Don's 1979 Diary
January 4th 1979
I got up at 06:45.
Cleaned up and caught a cab to the Magistrates Court to face prosecution about my drink drive offence. I tried to use the fact I can’t smell or taste, and someone had been ‘topping’ my glass up... IT DIDN’T WORK... I was fined £120 and banned for a year.
So, I spent the day in the Prince of Wales pub (in West Hampstead) as I didn’t have the driving problem any more.
Don’t know what time I got home.
I got up at 06:45.
Cleaned up and caught a cab to the Magistrates Court to face prosecution about my drink drive offence. I tried to use the fact I can’t smell or taste, and someone had been ‘topping’ my glass up... IT DIDN’T WORK... I was fined £120 and banned for a year.
So, I spent the day in the Prince of Wales pub (in West Hampstead) as I didn’t have the driving problem any more.
Don’t know what time I got home.
January 5th 1979
I stayed in bed until 15:00.
Steve ‘Pleaser’ McNerney called for a chat. Kenny Parry from the group Bunny (who supported us in 1975) called - he would be in London on Sunday.
I got a take-away and watched ‘Citizen Smith’, ’What’s New Pussycat’ with Peter Sellers and Peter O’Toole and also ‘Jazz from Montreaux’ with Buddy Rich.
January 6th 1979
I was up, when the telephone engineer came round to fix my phone in the flat (no ring tone). I relaxed all day and watched ‘Rock Goes To College’ with Bethnal, ’Two Ronnies’ with Manhattan Transfer and 'Parkinson’ with Dolly Parton, Oscar Peterson and Cyril Fletcher.
January 8th 1979
Kenny Parry and myself got up at 08:00 to go to Advision Studios to help Chas out - he was recording Nick Van Eeede (later to form Cutting Crew).
Came home to pack to drive to Wolverhampton for rehearsals with Willi ( tomorrow).
I stayed in bed until 15:00.
Steve ‘Pleaser’ McNerney called for a chat. Kenny Parry from the group Bunny (who supported us in 1975) called - he would be in London on Sunday.
I got a take-away and watched ‘Citizen Smith’, ’What’s New Pussycat’ with Peter Sellers and Peter O’Toole and also ‘Jazz from Montreaux’ with Buddy Rich.
January 6th 1979
I was up, when the telephone engineer came round to fix my phone in the flat (no ring tone). I relaxed all day and watched ‘Rock Goes To College’ with Bethnal, ’Two Ronnies’ with Manhattan Transfer and 'Parkinson’ with Dolly Parton, Oscar Peterson and Cyril Fletcher.
January 8th 1979
Kenny Parry and myself got up at 08:00 to go to Advision Studios to help Chas out - he was recording Nick Van Eeede (later to form Cutting Crew).
Came home to pack to drive to Wolverhampton for rehearsals with Willi ( tomorrow).
January 9th 1979
I was up at 07:30, cleaned up and packed the car...
Had a drink at Jack Straws Castle on Hampstead Heath before driving to Wolverhampton.
Met Swinn in the Trumpet in Bilston for afters.
I was up at 07:30, cleaned up and packed the car...
Had a drink at Jack Straws Castle on Hampstead Heath before driving to Wolverhampton.
Met Swinn in the Trumpet in Bilston for afters.
January 10th 1979
I was up at 09:00 and got ready for Swinn to pick me up for rehearsals at The Lafayette (a then club in Wolverhampton).
Came home to clean up to spend the night at a ‘Police Disco’ with Sandra (?) - apparently I spent the night dancing with two Police woman (in uniform?)
January 11th 1979
I was up at 09:00am.
Swinn picked me up for rehearsals at the school hall we use in Wednesbury.
Stayed in at Mom and Dad’s. Saw a satellite ?? in the sky.... (I was sober!) Watched ‘TOTP’s and spent the night at Olivers’ (a late night drinking den).
January 12th 1979
Swinn picked me up for rehearsals.
Later Nod and myself went back by train to London.
I caught the bus home to Hampstead and relaxed all evening.
January 13th 1979
I stayed in bed until midday watched the, end of Swapshop which had Marti Caine as a guest.
Dave Kemp came round with Kevin - to do an interview for the Fan Club magazine.
Relaxed all evening and watched the film: 'Cahill US Marshall’ with John Wayne. Also caught the BeeGees on another tv show.
January 14th 1979
I got up at 11:00am.
Wrote the cheque out to pay my drink-drive offence fine!
Relaxed all day watched ‘Room At The Top’ with Laurence Harvey.
January 18th 1979
I was up at 11:00am.
Nod, Colin (accountant) and myself had a meeting about forming a company - to sort our tax situation out.
Came home to watch ‘TOTP’s which featured Frankie Miller, Olivia Newton John, Ian Dury, Chic and the Village People.
Dave Kemp and Kevin came round to show me the new Newsletter for the fan club.
January 24th 1979
I was up 09:00
Played back the tapes we'd recorded of our rehearsals.
JJ (roadie) picked me up for the studio. Once we got there we couldn’t record anything as the technicians were putting the control room together??
Went to see Colin Newman about a new record deal....??
Drank at the Prince Of Wales.
January 25th 1979
I was up 08:15
Went to see Colin to pay some tax.
Then went on to Portland Studios to record 'Not Tonight Josephine’ and another one ??????
January 26th 1979
I was up at 09:00am, and left to spend the last day in the studio doing overdubs.
From there, I went to Emmanuelle's (bar and restaurant) on the Finchley Rd until 06:00am....
February 1st 1979
Spent all day in the studio recording ‘Hold On To Your Hats’.
February 2nd 1979
Now spent all day in the studio mixing ‘Hold On To Your Hats’.
Watched Rory Gallagher on a tv prog called ‘Rock Goes To College.’
February 5th 1979
JJ picked me up to go to the studio.
We recorded ‘Let Me Love It To You’ , it featured H doing some ‘freaky’ guitar over the intro.
February 15th 1979
Got up at 11:30am. Cleaned up and waited for Swinn to pick me up to drive to Blackburn.
Had a so-so show - the monitors in the club were crap.
February 16th 1979
Stayed in Blackburn and in the afternoon went to the cinema to see ‘Fury’ with Kirk Douglas.
I left early for sound check
Had a so-so show again.....
February 17th 1979
I stayed in bed until 13:30pm. Made my way to the club (Baileys) again.
Had a good show!
After the, gig I drove to Grimsby with the crew - to stay there the night before tomorrow's gig in Cleethorpes.
Actually checked in the hotel - 08:00zm on the 18th.
February 18th 1979
Gig in Cleethorpes.
February 19th 1979
We all drove to Leicester for a show at Baileys.
Had a so-so show... Drove back to Wolverhampton....
February 20th 1979
Had a good show in Leicester.
February 21st 1979
Played Leicester again - so-so show. Chas and Madeline were there.
Willi and myself drove to London - we had a few drinks at Emanuelle's when we got there.
February 22nd 1979
Drove to Leicester. Good show drove home to London.
February 23rd 1979
Another good show in Leicester.
February 24th 1979
Nod and myself went to see ‘Superman’ at the cinema before our last gig in Baileys Leicester.
February 25th 1979
Started our week stint at Baileys Watford.
February 26th/27th/28th/1st/2nd/3rd March....... Watford Baileys.
March 4th 1979
I went to the West-End to see ‘Midnight Express’ - then to Emmanuelle's
March 5th 1979
Nod, Willi and myself drove to Birkenhead, had a good show.
Alan Lynch (who was soon to become one of our roadies) came to say hello (he’s from Liverpool).
March 7th 1979
Drove to Bradford.
Good show - a couple who are getting married to ‘Everyday’ were there (Mike and Linda).
I was up at 09:00 and got ready for Swinn to pick me up for rehearsals at The Lafayette (a then club in Wolverhampton).
Came home to clean up to spend the night at a ‘Police Disco’ with Sandra (?) - apparently I spent the night dancing with two Police woman (in uniform?)
January 11th 1979
I was up at 09:00am.
Swinn picked me up for rehearsals at the school hall we use in Wednesbury.
Stayed in at Mom and Dad’s. Saw a satellite ?? in the sky.... (I was sober!) Watched ‘TOTP’s and spent the night at Olivers’ (a late night drinking den).
January 12th 1979
Swinn picked me up for rehearsals.
Later Nod and myself went back by train to London.
I caught the bus home to Hampstead and relaxed all evening.
January 13th 1979
I stayed in bed until midday watched the, end of Swapshop which had Marti Caine as a guest.
Dave Kemp came round with Kevin - to do an interview for the Fan Club magazine.
Relaxed all evening and watched the film: 'Cahill US Marshall’ with John Wayne. Also caught the BeeGees on another tv show.
January 14th 1979
I got up at 11:00am.
Wrote the cheque out to pay my drink-drive offence fine!
Relaxed all day watched ‘Room At The Top’ with Laurence Harvey.
January 18th 1979
I was up at 11:00am.
Nod, Colin (accountant) and myself had a meeting about forming a company - to sort our tax situation out.
Came home to watch ‘TOTP’s which featured Frankie Miller, Olivia Newton John, Ian Dury, Chic and the Village People.
Dave Kemp and Kevin came round to show me the new Newsletter for the fan club.
January 24th 1979
I was up 09:00
Played back the tapes we'd recorded of our rehearsals.
JJ (roadie) picked me up for the studio. Once we got there we couldn’t record anything as the technicians were putting the control room together??
Went to see Colin Newman about a new record deal....??
Drank at the Prince Of Wales.
January 25th 1979
I was up 08:15
Went to see Colin to pay some tax.
Then went on to Portland Studios to record 'Not Tonight Josephine’ and another one ??????
January 26th 1979
I was up at 09:00am, and left to spend the last day in the studio doing overdubs.
From there, I went to Emmanuelle's (bar and restaurant) on the Finchley Rd until 06:00am....
February 1st 1979
Spent all day in the studio recording ‘Hold On To Your Hats’.
February 2nd 1979
Now spent all day in the studio mixing ‘Hold On To Your Hats’.
Watched Rory Gallagher on a tv prog called ‘Rock Goes To College.’
February 5th 1979
JJ picked me up to go to the studio.
We recorded ‘Let Me Love It To You’ , it featured H doing some ‘freaky’ guitar over the intro.
February 15th 1979
Got up at 11:30am. Cleaned up and waited for Swinn to pick me up to drive to Blackburn.
Had a so-so show - the monitors in the club were crap.
February 16th 1979
Stayed in Blackburn and in the afternoon went to the cinema to see ‘Fury’ with Kirk Douglas.
I left early for sound check
Had a so-so show again.....
February 17th 1979
I stayed in bed until 13:30pm. Made my way to the club (Baileys) again.
Had a good show!
After the, gig I drove to Grimsby with the crew - to stay there the night before tomorrow's gig in Cleethorpes.
Actually checked in the hotel - 08:00zm on the 18th.
February 18th 1979
Gig in Cleethorpes.
February 19th 1979
We all drove to Leicester for a show at Baileys.
Had a so-so show... Drove back to Wolverhampton....
February 20th 1979
Had a good show in Leicester.
February 21st 1979
Played Leicester again - so-so show. Chas and Madeline were there.
Willi and myself drove to London - we had a few drinks at Emanuelle's when we got there.
February 22nd 1979
Drove to Leicester. Good show drove home to London.
February 23rd 1979
Another good show in Leicester.
February 24th 1979
Nod and myself went to see ‘Superman’ at the cinema before our last gig in Baileys Leicester.
February 25th 1979
Started our week stint at Baileys Watford.
February 26th/27th/28th/1st/2nd/3rd March....... Watford Baileys.
March 4th 1979
I went to the West-End to see ‘Midnight Express’ - then to Emmanuelle's
March 5th 1979
Nod, Willi and myself drove to Birkenhead, had a good show.
Alan Lynch (who was soon to become one of our roadies) came to say hello (he’s from Liverpool).
March 7th 1979
Drove to Bradford.
Good show - a couple who are getting married to ‘Everyday’ were there (Mike and Linda).
March 8th 1979
Had a good show in Hull.
David and Carol Harvey (H's sister and her husband who live in Hull) were there.
Stayed there for the night.
March 9th 1979
Had a good show in Sheffield...
March 10th 1979
Drove to Birmingham to play Barbarellas.
Great show, Steve Gibbons came by to say hello.
March 15th 1979
Spent all day in the studio recording ‘Let Me Give You Love’???
March 17th 1979
Went to see Eddie and the Hotrods in Aylesbury.
Had a good show in Hull.
David and Carol Harvey (H's sister and her husband who live in Hull) were there.
Stayed there for the night.
March 9th 1979
Had a good show in Sheffield...
March 10th 1979
Drove to Birmingham to play Barbarellas.
Great show, Steve Gibbons came by to say hello.
March 15th 1979
Spent all day in the studio recording ‘Let Me Give You Love’???
March 17th 1979
Went to see Eddie and the Hotrods in Aylesbury.
March 21st 1979
Spent all day in the studio doing overdubs on ‘Chicita’.
March 22nd 1979
Put the drums in the toilet at Portland to do overdubs on ‘Hold On To Your Hats'.
March 23rd 1979
After Slade’s session in the studio, Jim and Frank were recording ‘When The Lights Are Out' as the The Dummies. I stayed behind to put tambourine on the track....
March 24th 1979
Went to see 'Jesus Christ Superstar’ at the theatre in the West End with Nod and Leandra.
March 28th 1979
I was up at 07:30. Cleaned up and met the others at the office to drive to Heathrow to fly to Bremen... We were met at the airport and we drove to Lintig.
Had a so-so first show, and then we all came back to the hotel and got ‘blasted’!
March 29th 1979
I was up at 07:45am.
Spent all afternoon driving to Rheindalen to play at an English Army Camp????
They only had 'ONE’ room for us all to sleep in!!! We went and checked into a hotel.
GOOD SHOW.
March 30th 1979
I was awake at 10:00am.
Cleaned up and packed, had breakfast and drove to Giessen. Checked in the hotel and drove back to Wetzlar??????
Good show, had a few drinks afterwards.....
March 31st 1979
I got up at 09:00am.
Drove all afternoon to Pahlude... Checked in the hotel - NO BATHROOMS !! Checked in to another one.
Good show.
April 1st 1979
I got up at 11:00am
Cleaned up, and we had a short drive to Baden.
Had a good show.
April 2nd 1979
Got up 11:00, cleaned up to drive to Cologne.
Did the sound check. A good show........
April 3rd 1979
I was woken early by someone doing construction work in the hotel......
Drove to Bremen, did some laundry in my room before watching Diana Dors in 'Behind Closed Doors’ (not ‘Dors’)
April 4th 1979
We all drove to Hannover.
Got to the gig - everything was a complete shambles. SO WE ‘PULLED OUT! We drove to Berlin.
Weren't booked in the proposed hotel, SO, we had to find another one.
April 5th 1979
Swinn called me at 11:30am to see if I would do a radio interview with H. However, in the end Jim did the interview with with H.
A GOOD GIG.................
April 6th 1979
Drove to Weissenhoe.
So-so show, met the new promoter.
April 7th1979
Didn’t know what time we were leaving. Cleaned up anyway and went for breakfast and drove to Weisbaden.
Good Show.
April 8th 1979
Drove to Willemshaven.
Good Show.................
April 10th 1979
Drove to Bremen - CRAP gig - no people there.
Drove back to Hamburg to stay...
April 11th 1979
I stayed in bed until 12:30pm.
Our truck had broken down on it’s way from Bremen.
Eventually, had a great show in Hamburg.
Ray and Chris from Polydor took us all out to eat at a Chinese restaurant.
April 12th 1979
Cleaned up and drove to Kiel.
Had a good last show (in Germany) before driving back to Hamburg.
April 13th 1979
I got up at 08:30am.
Cleaned up and packed to leave for Belgrade .
We now have 3 days off.....
April 16th 1979
I was up at 07:00am. Cleaned up.
Nothing on, SO, I went to the gig to sort my drums out.
GOOD show, I did an interview after the gig in our hotel.
April 21st 1979
I was awake early.
Drove to Banja Luka.
CRAP show.................
April 22nd 1979
I was awake early, so I drove ahead of the others, with promoter George and Swinn to ??????
We stopped at a great fish restaurant on the way.
The stage at the venue was like a, ‘boxing ring’ in the middle of the hall...... Not many people. Nearly empty.
April 23rd 1979
Had a so-so last show here in Yugoslavia.......
Spent all day in the studio doing overdubs on ‘Chicita’.
March 22nd 1979
Put the drums in the toilet at Portland to do overdubs on ‘Hold On To Your Hats'.
March 23rd 1979
After Slade’s session in the studio, Jim and Frank were recording ‘When The Lights Are Out' as the The Dummies. I stayed behind to put tambourine on the track....
March 24th 1979
Went to see 'Jesus Christ Superstar’ at the theatre in the West End with Nod and Leandra.
March 28th 1979
I was up at 07:30. Cleaned up and met the others at the office to drive to Heathrow to fly to Bremen... We were met at the airport and we drove to Lintig.
Had a so-so first show, and then we all came back to the hotel and got ‘blasted’!
March 29th 1979
I was up at 07:45am.
Spent all afternoon driving to Rheindalen to play at an English Army Camp????
They only had 'ONE’ room for us all to sleep in!!! We went and checked into a hotel.
GOOD SHOW.
March 30th 1979
I was awake at 10:00am.
Cleaned up and packed, had breakfast and drove to Giessen. Checked in the hotel and drove back to Wetzlar??????
Good show, had a few drinks afterwards.....
March 31st 1979
I got up at 09:00am.
Drove all afternoon to Pahlude... Checked in the hotel - NO BATHROOMS !! Checked in to another one.
Good show.
April 1st 1979
I got up at 11:00am
Cleaned up, and we had a short drive to Baden.
Had a good show.
April 2nd 1979
Got up 11:00, cleaned up to drive to Cologne.
Did the sound check. A good show........
April 3rd 1979
I was woken early by someone doing construction work in the hotel......
Drove to Bremen, did some laundry in my room before watching Diana Dors in 'Behind Closed Doors’ (not ‘Dors’)
April 4th 1979
We all drove to Hannover.
Got to the gig - everything was a complete shambles. SO WE ‘PULLED OUT! We drove to Berlin.
Weren't booked in the proposed hotel, SO, we had to find another one.
April 5th 1979
Swinn called me at 11:30am to see if I would do a radio interview with H. However, in the end Jim did the interview with with H.
A GOOD GIG.................
April 6th 1979
Drove to Weissenhoe.
So-so show, met the new promoter.
April 7th1979
Didn’t know what time we were leaving. Cleaned up anyway and went for breakfast and drove to Weisbaden.
Good Show.
April 8th 1979
Drove to Willemshaven.
Good Show.................
April 10th 1979
Drove to Bremen - CRAP gig - no people there.
Drove back to Hamburg to stay...
April 11th 1979
I stayed in bed until 12:30pm.
Our truck had broken down on it’s way from Bremen.
Eventually, had a great show in Hamburg.
Ray and Chris from Polydor took us all out to eat at a Chinese restaurant.
April 12th 1979
Cleaned up and drove to Kiel.
Had a good last show (in Germany) before driving back to Hamburg.
April 13th 1979
I got up at 08:30am.
Cleaned up and packed to leave for Belgrade .
We now have 3 days off.....
April 16th 1979
I was up at 07:00am. Cleaned up.
Nothing on, SO, I went to the gig to sort my drums out.
GOOD show, I did an interview after the gig in our hotel.
April 21st 1979
I was awake early.
Drove to Banja Luka.
CRAP show.................
April 22nd 1979
I was awake early, so I drove ahead of the others, with promoter George and Swinn to ??????
We stopped at a great fish restaurant on the way.
The stage at the venue was like a, ‘boxing ring’ in the middle of the hall...... Not many people. Nearly empty.
April 23rd 1979
Had a so-so last show here in Yugoslavia.......
April 24th 1979
I was awake most of the night - got up at 05:15am.
Cleaned up, Boris (Tour manager?), called to make sure I was up.
We all drove over the border into Austria.
Swinn was already there as he had driven over night with the promoter.
Nod was after Swinn as he needed to put new strings on his guitar....
Swinn told us there was a, problem at the hall............ the crew couldn’t get the gear in until 16:00????
Had a so-so show.
April 25th 1979
I stayed in bed until 12:00.
Couldn’t find my watch at first..... It was on the floor near the window???
We drove by limo to Vienna..... Polydor had put bottles of booze in each of our rooms. They didn’t last long!.....
I went for tea, and the receptionist said she would bring it to my room ??????
Had a so-so show.
We all eat at an Indian restaurant BEFORE...... I drank vodka behind reception with the receptionist??????????
April 26th 1979
H called me at 12:00 to go for breakfast?!
Swinn then called to say I was doing a radio interview before we left the hotel.
We drove to Lintz checked in our hotel and went straight for a sound check.
Had a good show.
Had some drinks in Swinn’s room before going to bed.....
April 27th 1969
Swinn woke me at 10:30 - he wanted to take my suitcase as they were going separately to the airport.
I went for breakfast - relaxed in my room before we drove to Vienna.
Checked in the hotel - we all had lunch before going for the sound check.
Came back to the hotel - Jim and myself had tea together before the gig..... A good one.
When we got back to the hotel. H and myself went out to a restaurant for a bowl of soup each!!........
April 28th 1979
I was awake on and off most of the night.
I cleaned up and met H in the breakfast room.
We all checked out and drove to the airport to fly back to England. Nod and me drive back to London - Louise is there with baby Bonny to drive Jim and H to Wolverhampton.
I was awake most of the night - got up at 05:15am.
Cleaned up, Boris (Tour manager?), called to make sure I was up.
We all drove over the border into Austria.
Swinn was already there as he had driven over night with the promoter.
Nod was after Swinn as he needed to put new strings on his guitar....
Swinn told us there was a, problem at the hall............ the crew couldn’t get the gear in until 16:00????
Had a so-so show.
April 25th 1979
I stayed in bed until 12:00.
Couldn’t find my watch at first..... It was on the floor near the window???
We drove by limo to Vienna..... Polydor had put bottles of booze in each of our rooms. They didn’t last long!.....
I went for tea, and the receptionist said she would bring it to my room ??????
Had a so-so show.
We all eat at an Indian restaurant BEFORE...... I drank vodka behind reception with the receptionist??????????
April 26th 1979
H called me at 12:00 to go for breakfast?!
Swinn then called to say I was doing a radio interview before we left the hotel.
We drove to Lintz checked in our hotel and went straight for a sound check.
Had a good show.
Had some drinks in Swinn’s room before going to bed.....
April 27th 1969
Swinn woke me at 10:30 - he wanted to take my suitcase as they were going separately to the airport.
I went for breakfast - relaxed in my room before we drove to Vienna.
Checked in the hotel - we all had lunch before going for the sound check.
Came back to the hotel - Jim and myself had tea together before the gig..... A good one.
When we got back to the hotel. H and myself went out to a restaurant for a bowl of soup each!!........
April 28th 1979
I was awake on and off most of the night.
I cleaned up and met H in the breakfast room.
We all checked out and drove to the airport to fly back to England. Nod and me drive back to London - Louise is there with baby Bonny to drive Jim and H to Wolverhampton.
(NB Vienna Duty Free bag - photo DK)
April 30th 1979
Made my way back to Wolverhampton for Swinns stag do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 2nd 1979
The car I was in collected Swinn's Mom to drive her to Swinn and Debbie's wedding.
I called John Ogden from the Wolverhampton Express & Star to send a photographer to get photos for the paper.
Spent all night at Tenters Wine Bar for the reception.
May 8th 1979
Spent all day doing overdubs in the studio.
H stayed at my place.
May 9th 1979
H and myself spent all day in the studio doing overdubs.
May 10th 1979
H, Jim and myself spent all day in the studio doing overdubs.
May 11th 1979
H, Jim and myself spent all day in the studio doing overdubs.
May 12th 1979
Arsenal beat Manchester United in the FA Cup Final 3-2
Spent the evening at Colin (accountant) and Meta’s wedding celebration.
May 14th 1979
Spent all day in the studio doing overdubs.
Mick Legge (roadie) and Frank (Lea) called to ask if they could stay here - as they’d been blown out by two birds..... They slept on camp beds in my front room!
May 15th 1979
Spent all day doing overdubs.
May 16th 1979
Spent all day doing overdubs.
May 17th 1979
Went to see ‘Kentucky Fried Movie’.
Had a meeting at Nod's place in Chelsea - BARN HAD GONE BUST !!!
May 20th 1979
Nod called to say there had been a ‘slag off' for us in the Sunday Mirror - about us cancelling a university gig, They wouldn’t supply us with our usual £50 worth of booze for our dressing room. Ha! They had lost money ‘cause of us pulling out.
Made my way back to Wolverhampton for Swinns stag do!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
May 2nd 1979
The car I was in collected Swinn's Mom to drive her to Swinn and Debbie's wedding.
I called John Ogden from the Wolverhampton Express & Star to send a photographer to get photos for the paper.
Spent all night at Tenters Wine Bar for the reception.
May 8th 1979
Spent all day doing overdubs in the studio.
H stayed at my place.
May 9th 1979
H and myself spent all day in the studio doing overdubs.
May 10th 1979
H, Jim and myself spent all day in the studio doing overdubs.
May 11th 1979
H, Jim and myself spent all day in the studio doing overdubs.
May 12th 1979
Arsenal beat Manchester United in the FA Cup Final 3-2
Spent the evening at Colin (accountant) and Meta’s wedding celebration.
May 14th 1979
Spent all day in the studio doing overdubs.
Mick Legge (roadie) and Frank (Lea) called to ask if they could stay here - as they’d been blown out by two birds..... They slept on camp beds in my front room!
May 15th 1979
Spent all day doing overdubs.
May 16th 1979
Spent all day doing overdubs.
May 17th 1979
Went to see ‘Kentucky Fried Movie’.
Had a meeting at Nod's place in Chelsea - BARN HAD GONE BUST !!!
May 20th 1979
Nod called to say there had been a ‘slag off' for us in the Sunday Mirror - about us cancelling a university gig, They wouldn’t supply us with our usual £50 worth of booze for our dressing room. Ha! They had lost money ‘cause of us pulling out.
May 22nd 1979
I drove back to Wolverhampton for tomorrows rehearsal.
May 23rd 1979
Spent all day rehearsing the live show.
May 24th 1979
Had a good gig in Coventry. Jim Davidson was the compere. My mate Nigel (drummer with Lieutenant Pigeon) was there too. I stayed at Mom & Dad's.
May 25th 1979
I stayed in bed until 12:30pm.
Cleaned up to drive to Cirencester for a gig..... So-so show, I got back to Mom And Dad's at 05:00am.
May 26th 1979
Drove to Manchester, good gig,
Willi (Wright) and myself drove to London - dropping Jude (lighting guy) in Birmingham and Steve (?) in London. Willi stayed at mine.
May 29th 1979
Willi and myself got up at 07:30am.
Nod picked us up to drive to Wolverhampton,
From there, Swinn drove us to Liverpool to play Oscars.
So-so gig, Willi and myself drove back to Wolverhampton.
I drove back to Wolverhampton for tomorrows rehearsal.
May 23rd 1979
Spent all day rehearsing the live show.
May 24th 1979
Had a good gig in Coventry. Jim Davidson was the compere. My mate Nigel (drummer with Lieutenant Pigeon) was there too. I stayed at Mom & Dad's.
May 25th 1979
I stayed in bed until 12:30pm.
Cleaned up to drive to Cirencester for a gig..... So-so show, I got back to Mom And Dad's at 05:00am.
May 26th 1979
Drove to Manchester, good gig,
Willi (Wright) and myself drove to London - dropping Jude (lighting guy) in Birmingham and Steve (?) in London. Willi stayed at mine.
May 29th 1979
Willi and myself got up at 07:30am.
Nod picked us up to drive to Wolverhampton,
From there, Swinn drove us to Liverpool to play Oscars.
So-so gig, Willi and myself drove back to Wolverhampton.
May 31st 1979
Had a great gig at Burton On Trent.
June 1st 1979
Drove to Hull..
Checked in the hotel, went to my room. It was already occupied, I frightened the young couple to death when I burst into the room!
So-so show at Withernsea .....
June 2nd 1979
Stayed in bed until 12:30.
My bag was still in, Swinns room ???????
Cleaned up and drove to West Runton.
Steve McNerney (The Pleasers) and his girlfriend Julia were there.
Good show, I drove back to Wolverhampton and was in bed at 04:30am.
June 4th 1979
I got up at 11:00am
Cleaned up to drive to Stockton.
Good Show. Drove back to Mom + Dad's again.
June 5th 1979
Nod & myself caught the train to London.
Watched Dire Straights perform on OGWT.
June 6th 1979
England beat Bulgaria 3-0.
June 7th 1979
I left for Portsmouth to get the ferry to Guernsey.
Checked in the hotel to find, I’d left my diary on the ferry.
June 8th 1979
Got up at 11:00 am.
Made tea - and my diary had been delivered to the hotel from the ferry company!!
I played tapes in my room before having tea with Willi, Charlie (sound guy) Jude & Harry (lighting guys). Jude had broken a tooth falling off a ladder setting the lights up!
Great gig, drank in the hotel after.
June 9th 1979
I stayed in bed until 14:30am.
Relaxed before the gig. GREAT second show in Guernsey. We all went out for a Chinese meal afterwards. Stayed at the promoters house??
June 10th 1979
I left the promoter's house at 09:00am.
Mick Legge (roadie) and myself had breakfast together.
Made our way back to England.
Watched ‘The Long Goodbye’ with Elliot Gould.
June 11th 1979
Spent the, evening at Andy McKay (Roxy Music) and his wife Jane’s place.
Watched ‘Beguiled’ with Clint Eastwood.
June 13th 1979
I was woken at, 07:30 by the Police - saying the court case between Nod and Desmond Brother's (the bouncer who broke Nod's nose) had been put back (I was a witness).
Dave Kemp came round for some ‘lifelines’ for the Fan Club mag.
June 14th 1979
T.O.T.P,’s was on with: McFadden and Whitehead, Gerry Rafferty, Edwin Starr, Gary Newman (Numan) and Tubeway Army, Jenny Kaye, Earth Wind & Fire, Chas & Dave, Squeeze and Anita Ward.
June 16th 1979
I was in the West End and met Ken Colley (who was in Flame). Dave Kemp was at the flat when I got back.
‘Juke Box Jury' with Noel Edmunds was on tv with Pete Murray, Isla St Clair, Bob Geldof and Linda Lewis as guests.
Had a great gig at Burton On Trent.
June 1st 1979
Drove to Hull..
Checked in the hotel, went to my room. It was already occupied, I frightened the young couple to death when I burst into the room!
So-so show at Withernsea .....
June 2nd 1979
Stayed in bed until 12:30.
My bag was still in, Swinns room ???????
Cleaned up and drove to West Runton.
Steve McNerney (The Pleasers) and his girlfriend Julia were there.
Good show, I drove back to Wolverhampton and was in bed at 04:30am.
June 4th 1979
I got up at 11:00am
Cleaned up to drive to Stockton.
Good Show. Drove back to Mom + Dad's again.
June 5th 1979
Nod & myself caught the train to London.
Watched Dire Straights perform on OGWT.
June 6th 1979
England beat Bulgaria 3-0.
June 7th 1979
I left for Portsmouth to get the ferry to Guernsey.
Checked in the hotel to find, I’d left my diary on the ferry.
June 8th 1979
Got up at 11:00 am.
Made tea - and my diary had been delivered to the hotel from the ferry company!!
I played tapes in my room before having tea with Willi, Charlie (sound guy) Jude & Harry (lighting guys). Jude had broken a tooth falling off a ladder setting the lights up!
Great gig, drank in the hotel after.
June 9th 1979
I stayed in bed until 14:30am.
Relaxed before the gig. GREAT second show in Guernsey. We all went out for a Chinese meal afterwards. Stayed at the promoters house??
June 10th 1979
I left the promoter's house at 09:00am.
Mick Legge (roadie) and myself had breakfast together.
Made our way back to England.
Watched ‘The Long Goodbye’ with Elliot Gould.
June 11th 1979
Spent the, evening at Andy McKay (Roxy Music) and his wife Jane’s place.
Watched ‘Beguiled’ with Clint Eastwood.
June 13th 1979
I was woken at, 07:30 by the Police - saying the court case between Nod and Desmond Brother's (the bouncer who broke Nod's nose) had been put back (I was a witness).
Dave Kemp came round for some ‘lifelines’ for the Fan Club mag.
June 14th 1979
T.O.T.P,’s was on with: McFadden and Whitehead, Gerry Rafferty, Edwin Starr, Gary Newman (Numan) and Tubeway Army, Jenny Kaye, Earth Wind & Fire, Chas & Dave, Squeeze and Anita Ward.
June 16th 1979
I was in the West End and met Ken Colley (who was in Flame). Dave Kemp was at the flat when I got back.
‘Juke Box Jury' with Noel Edmunds was on tv with Pete Murray, Isla St Clair, Bob Geldof and Linda Lewis as guests.
June 17th 1979
I stayed in bed until 13:00pm.
Steve (Pleaser) called to say about going to see ‘Little Acre’ tonight.
We had some drinks with them in their dressing room.
June 18th 1979
Spent all day in the studio finishing the ‘slow’ one?
June 19th 1979
Spent all day in the studio again...
June 20th 1979
Spent all day in the studio again.
June 21st 1979
Spent all day in the studio again.
June 22nd 1979
Spent all day in the studio again.
June 29th 1979
Went to see Eddie & the Hotrods at a college in Bedford. (Singer Barry Masters lived near to Don in West Hampstead).
July 1st 1979
Went to see, Eric Bell Band (ex Thin Lizzy), Dave Donovan (Haden's brother) on drums..... Steve (Pleaser) and myself went - gig at the Torrington Pub in Finchley.
July 2nd 1979
I met Nod & Keith Altham at Paddington Station to travel to Cardiff for the court case against Desmond Brothers for breaking Nod's nose. He went down for 3 months.
I stayed in bed until 13:00pm.
Steve (Pleaser) called to say about going to see ‘Little Acre’ tonight.
We had some drinks with them in their dressing room.
June 18th 1979
Spent all day in the studio finishing the ‘slow’ one?
June 19th 1979
Spent all day in the studio again...
June 20th 1979
Spent all day in the studio again.
June 21st 1979
Spent all day in the studio again.
June 22nd 1979
Spent all day in the studio again.
June 29th 1979
Went to see Eddie & the Hotrods at a college in Bedford. (Singer Barry Masters lived near to Don in West Hampstead).
July 1st 1979
Went to see, Eric Bell Band (ex Thin Lizzy), Dave Donovan (Haden's brother) on drums..... Steve (Pleaser) and myself went - gig at the Torrington Pub in Finchley.
July 2nd 1979
I met Nod & Keith Altham at Paddington Station to travel to Cardiff for the court case against Desmond Brothers for breaking Nod's nose. He went down for 3 months.
July 5th 1979
Dave Kemp called to arrange an interview for the Slade News.
T.O.T.P.’s was on with Manfred Man's Earth Band, Amii Stewart, Corgies, Sex Pistols, Eddie Grant, Village People , The Ruts, The Knack, The Dooleys, Patrick Hernandez, Tubeway Army and George Michael
July 7th 1979
Dave Kemp came round to start a new interview with me for the Slade Mag.,
July 11th 1979
Spent the, day in Portland putting tambourine and tom-tom overdubs on ‘Hold On To Your Hats’.
I then went to rehearse with Steve and Ricky (Pleasers).
July 13th (Friday......) 1979
Spent all day mixing.
August 15th 1979
Spent all day at EMI studios recording with Steve and Charlie McCraken.
September 11th 1979
Spent all day at EMI studios with Steve and Ian - sax player with Burlesque who played on the tracks.
September 30th 1979
Spent all day rehearsing the stage show.
October 1st 1979
Rehearsed all day.
October 3rd 1979
Drove to, Cardiff,
A good show.
Got home 03:30.
October 4th 1979
Swinn picked me up to play the Civic in Wolverhampton.
Dave Kemp came to Mom's - and went with Mom and Dad to the gig. Steve McNerney and Julia were there too. So-so gig.
October 5th 1979
We played a good gig in Southampton.
Drove back to London.
October 6th 1979
Drove to Norwich. A good show.
Len Tuckey came to the show with Suzi Quatro.
Drove back to Wolverhampton.
Dave Kemp called to arrange an interview for the Slade News.
T.O.T.P.’s was on with Manfred Man's Earth Band, Amii Stewart, Corgies, Sex Pistols, Eddie Grant, Village People , The Ruts, The Knack, The Dooleys, Patrick Hernandez, Tubeway Army and George Michael
July 7th 1979
Dave Kemp came round to start a new interview with me for the Slade Mag.,
July 11th 1979
Spent the, day in Portland putting tambourine and tom-tom overdubs on ‘Hold On To Your Hats’.
I then went to rehearse with Steve and Ricky (Pleasers).
July 13th (Friday......) 1979
Spent all day mixing.
August 15th 1979
Spent all day at EMI studios recording with Steve and Charlie McCraken.
September 11th 1979
Spent all day at EMI studios with Steve and Ian - sax player with Burlesque who played on the tracks.
September 30th 1979
Spent all day rehearsing the stage show.
October 1st 1979
Rehearsed all day.
October 3rd 1979
Drove to, Cardiff,
A good show.
Got home 03:30.
October 4th 1979
Swinn picked me up to play the Civic in Wolverhampton.
Dave Kemp came to Mom's - and went with Mom and Dad to the gig. Steve McNerney and Julia were there too. So-so gig.
October 5th 1979
We played a good gig in Southampton.
Drove back to London.
October 6th 1979
Drove to Norwich. A good show.
Len Tuckey came to the show with Suzi Quatro.
Drove back to Wolverhampton.
October 7th 1979
Got up at Mom & Dad’s at 11:00am. Had breakfast then.... spent lunchtime at the Trumpet!
Tried to call Kenny and Dave Dover about tomorrows gig in Liverpool. No answer.
Went to see Tubeway Army at the Civic Hall (a very strange show)!!!!!
Went to the Trumpet until 03:00am.
October 8th 1979
Got up 11:30am.
Apparently, Chas had told Colin Newman our show in Wolverhampton wasn’t good........
Drove to Liverpool for gig in Birkenhead......... A so-so show. Nick Van Eede was also on the show.
Drove home to Mom & Dad's.
October 9th 1979
Got up at 11:00am, cleaned up to drive to Edinburgh.
Had a good show - drove back to Mom & Dad's - getting there at 06:30am.
Mom & Dad were just going to work! I went straight to bed.
October 10th 1979
Stayed in bed until 14:00pm.
Went to Wolverhampton - met Mick Legge & Dennis (crew driver).
Dave Kemp had written a letter to the Express & Star???????
Spent the evening at the Trumpet with Mick Legge & Pete Cross??????
October 11th 1979
Got up at Mick Legge’s at 10:00am.
Got a cab home to clean up to drive to Leicester Bailey's.
Good show, drove home to London after. Got home 06:00am.
October 12th 1979
Stayed in bed until, 15:00. Cleaned up and waited for, Swinn to pick me up to play London City University.... So-so show. Chas was there, and Steve & Julia & Noel.
I got to bed 03:00am.
October 13th 1979
Got up at 11:00am. Cleaned up and made my way to St Pancras Station to travel to Nottingham.
Checked my drums before the others arrived,
Had a good show, and I drove back to Mom & Dad's. Went to bed at 02:30.
October 14th 1979
Stayed in bed until 11:00am. Dad had a ‘go’ at me for drinking his Campari.......
Spent lunchtime at the Trumpet. Went back to Mick Legge's from there we spent the, entire evening at Mary’s Moustache.
Stayed at Mick Legge’s.....
October 15th 1979
Rose (Micks wife) drove me home
Cleaned up and drove to Grimsby ..... Checked in the hotel before driving to Cleethorpe's for the gig.
October 16th 1979
Reception called me to say I had to check out - it was 13:00pm.
Met H and Jim in the restaurant. We went to see The Who’s ‘Quadrophenia’ at the cinema.
Good show, drove home with Swinn, stayed at his place as his wife Deb was in hospital expecting a baby...................
October 17th 1979
Got up 11:00am. Swinn was about to leave to see Deb in hospital.
Willi & Pete gave me a lift to Mom & Dad’s.... Collected some things and drove to London with Willi.
Spoke to Swinn - Deb gave birth to a daughter (Jordan).
Relaxed all day and was in bed by midnight.
October 18th 1979
Stayed in, bed until, 16:00. To catch up on the, last few days lack of, sleep.
I went to the, ‘West-End’ to see that new film, ‘Alien’
Caught the, tube home and was in bed by, 23:30.
October 19th 1979
Quiet day.
I went to see the band Sky at the Dominion, Tottenham Court Road. It was promoted by Mel Bush.
I went out to eat with Mel and the Sky band after their show.
Mel dropped me home after....
October 20th 1979
Got up at 12:00 - cleaned up.
Went to the Music Machine for the sound check....... Stayed there for the show.
GOOD SHOW................
October 21st 1979
Stayed in bed until 12:00,
Cleaned up to drive to Dunstable.
Steve (Pleaser) & Noel were there.
Drove to Wolverhampton after the gig.
Got to Mom & Dad's at 02:00pm.
October 22nd 1979
Got up at 12:00 - cleaned up and drove to Sheffield.
Johnny Jones (singer with W’ton band The Montana's was there) with his wife.
Good show,
Got home 06:00am.
October 23rd 1979
Relaxed all day.
Went to see brother Derek and his wife Chris - and son Ian.
I was in bed by 12:00
October 24th 1979
Spent the day at H and Jan's............... We stayed the night there.
October 25th 1979
Spent all day drinking with Mick Legge and evening................
October 26th 1979
Spent all day drinking with, Mick Legg at the Trumpet, Mary’s Moustache and De Babels - where we met Roy Wood drinking......
October 27th 1979
Spent all day drinking with Mick Legge.
October 28th 1979
Same as 27th........
October 29th 1979
Got up at Mick Legge’s - carried on drinking. Swinn joined us.
I caught the train back to London and watched ‘Two Ronnies’ with Manhatten Transfer and ’The Ghost of, Flight 401’ with Ernest Borgnine
October 30th 1979
Relaxed all day.
Dave Kemp called to ask if he could come to the flat and take photos for ‘posterity’ ???????. He’d seen our new album cover at Barn Records, he wasn’t impressed...........
I was in bed by 00:30am.
October 31st 1979
Swinn called to say he was doing a gig at the Music Machine on Saturday with Charlie Hinly?? Could he stay here that night...............
Swinn called again to say we were in the studio next week....
H called to say we had sold the group's Rolls Royce.
Watched ‘Parkinson’ with Oscar Peterson + Bernard Levin.
I was in bed by 00:30am.
Got up at Mom & Dad’s at 11:00am. Had breakfast then.... spent lunchtime at the Trumpet!
Tried to call Kenny and Dave Dover about tomorrows gig in Liverpool. No answer.
Went to see Tubeway Army at the Civic Hall (a very strange show)!!!!!
Went to the Trumpet until 03:00am.
October 8th 1979
Got up 11:30am.
Apparently, Chas had told Colin Newman our show in Wolverhampton wasn’t good........
Drove to Liverpool for gig in Birkenhead......... A so-so show. Nick Van Eede was also on the show.
Drove home to Mom & Dad's.
October 9th 1979
Got up at 11:00am, cleaned up to drive to Edinburgh.
Had a good show - drove back to Mom & Dad's - getting there at 06:30am.
Mom & Dad were just going to work! I went straight to bed.
October 10th 1979
Stayed in bed until 14:00pm.
Went to Wolverhampton - met Mick Legge & Dennis (crew driver).
Dave Kemp had written a letter to the Express & Star???????
Spent the evening at the Trumpet with Mick Legge & Pete Cross??????
October 11th 1979
Got up at Mick Legge’s at 10:00am.
Got a cab home to clean up to drive to Leicester Bailey's.
Good show, drove home to London after. Got home 06:00am.
October 12th 1979
Stayed in bed until, 15:00. Cleaned up and waited for, Swinn to pick me up to play London City University.... So-so show. Chas was there, and Steve & Julia & Noel.
I got to bed 03:00am.
October 13th 1979
Got up at 11:00am. Cleaned up and made my way to St Pancras Station to travel to Nottingham.
Checked my drums before the others arrived,
Had a good show, and I drove back to Mom & Dad's. Went to bed at 02:30.
October 14th 1979
Stayed in bed until 11:00am. Dad had a ‘go’ at me for drinking his Campari.......
Spent lunchtime at the Trumpet. Went back to Mick Legge's from there we spent the, entire evening at Mary’s Moustache.
Stayed at Mick Legge’s.....
October 15th 1979
Rose (Micks wife) drove me home
Cleaned up and drove to Grimsby ..... Checked in the hotel before driving to Cleethorpe's for the gig.
October 16th 1979
Reception called me to say I had to check out - it was 13:00pm.
Met H and Jim in the restaurant. We went to see The Who’s ‘Quadrophenia’ at the cinema.
Good show, drove home with Swinn, stayed at his place as his wife Deb was in hospital expecting a baby...................
October 17th 1979
Got up 11:00am. Swinn was about to leave to see Deb in hospital.
Willi & Pete gave me a lift to Mom & Dad’s.... Collected some things and drove to London with Willi.
Spoke to Swinn - Deb gave birth to a daughter (Jordan).
Relaxed all day and was in bed by midnight.
October 18th 1979
Stayed in, bed until, 16:00. To catch up on the, last few days lack of, sleep.
I went to the, ‘West-End’ to see that new film, ‘Alien’
Caught the, tube home and was in bed by, 23:30.
October 19th 1979
Quiet day.
I went to see the band Sky at the Dominion, Tottenham Court Road. It was promoted by Mel Bush.
I went out to eat with Mel and the Sky band after their show.
Mel dropped me home after....
October 20th 1979
Got up at 12:00 - cleaned up.
Went to the Music Machine for the sound check....... Stayed there for the show.
GOOD SHOW................
October 21st 1979
Stayed in bed until 12:00,
Cleaned up to drive to Dunstable.
Steve (Pleaser) & Noel were there.
Drove to Wolverhampton after the gig.
Got to Mom & Dad's at 02:00pm.
October 22nd 1979
Got up at 12:00 - cleaned up and drove to Sheffield.
Johnny Jones (singer with W’ton band The Montana's was there) with his wife.
Good show,
Got home 06:00am.
October 23rd 1979
Relaxed all day.
Went to see brother Derek and his wife Chris - and son Ian.
I was in bed by 12:00
October 24th 1979
Spent the day at H and Jan's............... We stayed the night there.
October 25th 1979
Spent all day drinking with Mick Legge and evening................
October 26th 1979
Spent all day drinking with, Mick Legg at the Trumpet, Mary’s Moustache and De Babels - where we met Roy Wood drinking......
October 27th 1979
Spent all day drinking with Mick Legge.
October 28th 1979
Same as 27th........
October 29th 1979
Got up at Mick Legge’s - carried on drinking. Swinn joined us.
I caught the train back to London and watched ‘Two Ronnies’ with Manhatten Transfer and ’The Ghost of, Flight 401’ with Ernest Borgnine
October 30th 1979
Relaxed all day.
Dave Kemp called to ask if he could come to the flat and take photos for ‘posterity’ ???????. He’d seen our new album cover at Barn Records, he wasn’t impressed...........
I was in bed by 00:30am.
October 31st 1979
Swinn called to say he was doing a gig at the Music Machine on Saturday with Charlie Hinly?? Could he stay here that night...............
Swinn called again to say we were in the studio next week....
H called to say we had sold the group's Rolls Royce.
Watched ‘Parkinson’ with Oscar Peterson + Bernard Levin.
I was in bed by 00:30am.
November 1st 1979
Stayed in bed till lunchtime.
Relaxed all day and watched T.O.T.P.’s which featured Sparks, Rambles, Darts, Lena Lovith, Suzi Quatro, B.A. Robertson, and Sad Cafe playing over the, charts......
Watched a repeat of the Police In Concert........
I was in bed 00:30am.
November 3rd 1979
Went to the West End to see Cheech & Chong’s 'Up In Smoke'.
Was in bed at 02:00am.
November 4th 1979
Met old roadie Robbie Wilson - we went to Wembley Empire Pool to see The Moody Blues in concert.... (so-so)
November 5th 1979
Went to the West End to see the film ‘Prophecy’ (crap).
Swinn called to say we could go in the studio tomorrow, as there had been a cancellation.....
November 6th 1979
I had put my flat up for sale - and Tony Blackburn (yes) called to say he might be interested in buying my flat!!!!!!!!
Spent all day recording the f!”£$%g awful ‘OKEY-COKEY’ Aargh..............
I was in bed at 01:30am (having nightmares)......
November 7th 1979
Spent all day either in Jack Straws Castle or the Prince of Wales drowning my sorrows after yesterdays recording session. Aargh.......
Watched 'Parkinson' with Bernard Manning.
November 10th 1979
Cliff Richard was on ‘Tiswas’.
Went to the West-End to see ‘Life of Brian’
‘Up In Smoke’ again...................
November 12th 1979
Went to the West-End to see ‘Frisco Kid’???????
November 14th 1979
Relaxed all day and watched ‘OGWT’ with Herman Brood, Wild Romance, The Skids & ThePolice
November 15th 1979
Swinn called to say his breathalyser from the other night was negative ??????? BUT - he was still booked... Ha,Ha,Ha.............
Watched T.O.T.P.’s with Dynasty, The Jam, Cliff Richard, Barbara Streisand, Somners?, Thin Lizzy, The Tourist, BA Robertson, Suzi Quatro, Moody Blues & Kool and the Gang, Secret Affair, Showaddywaddy & Dr Hook.
November 16th 1979
Tony Blackburn called to arrange to have a look at the flat.......
Watched 'East of Eden’ with James Dean.
November 17th 1979
Tony Blackburn came to look at the flat...................
November 20th 1979
I received copies of the ‘Okey-Cokey’...... I didn’t bother to open the package (straight in the bin).
Mick Legge and Willi popped in for a drink............... OR 20.....
November 21st 1979
Relaxed all day then watched O.G.W.T. with Alvi Lee, Secret Affeir, Ian Hunter & April Wine............
Spent the night at the Music Machine in Camden.
November 22nd 1979
Willi was working at the Wembley Empire Pool for promoter Mel Bush with David Essex & Wishbone Ash.
T.O.T.P.’s was on with Commodores, BoomTown Rats, Pretenders, E.L.O, Queen, Dynasty, Gary Numan, Dr Hook.
November 24th 1979
Queen were on’Saturday Scene’ with Sally James and Chris Tarrant.
Went to Chas’s place near Gatwick ????????????????
November 29th 1979
Relaxed all day and watched T.O.T.P.’s with Gibson Brothers, Police, The Tourist’s, Status Quo, Blondie, Thin Lizzy, Rose Royce, Moody Blues, The Skids, Barbara Streisand. Donna Summer, Pink Floyd & Dr Hook
November 30th 1979
Frank called to say his and Jim's version of When The Lights Are Out was Paul Burnett's (Radio One) Record of the Week...................
I spent some time at Portland Studios John Richards (drummer with The Rubettes) - he was ‘mixing’ some stuff there??????????????????
Stayed in bed till lunchtime.
Relaxed all day and watched T.O.T.P.’s which featured Sparks, Rambles, Darts, Lena Lovith, Suzi Quatro, B.A. Robertson, and Sad Cafe playing over the, charts......
Watched a repeat of the Police In Concert........
I was in bed 00:30am.
November 3rd 1979
Went to the West End to see Cheech & Chong’s 'Up In Smoke'.
Was in bed at 02:00am.
November 4th 1979
Met old roadie Robbie Wilson - we went to Wembley Empire Pool to see The Moody Blues in concert.... (so-so)
November 5th 1979
Went to the West End to see the film ‘Prophecy’ (crap).
Swinn called to say we could go in the studio tomorrow, as there had been a cancellation.....
November 6th 1979
I had put my flat up for sale - and Tony Blackburn (yes) called to say he might be interested in buying my flat!!!!!!!!
Spent all day recording the f!”£$%g awful ‘OKEY-COKEY’ Aargh..............
I was in bed at 01:30am (having nightmares)......
November 7th 1979
Spent all day either in Jack Straws Castle or the Prince of Wales drowning my sorrows after yesterdays recording session. Aargh.......
Watched 'Parkinson' with Bernard Manning.
November 10th 1979
Cliff Richard was on ‘Tiswas’.
Went to the West-End to see ‘Life of Brian’
‘Up In Smoke’ again...................
November 12th 1979
Went to the West-End to see ‘Frisco Kid’???????
November 14th 1979
Relaxed all day and watched ‘OGWT’ with Herman Brood, Wild Romance, The Skids & ThePolice
November 15th 1979
Swinn called to say his breathalyser from the other night was negative ??????? BUT - he was still booked... Ha,Ha,Ha.............
Watched T.O.T.P.’s with Dynasty, The Jam, Cliff Richard, Barbara Streisand, Somners?, Thin Lizzy, The Tourist, BA Robertson, Suzi Quatro, Moody Blues & Kool and the Gang, Secret Affair, Showaddywaddy & Dr Hook.
November 16th 1979
Tony Blackburn called to arrange to have a look at the flat.......
Watched 'East of Eden’ with James Dean.
November 17th 1979
Tony Blackburn came to look at the flat...................
November 20th 1979
I received copies of the ‘Okey-Cokey’...... I didn’t bother to open the package (straight in the bin).
Mick Legge and Willi popped in for a drink............... OR 20.....
November 21st 1979
Relaxed all day then watched O.G.W.T. with Alvi Lee, Secret Affeir, Ian Hunter & April Wine............
Spent the night at the Music Machine in Camden.
November 22nd 1979
Willi was working at the Wembley Empire Pool for promoter Mel Bush with David Essex & Wishbone Ash.
T.O.T.P.’s was on with Commodores, BoomTown Rats, Pretenders, E.L.O, Queen, Dynasty, Gary Numan, Dr Hook.
November 24th 1979
Queen were on’Saturday Scene’ with Sally James and Chris Tarrant.
Went to Chas’s place near Gatwick ????????????????
November 29th 1979
Relaxed all day and watched T.O.T.P.’s with Gibson Brothers, Police, The Tourist’s, Status Quo, Blondie, Thin Lizzy, Rose Royce, Moody Blues, The Skids, Barbara Streisand. Donna Summer, Pink Floyd & Dr Hook
November 30th 1979
Frank called to say his and Jim's version of When The Lights Are Out was Paul Burnett's (Radio One) Record of the Week...................
I spent some time at Portland Studios John Richards (drummer with The Rubettes) - he was ‘mixing’ some stuff there??????????????????
December 1st 1979
Stayed in bed until 12:00
Paul McCartney was on ‘Tiswas'.
Willi and myself collected my drums from the studio.
‘Year of the Child' concert with David Essex + Gary Numan + The Real Thing + Cat Stevens + Wishbone Ash.
I was in bed by 01:00pm.
December 2nd 1979
Spent all day rehearsing the stage show???????????????
All the, road crew stayed at my place???????
December 3rd 1979
I got up 10:00am all the crew were already up. We left to rehearse at John Henry’s rehearsal studios in Holloway.
Dave Kemp and Kevin popped round to watch.
December 4th 1979
Got up 10:00am.
Saw a report about some fans being crushed at a Who concert in the States while waiting to get in.......
Spent the night at Emmanuelles on the Finchley Rd.
Came home 04:30am..........???????
December 5th 1979
Relaxed all day and watched Freddie Truman on ‘This Is Your Life’
December 7th 1979
Frank Lea came round at 09:30 - he was on his way to do ‘Newsbeat’ on Radio One to promote ‘When The Lights Are Out’.
Steve McNerney took me to our gig at St Bart's Hospital in London - so I could check my drums.
I was in bed at 04:30. Swinn came back at 05:00.
December 8th 1979
I got up, 12:00, the, roadies were getting ready to leave for Goldsmiths College in London.
Got my ‘clean’ driving licence back................
Had a so-so show. I went to Emmanuelles until 05:00.
Stayed in bed until 12:00
Paul McCartney was on ‘Tiswas'.
Willi and myself collected my drums from the studio.
‘Year of the Child' concert with David Essex + Gary Numan + The Real Thing + Cat Stevens + Wishbone Ash.
I was in bed by 01:00pm.
December 2nd 1979
Spent all day rehearsing the stage show???????????????
All the, road crew stayed at my place???????
December 3rd 1979
I got up 10:00am all the crew were already up. We left to rehearse at John Henry’s rehearsal studios in Holloway.
Dave Kemp and Kevin popped round to watch.
December 4th 1979
Got up 10:00am.
Saw a report about some fans being crushed at a Who concert in the States while waiting to get in.......
Spent the night at Emmanuelles on the Finchley Rd.
Came home 04:30am..........???????
December 5th 1979
Relaxed all day and watched Freddie Truman on ‘This Is Your Life’
December 7th 1979
Frank Lea came round at 09:30 - he was on his way to do ‘Newsbeat’ on Radio One to promote ‘When The Lights Are Out’.
Steve McNerney took me to our gig at St Bart's Hospital in London - so I could check my drums.
I was in bed at 04:30. Swinn came back at 05:00.
December 8th 1979
I got up, 12:00, the, roadies were getting ready to leave for Goldsmiths College in London.
Got my ‘clean’ driving licence back................
Had a so-so show. I went to Emmanuelles until 05:00.
December 9th 1979
Got up 12:30 - after Mom called to see how I was......
Watched ‘Mutiny On the Bounty’ with Charles Laughton, ’The Italian Job’ with Michael Caine
I called Steve (The Pleasers) he was going to the Paul McCartney concert tonight.
December 10th 1979
Steve called to say Paul McCartney was a bit ‘duff’ last night.....
I went to the, West-End to look for ‘stage-clothes’ ??????
Went to Steve’s place for the evening and then caught the train to Wolverhampton.
December 11th 1979
Got up at Mom & Dad's at 06:00am.They were just leaving for work.
I was picked up to drive to Manchester - spent all day doing the ‘backing track’ for the ‘Okey Cokey’ at Granada tv ........ Aargh.
Came back to Mom & Dads and was in bed by 11:30am.
December 12th 1979
I was awake at 08:30am, cleaned up to drive to Manchester to record ‘Get It Together’ - miming to ‘Okey Cokey’......... Aargh...........
I caught the train back to London and drank in Emmanuelle's till 05:30am.
December 13th 1979
I went to Bob Henrit’s (Roulettes drummer's) drum shop to get a foot-pedal.
Had a so-so show at the Music Machine in Camden - Chris Charlesworth was there.
I had a, few drinks in the 'Back Door’ ????? Got home at 04:30am.
December 14th 1979
Dave Kemp came round to take some photos - and dropped me at Euston.
I caught the train to Wolverhampton.
Had a few drinks with Dad over the Happy Wanderer for his birthday.
Got up 12:30 - after Mom called to see how I was......
Watched ‘Mutiny On the Bounty’ with Charles Laughton, ’The Italian Job’ with Michael Caine
I called Steve (The Pleasers) he was going to the Paul McCartney concert tonight.
December 10th 1979
Steve called to say Paul McCartney was a bit ‘duff’ last night.....
I went to the, West-End to look for ‘stage-clothes’ ??????
Went to Steve’s place for the evening and then caught the train to Wolverhampton.
December 11th 1979
Got up at Mom & Dad's at 06:00am.They were just leaving for work.
I was picked up to drive to Manchester - spent all day doing the ‘backing track’ for the ‘Okey Cokey’ at Granada tv ........ Aargh.
Came back to Mom & Dads and was in bed by 11:30am.
December 12th 1979
I was awake at 08:30am, cleaned up to drive to Manchester to record ‘Get It Together’ - miming to ‘Okey Cokey’......... Aargh...........
I caught the train back to London and drank in Emmanuelle's till 05:30am.
December 13th 1979
I went to Bob Henrit’s (Roulettes drummer's) drum shop to get a foot-pedal.
Had a so-so show at the Music Machine in Camden - Chris Charlesworth was there.
I had a, few drinks in the 'Back Door’ ????? Got home at 04:30am.
December 14th 1979
Dave Kemp came round to take some photos - and dropped me at Euston.
I caught the train to Wolverhampton.
Had a few drinks with Dad over the Happy Wanderer for his birthday.
December 15th 1979
I got up at 08:30am - Mom was just leaving for work.
Cleaned up and drove to Birmingham Airport to fly to Guernsey.
The Bee Gees were on ‘Swapshop’.
Swinn called to say the gig was off! The ferry couldn’t leave with our equipment because of ‘severe' gales............. Would go next week??????
Went back to Wolverhampton for Dad's birthday party..........
December 17th 1979
Went to see Eddie & the Hot Rods at the Nashville - ended up at Emmanuelles until 05:00am.
December 18th 1979
Stayed in bed until 15:30..................
Got ready to go to Gerard Mankowitz’s (photographer) Christmas party............ Willi was with me.
I was told, I spent most of the party trying to climb the Christmas tree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Finished the night at Emmanuelle's until 04:30.
December 19th 1979
FOR SOME REASON A BLANK PAGE IN THE DIARY........ sinister.....................
December 20th 1979
Spoke to Swinn we are playing Guernsey on Sunday........
T.O.T.P.’s was on with Thin Lizzy, Three Degrees, Syreeta, KC & the Sunshine Band, Regents, David Bowie, Rose Royce, Nolan Sisters & Pink Floyd
I went back to Wolverhampton by train...............
December 21st 1979
I was up 06:00am - I drove Mom to work.
Swinn picked me up 07:00 to drive to Southampton - recorded the backing tracks for 'Okey Cokey’ Aargh and ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’ - to be used on tv show the following day at Southern tv.
Watched ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ on TV.
Checked in the hotel to find out JJ + Robin (two roadies) had been causing a ‘disturbance’ in the hotel bar...................
I was in bed by 01:30am.
December 22nd 1979
I was awake most of the, night. Cleaned up and went for, breakfast................
We recorded ‘Saturday Banana’ tv show, then we flew to Guernsey.... Checked in the hotel and cleaned up to go for sound check.
Had a so-so show................ Came back to our hotel and partied till 07:00am........
December 23rd 1979
I went straight in to breakfast from the bar!
Flew back to Southampton. Mick Legge’s Dad met us to drive back to Wolverhampton.
‘Poseidon Adventure’ was on tv with Shelley Winters and Gene Hackman.
Spent the night drinking with, Mick Legge.
December 24th 1979
Got up at Mick Legge's at 12:00 - went straight to The Trumpet’ for the afternoon.................
Then at Mom & Dad’s I watched 'Ben Hur' & 'Yellow Submarine’.
Spent the night at Tenters Wine Bar, Olivers, then Tenters Wine Bar again, The Lafayette and 'Marys Moustache.am
Got home 04:00am...............
December 25th 1979
Stayed in bed ‘till 13:00.
Went to the hospital to relieve my sister Marilyn and husband John, who were visiting their son Michael.
Christmas T,O,T,P’s. with The Beatles?????????
‘Goldfinger’, ’Three Musketeers' with Oliver Reed, ‘The Sting’ with Robert Redford and Paul Newman were on tv......... Also ‘Cabaret’ with Liza Minnelli and Joel Gray and Michael York.
I was in bed at 03:00am
December 26th 1979
Mom woke meat 09:30 to watch ourselves on ‘Get It Together’.
Watched Kirk Douglas in ‘Scallywag’...............’Let It Be ‘ ...............’Where Eagles Dare’...................
Went to the pub for a few hours and watched Woody Allen in ‘Play it Again Sam’.............
I got up at 08:30am - Mom was just leaving for work.
Cleaned up and drove to Birmingham Airport to fly to Guernsey.
The Bee Gees were on ‘Swapshop’.
Swinn called to say the gig was off! The ferry couldn’t leave with our equipment because of ‘severe' gales............. Would go next week??????
Went back to Wolverhampton for Dad's birthday party..........
December 17th 1979
Went to see Eddie & the Hot Rods at the Nashville - ended up at Emmanuelles until 05:00am.
December 18th 1979
Stayed in bed until 15:30..................
Got ready to go to Gerard Mankowitz’s (photographer) Christmas party............ Willi was with me.
I was told, I spent most of the party trying to climb the Christmas tree!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Finished the night at Emmanuelle's until 04:30.
December 19th 1979
FOR SOME REASON A BLANK PAGE IN THE DIARY........ sinister.....................
December 20th 1979
Spoke to Swinn we are playing Guernsey on Sunday........
T.O.T.P.’s was on with Thin Lizzy, Three Degrees, Syreeta, KC & the Sunshine Band, Regents, David Bowie, Rose Royce, Nolan Sisters & Pink Floyd
I went back to Wolverhampton by train...............
December 21st 1979
I was up 06:00am - I drove Mom to work.
Swinn picked me up 07:00 to drive to Southampton - recorded the backing tracks for 'Okey Cokey’ Aargh and ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’ - to be used on tv show the following day at Southern tv.
Watched ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ on TV.
Checked in the hotel to find out JJ + Robin (two roadies) had been causing a ‘disturbance’ in the hotel bar...................
I was in bed by 01:30am.
December 22nd 1979
I was awake most of the, night. Cleaned up and went for, breakfast................
We recorded ‘Saturday Banana’ tv show, then we flew to Guernsey.... Checked in the hotel and cleaned up to go for sound check.
Had a so-so show................ Came back to our hotel and partied till 07:00am........
December 23rd 1979
I went straight in to breakfast from the bar!
Flew back to Southampton. Mick Legge’s Dad met us to drive back to Wolverhampton.
‘Poseidon Adventure’ was on tv with Shelley Winters and Gene Hackman.
Spent the night drinking with, Mick Legge.
December 24th 1979
Got up at Mick Legge's at 12:00 - went straight to The Trumpet’ for the afternoon.................
Then at Mom & Dad’s I watched 'Ben Hur' & 'Yellow Submarine’.
Spent the night at Tenters Wine Bar, Olivers, then Tenters Wine Bar again, The Lafayette and 'Marys Moustache.am
Got home 04:00am...............
December 25th 1979
Stayed in bed ‘till 13:00.
Went to the hospital to relieve my sister Marilyn and husband John, who were visiting their son Michael.
Christmas T,O,T,P’s. with The Beatles?????????
‘Goldfinger’, ’Three Musketeers' with Oliver Reed, ‘The Sting’ with Robert Redford and Paul Newman were on tv......... Also ‘Cabaret’ with Liza Minnelli and Joel Gray and Michael York.
I was in bed at 03:00am
December 26th 1979
Mom woke meat 09:30 to watch ourselves on ‘Get It Together’.
Watched Kirk Douglas in ‘Scallywag’...............’Let It Be ‘ ...............’Where Eagles Dare’...................
Went to the pub for a few hours and watched Woody Allen in ‘Play it Again Sam’.............
December 27th 1979
Got up at 11:30am went to the pub with Dad and brother Derek.
Watched ‘Blue Max’ with George Peppard, Ursula Andress & James Mason.
Relaxed all day and was in bed by 02:30am.
December 28th 1979
Moms birthday.................
Watched ‘Moby Dick’ with Gregory Peck.
‘Solid Gold Top 20’ with Gary Glitter, Paul McCartney, Abba, Cliff Richard, Art Garfunkel, People, Blondie & The Beatles.
All the family were home for a wonderful evening for Mom's Birthday................
December 29th 1979
Got up 12:00.
RELAXED ALL DAY.........
December 30th 1979
Went to The Trumpet with Mick Legge.
Caught the train to ,London
Watched 'Bridge Over The River Kwai' with Alec Guinness
December 31st 1979
Spent all day and evening at John Henry's (Hire Company & Recording and Rehearsal Studios) Party.......
Saw the New Year in there.
Got to bed 05:50 ???????????????????
GREAT YEAR ALL ROUND...............
Got up at 11:30am went to the pub with Dad and brother Derek.
Watched ‘Blue Max’ with George Peppard, Ursula Andress & James Mason.
Relaxed all day and was in bed by 02:30am.
December 28th 1979
Moms birthday.................
Watched ‘Moby Dick’ with Gregory Peck.
‘Solid Gold Top 20’ with Gary Glitter, Paul McCartney, Abba, Cliff Richard, Art Garfunkel, People, Blondie & The Beatles.
All the family were home for a wonderful evening for Mom's Birthday................
December 29th 1979
Got up 12:00.
RELAXED ALL DAY.........
December 30th 1979
Went to The Trumpet with Mick Legge.
Caught the train to ,London
Watched 'Bridge Over The River Kwai' with Alec Guinness
December 31st 1979
Spent all day and evening at John Henry's (Hire Company & Recording and Rehearsal Studios) Party.......
Saw the New Year in there.
Got to bed 05:50 ???????????????????
GREAT YEAR ALL ROUND...............