Don's 1983 Diary
BACKGROUND
In 1983 Don was living in West Hampstead in London. He had a flat in Cavendish Mansions, Mill Lane. It was an ideal location for him... local shops just a few steps away from his door - and a local pub called The Prince of Wales and wine bars called Spirals and Hobknobs. He could also jump on a bus on the Finchley Road to get quickly into the West End - and the start of the M1 (to get back to Wolverhampton) was only a couple of miles away. |
January 1st 1983 Stayed in bed until 12:45. Watched the pre-recorded Video of ‘Grease’ from last night.... I tried to call Bill Hunt (keyboard player on H and my recordings...not Slade) to find out what time he would be down later..... NO ANSWER. Mick Fitzsimmons, my drum tech, called for a chat. Bill Hunt arrived. We went for a drink at the Prince Of Wales pub in Fortune Green, West Hampstead with Alan Heywood (my accountant)..... THEN, on to a wine bar - MORE drinks. Got to bed at 01:00am. |
January 2nd 1983
I was up at, 09:00am, made breakfast for Bill before we left for Point Studios (owned by Alan O’Duffy - the, guy who engineered all of Slade's hits, and the guy who recommended I keep diaries).
H and Adrian (guitarist) were there. Danny (assistant to Alan) ‘miked everything up’ The piano tuner was there. H went up to him, and looking mysteriously at him said "I thought piano tuners were normally blind...." To which the tuner replied "I am"........ I’VE NEVER LET H FORGET THAT.....
We recorded 2 tracks that day. Then Alan O’Duffy dropped Craig (bass player) and myself back at my place.
Got to bed 01:00am.
January 3rd 1983
I was up at 08:00am. I made breakfast for Craig and myself before we left for the studio.
I heard that Dick Emery died today.....
H, Adrian (guitarist) Curtis (singer) and Milli (singer) were at the studio waiting for Danny to show up.
We eventually recorded "Hold Me" and a lot of overdubbing.
Alan O’Duffy drove Craig and I back to my place and I got to bed at 12:30am.
Apparently, Curtis spent most of the night putting vocals on the song "My Love".
January 4th 1983
I was up at 07:45am and made breakfast for Craig and myself before making our way to the studio.
Spent all day overdubbing Simmons Kit drums on the tracks.
Curtis and Millie duetted on the song "My Love".
I got home at 12:30am. H drove everyone else back to Birmingham.
January 5th 1983
I was up at 07:45am and waited for Haden to pick me up to get all the equipment out of the Point Studios....
I went to see Colin Newman (Accountant).
Haden checked in the Edward Hotel in Paddington. He was with Nod - who was having his broken nose re-set (it was broken by Bouncer, Desmond Brothers at a gig in Porthcawl a few years before).
I relaxed at home watching the "Wild Geese" movie with Richard Burton and Richard Harris.
H called me to say, everyone was SO up about the recordings..... Haden also called to say there was an amazing review in Sounds from our concert at Hammersmith Odeon.
I was up at, 09:00am, made breakfast for Bill before we left for Point Studios (owned by Alan O’Duffy - the, guy who engineered all of Slade's hits, and the guy who recommended I keep diaries).
H and Adrian (guitarist) were there. Danny (assistant to Alan) ‘miked everything up’ The piano tuner was there. H went up to him, and looking mysteriously at him said "I thought piano tuners were normally blind...." To which the tuner replied "I am"........ I’VE NEVER LET H FORGET THAT.....
We recorded 2 tracks that day. Then Alan O’Duffy dropped Craig (bass player) and myself back at my place.
Got to bed 01:00am.
January 3rd 1983
I was up at 08:00am. I made breakfast for Craig and myself before we left for the studio.
I heard that Dick Emery died today.....
H, Adrian (guitarist) Curtis (singer) and Milli (singer) were at the studio waiting for Danny to show up.
We eventually recorded "Hold Me" and a lot of overdubbing.
Alan O’Duffy drove Craig and I back to my place and I got to bed at 12:30am.
Apparently, Curtis spent most of the night putting vocals on the song "My Love".
January 4th 1983
I was up at 07:45am and made breakfast for Craig and myself before making our way to the studio.
Spent all day overdubbing Simmons Kit drums on the tracks.
Curtis and Millie duetted on the song "My Love".
I got home at 12:30am. H drove everyone else back to Birmingham.
January 5th 1983
I was up at 07:45am and waited for Haden to pick me up to get all the equipment out of the Point Studios....
I went to see Colin Newman (Accountant).
Haden checked in the Edward Hotel in Paddington. He was with Nod - who was having his broken nose re-set (it was broken by Bouncer, Desmond Brothers at a gig in Porthcawl a few years before).
I relaxed at home watching the "Wild Geese" movie with Richard Burton and Richard Harris.
H called me to say, everyone was SO up about the recordings..... Haden also called to say there was an amazing review in Sounds from our concert at Hammersmith Odeon.
January 6th 1983 I was up 07:45..... Cleaned up to wait for Haden to call so we could go and see Nod in hospital... Nod called earlier to see if anything had been arranged to go and see RCA with our agent Barry Dickens. When I went to see Nod I got a ‘false nose’ to wear..... When I got home Jim called to ask where Haden was...... I got home and watched Papillon with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman. |
January 7th 1983
I watched The Tube showing Queen's concert from Milton Keynes (they wanted Slade to join them on that show).
January 8th 1983
Jim called to say our meeting with Barry Dickens was now on Monday 10th @ 3:00.....
Watched the rest of Queen at Milton Keynes.
January 9th 1983
Watched George Harrison, Ringo, Dr John and Dee Murray (Elton John’s bass player) In Concert (a show produced by Bob Merowitz and Peter Kauff, our representatives in America).
H called about getting more studio time.....
January 10th 1983
Met all the others at ITB (International Talent Booking - our booking agency) to see whether we’ll re-sign with RCA - also we discussed a tour with Bob Seger in Europe.
H came home with me........ H then went with me and we had drinks at Dave Kemp's house in West Hampstead (it was his girlfriend's birthday) and carried on at The Prince Of Wales. We all then went on to The Production Village in Cricklewood (it was an old film set converted into a pub and restaurant - owned by the family of Emma Samms from Dynasty)...... Got home at 01:15.......
January 11th 1983
H and myself spent some time going over lyrics for the song "Life".
Alan Seizer from Polydor said they would pay for more studio time for us.
We called Alan O’Duffy to book more studio time, but he was still in Ireland as his Mother was ill.
Roland Hyams (who works at Keith Althams office) called to say there was an article in the The Sun with Nod replying as one of their writer's sons not liking Slade????????
H and myself went to Colin Newman's to sign the new RCA contract..... ‘They’ decided that "Rock’N’ Roll’ Preacher" was going to be the next Slade single.....
My old mate Dave Donovan called. He was after Ozzy’s phone number, as he’d heard that Black Sabbath were after a new drummer......
January 13th 1983
I was up at 07:45am. I went for the music papers and there was a big article about Slade in there.
H called to say we had more time in the Point Studio next week......
My front door bell rang at 22:00pm. I picked up the intercom phone and someone shouted "Hello, you Slade wanker".
January 15th 1983
Joe, a mate who was the owner from Harum Record Shop in West Hampstead, said our album was selling really well.
January 16th 1983
I watched the video recording of "Gas Tank" with, Rick Wakeman, Tony Ashton, Rick Parfitt, Alvin Lee, Eric Burdon and The Cimarrons.
H called to say we had a meeting at Colin Newman's office next Tuesday. I let Nod know. He was trying to get hold of me last night to go and see Gary Moore at Hammersmith Odeon....
January 17th 1983
Spent most of the day writing lyrics for some of H’s songs...
Spoke to Steve Megson who was drawing the characters for the children’s book I’d written. (Steve had previously designed lot's of Slade's (and mainly H's) clothes in the 1970's.
January 18th 1983
I bought some ‘finger cymbals’ for recording. Spent the afternoon going over our new single "I Win You Lose"... (Needs a re-mix).
H and myself went over some new songs and we watched The Long Good Friday on video.
January 19th 1983
H and myself relaxed most of the, day before leaving for The Point. Roger Chapman (singer with Family) was there just finishing his session.
Spent a few hours doing ‘overdubs’.... Alan O’Duffy Craig and I were back at my place at 04:00am!
January 21st 1983
Met Dave Clark (Glad All Over) at Colin’s office.
Spent most of the day writing lyrics to H’s songs, before having a drink in a bar called Hobknobs with Dave Kemp.
January 22nd 1983
Jim called to say he’d been listening to the mixes of "Love ‘em and Leave ‘em".... We may ‘cut’ elsewhere.
Saw an incident on the Finchley Road. A woman was fighting with a Police Man. He was accusing her of kidnapping the baby she was holding when she kicked him in the balls.
Watched Thin Lizzy on Saturday Stayback.
January 24th 1983
Carried on writing lyrics for H’s songs.....
I watched The Tube showing Queen's concert from Milton Keynes (they wanted Slade to join them on that show).
January 8th 1983
Jim called to say our meeting with Barry Dickens was now on Monday 10th @ 3:00.....
Watched the rest of Queen at Milton Keynes.
January 9th 1983
Watched George Harrison, Ringo, Dr John and Dee Murray (Elton John’s bass player) In Concert (a show produced by Bob Merowitz and Peter Kauff, our representatives in America).
H called about getting more studio time.....
January 10th 1983
Met all the others at ITB (International Talent Booking - our booking agency) to see whether we’ll re-sign with RCA - also we discussed a tour with Bob Seger in Europe.
H came home with me........ H then went with me and we had drinks at Dave Kemp's house in West Hampstead (it was his girlfriend's birthday) and carried on at The Prince Of Wales. We all then went on to The Production Village in Cricklewood (it was an old film set converted into a pub and restaurant - owned by the family of Emma Samms from Dynasty)...... Got home at 01:15.......
January 11th 1983
H and myself spent some time going over lyrics for the song "Life".
Alan Seizer from Polydor said they would pay for more studio time for us.
We called Alan O’Duffy to book more studio time, but he was still in Ireland as his Mother was ill.
Roland Hyams (who works at Keith Althams office) called to say there was an article in the The Sun with Nod replying as one of their writer's sons not liking Slade????????
H and myself went to Colin Newman's to sign the new RCA contract..... ‘They’ decided that "Rock’N’ Roll’ Preacher" was going to be the next Slade single.....
My old mate Dave Donovan called. He was after Ozzy’s phone number, as he’d heard that Black Sabbath were after a new drummer......
January 13th 1983
I was up at 07:45am. I went for the music papers and there was a big article about Slade in there.
H called to say we had more time in the Point Studio next week......
My front door bell rang at 22:00pm. I picked up the intercom phone and someone shouted "Hello, you Slade wanker".
January 15th 1983
Joe, a mate who was the owner from Harum Record Shop in West Hampstead, said our album was selling really well.
January 16th 1983
I watched the video recording of "Gas Tank" with, Rick Wakeman, Tony Ashton, Rick Parfitt, Alvin Lee, Eric Burdon and The Cimarrons.
H called to say we had a meeting at Colin Newman's office next Tuesday. I let Nod know. He was trying to get hold of me last night to go and see Gary Moore at Hammersmith Odeon....
January 17th 1983
Spent most of the day writing lyrics for some of H’s songs...
Spoke to Steve Megson who was drawing the characters for the children’s book I’d written. (Steve had previously designed lot's of Slade's (and mainly H's) clothes in the 1970's.
January 18th 1983
I bought some ‘finger cymbals’ for recording. Spent the afternoon going over our new single "I Win You Lose"... (Needs a re-mix).
H and myself went over some new songs and we watched The Long Good Friday on video.
January 19th 1983
H and myself relaxed most of the, day before leaving for The Point. Roger Chapman (singer with Family) was there just finishing his session.
Spent a few hours doing ‘overdubs’.... Alan O’Duffy Craig and I were back at my place at 04:00am!
January 21st 1983
Met Dave Clark (Glad All Over) at Colin’s office.
Spent most of the day writing lyrics to H’s songs, before having a drink in a bar called Hobknobs with Dave Kemp.
January 22nd 1983
Jim called to say he’d been listening to the mixes of "Love ‘em and Leave ‘em".... We may ‘cut’ elsewhere.
Saw an incident on the Finchley Road. A woman was fighting with a Police Man. He was accusing her of kidnapping the baby she was holding when she kicked him in the balls.
Watched Thin Lizzy on Saturday Stayback.
January 24th 1983
Carried on writing lyrics for H’s songs.....
January 27th 1983
H picked me up for the studio to listen to the new tracks also the ‘freebie’ EP for the magazines.
10CC were In Concert from Wembley.
January 28th 1983
I cancelled the Simmons Kit for next Monday as Alan O’ Duffy said the session wasn’t definite anyway....
Nod, Colin, Chin, Hardie (from Colin Newman's office) and myself all had lunch together before Nod and myself went to "Tape 1" to listen to the ‘cut’ of "High and Dry" and "In The Doghouse".
I met Alan Heywood in Spirals Bar on the Finchley Road. From there we went to Rags in Mayfair...... Got home at 01:45am.
January 29th 1983
Billy Fury died today of a heart attack.
Spoke to H who was at Bill's...... apparently studio time at The Point has been put on hold until Alan O’Duffy’s deal has been worked out.
January 31st 1983
Compulsory wearing of seat belts came in today......
I called Jim to find out what the ‘cut’ of the single was like. He said "GOOD".
H picked me up for the studio to listen to the new tracks also the ‘freebie’ EP for the magazines.
10CC were In Concert from Wembley.
January 28th 1983
I cancelled the Simmons Kit for next Monday as Alan O’ Duffy said the session wasn’t definite anyway....
Nod, Colin, Chin, Hardie (from Colin Newman's office) and myself all had lunch together before Nod and myself went to "Tape 1" to listen to the ‘cut’ of "High and Dry" and "In The Doghouse".
I met Alan Heywood in Spirals Bar on the Finchley Road. From there we went to Rags in Mayfair...... Got home at 01:45am.
January 29th 1983
Billy Fury died today of a heart attack.
Spoke to H who was at Bill's...... apparently studio time at The Point has been put on hold until Alan O’Duffy’s deal has been worked out.
January 31st 1983
Compulsory wearing of seat belts came in today......
I called Jim to find out what the ‘cut’ of the single was like. He said "GOOD".
February 3rd 1983
Frank played me the new ‘cut’ of "High and Dry" and "In the Doghouse".
February 4th 1983
‘H’ and Bill arrived from Wolverhampton so we could carry on ‘mixing’.
Karen Carpenter died today a heart attack caused by anorexia.
February 5th 1983
Alan Heywood called to invite me for dinner. There would be a big gang of friends there, including Dave Kemp.
Frank played me the new ‘cut’ of "High and Dry" and "In the Doghouse".
February 4th 1983
‘H’ and Bill arrived from Wolverhampton so we could carry on ‘mixing’.
Karen Carpenter died today a heart attack caused by anorexia.
February 5th 1983
Alan Heywood called to invite me for dinner. There would be a big gang of friends there, including Dave Kemp.
February 6th 1983
Haden called to invite us to the Dominion in Tottenham Court Road to see David Essex in concert.
February 7th 1983
Frank Lea called on my thoughts as "In the Doghouse" as a single..... (I was OK about it.......).
He had tried to call H.... his phone was out of order....
February 8th 1983
I got the video of "Billy Connelly Bite Your Bum" for Frank for his birthday.
Joe, the manager from Peelers video shop called to say a new video release of "Slade in Flame" is coming out in April.
February 9th 1983
Roland called from Keith Altham's office asking about ‘Bibble’ (Bibble Brick - Don's book) and there was a ‘pancake race’ being organised next week. I told him that I was up for it........
February 10th 1983
Would you believe, Dave Kemp and I went to see The Nolans at Watford Baileys. (I knew Linda Nolan's husband Brian, who was the original drummer with the band Sparrow - who JJ used to work for. I used to jam with them at a pub in Ilford where they had residency - see my 1978 Diary Page, where there are numerous mentions).
February 14th 1983
Spent all day mixing "In the Doghouse"....... Met, John Blake (Evening Standard reporter) and Sheila Prophet (Record Mirror reporter) in the pub. They had invites to the new Speakeasy Club opening...... FREE drinks. We were there like a shot...... IT WAS CHAOS...... I went home.
February 15th 1983
Went to take part in a pancake-race for charity.... I was up against: Keith Emerson, Cilla Black and Kiki Dee....... WHO WON?????? We all then went to a club. Keith Altham was there with Annie Nightingale and her’ pisshead husband Binky. (We got on great).
Haden called to invite us to the Dominion in Tottenham Court Road to see David Essex in concert.
February 7th 1983
Frank Lea called on my thoughts as "In the Doghouse" as a single..... (I was OK about it.......).
He had tried to call H.... his phone was out of order....
February 8th 1983
I got the video of "Billy Connelly Bite Your Bum" for Frank for his birthday.
Joe, the manager from Peelers video shop called to say a new video release of "Slade in Flame" is coming out in April.
February 9th 1983
Roland called from Keith Altham's office asking about ‘Bibble’ (Bibble Brick - Don's book) and there was a ‘pancake race’ being organised next week. I told him that I was up for it........
February 10th 1983
Would you believe, Dave Kemp and I went to see The Nolans at Watford Baileys. (I knew Linda Nolan's husband Brian, who was the original drummer with the band Sparrow - who JJ used to work for. I used to jam with them at a pub in Ilford where they had residency - see my 1978 Diary Page, where there are numerous mentions).
February 14th 1983
Spent all day mixing "In the Doghouse"....... Met, John Blake (Evening Standard reporter) and Sheila Prophet (Record Mirror reporter) in the pub. They had invites to the new Speakeasy Club opening...... FREE drinks. We were there like a shot...... IT WAS CHAOS...... I went home.
February 15th 1983
Went to take part in a pancake-race for charity.... I was up against: Keith Emerson, Cilla Black and Kiki Dee....... WHO WON?????? We all then went to a club. Keith Altham was there with Annie Nightingale and her’ pisshead husband Binky. (We got on great).
February 17th 1983
I received an invite to go for breakfast at Paddington Station for St Mary's Hospice in March.
A disappointed H called to say Polydor had turned down his ‘solo’ recordings........
I was in Sounds poll for being in the ‘Top 20 Drummers’.
February 19th 1983
Alan Heywood, Adrian Moreton (who ran the local insurance brokers opposite The Prince) and Dave Kemp all came to my place for dinner. We watched First Blood & Rocky 3.
February 20th 1983
Dave K came down for a few drinks. He was starting a new job tomorrow.
February 21st 1983
I arranged for Paul Conroy from Stiff Records to hear H’s and my recordings. Also, John Cavanah from EMI.
Jim called to say we were in the studio tomorrow to mix "I Win You Lose".
February 22nd 1983
Met everyone at Portland to do some mixing.....
February 24th 1983
H went for meetings with Virgin and EMI..... Apparently, Virgin freaked over the one song"My Love".
I went with Colin Newman and Alan Heywood to The Canteen in Covent Garden for a reception.
February 28th 1983
Winifred Attwell died today... WELL.....
March 1st 1983
Michael Jackson was No 1 with Billy Jean......
I received an invite to go for breakfast at Paddington Station for St Mary's Hospice in March.
A disappointed H called to say Polydor had turned down his ‘solo’ recordings........
I was in Sounds poll for being in the ‘Top 20 Drummers’.
February 19th 1983
Alan Heywood, Adrian Moreton (who ran the local insurance brokers opposite The Prince) and Dave Kemp all came to my place for dinner. We watched First Blood & Rocky 3.
February 20th 1983
Dave K came down for a few drinks. He was starting a new job tomorrow.
February 21st 1983
I arranged for Paul Conroy from Stiff Records to hear H’s and my recordings. Also, John Cavanah from EMI.
Jim called to say we were in the studio tomorrow to mix "I Win You Lose".
February 22nd 1983
Met everyone at Portland to do some mixing.....
February 24th 1983
H went for meetings with Virgin and EMI..... Apparently, Virgin freaked over the one song"My Love".
I went with Colin Newman and Alan Heywood to The Canteen in Covent Garden for a reception.
February 28th 1983
Winifred Attwell died today... WELL.....
March 1st 1983
Michael Jackson was No 1 with Billy Jean......
March 2nd 1983
I was up at 05:00am to go to Paddington Station for that ‘breakfast party’ for charity. Magnus Pyke, Dr Roger Bannister (the first man to run a mile in under 4 mins), Barry Took and The Darts were also there.
H and I went to EMI..... They were impressed.
We had coffee at the Portman Hotel..... Leo the doorman remembered us when we stayed there while we were filming Flame. (All of Slade stayed at The Portman during the weeks of Flame filming - the lift scene with Nod and Jim was shot at The Portman).
March 3rd 1983
Spent the night at The Canteen with Alan, Colin & Mette, Chas Chandler & Madeline and Alan Price. We went to see Eric Burdon and his new band......
March 4th 1983
Watched T.O.T.P.s...... Dave Kemp was in the audience....
Sharon Osbourne called to say Atco records were interested in Slade for the States....
March 7th 1983
I collected some cassettes from Point to take to EMI and W.E.A...... Roger Chapman from the group Family was recording there....
Frank told me RCA didn’t want to release "In the Doghouse".
March 8th 1983
Bonnie Tyler was No 1 with "Total Eclipse of the Heart".
March 10th 1983
Met, Nod and Jim at Portland to re- edit "Ready To Explode"...... Nod put a new vocal on.
When I’d finished, I went to get some books from Selfridges. I checked with Dave Kemp to see that dinner was still on at his place tonight..IT IS.
Nod was going to Crete with Leandra with the production money he’d been paid for working with an American band.
Spent the night at Rags with Alan Heywood and Adrian... George Best was also there and Ian Gillan and the guy who plays The Riddler in Batman....... We all had a table together.... VERY FUNNY (comical) NIGHT.....
I was up at 05:00am to go to Paddington Station for that ‘breakfast party’ for charity. Magnus Pyke, Dr Roger Bannister (the first man to run a mile in under 4 mins), Barry Took and The Darts were also there.
H and I went to EMI..... They were impressed.
We had coffee at the Portman Hotel..... Leo the doorman remembered us when we stayed there while we were filming Flame. (All of Slade stayed at The Portman during the weeks of Flame filming - the lift scene with Nod and Jim was shot at The Portman).
March 3rd 1983
Spent the night at The Canteen with Alan, Colin & Mette, Chas Chandler & Madeline and Alan Price. We went to see Eric Burdon and his new band......
March 4th 1983
Watched T.O.T.P.s...... Dave Kemp was in the audience....
Sharon Osbourne called to say Atco records were interested in Slade for the States....
March 7th 1983
I collected some cassettes from Point to take to EMI and W.E.A...... Roger Chapman from the group Family was recording there....
Frank told me RCA didn’t want to release "In the Doghouse".
March 8th 1983
Bonnie Tyler was No 1 with "Total Eclipse of the Heart".
March 10th 1983
Met, Nod and Jim at Portland to re- edit "Ready To Explode"...... Nod put a new vocal on.
When I’d finished, I went to get some books from Selfridges. I checked with Dave Kemp to see that dinner was still on at his place tonight..IT IS.
Nod was going to Crete with Leandra with the production money he’d been paid for working with an American band.
Spent the night at Rags with Alan Heywood and Adrian... George Best was also there and Ian Gillan and the guy who plays The Riddler in Batman....... We all had a table together.... VERY FUNNY (comical) NIGHT.....
March 15th 1983
Apparently, Shaun Greenfield from RCA doesn’t like the track "High and Dry".
Bonnie Tyler was still No 1.
March 16th 1983
Frank called to say Shaun Greenfield doesn’t like any of the tracks on the album...
RCA want us to use a producer....... They’ll pay.
March 18th 1983
Roland from Keith Altham’s office was sorting an interview out for Nod and myself with Tony Jasper of the BBC World Service.
Spent the night at the wine-bar......
March 21st 1983
Went with Frank to get the Slade In Flame album cover proofs. They would have to be re-done as the colours weren’t too clear......
I received a letter from Henry Weck, my old mate (the drummer from Brownsville Station). Click here to see some of our tour dates with Brownsville Station.
March 22nd 1983
RCA let me know the album was being released on 12th September.
"Is There Something I Should Know" by Duran Duran came straight in at No1 in the charts.
March 24th 1983
Apparently Nod was now OK about Slade using a producer.
March 28th 1983
Met Nod and Jim to cut the Slade in Flame album.
I met Alan Heywood and Adrian at the "Prince" from there we went to Rags..... Alan was driving. We got stopped on our way home. Alan made me get out of the car and get a cab home before the Police recognised me.
Apparently, Shaun Greenfield from RCA doesn’t like the track "High and Dry".
Bonnie Tyler was still No 1.
March 16th 1983
Frank called to say Shaun Greenfield doesn’t like any of the tracks on the album...
RCA want us to use a producer....... They’ll pay.
March 18th 1983
Roland from Keith Altham’s office was sorting an interview out for Nod and myself with Tony Jasper of the BBC World Service.
Spent the night at the wine-bar......
March 21st 1983
Went with Frank to get the Slade In Flame album cover proofs. They would have to be re-done as the colours weren’t too clear......
I received a letter from Henry Weck, my old mate (the drummer from Brownsville Station). Click here to see some of our tour dates with Brownsville Station.
March 22nd 1983
RCA let me know the album was being released on 12th September.
"Is There Something I Should Know" by Duran Duran came straight in at No1 in the charts.
March 24th 1983
Apparently Nod was now OK about Slade using a producer.
March 28th 1983
Met Nod and Jim to cut the Slade in Flame album.
I met Alan Heywood and Adrian at the "Prince" from there we went to Rags..... Alan was driving. We got stopped on our way home. Alan made me get out of the car and get a cab home before the Police recognised me.
March 29th 1983
Alan called to make sure I got home OK. He was taken to the Police Station and given a blood-test.
March 30th 1983
Tony Visconti (T. Rex producer) had apparently agreed to produce Slade.
Had a few drinks with Rod McSween (agent) and Gary Moore.....
April 4th 1983
Went with Dave Kemp to see Bucks Fizz at The Dominion in Tottenham Court Road.
April 13th 1983
It had been arranged that Tony Blackburn would narrate that children’s book I’ve written.
I collected my school uniform from the Hire-Shop.
I left to see "Daisy Pulls It Off" by Andrew Lloyd Webber in my uniform. Guests were asked to wear school uniform......(WHO WAS THE ONLY ONE THERE IN A SCHOOL UNIFORM?!). Met Quo’s old tour manager Bob Young there.
April 18th 1983
Nod called about going to see Marillion at Hammersmith.
We only saw part of the show.
Alan called to make sure I got home OK. He was taken to the Police Station and given a blood-test.
March 30th 1983
Tony Visconti (T. Rex producer) had apparently agreed to produce Slade.
Had a few drinks with Rod McSween (agent) and Gary Moore.....
April 4th 1983
Went with Dave Kemp to see Bucks Fizz at The Dominion in Tottenham Court Road.
April 13th 1983
It had been arranged that Tony Blackburn would narrate that children’s book I’ve written.
I collected my school uniform from the Hire-Shop.
I left to see "Daisy Pulls It Off" by Andrew Lloyd Webber in my uniform. Guests were asked to wear school uniform......(WHO WAS THE ONLY ONE THERE IN A SCHOOL UNIFORM?!). Met Quo’s old tour manager Bob Young there.
April 18th 1983
Nod called about going to see Marillion at Hammersmith.
We only saw part of the show.
April 19th 1983
I did an interview about the history of the Marquee Club in Wardour St. with Andrea Leon.
April 23rd 1983
Eurovision Song Contest: Luxembourg 1st......Israel 2nd....... Sweden 3rd......
April 27th 1983
Drove back to Wolverhampton with Swinn and Willi (drum-roadie) for Les’s retirement party from the Trumpet in Bilston. Slade gave him a Gold record as a leaving present.
May 4th 1983
Spent the evening at the new wine bar in the Finchley Road called Spirals. Dave recognised Arthur Atkins (who used to be on Candid Camera) was the owner, along with Brendan who worked in the film industry....
I did an interview about the history of the Marquee Club in Wardour St. with Andrea Leon.
April 23rd 1983
Eurovision Song Contest: Luxembourg 1st......Israel 2nd....... Sweden 3rd......
April 27th 1983
Drove back to Wolverhampton with Swinn and Willi (drum-roadie) for Les’s retirement party from the Trumpet in Bilston. Slade gave him a Gold record as a leaving present.
May 4th 1983
Spent the evening at the new wine bar in the Finchley Road called Spirals. Dave recognised Arthur Atkins (who used to be on Candid Camera) was the owner, along with Brendan who worked in the film industry....
May 7th 1983
"Coz I Luv You" was the lyric round on tv's ‘Pop Quiz’...... Can’t remember if anyone got it......
May 9th 1983
I took some of mine and H’s cassettes round to ATV Music and Chrysalis Music for them to listen to.
May 10th 1983
Roland, Keith Altham’s assistant, called for a quote for some holiday magazines. I told them the story about when I’d just got out of the water in the Bahamas and a giant ‘Manta-Ray’ came swimming by.
"Coz I Luv You" was the lyric round on tv's ‘Pop Quiz’...... Can’t remember if anyone got it......
May 9th 1983
I took some of mine and H’s cassettes round to ATV Music and Chrysalis Music for them to listen to.
May 10th 1983
Roland, Keith Altham’s assistant, called for a quote for some holiday magazines. I told them the story about when I’d just got out of the water in the Bahamas and a giant ‘Manta-Ray’ came swimming by.
Friday 13th May 1983
I left for Colin’s to sign some papers...... GUESS WHAT... Ozzy was there....... He took me for a drink or 10....... The rest is a blank......
May 18th 1983
H was in London seeing producers.
I met him and we went for a Chinese before going to see ‘Tootsie’.
May 25th 1983
Nod called H to say Slade were only working to keep everyone in money (The trucking, Keith Altham’s office and roadies etc). Said we should maybe go our own ways..... He and Jim were going to produce Girlschool.
May 26th 1983
We all had a meeting at Colin’s about producers. He called America enquiring about Todd Rundgren (he would cost a lot of money).
May 28th 1983
Roz from ITB sent me a letter saying the BBC wanted to use me in a programme about amnesia....
May 31st 1983
Nadia Haggar from the BBC called to see if I would be interested in doing a programme about amnesia..... We arranged to meet on Thursday...
June 1st 1983
Police were No1 with "Every Breath You Take".
June 2nd 1983
I had lunch with Nadia Haggar about recording a TV programme about amnesia...... She looked at all my diaries. She would call in about 3 weeks to discuss the TV programme.
June 7th 1983
Nod, Frank and I went to see Magnum at Hammersmith Odeon.
June 12th 1983
Nod and Jim called me to see if I would play drums on some Girlschool stuff they were recording.
June 13th 1983
My girlfriend Carol and I booked a holiday in Salou in Spain.
Nod called about me recording with Girlschool tomorrow.
June 14th 1983
I made my way to R/K Studios.....
I recorded a track with Girlschool that sounds like Brown Sugar.
June 29th 1983
Frank and myself went to see Girlschool at The Marquee Club.
June 30th 1983
I went to the studio were Nod was working with 3 Phase. He wanted me to put percussion on the tracks .....
July 8th 1983
We signed the new RCA contract....
Haden called to ask about the rumours of us breaking up......
July 9th 1983
My girlfriend Carol, Dave Kemp and girlfriend Sue, Nod and myself went to see the Chas Chandler and the reformed Animals at The Venue in Victoria. It brought back old memories as The Venue used to be "The Metropole Cinema", and was where we had the London premiere of Flame years earlier..
July 12th 1983
I met Chas and Madeline at Colin’s office. They were collecting their ‘traveller’s cheques’ ready for the Animals tour of America.... I was collecting mine for mine and Carol's holiday to Salou in Spain.
July 14th 1983
"Every Breath You Take" by The Police was No 1 in America.....
July 17th 1983
Nod called to see if I’d read the review on the Animals in one of the Sunday papers. He said he hadn’t laughed so much in years.....
July 19th 1983
Carol and I made our way to Gatwick to fly to Salou.... We had a two hour drive to our hotel, unpacked and had a walk along the beach.... Sat by the hotel pool before bed....
July 20th 1983
Relaxed all day on the beach.....
July 21st 1983
Spent all day swimming before having dinner at an English Pub.....
July 22nd 1983
Spent all day at the beach....
Went for paella with an English couple we’d become friends with, Steve & Claire.
July 23rd 1983
Spent most of the day on the beach.
Spent the night at an English bar..... The girls had to help us back to the hotel...... 03:30am.
July 24th 1983
Drank hundreds of cups of coffee (hangover).... Met a couple who worked with my brother Derek.
Drank till 02:30am at a Gala night....
July 25th 1983
Spent all day on the beach..... And the evening at the English bar with Steve and Claire.
Went to our rooms at 02:30.
July 26th 1983
I was on my own all day as Carol, Steve and Claire were all suffering from hangovers......
I went to the party night, got back to our room at 02:15am.....
July 27th 1983
Spent all day at the beach with Steve and Claire.
There was the Party Night by the hotel pool. Met a guy who saw us at Castle Donnington Festival with AC/DC.
July 28th 1983
Spent all day on the beach.
I was on my own again. Everyone was suffering with hangovers from last night........
July 29th 1983
Spent all day on the beach....
July 30th 1983
Packed and checked out of the hotel to fly back to the UK.....Frank met us at Gatwick.
He told us about Nod and Jim working in Portland Studio with Girlschool.
August 3rd 1983
Spent the evening at Spirals with Alan Heywood and Colin Newman..... Got home 01:30am
August 5th 1983
I popped to Portland Studios to see Nod and Jim working with Girlschool.
August 11th 1983
I was in Wolverhampton for Aunty Gladys’s funeral....
August 15th 1983
We all had a meeting with Shaun Greenfield at RCA and met John Punter who was going to produce Slade.....
Went to the Roundhouse Studios with Nod and Jim were they were producing Girlschool.
August 16th 1983
H and I went to a "Page 3 Girls" party at Stringfellows Club ??????????????
I left for Colin’s to sign some papers...... GUESS WHAT... Ozzy was there....... He took me for a drink or 10....... The rest is a blank......
May 18th 1983
H was in London seeing producers.
I met him and we went for a Chinese before going to see ‘Tootsie’.
May 25th 1983
Nod called H to say Slade were only working to keep everyone in money (The trucking, Keith Altham’s office and roadies etc). Said we should maybe go our own ways..... He and Jim were going to produce Girlschool.
May 26th 1983
We all had a meeting at Colin’s about producers. He called America enquiring about Todd Rundgren (he would cost a lot of money).
May 28th 1983
Roz from ITB sent me a letter saying the BBC wanted to use me in a programme about amnesia....
May 31st 1983
Nadia Haggar from the BBC called to see if I would be interested in doing a programme about amnesia..... We arranged to meet on Thursday...
June 1st 1983
Police were No1 with "Every Breath You Take".
June 2nd 1983
I had lunch with Nadia Haggar about recording a TV programme about amnesia...... She looked at all my diaries. She would call in about 3 weeks to discuss the TV programme.
June 7th 1983
Nod, Frank and I went to see Magnum at Hammersmith Odeon.
June 12th 1983
Nod and Jim called me to see if I would play drums on some Girlschool stuff they were recording.
June 13th 1983
My girlfriend Carol and I booked a holiday in Salou in Spain.
Nod called about me recording with Girlschool tomorrow.
June 14th 1983
I made my way to R/K Studios.....
I recorded a track with Girlschool that sounds like Brown Sugar.
June 29th 1983
Frank and myself went to see Girlschool at The Marquee Club.
June 30th 1983
I went to the studio were Nod was working with 3 Phase. He wanted me to put percussion on the tracks .....
July 8th 1983
We signed the new RCA contract....
Haden called to ask about the rumours of us breaking up......
July 9th 1983
My girlfriend Carol, Dave Kemp and girlfriend Sue, Nod and myself went to see the Chas Chandler and the reformed Animals at The Venue in Victoria. It brought back old memories as The Venue used to be "The Metropole Cinema", and was where we had the London premiere of Flame years earlier..
July 12th 1983
I met Chas and Madeline at Colin’s office. They were collecting their ‘traveller’s cheques’ ready for the Animals tour of America.... I was collecting mine for mine and Carol's holiday to Salou in Spain.
July 14th 1983
"Every Breath You Take" by The Police was No 1 in America.....
July 17th 1983
Nod called to see if I’d read the review on the Animals in one of the Sunday papers. He said he hadn’t laughed so much in years.....
July 19th 1983
Carol and I made our way to Gatwick to fly to Salou.... We had a two hour drive to our hotel, unpacked and had a walk along the beach.... Sat by the hotel pool before bed....
July 20th 1983
Relaxed all day on the beach.....
July 21st 1983
Spent all day swimming before having dinner at an English Pub.....
July 22nd 1983
Spent all day at the beach....
Went for paella with an English couple we’d become friends with, Steve & Claire.
July 23rd 1983
Spent most of the day on the beach.
Spent the night at an English bar..... The girls had to help us back to the hotel...... 03:30am.
July 24th 1983
Drank hundreds of cups of coffee (hangover).... Met a couple who worked with my brother Derek.
Drank till 02:30am at a Gala night....
July 25th 1983
Spent all day on the beach..... And the evening at the English bar with Steve and Claire.
Went to our rooms at 02:30.
July 26th 1983
I was on my own all day as Carol, Steve and Claire were all suffering from hangovers......
I went to the party night, got back to our room at 02:15am.....
July 27th 1983
Spent all day at the beach with Steve and Claire.
There was the Party Night by the hotel pool. Met a guy who saw us at Castle Donnington Festival with AC/DC.
July 28th 1983
Spent all day on the beach.
I was on my own again. Everyone was suffering with hangovers from last night........
July 29th 1983
Spent all day on the beach....
July 30th 1983
Packed and checked out of the hotel to fly back to the UK.....Frank met us at Gatwick.
He told us about Nod and Jim working in Portland Studio with Girlschool.
August 3rd 1983
Spent the evening at Spirals with Alan Heywood and Colin Newman..... Got home 01:30am
August 5th 1983
I popped to Portland Studios to see Nod and Jim working with Girlschool.
August 11th 1983
I was in Wolverhampton for Aunty Gladys’s funeral....
August 15th 1983
We all had a meeting with Shaun Greenfield at RCA and met John Punter who was going to produce Slade.....
Went to the Roundhouse Studios with Nod and Jim were they were producing Girlschool.
August 16th 1983
H and I went to a "Page 3 Girls" party at Stringfellows Club ??????????????
August 24th 1983
I called H as he’d been to see ZZ Top, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake at Castle Donnington....
Dave Coverdale arrived by helicopter......
August 26th 1983
Received a postcard from Haden, who’s in America on tour with the Animals.
August 27th 1983
Swinn called from the Hyatt House Hotel on Sunset Strip, stoned out of his brains...... He’s on tour with the Animals too.
September 10th 1983
Had a great birthday party at my flat.... Many people....... Don’t remember much....
I called H as he’d been to see ZZ Top, Twisted Sister and Whitesnake at Castle Donnington....
Dave Coverdale arrived by helicopter......
August 26th 1983
Received a postcard from Haden, who’s in America on tour with the Animals.
August 27th 1983
Swinn called from the Hyatt House Hotel on Sunset Strip, stoned out of his brains...... He’s on tour with the Animals too.
September 10th 1983
Had a great birthday party at my flat.... Many people....... Don’t remember much....
BIRTHDAY PARTY PHOTOS 1983
September 14th 1983
Got the train to Birmingham, Nod and I sorted all the bands equipment out.... Charlie Newnham (Slade sound guy) called from Hawaii (on tour with The Animals!).
September 15th 1983
Spent all day rehearsing "Black and White" (Run Run Away).
September 16th 1983
Spent all day rehearsing.
Nod said Tony Otedo from the States said Slade were ‘COLD’.
I made my way back to London.
September 20th 1983
I had drinks at Spirals with Dave Kemp and Alan Heywood.....
September 21st 1983
Dave Donovan brought the equipment down to RAK Studios so we could start working with John Punter. We recorded the basic track of Run Run Away (Black and White). When everyone had left, I stayed and did lots of drum overdubs.....
September 22nd 1983
I walked to RAK studios. Marty Wilde was in the reception area..... With Kim.
Carried on with overdubs on "Run Run Away".
September 23rd 1983
Jim and myself put the basic track down for "My Oh My". Everyone left and I then overdubbed snare-drum
September 24th 1983
I spent the day overdubbing the whole kit and Roto-Toms on "My Oh My".
September 25th 1983
Spent all day in the studio with the others doing guitar overdubs......
September 26th 1983
Spent all day in RAK overdubbing guitars....... Also ‘mass’ vocals.
September 27th 1983
Spent the last day in RAK finishing off the overdubbing....
September 30th 1983
Haden called for a chat. He’d just got off the Animals tour saying, Willi had been fired in Hawaii - and had gone missing?
October 1st 1983
Spent the day in Air Studios listening to the mixes of "Run Run Away" and "My Oh My".
October 2nd 1983
Spent most of the evening at Air Studios doing vocals and mixing....
October 3rd 1983
Spent the day at Air Studios. Nod left to go to Keith Altham's. John Punter had to leave also, as he was working with a band just signed to EMI?
I met Nod at Keith Altham’s.... He was taking Shaun Greenfield to see the guy who sings in Spirals Wine Bar in Finchley Road.
I went to Colin's - Barry Dickens had been after his money from Perseverance Ltd.
I joined, Nod and Shaun at Spirals.
October 4th 1983
Nod called to say he would pick up my cassette of the mixes and drop them at Colin's office.
Nod, Jim and I went to RCA to listen to the Slade mixes..... Shaun from RCA was drunk.
We decided they all need a re-mix.......
October 10th 1983
Sir Ralph Richardson died today.....
October 11th 1983
Nod called to see if I’d received my copy of "My Oh My" and "Black and White" (Run, Run Away). I hadn’t.... We may have to record a ‘short’ version of "Noize" for an American ad.
October 12th 1983
My cassette arrived of "My Oh My", "Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply" + "Can’t Tame A Hurricane".
Frank popped in for a coffee and was telling me how someone was telling him how ‘scruffy’ he is and can’t understand what he’s saying........ Ha Ha.
October 14th 1983
The Animals were on TVAM.
October 17th 1983
Went to the studio to record two versions of "Noize" for the States. Colin came to the studio with two American guys to have a listen.
October 18th 1983
Went with Nod to see the Animals at The Royal Albert Hall.
October 23rd 1983
Went back to Wolverhampton to rehearse with H.
October 24th 1983
Rehearsed all day again with H.
Nod called to say, we have a photo session on Friday...... wearing “leather gear”.
October 28th 1983
Spent all day in Fulham at a photo-session.
Nod dropped me home. Went to eat at "Hobknobs".
Ann Kilbride who plays Deirdre Barlow in Coronation Street, was arrested for possession of dope.
November 1st 1983
H picked me up from the station to spend the day in Bob Lamb's studio..... We put four tracks down Spent the night at Mom and Dad’s.
November 2nd 1983
H picked me up for the studio doing overdubs and vocals.
When I got home Mom was still up watching "Arena" featuring Bette Davis.
November 3rd 1983
Spent all day in the studio doing vocals and lots of percussion.
T.O.T.P.’s was on with Quiet Riot playing "Noize".
November 4th 1983
Spent all day in the studio......
Checked with Nod - Slade were in the studio next week to ‘piece’ the album together. He said Jim wanted “producers credit” on the album.
I went to the station to make my way home. I met Haden who’d been selling merchandise on the Michael Schenker’s tour.
November 7th 1983
Spent time in Portland Studios putting the album together....
Went to meet Swinn at Nod's hotel. From there we met Colin and Alan at Spirals
November 9th 1983
I caught the train to Birmingham. H met me and we spent the day at Bob Lamb’s doing overdubs. Jim called to say CBS were showing interest for America. ALSO, we may tour with Ozzy next year.
November 15th 1983
Nod called to say "My Oh My" had gone in (the charts) at 73... after two days.
John LeMesurier died today.
November 16th 1983
Had a drink with Nod at Spirals.
November 17th 1983
I got a LINN DRUM today!
Met Ozzy and went drinking with him.....
November 23rd 1983
Caught the train to Wolverhampton to rehearse with Slade.
November 22nd 1983
"My Oh My" had gone to No 36....
Jim, H and I rehearsed as Nod was doing interviews.....
I caught the train to London afterwards.
November 23rd 1983
I cleaned up and went to Keith Altham's office to do interviews.
We all did a photo-session for the front cover of “Sounds”.
Nod and I went to a reception for Eddie Grant.
November 24th 1983
Made my way to Euston to go back to Wolverhampton for rehearsals. Dave Donovan met me at the station....... Spent all day rehearsing. Stayed at Mom and Dad’s.
November 25th 1983
H drove me to the TV studios in Birmingham to record the backing for "My Oh My".
The chart prediction for next week was 15-18....
November 26th 1983
Did rehearsals for the TV show. Did the actual show. Saturday Superstore?
Toyah and Eddie Grant were also on.
November 27th 1983
Dave Donovan picked me up to drive to Aberystwyth.
We rehearsed with the lighting crew and road crew.
Relaxed in the hotel.
November 28th 1983
Relaxed before the sound check.
Had a 'decent' first show (at the King's Hall)..... some of the lights went out.
Shaun Greenfield from RCA was there......... We all drank at the hotel together.
November 29th 1983
H called to say "My Oh My" had gone to No15........
We all drove to Swansea. Did the sound check, had a decent show (Brangwyn Hall).
We all drove to London afterwards to stay at the Tria Hotel.
Got to bed 03:30am.
November 30th 1983
I was up early, cleaned up and went for breakfast and left for BBC at White City (Top Of The Pops).
Did first rehearsals..... We all went different ways until dress rehearsals....
Ozzy was also on the show. Carmine Appice (one of my favourite drummers, originally with Vanilla Fudge) was on drums for Ozzy.
Great story from Ozzy. When he 'kicked’ Carmine out of the band, a reporter asked why he’d gone? Ozzy said: “He left for health reasons”. “Oh", said the reporter "What was wrong with him?”. Ozzy replied: “HE MADE ME FUCKIN’ ILL!”.
December 1st 1983
We drove to Nottingham........ Show was cancelled - Nod had no voice.......
December 2nd 1983
I made my way back to London and found myself in Spirals until 02:00.
December 4th 1983
Spent time at Portland Studios recording the backing track for "My Oh My" for ‘Pebble Mill At One’.
Met Alan Heywood and Adrian at Spirals....... Got home 02:00.
December 5th 1983
We all drove to Exter.... Jim and I did a local radio station interview.
At the show was Mick Emery (guitarist with the band ‘Four Steps Beyond’) who we met in Dortmund when we played there in 1965.
December 6th 1983
H called to say "My Oh My" was No. 5 in the charts......
Had a “so-so” show in Birmingham (at the Poly).
Got the train to Birmingham, Nod and I sorted all the bands equipment out.... Charlie Newnham (Slade sound guy) called from Hawaii (on tour with The Animals!).
September 15th 1983
Spent all day rehearsing "Black and White" (Run Run Away).
September 16th 1983
Spent all day rehearsing.
Nod said Tony Otedo from the States said Slade were ‘COLD’.
I made my way back to London.
September 20th 1983
I had drinks at Spirals with Dave Kemp and Alan Heywood.....
September 21st 1983
Dave Donovan brought the equipment down to RAK Studios so we could start working with John Punter. We recorded the basic track of Run Run Away (Black and White). When everyone had left, I stayed and did lots of drum overdubs.....
September 22nd 1983
I walked to RAK studios. Marty Wilde was in the reception area..... With Kim.
Carried on with overdubs on "Run Run Away".
September 23rd 1983
Jim and myself put the basic track down for "My Oh My". Everyone left and I then overdubbed snare-drum
September 24th 1983
I spent the day overdubbing the whole kit and Roto-Toms on "My Oh My".
September 25th 1983
Spent all day in the studio with the others doing guitar overdubs......
September 26th 1983
Spent all day in RAK overdubbing guitars....... Also ‘mass’ vocals.
September 27th 1983
Spent the last day in RAK finishing off the overdubbing....
September 30th 1983
Haden called for a chat. He’d just got off the Animals tour saying, Willi had been fired in Hawaii - and had gone missing?
October 1st 1983
Spent the day in Air Studios listening to the mixes of "Run Run Away" and "My Oh My".
October 2nd 1983
Spent most of the evening at Air Studios doing vocals and mixing....
October 3rd 1983
Spent the day at Air Studios. Nod left to go to Keith Altham's. John Punter had to leave also, as he was working with a band just signed to EMI?
I met Nod at Keith Altham’s.... He was taking Shaun Greenfield to see the guy who sings in Spirals Wine Bar in Finchley Road.
I went to Colin's - Barry Dickens had been after his money from Perseverance Ltd.
I joined, Nod and Shaun at Spirals.
October 4th 1983
Nod called to say he would pick up my cassette of the mixes and drop them at Colin's office.
Nod, Jim and I went to RCA to listen to the Slade mixes..... Shaun from RCA was drunk.
We decided they all need a re-mix.......
October 10th 1983
Sir Ralph Richardson died today.....
October 11th 1983
Nod called to see if I’d received my copy of "My Oh My" and "Black and White" (Run, Run Away). I hadn’t.... We may have to record a ‘short’ version of "Noize" for an American ad.
October 12th 1983
My cassette arrived of "My Oh My", "Keep Your Hands Off My Power Supply" + "Can’t Tame A Hurricane".
Frank popped in for a coffee and was telling me how someone was telling him how ‘scruffy’ he is and can’t understand what he’s saying........ Ha Ha.
October 14th 1983
The Animals were on TVAM.
October 17th 1983
Went to the studio to record two versions of "Noize" for the States. Colin came to the studio with two American guys to have a listen.
October 18th 1983
Went with Nod to see the Animals at The Royal Albert Hall.
October 23rd 1983
Went back to Wolverhampton to rehearse with H.
October 24th 1983
Rehearsed all day again with H.
Nod called to say, we have a photo session on Friday...... wearing “leather gear”.
October 28th 1983
Spent all day in Fulham at a photo-session.
Nod dropped me home. Went to eat at "Hobknobs".
Ann Kilbride who plays Deirdre Barlow in Coronation Street, was arrested for possession of dope.
November 1st 1983
H picked me up from the station to spend the day in Bob Lamb's studio..... We put four tracks down Spent the night at Mom and Dad’s.
November 2nd 1983
H picked me up for the studio doing overdubs and vocals.
When I got home Mom was still up watching "Arena" featuring Bette Davis.
November 3rd 1983
Spent all day in the studio doing vocals and lots of percussion.
T.O.T.P.’s was on with Quiet Riot playing "Noize".
November 4th 1983
Spent all day in the studio......
Checked with Nod - Slade were in the studio next week to ‘piece’ the album together. He said Jim wanted “producers credit” on the album.
I went to the station to make my way home. I met Haden who’d been selling merchandise on the Michael Schenker’s tour.
November 7th 1983
Spent time in Portland Studios putting the album together....
Went to meet Swinn at Nod's hotel. From there we met Colin and Alan at Spirals
November 9th 1983
I caught the train to Birmingham. H met me and we spent the day at Bob Lamb’s doing overdubs. Jim called to say CBS were showing interest for America. ALSO, we may tour with Ozzy next year.
November 15th 1983
Nod called to say "My Oh My" had gone in (the charts) at 73... after two days.
John LeMesurier died today.
November 16th 1983
Had a drink with Nod at Spirals.
November 17th 1983
I got a LINN DRUM today!
Met Ozzy and went drinking with him.....
November 23rd 1983
Caught the train to Wolverhampton to rehearse with Slade.
November 22nd 1983
"My Oh My" had gone to No 36....
Jim, H and I rehearsed as Nod was doing interviews.....
I caught the train to London afterwards.
November 23rd 1983
I cleaned up and went to Keith Altham's office to do interviews.
We all did a photo-session for the front cover of “Sounds”.
Nod and I went to a reception for Eddie Grant.
November 24th 1983
Made my way to Euston to go back to Wolverhampton for rehearsals. Dave Donovan met me at the station....... Spent all day rehearsing. Stayed at Mom and Dad’s.
November 25th 1983
H drove me to the TV studios in Birmingham to record the backing for "My Oh My".
The chart prediction for next week was 15-18....
November 26th 1983
Did rehearsals for the TV show. Did the actual show. Saturday Superstore?
Toyah and Eddie Grant were also on.
November 27th 1983
Dave Donovan picked me up to drive to Aberystwyth.
We rehearsed with the lighting crew and road crew.
Relaxed in the hotel.
November 28th 1983
Relaxed before the sound check.
Had a 'decent' first show (at the King's Hall)..... some of the lights went out.
Shaun Greenfield from RCA was there......... We all drank at the hotel together.
November 29th 1983
H called to say "My Oh My" had gone to No15........
We all drove to Swansea. Did the sound check, had a decent show (Brangwyn Hall).
We all drove to London afterwards to stay at the Tria Hotel.
Got to bed 03:30am.
November 30th 1983
I was up early, cleaned up and went for breakfast and left for BBC at White City (Top Of The Pops).
Did first rehearsals..... We all went different ways until dress rehearsals....
Ozzy was also on the show. Carmine Appice (one of my favourite drummers, originally with Vanilla Fudge) was on drums for Ozzy.
Great story from Ozzy. When he 'kicked’ Carmine out of the band, a reporter asked why he’d gone? Ozzy said: “He left for health reasons”. “Oh", said the reporter "What was wrong with him?”. Ozzy replied: “HE MADE ME FUCKIN’ ILL!”.
December 1st 1983
We drove to Nottingham........ Show was cancelled - Nod had no voice.......
December 2nd 1983
I made my way back to London and found myself in Spirals until 02:00.
December 4th 1983
Spent time at Portland Studios recording the backing track for "My Oh My" for ‘Pebble Mill At One’.
Met Alan Heywood and Adrian at Spirals....... Got home 02:00.
December 5th 1983
We all drove to Exter.... Jim and I did a local radio station interview.
At the show was Mick Emery (guitarist with the band ‘Four Steps Beyond’) who we met in Dortmund when we played there in 1965.
December 6th 1983
H called to say "My Oh My" was No. 5 in the charts......
Had a “so-so” show in Birmingham (at the Poly).
December 7th 1983
While I was cleaning up "Merry Xmas Everybody" was on radio, being No 1 ten years ago....
Central TV arrived to interview Nod....
We got a copy of Sounds with our photo on the front. I was missing from the shot.....
Left for London to do “The Russell Harty show”......”Pebble Mill” wouldn’t let us do their show as we are doing “Russell Harty” tonight.
Had to race to Loughborough (University) for the gig.
Good show met a lot of ‘press’ in our hotel afterwards......
While I was cleaning up "Merry Xmas Everybody" was on radio, being No 1 ten years ago....
Central TV arrived to interview Nod....
We got a copy of Sounds with our photo on the front. I was missing from the shot.....
Left for London to do “The Russell Harty show”......”Pebble Mill” wouldn’t let us do their show as we are doing “Russell Harty” tonight.
Had to race to Loughborough (University) for the gig.
Good show met a lot of ‘press’ in our hotel afterwards......
December 8th 1983
Did some photos before driving to Wolverhampton.
Spent the day doing interviews with Birmingham and Wolverhampton newspapers......
December 9th 1983
Dave Donovan picked me up to drive to Salford (University - for gig)...
We left a bit later as Jack Hill (‘H’s Father) had had a stroke.
So-So show....
December 10th 1983
Before leaving for Manchester we did photos for the Daily Star.
After the sound check, we all went for fish ’n’ chips.
Good show (at Manchester University)!
Our agent, Derek Kemp, was there.
At our hotel afterwards, we had drinks with Robert Plant and his band who was also on tour.
His drummer, Richie Haywood from Little Feat, and myself drank copious amounts of alcohol together..... When I was leaving to go to bed, I slipped (new shoes) and poured my drink all over him!
SORRY Richie!!!
December 11th 1983
I met Nod's wife Leandra in the hotel lobby; she was trying to find him......
Drove to Hardstoft (for gig at the "Sholder of Mutton").... So-So show.
Drove to Nottingham. Checked in the hotel. I had a sandwich with H and Jim before going to bed 02:00am.
December 12th 1983
Relaxed in the hotel........ The Police checked in to our hotel...They’re also on tour. They didn’t speak...
Did the sound check...... had a great show (at The Nottingham Palais).
Jim Lea and myself drove to London with John (merchandising guy).
Got home 03:00am.
December 13th 1983
Jim called to say "My Oh My" had gone to No. 3. ALSO - "Merry Xmas" was No.35.
Jim and I did interviews with Tony Blackburn and Maggie Philbin.
We met at Colin’s to decide whether to sign with CBS or RCA in America...
December 14th 1983
Called Dad for his birthday!
I made my way to the ‘TOTP’s’ studio by tube.
Our mates Quo were also on the show. Francis Rossi wanted some autographs from us for his son.
December 15th 1983
Posted all my Christmas cards.
We all drove to Lancaster. Checked in the hotel and watched ourselves on "TOTP's".
Had a ‘fair’ show (at the University).... Came back to the hotel.....
December 16th 1983
We left for Glasgow..... Good show! Drove back to our hotel in Lancaster.
"Run, Run Away" and "C’est La Vie" were ‘slagged’ on Round Table on (Radio 1) by Paul Gambacinni + Tracie + Steve Strange.
Did some photos before driving to Wolverhampton.
Spent the day doing interviews with Birmingham and Wolverhampton newspapers......
December 9th 1983
Dave Donovan picked me up to drive to Salford (University - for gig)...
We left a bit later as Jack Hill (‘H’s Father) had had a stroke.
So-So show....
December 10th 1983
Before leaving for Manchester we did photos for the Daily Star.
After the sound check, we all went for fish ’n’ chips.
Good show (at Manchester University)!
Our agent, Derek Kemp, was there.
At our hotel afterwards, we had drinks with Robert Plant and his band who was also on tour.
His drummer, Richie Haywood from Little Feat, and myself drank copious amounts of alcohol together..... When I was leaving to go to bed, I slipped (new shoes) and poured my drink all over him!
SORRY Richie!!!
December 11th 1983
I met Nod's wife Leandra in the hotel lobby; she was trying to find him......
Drove to Hardstoft (for gig at the "Sholder of Mutton").... So-So show.
Drove to Nottingham. Checked in the hotel. I had a sandwich with H and Jim before going to bed 02:00am.
December 12th 1983
Relaxed in the hotel........ The Police checked in to our hotel...They’re also on tour. They didn’t speak...
Did the sound check...... had a great show (at The Nottingham Palais).
Jim Lea and myself drove to London with John (merchandising guy).
Got home 03:00am.
December 13th 1983
Jim called to say "My Oh My" had gone to No. 3. ALSO - "Merry Xmas" was No.35.
Jim and I did interviews with Tony Blackburn and Maggie Philbin.
We met at Colin’s to decide whether to sign with CBS or RCA in America...
December 14th 1983
Called Dad for his birthday!
I made my way to the ‘TOTP’s’ studio by tube.
Our mates Quo were also on the show. Francis Rossi wanted some autographs from us for his son.
December 15th 1983
Posted all my Christmas cards.
We all drove to Lancaster. Checked in the hotel and watched ourselves on "TOTP's".
Had a ‘fair’ show (at the University).... Came back to the hotel.....
December 16th 1983
We left for Glasgow..... Good show! Drove back to our hotel in Lancaster.
"Run, Run Away" and "C’est La Vie" were ‘slagged’ on Round Table on (Radio 1) by Paul Gambacinni + Tracie + Steve Strange.
Saturday 17th 1983
Cleaned up; checked out to drive to Bradford to do "Saturday Superstore".
We then drove to Durham.
I wrote the roadies Christmas cards.
H, Jim and I did the sound check at Durham (University).
GOOD SHOW!! Had a few drinks in the hotel before bed at 01:00am.
December 18th 1983
Had breakfast, checked out of the hotel and drove to Liverpool (Royal Court Theatre gig).
Did the sound check.
I called Lou (the drummer from Export) to come to the show. Also Dave Dover - but he was working.
Lou came to the show.
GREAT last show!!
I drove back to London with John (merchandising guy)..... Got home at 04:00am.
December 19th 1983
"Merry Xmas" is predicted to go to No.18.....
December 20th 1983
"My Oh My" was No 2 in the charts.....
"Merry Xmas" is No 20. We are on "T.O.T.P.’s" this week with it.....
We all drove to Heathrow Airport to stay the night there....
December 21st 1983
I was up at 07:00. We made our way to the terminal to fly to Amsterdam.
Tibor from RCA met us. We did lots of press and photos before the TV show....
The rest is a ‘blank’ as there was a big reception for us........
December 22nd 1983
Stuart and Tony McGrogan from RCA met us at Heathrow and took us for a ‘champagne breakfast’ at a hotel in Kensington......
We went to Portland to record the backing track for "Merry Xmas".
We did "T.O.T.P.’s".
Afterwards H went to Wolverhampton and Jim....?
Nod, Dave Donovan and myself went to Spirals.
I got home at 02:00am.......
December 23rd 1983
I watched the video of "TOTP’s" from last night.... Listened to Nod on "Round Table".
Watched "Pop Goes Christmas" with ‘Dexy’s Midnight Runners - who played "Merry Xmas".
December 24th 1983
Spent the evening at Spirals with Dave Kemp.......
Cleaned up; checked out to drive to Bradford to do "Saturday Superstore".
We then drove to Durham.
I wrote the roadies Christmas cards.
H, Jim and I did the sound check at Durham (University).
GOOD SHOW!! Had a few drinks in the hotel before bed at 01:00am.
December 18th 1983
Had breakfast, checked out of the hotel and drove to Liverpool (Royal Court Theatre gig).
Did the sound check.
I called Lou (the drummer from Export) to come to the show. Also Dave Dover - but he was working.
Lou came to the show.
GREAT last show!!
I drove back to London with John (merchandising guy)..... Got home at 04:00am.
December 19th 1983
"Merry Xmas" is predicted to go to No.18.....
December 20th 1983
"My Oh My" was No 2 in the charts.....
"Merry Xmas" is No 20. We are on "T.O.T.P.’s" this week with it.....
We all drove to Heathrow Airport to stay the night there....
December 21st 1983
I was up at 07:00. We made our way to the terminal to fly to Amsterdam.
Tibor from RCA met us. We did lots of press and photos before the TV show....
The rest is a ‘blank’ as there was a big reception for us........
December 22nd 1983
Stuart and Tony McGrogan from RCA met us at Heathrow and took us for a ‘champagne breakfast’ at a hotel in Kensington......
We went to Portland to record the backing track for "Merry Xmas".
We did "T.O.T.P.’s".
Afterwards H went to Wolverhampton and Jim....?
Nod, Dave Donovan and myself went to Spirals.
I got home at 02:00am.......
December 23rd 1983
I watched the video of "TOTP’s" from last night.... Listened to Nod on "Round Table".
Watched "Pop Goes Christmas" with ‘Dexy’s Midnight Runners - who played "Merry Xmas".
December 24th 1983
Spent the evening at Spirals with Dave Kemp.......
December 28th 1983
I called Mom to wish her Happy Birthday!
Nod called with arrangements for tomorrow.
We went to see Bucks Fizz at the Apollo in Victoria. Tony McGrogan from RCA took us ‘backstage’ to say hello and to have drinks with them.....
They sang "Merry Xmas" in their set.
December 29th 1983
It was on the news that Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys had drowned in his swimming pool....
ALSO, an article about Jack Hill (‘H’s Father) having a stroke before Christmas....
We all drove to Heathrow to fly to Brussels. We were met by RCA and checked in our hotel.
We rehearsed and did the TV show. We eat with RCA. Went to bed at 02:30am......
December 30th 1983
Dave Donovan and I had breakfast together....
Later on we met our publisher Hans Kusker for lunch.
Spent all day at the TV studio rehearsing.....Had a few drinks with ‘Tea-Urn’ from RCA.
Had a great time recording the show. Went out again with RCA. GOT TO BED at 04:00am.
December 31st 1983
Got up at 08:00am made sure Dave Donovan was up..... We went for breakfast.
Flew back to England. Drove to the Crest Hotel, Wembley. Went to the studio to start rehearsals for the David Frost Show.
Watched Quo and Roy Wood on the "Little and Large Show".
Dave Donovan went to pick Carol and Leandra up. We all drank with Alan James (record plugger).
When we finished rehearsing, I had to race for the toilet..... I was unzipping my trousers (desperate) and kicked the toilet door open to find David Frost having a ‘crap’. He was so ‘startled’ he jumped up, pulling his trousers up saying:
“These places aren’t built for massive occupation are they?”
Ken Livingston (Mayor of London) was also on the show. A woman said: “I’ve always wanted to meet you”. He replied: “Thank you! Have you paid your rates?”
After the show cars were supplied for us. Carol and I went to Spirals. We ended 1983 at a fantastic party there..... We got home about 04:00am.....it was then 01/01/1984.
I called Mom to wish her Happy Birthday!
Nod called with arrangements for tomorrow.
We went to see Bucks Fizz at the Apollo in Victoria. Tony McGrogan from RCA took us ‘backstage’ to say hello and to have drinks with them.....
They sang "Merry Xmas" in their set.
December 29th 1983
It was on the news that Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys had drowned in his swimming pool....
ALSO, an article about Jack Hill (‘H’s Father) having a stroke before Christmas....
We all drove to Heathrow to fly to Brussels. We were met by RCA and checked in our hotel.
We rehearsed and did the TV show. We eat with RCA. Went to bed at 02:30am......
December 30th 1983
Dave Donovan and I had breakfast together....
Later on we met our publisher Hans Kusker for lunch.
Spent all day at the TV studio rehearsing.....Had a few drinks with ‘Tea-Urn’ from RCA.
Had a great time recording the show. Went out again with RCA. GOT TO BED at 04:00am.
December 31st 1983
Got up at 08:00am made sure Dave Donovan was up..... We went for breakfast.
Flew back to England. Drove to the Crest Hotel, Wembley. Went to the studio to start rehearsals for the David Frost Show.
Watched Quo and Roy Wood on the "Little and Large Show".
Dave Donovan went to pick Carol and Leandra up. We all drank with Alan James (record plugger).
When we finished rehearsing, I had to race for the toilet..... I was unzipping my trousers (desperate) and kicked the toilet door open to find David Frost having a ‘crap’. He was so ‘startled’ he jumped up, pulling his trousers up saying:
“These places aren’t built for massive occupation are they?”
Ken Livingston (Mayor of London) was also on the show. A woman said: “I’ve always wanted to meet you”. He replied: “Thank you! Have you paid your rates?”
After the show cars were supplied for us. Carol and I went to Spirals. We ended 1983 at a fantastic party there..... We got home about 04:00am.....it was then 01/01/1984.
NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY AT SPIRALS IN HAMPSTEAD (AFTER DAVID FROST SHOW)
1983 was the best year of the 80’s for me!!