In a message dated 5/24/01 8:16:37 AM GMT Daylight Time, martinstockman@btinternet.com writes: > * ..I truly worry for dear old Andy. We were wondering whether he'd make > the second night at Wembley. Whilst much of the playing was flawed - save > the stonking bass'n'drums - Andy appeared to have real trouble raising a > honk out of his alto; and the effort required to get a squeak out of his > oboe left me worried if there was a doctor in the house. Well, he's a new father in his fifties - there's life there, I think! My take on this was: Andy was very restrained; particularly through the end of the many Jealous Guys - this looked like nervous restraint (no bum notes, please) rather than inability & also (standing close enough to hear the instruments rather than through the muffled PA) the oboe & sax work was all there. All oboeists look as if they're about to explode - which is pretty close to the truth from what I can gather. I think it'll be interesting to hear the studio mix when broadcast and measure it against what we could hear on the studio floor. One thing I hope is changed for Riffers on the tour is the use of static microphones (2) rather than the clip-on mic - I hope this was due to the studio-nature of the recording. Andy was unable to move at all, and I think in a live performance this must influence how much you're 'getting into it' - something the whole band suffered from, particularly with the breaks in recording - a groove was not found; though, by the final Virginia Plain, they were really playing much better. Okay, sad AM fan bit over - the evening was a blast! TGPT was an immaculate timekeeper and powerhouse in OOTB - as well as being very accessible before & after the show; bass was great, the chorus girls - oh! the chorus girls - that's going to look so wonderfully glam/cheesy on tour; the percussion/violin section were gorgeous (in a very musical sense you understand); Colin G's keys were textbook, though the choice of a cravat may need to be reconsidered; Phil was good-humoured (notable for me was that BF AM & PM all exchanged friendly chat. Good news) and BF still has an infuriating amount of hair . . . Great to meet all you guys - no doubt we'll all be suffering deja-vu by the end of the tour. It's going to be a hot summer . . . Lee S ____________________________________________ Easily distracted? Displacement activity a problem? Me too. Going to: www.LeeSullivan.co.uk won't help either . . . ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 04:36:13 EDT From: LeeSullivn@aol.com Subject: Re: [AVALON] TOTP2 - Thanks Chris Turner In a message dated 5/24/01 8:29:48 AM GMT Daylight Time, shearerandrew@hotmail.com writes: > Can I just take this opportunity to publicly thank Chris Turner and his > speedy distribution of information, without which, many of us would've > missed a very special night last night. > > Andrew > > > Agree wholeheartedly, particularly in light of his pub-rock tendencies. Sorry to miss you, Andrew. Lee S ____________________________________________ Easily distracted? Displacement activity a problem? Me too. Going to: www.LeeSullivan.co.uk won't help either . . . ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 10:04:35 +0100 From: "Guy Lawley" Subject: RE: [AVALON] TOTP2 - Thanks Chris Turner Damn straight. Thanks a million Chris! Guy - -----Original Message----- From: owner-avalon@smoe.org [mailto:owner-avalon@smoe.org]On Behalf Of Andrew Shearer Sent: 24 May 2001 08:14 To: avalon@smoe.org Subject: Re: [AVALON] TOTP2 - Thanks Chris Turner Can I just take this opportunity to publicly thank Chris Turner and his speedy distribution of information, without which, many of us would've missed a very special night last night. Andrew ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 10:04:33 +0100 From: "Guy Lawley" Subject: RE: [AVALON] TOTP2 - The return of ROXY! The guy in the specs, over on the left at the back...? That was Colin. Singing along and looking very happy to be there. And playing keyboards. Guy - -----Original Message----- From: owner-avalon@smoe.org [mailto:owner-avalon@smoe.org]On Behalf Of Han Snijders Sent: 24 May 2001 07:43 To: avalon@smoe.org Subject: Re: [AVALON] TOTP2 - The return of ROXY! Thanks all for the quick reviews, that's what we were waiting for. (Read them over and over to be sure to miss not one detail!) one question, where was the arranger Colin Good? I thought he would play the piano/keyboard Han ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 10:04:29 +0100 From: "Guy Lawley" Subject: [AVALON] Riverside Roxy A few personal notes to add to what's been said so far: (a) Thanks again for the ticket Jane C.! (b) In case anyone hasn't got the message yet, I'm sure Roxy WON'T be at the Bradford TOTP recording. They sneakily changed the backdrop to "TOTP 1981 Special" for one of the 3 Jealous Guy takes and that's what will be shown (I'd guess... but seems pretty certain) (c) The atmosphere of a TV recording like this is very artificial compared to a gig, which is partly why the band seemed a bit uptight, I'm sure. But I hope they loosen up considerably for the tour. If they're determined to recreate a Greatest Hits sound and no more, well, so be it. It'll be fun. But there was a really great band up there last night and if they let rip a bit the results could be amazing. Some real space for soloing and some extended versions of old faves would not go amiss. (d) The true power of Spedding was unleashed only on a brief burst of the VP intro during a tuning up/audio check interlude. A couple of numbers where he can really strut his stuff would add to the delights. (e) Reservations aside, what a momentous event we witnessed! VCRs set to stun for both transmissions!! Hope it gets shown Stateside and throughout the EU etc... that's the true power of TOTP, I suppose. (f) Thanks again for the ticket, Jane! Guy ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 10:04:31 +0100 From: "Guy Lawley" Subject: RE: [AVALON] top of the pops Roxy won't be at Bradford... they recorded Jealous Guy last night for the 1981 Special. So relax, don't do it, when you wanna sock it to it...! Guy - -----Original Message----- From: owner-avalon@smoe.org [mailto:owner-avalon@smoe.org]On Behalf Of beauxb@cwctv.net Sent: 23 May 2001 20:21 To: avalon@smoe.org Subject: RE:[AVALON] top of the pops Hi, I rang the No. I'm despete for tickets, but it's a fax no! Any telephoneNo? If you know the telephone number to get TOTP tickets for Bradford, PLEASE let me have it ASAP!!! BEAUX. Or contact my Mobile E-Mail at ; beaux@orange.net On Wed, 23 May 2001 14:53:19 EDT Bebbingtonsteph@aol.com wrote: Received: from smoe.org ([209.58.179.86]) by smtp.cwctv.net with Microsoft SMTPSVC(5.5.1877.447.44); Wed, 23 May 2001 19:58:25 +0100 Received: from localhost (daemon@localhost) by smoe.org (8.8.7/8.8.7/listq-jane) with SMTP id OAA23877; Wed, 23 May 2001 14:54:04 -0400 (EDT) Received: by smoe.org (bulk_mailer v1.10); Wed, 23 May 2001 14:53:54 -0400 Received: (from majordom@localhost) by smoe.org (8.8.7/8.8.7/listq-jane) id OAA23843 for avalon-outgoing; Wed, 23 May 2001 14:53:40 -0400 (EDT) Received: from imo-d03.mx.aol.com (imo-d03.mx.aol.com [205.188.157.35]) by smoe.org (8.8.7/8.8.7/daemon-mode-jane) with ESMTP id OAA23837 for ; Wed, 23 May 2001 14:53:36 -0400 (EDT) From: Bebbingtonsteph@aol.com Received: from Bebbingtonsteph@aol.com by imo-d03.mx.aol.com (mail_out_v30.10.) id p.10.d3c6d75 (17236) for ; Wed, 23 May 2001 14:53:20 -0400 (EDT) Message-ID: <10.d3c6d75.283d611f@aol.com> Date: Wed, 23 May 2001 14:53:19 EDT Subject: [AVALON] top of the pops To: avalon@smoe.org MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" X-Mailer: AOL 6.0 for Windows UK sub 58 X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: from multipart/alternative by demime 0.97c X-Converted-To-Plain-Text: Alternative section used was text/plain Sender: owner-avalon@smoe.org Reply-To: avalon@smoe.org Precedence: bulk Return-Path: owner-avalon@smoe.org the 1981 concert is on this sunday.free tickets are available from this number:08700 1000 125.it is also on bbc 1 from 1630-1730,& they are singing jealous guy.cannot wait.only 4 weeks until men arena. any idea who is the support? ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 10:21:58 +0100 From: "David Squires " Subject: Re: [AVALON] Decade comparisons On 23 May 2001, at 21:38, Rod LeCloux wrote: > It just kind of bugs me when people generalize about each decade > cause there's great stuff out there from them all and I'm not > convinced at all that one decade was better than another. Absolutely. If there's nothing out there that grabs you, then you're not looking hard enough! David - -- David Squires, Wimbotsham, Norfolk, UK ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 10:21:58 +0100 From: "David Squires " Subject: [AVALON] Hello, we're Roxy Music I don't think I quite believed it until last night, but they're back, it's true! TV recordings are always funny affairs and you don't have the whole dynamic of a live show. But after this taster I'm looking forward to seeing them again! Some fragmentary impressions and recollections... I was excited and nervous about the reformation. I got _really_ excited and nervous as the queue started moving and I eventually got into the building. Lots of discussion and speculation beforehand. (Hello to everyone I met and to everyone I didn't!) When the band emerged there was a really warm and affectionately raucous reception for them. Virginia Plain was a very good way to start - what's her name? I wonder if they'll use it as such on tour? Bryan is in fine voice and, with three takes of JG to prove it, the whistling is still second to none! Paul Thompson and Zev Katz are a great rhythm section, a solid and rocking power-house. (Han, Colin Good is on keyboards though I don't think he's musical director - Andy and Phil might have something to say about that! ) Spedding is an unbelievably good player and is frighteningly well-preserved! It was really good to see BF, AM, PM _&_ PT together again. But, since Paul's contribution to the RM sound is so important, especially so in the early days, I think it is a bit of a shame to see him relegated to a session role when it comes to photo shoots. But maybe he prefers it that way - did anyone ask? And will the shouts for Paul bring a reprise of the Ferry/Eno thing for C21?! There was a nice little bluesy jam at one point, during a break to let the technicians chase down an audio fault. It was started by Spedding and others gradually picked it up. Just when I began to imagine how wonderful it would be if Bryan were to fish a harmonica out of his pocket, it fell apart. During another break, Phil responded to a call for "If There Is Something" by mugging through the opening guitar part. He then proceeded to tease us with the opening notes of "Mother of Pearl", "A Song For Europe" and "More Than This". My favourite song was Jel - no, not that again! "Out Of The Blue" was absolutely storming. I've got a horrible feeling that the BBC won't use it, as I didn't hear as much of Phil's solo through the PA as he did through his earpiece. Lucy's solo was brilliant! Not at all bad for a band just shy of a fortnight into rehearsals. Though most of them have played these songs before... It felt really good to be there to witness the return - VHS-S machine primed and ready to roll come TX. Regards, David David Squires, Wimbotsham, Norfolk, UK See like who's where: http://www.squires.nildram.co.uk/Avalon.html ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 10:27:43 +0100 From: "Simon Galloway" Subject: [AVALON] TOTP2.... the morning after I'm still hardly able to believe what we saw last night, it's already becoming some sort of strange fuzzy dream. Steve - sorry to hear you didn't get in, that is a real shame, considering that there were a handful of younger people who didn't seem to know who Roxy were. They proceeded to make a nuisance of themselves, upsetting quite a few people (Raymond and Therese will testify to that) and talking very loudly during the songs, I'm surprised they weren't ejected from the set. In the pub after I was chatting to someone who was turned away just as he got to the actual studio door. As we talked the TOTP producer Chris Cowey came over to the pub and the guy accosted him in the street! What do we pay our licence fee for eh? Was anyone else turned away? As for the performance, Andy, Phil and Bryan were all struggling to be heard both by themselves and by the audience. The sound was not as clear as it could have been, but I'm sure that'll be fixed in the mix! But, I think that would explain why Andy seemed a little subdued during performances, out of all of them he has been the longest out of the spotlight and probably found it a bit overwhelming. Between songs there were certainly plenty of smiles and laughs from the band, responding to various comments made by some rowdy lot down the front ;-) The little teases of If There Is Something from Andy and Phil and a very quick snatch of Mother Of Pearl from Spedding certainly hint as to what we can expect over the next few months. As for the others - yes Colin was good (hahahagroan), Zev Katz's fluid bass wove perfectly with TGPT driving beat, locking the rest of the band in a tight groove. Lucy and Julia were tiny! Both were in black with glitter catching the light. I think Lucy was having trouble with the old Eno synth (all twiddly knobs and stuff), the thing is probably older than her and was getting temperamental in the studio heat! Spedding seems to have lost that mean and moody look to be replaced by a plain grumpy one, and he kept doing funny things with his tongue (very disturbing) I think he should try smiling instead! The highlight for me was most definitely OOTB, a trembly bottom lip and a lump in my throat prevented me from cheering too loudly. I know for sure that on the tour I will be reduced to a quivering heap, especially if Street Life is half as good! BTW I counted 8 dancers too! There was very little else visible on stage except for Bryan and feathered ladies... Looking forward to seeing it on TV, and seeing the back of my head (and maybe even my hands). SimonG PS did I mention how great Paul Thompson really is? ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 11:12:46 +0100 From: "Simon Galloway" Subject: [AVALON] before I forget! Just to say, it was great to catch up with everyone last night, and in the excitement (aided by strawberry sherberts) I forgot to seek out a couple of people. Sorry! At least there was a good excuse. :-) SimonG ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 11:37:17 +0100 From: "Jane Collard" Subject: Re: [AVALON] Riverside Roxy Guy - your gratitude is humbly accepted(!), but the real thanks is due to Chris for the early alert. I can add little to what everyone else has said - a really amazing evening. I was so nervous before the start - and in a state of total disbelief. I was about to see Roxy again!!!!!! When VP started up - even though we heard it from Bryan last summer - it was a moment to savour, shivers down the spine stuff. And yes, OOTB was brilliant, especially Paul and Lucy. The boys looked great (Andy providing the colour!), although Bryan's leather trousers must surely be due for retirement (some debate at the front as to whether they dated back to the Mamouna tour!). But how does Bryan manage still to look so damn good?! I was one of the "usual suspects" in the front row, and I can assure you all - he does. Yes, a little rusty perhaps - but I guess they were apprehensive too. Above all, I really felt they were enjoying themselves. Great to see everyone again - see you in June Best wishes Jane - ----- Original Message ----- From: Guy Lawley To: Avalon@Smoe.Org Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2001 10:04 AM Subject: [AVALON] Riverside Roxy > > > (f) Thanks again for the ticket, Jane! > > Guy > > > ___________________________________________________________________________ > The subliminable footer says: > To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: > unsubscribe avalon ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 11:43:05 +0100 From: Jocelyn Fiske Subject: [AVALON] Meanwhile back in The Green Room... ...but before we slip backstage for a fly on the wall after show tete a tete (where are those damn French punctuation marks when you need them?) a few brief studio snippets. Blam! straight into Virginia Plain - well I guess we know which song will start the tour. OOTB, completely held together now The Great PT has replaced The Legendary JS. In-between takes playing name that tune. Andy doodling on sax, Mmmmm... If There Is Something? Correct. Phil lazily strumming chords, mmmmmm..If There Is Something? Correct. I guess we know another song in the tour set now. Oh and there were snippets from Song For Europe and The Space Between Us (if I'm not mistaken). Phil's knob fell off - which he put down to age, well that Gibson is getting on a bit now. Lucy twiddled knobs (on her synth board) and every time the throaty engine sample of LITD started up we all burst into Motorbikin' which Mr Spedding found amusing (the first time!) Mr Puce (MacKay) was sharpest man of the evening resplendent in AP suit with subtle apricot stripe down the arm. Mr White (Manzanera) again in beautifully cut suit, Mr Blue (T-shirt) Thompson, well it's hot behind those skins, Mr Rockabilly Rebel (Spedding 20 years on and still wearing brothel creepers and diamante string tie, and of course Mr Black (Ferry), I do, do hope Mr F that those leather trousers have been to the dry cleaners since last we met. It was suggested we have a whip round to buy Fez a new suit for the tour. As already mentioned the fabulous Lido dancers performing a little Going To A Go-go, Ride Your Pony routine during DTS. We just managed to duck during "see La Goulue" as a perfectly formed fish netted leg that was at least 6 feet long can-canned dangerously close to our craniums (and this time it wasn't attacked to the svelte Mr F). Fabulously camp. I suspected they might appear as encore throughout the tour, but perusing the running sheet and call times I see that they came in for long rehearsals on the day. Maybe it was rent-a-Moulin Rouge just for TOTP. ...Anyway, did I say something about the Green Room? Backstage, and The Green Room hospitality has spilled out onto the downstairs riverside patio. Oh bliss, a cool night breeze after the inferno that was the studio ( a tip: NEVER wear leather in Summer under TV lights unless you have a ride in the 2.30 at Doncaster and you can't make the weight). A good old chin wag with TGPT - a more congenial man you have yet to meet (he had time for everyone both before and after the gigette) who confided that he had been very, very nervous, even with all the support he received. Well if it helps Paul I think the consensus was that you were the tightest of this travelling band of players, but it's the first match of the season - let's see how it's all cooking after a few games. And it looks like there's going to be quite a bit of curry consumed on this tour! Mr MacKay now resplendent in a more peachy coloured chintz finished suit, looking relaxed and eminently wise in large glasses. He's looking forward to the tour as is his 21 year old animator daughter (who can only barely remember seeing Roxy in her infancy) and his already discerning 3 year old son. The lovely Mr Manzanera now changed into black Womad t-shirt and Armani jeans grinning warmly and raring to go. Everyone seems so much more relaxed now Paul's on board - even Mr F who spent the evening locked in conversation with a colleague dressed endearingly in ripped and torn jacket, (only REAL money can get away with that deconstructed look). A long chat with Mr Spedding's very jet-lagged girlfriend (who could have fitted seamlessly into the be-feathered dancing troupe we witnessed earlier). A catch up with Lucy who proceeded to tell me the Reecey story, and a promise of swapping Moscow photographs in Dublin. I'm flagging, the bar's run dry, the glasses have run out and my feet are killing me (tip 2: NEVER wear new shoes under TV lights, your pinkies suffer dreadfully) A swift farewell all round, a hello again and goodbye to Zev and exit stage right whilst fleetingly noticing Mr Price has grown a very Khan the Destroyer type goatee (aided, abetted and contoured by a little eyebrow pencil maybe?). I now meander across the road to the pub, absentmindedly wondering if the Roxy Revival will also see the return of the Vulcan Manifesto Eyebrows. Viva! Luella Parsons ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 11:53:14 +0100 From: Jocelyn Fiske Subject: RE: [AVALON] Where My Studebaker takes me....that's where I'll ma ke my stand Oh Stevie!!!! I'm soooo sorry you couldn't get in after coming all the way down from Geordieland. Bastard GNER! I wish you had one of our mobile numbers and we would have tried to go round the back to one of the "numerous" fire exits and smuggled you in. I hope our postings don't rub salt into the wound. We'll have to make up for it somehow in N'cle. At least you will get to see what you missed when it's televised if that's any help at all. Meanwhile, I suggest you go straight to Customer Complaints at GNER and demand a refund on your train tickets, if you get no joy tell them you're going to The Journal or The Chronicle with your story that might do the trick, these people don't need any more bad publicity (especially at the moment.) See you on the tour. Jocelyn - -----Original Message----- From: S.J.Batie@open.ac.uk [mailto:S.J.Batie@open.ac.uk] Sent: 24 May 2001 08:25 To: avalon@smoe.org Subject: RE: [AVALON] Wher My Studebaker takes me....thats where I'll make my stand this 'acres of space' delivers a huge kick in the teeth to me and 11 others marooned outside. we got to the riverside at 7pm after enduring a horrendous train journey down from mk. the queue was maybe 50 deep on the 'ticket' side with about 20 or so on the 'guest list'. naively i guess we thought at the time there wouldn't be a problem getting in especially as people were queuing up behind us. wrong ! all bar maybe half a dozen who were originally further down the queue seemed to have some magical pass that either granted them direct access or they were whisked out of the queue by one of the many bbc/band/showsec staffers who were frequently strolling out surveying the scene. around 8pm maybe another 20 ahead of us got in (and all the 'guest list' people) which left me and stevie three from the front of the queue. no matter how we tried it no one manning the door would budge - even the sight of the boy sporting the 'avalon' t from the '82 tour failed to register with a jocky wilson doppelganger and his cronies ;-)). our cause wasn't helped by a gobby bloke in front who when his mates got in and he didn't he started to erm, verbally insult the over-size doorman. understandable maybe, but the sort of things he was saying wouldn't help our cause. we turned back to hammersmith tube just before 9pm catching a glimpse of the feathered ladies exiting out back enroute. i noted some faces off the web and who maybe i'd seen at gigs over the past 18 months or so and you got in which was good news. glad those of you who got in had a really good time; roll on newcastle !. steve > -----Original Message----- > From: KRNCHSE@aol.com [SMTP:KRNCHSE@aol.com] > Sent: Thursday, May 24, 2001 1:06 AM > To: avalon@smoe.org > Subject: [AVALON] Wher My Studebaker takes me....thats where I'll > make my stand > > Just got this from a good friend in London-I'm sure he won't mind me > passing > it on..........(Many thanks go out to Jocelyn,Andrew and Reecy,BTW.) > If only all concerts were in such a relaxed situation. Huge studio, 400 > people in acres of space - it was like watching them in a half empty pub. > Because the camera crews needed plenty of room to manoevre, and strict BBC > > fire regulations, there was so much space you could pick and choose > anywhere > to watch. On TV it'll look like the place was packed but in reality they > were only 4 people deep at the front. Behind them there were raised > platforms to stand on and an empty floor to just wander about on. The > only > thing missing was the bar! That was outside, and unfortunately out of > bounds > once the show started - but I'd had my fill already. > Ferry looked dapper in black suit, black tie - and black Dye - Reservoir > Dogs > outfit. > Manzanera - similar, but in white, Thompson looks like Nigel during his > "who > ate all the pies?" period. Him and Mackay ain't missed many meals since > 'Manifesto' I can promise you that, and Spedding's had his Grecian 2000 > nicked. There was some shaven headed guy in shades playing bass - no idea > > who that was. > Two very youthful blonde babes on percussion and keyboards, and the > ubiquitous sexy, black diva helping out on vocals. > Recording took about an hour and a half, kicking off with 'Virginia > Plain', > then 'Out of the Blue' / 'Jealous Guy' / 'Love is the Drug' and 'Do the > Strand'. During technical stops Manza, Spedding and Thompson did a brief > little blues jam, then they did two more takes of 'Jealous Guy', one for > edit > options, another for a 'Top of the Pops Extra' broadcast with the > reclining > glamourpuss femme fatale from the first album cover as a backdrop. > Finished > off with another take of 'Virginia Plain'. > During 'Do the Strand' they were joined on stage by six nubile nymphetes > wearing red feather tails and head-dresses that put the Rio carnival to > shame. Ferry's parting gesture was "See you on the tour" - I guess he > will! > It was a fab night out - thanks a lot! Mucho appreciado. I joined the > queue > at 6.00pm after a quick head count, it was hot and I was dying of thirst, > > but dreading finding a pub, in case after a quick pint the numbers swelled > to > danger point. I then glanced across the road and what did I see?...... A > PUB... with tables outside - one of them had my name on it. I sat there > smugly guzzling my lager counting the numbers in the queue opposite, and > catching rays. Could NOT figure out why no-one else sussed the situation > - > amateurs! > I'm hoping the gloves come off when the tour starts, the TV schedule > dictated > the menu - I'm longing for 'Mother of Pearl' and 'Ladytron', and I hope > they > unleash Spedding during the set. During the sound checks his opening > chords > for 'Virginia Plain' were such a raucous tease - I felt like yelling "Let > him > loose... you BBC bastards..." common decency and a fear of ejection > prevented > me from pusuing my whim. In the words of John Lennon "... a splendid time > > was guaranteed for all..." > Later - > Regards,DM > Well i'm drunk today................... > > > __________________________________________________________________________ > _ > The subliminable footer says: > To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: > unsubscribe avalon ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 11:57:09 +0100 From: "Jane Collard" Subject: [AVALON] TOTP2 - another review Just to add - there's a long review of last night's extravaganza on Phil's site, and TGPT gets full credit for his performance. Jane ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 11:58:08 +0100 From: Jocelyn Fiske Subject: RE: [AVALON] TOTP2 - Thanks Chris Turner Yup, a huge thanks to Chris for the tip-off. And Lee, panic over, my other half placed my ticket for Birmingham somewhere safe because "I knew you'd lose it". But he did it a week ago and forgot to tell me! Is anyone else's life more shambolic than mine - please say yes someone! Jocelyn - -----Original Message----- From: LeeSullivn@aol.com [mailto:LeeSullivn@aol.com] Sent: 24 May 2001 09:36 To: avalon@smoe.org Subject: Re: [AVALON] TOTP2 - Thanks Chris Turner In a message dated 5/24/01 8:29:48 AM GMT Daylight Time, shearerandrew@hotmail.com writes: > Can I just take this opportunity to publicly thank Chris Turner and his > speedy distribution of information, without which, many of us would've > missed a very special night last night. > > Andrew > > > Agree wholeheartedly, particularly in light of his pub-rock tendencies. Sorry to miss you, Andrew. Lee S ____________________________________________ Easily distracted? Displacement activity a problem? Me too. Going to: www.LeeSullivan.co.uk won't help either . . . ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 11:00:55 -0000 From: "Therese O'Donnell" Subject: [AVALON] Return of the Rock Chick Dear All Was it for real or some kind of dream? This is a long post, so if you don't feel like reading it, fair enough, but those of you who are characteristically patient with me, read on. As a woman of a certain age I fell between being too young to see RM in '82 and yet too old to ever think I'd darken the doors of a TOTP studio. Would you believe? Last night there I was doing both at once. I cannot describe how hot London was yesterday and as we drove in our wee trendy tin can we felt we were in a microwave. This turned out to be good training for the studio which was roasting and got hotter as we were urged to 'shake our thing' by Beeb staff. As Reecey notes, a long, long wait both outside and inside the BBC allowed the tension to really build, but also gave a good opportunity to catch up with pals old and new. I always miss someone's name out on a post by accident, so you all know who you are, it was great to see you. It really did feel like the ATGB tour again, although this time without the reticence and the 'Yes I'm an Avalonian, are you one too?' confessional aspect. Once inside (and I'm really sorry some of you were turned away and treated so shabbily, that's crap)the bar area, people were visibly nervous for the band. Please let it be ok, please let it be ok, please let it be ok....... Conversation was halting and all eyes were on the prize of the doorway to the studio. So we get in, in groups of about 10 and as I get stuck on the right side, my bruv Raymond is stuck on the other. The tension - do I forgo family loyalty, or do I run for best band in the world? Ok I (think I)did the right thing and waited. The highlight of that was (I think) Jonathan Wilson) calling me 'a young lady'. Frankly I could have gone home after that. I get in, there's a spot RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE MICROPHONE. It's got my name on it, and I'm there. A very amusing BBC floor manager kept proceedings going and made lots of witty comments about us not being like the normal audience i.e. young. Then it came. After 18 long years for some of you and a lot longer for those of us who'd never been there first time around, ROXY MUSIC took the stage. You've seen everyone else's review, the clothes worn and the songs played. Suffice to say that the opening strains of VP took up and we just jumped as one. Throughout the gig, for the odd nanosecond, I looked around and saw so many happy, happy people singing away and focussing totally on the band. Someone shouted 'Nice suit Phil' and was rewarded with a big smile. Someone else requested 'ReMake/ReModel' and got a sardonic smile from Ferry. At the third 'Jealous Guy' Ferry said that they would do it again 'but different' and practically purred. I couldn't believe I was there watching this. But the biggest round of applause for an individual band member came for, and let's say it loud and proud, THE GREAT PAUL THOMPSON! Ferry went over and gave him an intro with a little flourish and we all went mad. Thommo really is the nicest man in the world. He was beaming and then, put his hand over his eyes in mock (and maybe not so mock)shyness. Pat, pat for such a sweetie. The dancing girls were a great touch - a study in ironic glamour. The band members were all pretty nice to fans and, when the moment allowed for it, signed autographs off the stage. A lady with a red top on jumped up to get Ferry's autograph and was rewarded with (another) flourish from the Cool Ruler. The impromptu blues bit from Phil and Andy was fab and they were smiling throughout. OOTB was fantastic and of the rest, you can guess...just a fab night. And as the night wore on Ferry kept mopping his brow with a towel, tossed casually to within one foot of where I was. Could I? Should I? Would it lose the magic if I did that? The show's over, it's right there... The damn thing is teasing me. It's looking at me. Will I look sad? Am I sad? Why are there lots and lots of people next to me all of a sudden? GO FOR IT the voice is saying in my head. OH BLOODY HELL! Grabbed and bagged by my good self. As I look at it this morning lying on my bedroom floor, I think 'You're a postmodern, feminist reconstructed woman who's got the towel holding the sweat of a 55 year old man wearing leather trousers who appeared last night in a band with other men of a certain age who haven't toured for 18 years and who were playing music that's 30 years old'. And it's then I realise I have a huge grin on my face. What more can I say? A night to remember. Lots and lots of love to everyone I met up with and who put up with me screaming at them to keep their hands off the towel. An especial virtual round of applause (spontaneous of course) for Chris Turner without whom these posts would not be happening. Best wishes to all. Ferry said 'See you on the tour' and believe you me, you've all got some Summer coming up. Cheers! Therese _________________________________________________________________________ Get Your Private, Free E-mail from MSN Hotmail at http://www.hotmail.com. ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 12:15:37 +0100 From: Jocelyn Fiske Subject: RE: [AVALON] Cat's Away.... > I'll be wearing fabulous Gucci sunglasses! Maggie I hope that's not all, young lady! ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 24 May 2001 07:57:34 EDT From: LeeSullivn@aol.com Subject: Re: [AVALON] TOTP2 - Thanks Chris Turner In a message dated 5/24/01 12:16:59 PM GMT Daylight Time, Jocelyn.Fiske@greyeu.com writes: > And Lee, panic over, my other half placed my ticket for Birmingham somewhere > safe because "I knew you'd lose it". But he did it a week ago and forgot to > tell me! > > You have no idea how pleased I am! (well, about #36 pleased, actually . . .) Next time, you DRAG me with you to the green room! Lee ____________________________________________ Easily distracted? Displacement activity a problem? Me too. Going to: www.LeeSullivan.co.uk won't help either . . . ___________________________________________________________________________ The subliminable footer says: To unsub, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: unsubscribe avalon ------------------------------ End of avalon-digest V6 #192 **************************** ======================================================================== For further info, mail majordomo@smoe.org with: info avalon-digest