Don's 2014 Diary
Thursday 16 January 2014
Got up at 10:00 cleaned up and packed the car with foot-pedals, sticks etc. Today I was travelling, with Hanne, to Germany, by car, to do a recording session. The session was with a girl singer called Ela Roxx. She is managed by one of our promoters in Germany called Willi Wrende. He is a big Slade fan...
We set off for Oldenburg. W had a 5 hour drive - stopping many times on the way.....
We checked in a very nice hotel (all booked for us). We had a walk round the very beautiful old city. Having a snack on our way..
Came back to the hotel and unpacked.
Detlef (the guitarist and band leader) came to the hotel with his wife Anke, and also Ela, the band's singer.... We all went to a restaurant for dinner and to chat about the recording to be done in the studio.
We got back to the hotel - and was in bed by 11:00. It had been A LONG DAY.....
Got up at 10:00 cleaned up and packed the car with foot-pedals, sticks etc. Today I was travelling, with Hanne, to Germany, by car, to do a recording session. The session was with a girl singer called Ela Roxx. She is managed by one of our promoters in Germany called Willi Wrende. He is a big Slade fan...
We set off for Oldenburg. W had a 5 hour drive - stopping many times on the way.....
We checked in a very nice hotel (all booked for us). We had a walk round the very beautiful old city. Having a snack on our way..
Came back to the hotel and unpacked.
Detlef (the guitarist and band leader) came to the hotel with his wife Anke, and also Ela, the band's singer.... We all went to a restaurant for dinner and to chat about the recording to be done in the studio.
We got back to the hotel - and was in bed by 11:00. It had been A LONG DAY.....
Ela
Friday 17 January 2014
Got up when the alarm went off 8:00 am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast. Ela joined us.
We drove to the studio. I got the drums set up and ‘tuned’ them for the session. I ‘miked’ everything up with the help of Stefans (the engineer)....
Only myself and DT (Detlef) put the basic track down. He was in the control room playing guitar and I was in the studio on my own. Ela was in the vocal booth singing a guide vocal.
We recorded Cum On Feel The Noize with a ‘tom-tom’ link into Gudbuy T'Jane..... The tracks went down really quickly. I overdubbed more ‘tom-toms’ over the link...(it worked great.) I wanted to put ‘maraca's’ over the top of the whole track (as per the Slade original from ‘72) but I couldn’t find any in the studio. I thought - I will get some for tomorrow. BUT...... while I was making tea for everyone, there was a small box of ‘sweeteners’ in the kitchen. I thought to myself "YES - these can be my maracas!"...... I put the idea forward and started to play along with the track..... But then the top came off the box, and everyone was showered with canderel (heavy metal eh?). I ‘gaffered’ the lid back on after painstakingly picking them all off the studio floor....... We then putthe keyboards and bass down.... It was a great productive day.
We all went out to eat together. VERY PLEASED with the days work...
I was in bed by 11:45pm
Saturday 18 January 2014
I was up 08:00am.
I cleaned up and went for breakfast.. Hanne opened all her birthday cards from myself and family...
Ela drove us to the studio. Another great day, overdubbing and filming the session for a promo DVD.... They bought a big cake for Hanne’s birthday.
We all drove to Detlef’s (DT's) house for dinner..... Hanne and myself got a cab back to our hotel.
We were in bed by 12;00 midnight.
Sunday 19th January 2014
We were up at 08:00 am - cleaned up and went for breakfast. Packed and checked out of the hotel.
We spent the last day in the studio, filming the final touches.....
Hanne and myself drove back to Denmark, stopping at the ‘border’ shops on the way..... We filled the car up with ‘booze’ and mainly chocolate...
We were home 21:30pm.....
A FANTASTIC WEEKEND.......
Got up when the alarm went off 8:00 am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast. Ela joined us.
We drove to the studio. I got the drums set up and ‘tuned’ them for the session. I ‘miked’ everything up with the help of Stefans (the engineer)....
Only myself and DT (Detlef) put the basic track down. He was in the control room playing guitar and I was in the studio on my own. Ela was in the vocal booth singing a guide vocal.
We recorded Cum On Feel The Noize with a ‘tom-tom’ link into Gudbuy T'Jane..... The tracks went down really quickly. I overdubbed more ‘tom-toms’ over the link...(it worked great.) I wanted to put ‘maraca's’ over the top of the whole track (as per the Slade original from ‘72) but I couldn’t find any in the studio. I thought - I will get some for tomorrow. BUT...... while I was making tea for everyone, there was a small box of ‘sweeteners’ in the kitchen. I thought to myself "YES - these can be my maracas!"...... I put the idea forward and started to play along with the track..... But then the top came off the box, and everyone was showered with canderel (heavy metal eh?). I ‘gaffered’ the lid back on after painstakingly picking them all off the studio floor....... We then putthe keyboards and bass down.... It was a great productive day.
We all went out to eat together. VERY PLEASED with the days work...
I was in bed by 11:45pm
Saturday 18 January 2014
I was up 08:00am.
I cleaned up and went for breakfast.. Hanne opened all her birthday cards from myself and family...
Ela drove us to the studio. Another great day, overdubbing and filming the session for a promo DVD.... They bought a big cake for Hanne’s birthday.
We all drove to Detlef’s (DT's) house for dinner..... Hanne and myself got a cab back to our hotel.
We were in bed by 12;00 midnight.
Sunday 19th January 2014
We were up at 08:00 am - cleaned up and went for breakfast. Packed and checked out of the hotel.
We spent the last day in the studio, filming the final touches.....
Hanne and myself drove back to Denmark, stopping at the ‘border’ shops on the way..... We filled the car up with ‘booze’ and mainly chocolate...
We were home 21:30pm.....
A FANTASTIC WEEKEND.......
Copyright - Andreas Lundby
Saturday 8 February 2014
I was up at 07:00am to use the bathroom first...... All the family were at home and I know from experience that if I waited any later there would be no hot water left!
So, I managed to get in and clean up first....... very pleasant.
Anyway I took Rocky for his morning ‘sabbatical’ through the forest and by the lakes. I took him to Hanne’s Father - so that he could ‘dog sit' for us for the day...
I packed the car with what equipment I needed for the gig, picked up Angela (Hanne’s work colleague from the hotel - who was going to her first Slade, or any, concert) to drive to Næstved - about a three hour drive on the island of, Sjælland...... We stopped a couple of times for tea and cake on the way.
We had the sat-nav and drove straight to the gig. Abbie and Robin were there, together with Sweet's crew - Damian (Andy Scott’s son - on sound) and Adam (backline). Adam was helping us this weekend, as Tim is in Australia with The Hollies.
I set my drums up with the help of Toot - the fantastic English backline roadie. We just relaxed at the gig all afternoon.
We didn’t need a hotel...)
Many, many friends were there - including: Marion (who works in Copenhagen Airport, who always manages to find our lost baggage and somehow manages to hold flights back for us if we are delayed - a diamond) and Mikael Helmut (the theatre director, who did ‘Oliver T’ with Slade music, and his girlfriend Anna... and a Danish singer Karen ( I’m going to be playing drums on her new CD - watch this space).
All the guys eventually turned up H, Mal & John (haven’t seen them since the Christmas tour) - this was our first gig since then, the same for Sweet). They also arrived. BIG hugs and laughs all round..... Finally Malcolm Skellington (who used to run our UK Fan Club) and his wife Fran turned up......
We did our sound-check..... There was ‘fantastic’ catering supplied for everyone...... Our son Andreas arrived by many trains from his boarding school in Englesholm. (A big family outing!.....)
The Walkers (a Danish band, big in the ‘70’s) went on first..... then Sweet, who did a fantastic job (as always) getting the crowd up and ready......
Then OUR TURN. What a fantastic night for us..... Couldn’t do any wrong, the crowd clapped, cheered and sang along to every song.... FANTASTIC....
The organisers were SO over the moon..... To prove it, I made a comment to the main man as to how I liked his ‘sweat-shirt’. He took it off and gave it to me.... (It was freezing)!
Many sandwiches were made for our drive home, together with cakes, water, tea...... We made a detour to drop Andreas off at his school. Also, we dropped off Angela, who couldn’t believe her experience........ Hanne and myself got home at 04:00am.....
WHAT A FANTASTIC DAY...... Thank you all....
I was up at 07:00am to use the bathroom first...... All the family were at home and I know from experience that if I waited any later there would be no hot water left!
So, I managed to get in and clean up first....... very pleasant.
Anyway I took Rocky for his morning ‘sabbatical’ through the forest and by the lakes. I took him to Hanne’s Father - so that he could ‘dog sit' for us for the day...
I packed the car with what equipment I needed for the gig, picked up Angela (Hanne’s work colleague from the hotel - who was going to her first Slade, or any, concert) to drive to Næstved - about a three hour drive on the island of, Sjælland...... We stopped a couple of times for tea and cake on the way.
We had the sat-nav and drove straight to the gig. Abbie and Robin were there, together with Sweet's crew - Damian (Andy Scott’s son - on sound) and Adam (backline). Adam was helping us this weekend, as Tim is in Australia with The Hollies.
I set my drums up with the help of Toot - the fantastic English backline roadie. We just relaxed at the gig all afternoon.
We didn’t need a hotel...)
Many, many friends were there - including: Marion (who works in Copenhagen Airport, who always manages to find our lost baggage and somehow manages to hold flights back for us if we are delayed - a diamond) and Mikael Helmut (the theatre director, who did ‘Oliver T’ with Slade music, and his girlfriend Anna... and a Danish singer Karen ( I’m going to be playing drums on her new CD - watch this space).
All the guys eventually turned up H, Mal & John (haven’t seen them since the Christmas tour) - this was our first gig since then, the same for Sweet). They also arrived. BIG hugs and laughs all round..... Finally Malcolm Skellington (who used to run our UK Fan Club) and his wife Fran turned up......
We did our sound-check..... There was ‘fantastic’ catering supplied for everyone...... Our son Andreas arrived by many trains from his boarding school in Englesholm. (A big family outing!.....)
The Walkers (a Danish band, big in the ‘70’s) went on first..... then Sweet, who did a fantastic job (as always) getting the crowd up and ready......
Then OUR TURN. What a fantastic night for us..... Couldn’t do any wrong, the crowd clapped, cheered and sang along to every song.... FANTASTIC....
The organisers were SO over the moon..... To prove it, I made a comment to the main man as to how I liked his ‘sweat-shirt’. He took it off and gave it to me.... (It was freezing)!
Many sandwiches were made for our drive home, together with cakes, water, tea...... We made a detour to drop Andreas off at his school. Also, we dropped off Angela, who couldn’t believe her experience........ Hanne and myself got home at 04:00am.....
WHAT A FANTASTIC DAY...... Thank you all....
Friday 21 February 2014
I was up at 08:00am to finish my packing while Hanne spent a couple of hours at her fitness centre.
We packed the car and also filled it with ‘goodies’ for our journey. Anna-Kirstine, Hanne and myself drove to pick up Mads (Anne-Kirstine’s boyfriend) for our drive to Osnabruck (in Germany) for tomorrow's show.
We stopped many times for snacks and also at the Border-Shops (in Flensburg) to get more ‘goodies’ and to look at new TV’s.......
After a 5 hour drive (taking it in turns) we got to our hotel in Osnabruck...... Checked in to very nice rooms and we all eat together in the hotel.
The others in the band arrived from the UK. They all met at Dusseldorf where H flew from Birmingham with Jon (Now-Hire) Overton...... Mal flew in from Liverpool..... Abbie, John Berry and Robin flew in from Stansted.....
We all sat and had a few drinks together before Hanne and myself went to our room at 12:00.......
Saturday 22 February 2014
Alando Palais, Osnabruck, Germany
I was awake at 09:30am. I cleaned up and met everyone for breakfast.
I relaxed some more before I walked 300 metres to the gig. I met, Robin and Jon there, sorted my drums out before we did our sound check. John Berry will now sing ‘Mama’ &’Get Down And Get With It’ in the set.
I met Gibson Kemp (I previously met him in Germany during the ‘70’s). He was the English drummer from the ‘60’s band ‘Paddy, Klaus & Gibson’. They were a German band destined for ‘big’ things. (Gibson had previously replaced Ringo Starr in Rory Storm and the Hurricanes and Klaus Voorman eventually joined ‘Manfred Mann’ on guitar in 1966)...... Gibson was now in a ‘new’ band also playing on the bill tonight.
I was up at 08:00am to finish my packing while Hanne spent a couple of hours at her fitness centre.
We packed the car and also filled it with ‘goodies’ for our journey. Anna-Kirstine, Hanne and myself drove to pick up Mads (Anne-Kirstine’s boyfriend) for our drive to Osnabruck (in Germany) for tomorrow's show.
We stopped many times for snacks and also at the Border-Shops (in Flensburg) to get more ‘goodies’ and to look at new TV’s.......
After a 5 hour drive (taking it in turns) we got to our hotel in Osnabruck...... Checked in to very nice rooms and we all eat together in the hotel.
The others in the band arrived from the UK. They all met at Dusseldorf where H flew from Birmingham with Jon (Now-Hire) Overton...... Mal flew in from Liverpool..... Abbie, John Berry and Robin flew in from Stansted.....
We all sat and had a few drinks together before Hanne and myself went to our room at 12:00.......
Saturday 22 February 2014
Alando Palais, Osnabruck, Germany
I was awake at 09:30am. I cleaned up and met everyone for breakfast.
I relaxed some more before I walked 300 metres to the gig. I met, Robin and Jon there, sorted my drums out before we did our sound check. John Berry will now sing ‘Mama’ &’Get Down And Get With It’ in the set.
I met Gibson Kemp (I previously met him in Germany during the ‘70’s). He was the English drummer from the ‘60’s band ‘Paddy, Klaus & Gibson’. They were a German band destined for ‘big’ things. (Gibson had previously replaced Ringo Starr in Rory Storm and the Hurricanes and Klaus Voorman eventually joined ‘Manfred Mann’ on guitar in 1966)...... Gibson was now in a ‘new’ band also playing on the bill tonight.
Paddy, Klaus and Gibson
We all ate at the gig..... Fantastic Club. SO many different rooms for band's to play.... WE HAD A GREAT ROCKIN’ NIGHT.
Christian, the keyboard player with Ela Roxx (I played drums on their session) was there with his girlfriend....Spent some time chatting and drinking with them.... Detlef & Ela couldn’t make it as they were in the studio....
Eventually got to bed at 01:45...... GREAT DAY.
Sunday 23 February 2014
Got up for breakfast at 09:00am. Everyone else was there. They all left to drive to Dusseldorf (3hrs) to fly back to the UK.
We all packed and started our journey home.
We stopped at the Border-Shops again - loaded up with beer, wine and chocolate (for me).
We got home around 6:00pm. ANOTHER GREAT WEEKEND......
Christian, the keyboard player with Ela Roxx (I played drums on their session) was there with his girlfriend....Spent some time chatting and drinking with them.... Detlef & Ela couldn’t make it as they were in the studio....
Eventually got to bed at 01:45...... GREAT DAY.
Sunday 23 February 2014
Got up for breakfast at 09:00am. Everyone else was there. They all left to drive to Dusseldorf (3hrs) to fly back to the UK.
We all packed and started our journey home.
We stopped at the Border-Shops again - loaded up with beer, wine and chocolate (for me).
We got home around 6:00pm. ANOTHER GREAT WEEKEND......
Thursday 27th February 2014
Book signing at Waterstones One, Liverpool
I got up when the alarm went off at 02:00am. Cleaned up and packed the car to drive to Billund.
Flew to Stansted and caught the train to Euston, and then onto Liverpool via Crewe.
Di Daley met me at the train station and walked with me to Radio Merseyside for an interview with Slade's old mate, Billy Butler.
From there we walked to Waterstones for my book signing. GREAT crowd, I signed 49 sold books.... Met Dave Dover, Terry McCusker and their old singer Brian (Col Bagshot Band)..... Mal McNulty, who lives in Liverpool, even turned up to say hello.
We all had a drink together before I caught the train to Wolverhampton. I got a taxi to my hotel Nr Dudley - had dinner there and was in bed by 10:45pm.
Friday 28th February 2014
I was awake at 06:30am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast.... Spoke to Haden's brother Dave.
I spent a few hours in The Merry Hill Centre shopping for CD’s, DVD’s and clothes.
I ate in the hotel and was in bed by 9:45pm.....
Saturday 1st March 2014
Book signing at WH Smiths, Merry Hill Centre, Dudley
Got up 08:45am. I had a message from Dave Kemp saying he would meet me later. I cleaned up and packed ready to check out.
Spent a few hours at WH Smiths signing books. Dave & Barbara Kemp were there, Dave & Sue Donovan...... And would you believe, Peter Harpin turned up!. He was my old class mate from Etheridge Secondary School. It’s been 50 years since I’ve seen him. He played guitar in the Youth Club Band. Also, Lizzie Carr, a distant relation of mine..... MORE TO COME.
Afterwards, Dave & Barbara drove me back to their place for a cup of tea and some cake ‘testing’ before Dave drove me to the Radisson Hotel at Stansted Airport.
I had some tea before going to bed at 9.30pm.
Book signing at Waterstones One, Liverpool
I got up when the alarm went off at 02:00am. Cleaned up and packed the car to drive to Billund.
Flew to Stansted and caught the train to Euston, and then onto Liverpool via Crewe.
Di Daley met me at the train station and walked with me to Radio Merseyside for an interview with Slade's old mate, Billy Butler.
From there we walked to Waterstones for my book signing. GREAT crowd, I signed 49 sold books.... Met Dave Dover, Terry McCusker and their old singer Brian (Col Bagshot Band)..... Mal McNulty, who lives in Liverpool, even turned up to say hello.
We all had a drink together before I caught the train to Wolverhampton. I got a taxi to my hotel Nr Dudley - had dinner there and was in bed by 10:45pm.
Friday 28th February 2014
I was awake at 06:30am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast.... Spoke to Haden's brother Dave.
I spent a few hours in The Merry Hill Centre shopping for CD’s, DVD’s and clothes.
I ate in the hotel and was in bed by 9:45pm.....
Saturday 1st March 2014
Book signing at WH Smiths, Merry Hill Centre, Dudley
Got up 08:45am. I had a message from Dave Kemp saying he would meet me later. I cleaned up and packed ready to check out.
Spent a few hours at WH Smiths signing books. Dave & Barbara Kemp were there, Dave & Sue Donovan...... And would you believe, Peter Harpin turned up!. He was my old class mate from Etheridge Secondary School. It’s been 50 years since I’ve seen him. He played guitar in the Youth Club Band. Also, Lizzie Carr, a distant relation of mine..... MORE TO COME.
Afterwards, Dave & Barbara drove me back to their place for a cup of tea and some cake ‘testing’ before Dave drove me to the Radisson Hotel at Stansted Airport.
I had some tea before going to bed at 9.30pm.
Sunday 2nd March 2014
Got up at 06:00am, cleaned up and packed, and went for breakfast. Left the hotel to walk to the terminal and check in..... Relaxed in the lounge before my flight was called.....
However, I was then sat on the plane for TWO HOURS..... No refreshments or an explanation was given...... IRATE passengers!
We were eventually told a Russian Cargo plane had got stuck in the mud at Billund (my destination). The plane was half on the runway and half on the grass (a total misjudgement on the pilot's part). No planes could land or take off from Billund.
We eventually left Stansted to be told, half way through our flight, that we were being diverted to Aarhus...... We were allowed to use our phones, so I could call Hanne to explain. She said would meet me at Aarhus.
Once we landed, most of the passengers then had to wait for coaches to take them the one hour drive back to Billund. (I could have made a fortune as a taxi....) I drank Copious amounts of tea waiting for Hanne.....
ALL IN ALL, A GREAT FEW DAYS...
Got up at 06:00am, cleaned up and packed, and went for breakfast. Left the hotel to walk to the terminal and check in..... Relaxed in the lounge before my flight was called.....
However, I was then sat on the plane for TWO HOURS..... No refreshments or an explanation was given...... IRATE passengers!
We were eventually told a Russian Cargo plane had got stuck in the mud at Billund (my destination). The plane was half on the runway and half on the grass (a total misjudgement on the pilot's part). No planes could land or take off from Billund.
We eventually left Stansted to be told, half way through our flight, that we were being diverted to Aarhus...... We were allowed to use our phones, so I could call Hanne to explain. She said would meet me at Aarhus.
Once we landed, most of the passengers then had to wait for coaches to take them the one hour drive back to Billund. (I could have made a fortune as a taxi....) I drank Copious amounts of tea waiting for Hanne.....
ALL IN ALL, A GREAT FEW DAYS...
Friday 28th March 2014
Was up as normal at 05.45am to spend my couple of hours in the ‘fitness-centre’.
Came home to pack and get ready to leave for Billund Airport.....I caught the bus to the airport - a 1hr journey (sometimes it’s easier than driving). Checked in for my flight to Frankfurt (no problems). Relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches (not knowing what our hotel was going to be like for food).
By chance met a guy in the lounge who wants to do a production of ‘OLIVER T’ (the musical based on Slade songs0 featuring disabled children.......
ANYWAY, I flew to Frankfurt to be met by our German tour- manager Suzzanne.
We sat drinking tea and eating cake (heavy metal) waiting for H to arrive from Birmingham and Mal to arrive from Manchester.
We eventually drove for about one and a half hours to Schalmstadt.... Checked in the hotel... I was in bed by 11:30pm.
Saturday 29th March 2014
I was awake early (05:30am), cleaned up and went for breakfast....H joined me.
Relaxed in the hotel and decided to drive to the gig with some fans (who were also staying at our hotel) as the others in the team hadn’t arrived from England as yet....
We were playing the Kulture Hall Steinweg...... I set my drums up and waited for the others to arrive to finish setting up and do the sound-check.
Drove back to the hotel (1hr) to clean up and eat....
I went back to the gig with Robin and Tim (just back from an Australian tour with The Hollies).
GREAT GIG..... We played for one and a half hours (SO GOOD) to 850 people.
Was up as normal at 05.45am to spend my couple of hours in the ‘fitness-centre’.
Came home to pack and get ready to leave for Billund Airport.....I caught the bus to the airport - a 1hr journey (sometimes it’s easier than driving). Checked in for my flight to Frankfurt (no problems). Relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches (not knowing what our hotel was going to be like for food).
By chance met a guy in the lounge who wants to do a production of ‘OLIVER T’ (the musical based on Slade songs0 featuring disabled children.......
ANYWAY, I flew to Frankfurt to be met by our German tour- manager Suzzanne.
We sat drinking tea and eating cake (heavy metal) waiting for H to arrive from Birmingham and Mal to arrive from Manchester.
We eventually drove for about one and a half hours to Schalmstadt.... Checked in the hotel... I was in bed by 11:30pm.
Saturday 29th March 2014
I was awake early (05:30am), cleaned up and went for breakfast....H joined me.
Relaxed in the hotel and decided to drive to the gig with some fans (who were also staying at our hotel) as the others in the team hadn’t arrived from England as yet....
We were playing the Kulture Hall Steinweg...... I set my drums up and waited for the others to arrive to finish setting up and do the sound-check.
Drove back to the hotel (1hr) to clean up and eat....
I went back to the gig with Robin and Tim (just back from an Australian tour with The Hollies).
GREAT GIG..... We played for one and a half hours (SO GOOD) to 850 people.
|
SET LIST
’JANE’ ‘BAK ‘OME’ 'LOCK UP’ 'EVERYDAY’ ‘LOOK WOT U DUN’ ‘RED HOT’ ‘COZ I LUV YOU’ ‘RUN RUN AWAY’ ‘HEAR YA CALLIN’ ‘BANGIN’ MAN’ ‘FAR FAR AWAY’ ‘LETS HAVE A PARTY’ ‘MAMA’ ‘GET DOWN AND GET WITH IT’ Encores ‘MY OH MY’ ‘NOIZE’ ‘XMAS’ I was in bed by 01:30am. |
Don meets German fan Patricia at concert
|
Sunday 30th March 2014
I was up at 07:00am, cleaned up and packed..... Went for, breakfast with H and Mal.
We drove to Frankfurt Airport for me to fly home and for H to fly to Birmingham and Mal to fly to Finland to see a girlfriend..
GREAT WEEKEND GUYS.....
I was up at 07:00am, cleaned up and packed..... Went for, breakfast with H and Mal.
We drove to Frankfurt Airport for me to fly home and for H to fly to Birmingham and Mal to fly to Finland to see a girlfriend..
GREAT WEEKEND GUYS.....
Saturday 26th April 2014
I was awake at 06:00am..... Cleaned up and finished my packing. I drove to Billund Airport and checked in to fly to,Vienna via Frankfurt.
Relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for my journey. I let everyone know I was on schedule.
Boarded my flight and was upgraded to First Class as the Captain was a big Slade fan from the ‘70’s and used to come and see us when we played Hamburg during that period!
We were delayed 20 mins ‘cause of thunder storms over Vienna.
I was met when I reached Vienna and was driven to the hotel. Checked in and unpacked. I then had tea and snacks with the promoter and his staff.
H and Mal arrived from England, and Susie Quatro with her husband Reiner Haas (German promoter) arrived from Majorca - where they have a home.
I was in bed by 9:30pm (a long day).
Sunday 27th April 2014
I was awake by 06:30am. Made tea in my room then, I went for breakfast.
09:00am. I went to the gig with roadies Robin & Tim.... I got my drums ready before the others arrived for our sound check.... No Problems.
H and myself did a long radio interview (for local German station). Left for our hotel to clean up for the show.
Abbie called to say we had to do the radio interview again as it didn’t record. However, THEY MANAGED TO RESTORE IT!!!!!!! (These things are never the same when done again as you lose the spontaneity).
We had a great gig in front of 2,500 people..... After the gig we stayed there (as we were finished by 18:00) to watch the other bands and to eat and drink (all free....).
I was in bed by 23:15pm....
Monday 28th April 2014
I was up by 08:00am before my alarm went off.....
Packed and cleaned up and went for breakfast.
I then checked out to drive to Vienna Airport. I flew home via Frankfurt. H flew to Birmingham, Mal flew to Manchester.
GREAT WEEKEND.
I was awake at 06:00am..... Cleaned up and finished my packing. I drove to Billund Airport and checked in to fly to,Vienna via Frankfurt.
Relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for my journey. I let everyone know I was on schedule.
Boarded my flight and was upgraded to First Class as the Captain was a big Slade fan from the ‘70’s and used to come and see us when we played Hamburg during that period!
We were delayed 20 mins ‘cause of thunder storms over Vienna.
I was met when I reached Vienna and was driven to the hotel. Checked in and unpacked. I then had tea and snacks with the promoter and his staff.
H and Mal arrived from England, and Susie Quatro with her husband Reiner Haas (German promoter) arrived from Majorca - where they have a home.
I was in bed by 9:30pm (a long day).
Sunday 27th April 2014
I was awake by 06:30am. Made tea in my room then, I went for breakfast.
09:00am. I went to the gig with roadies Robin & Tim.... I got my drums ready before the others arrived for our sound check.... No Problems.
H and myself did a long radio interview (for local German station). Left for our hotel to clean up for the show.
Abbie called to say we had to do the radio interview again as it didn’t record. However, THEY MANAGED TO RESTORE IT!!!!!!! (These things are never the same when done again as you lose the spontaneity).
We had a great gig in front of 2,500 people..... After the gig we stayed there (as we were finished by 18:00) to watch the other bands and to eat and drink (all free....).
I was in bed by 23:15pm....
Monday 28th April 2014
I was up by 08:00am before my alarm went off.....
Packed and cleaned up and went for breakfast.
I then checked out to drive to Vienna Airport. I flew home via Frankfurt. H flew to Birmingham, Mal flew to Manchester.
GREAT WEEKEND.
Friday 16th May 2014
I got up 12:00 midnight (I went to bed 18:00 last night, the 15th) when my alarm went off.
I started to clean up. Saw on my computer that Dave Kemp and Carole Williams and been in contact with each other about early ‘N Betweens stuff.
I packed the car and drove to Billund Airport to check in and fly to Stansted..... I was there SO early, nothing was open.
I arrived at Stansted and Sue Wilson then arrived from Glasgow, and together we went by train to Peterborough......
When we got there we went for lunch. We walked to the site to have a look around. Had a chat with Martin Chick the shows organiser... I saw a great pick n' mix stall at the entrance to the site. I did a deal with the owner - and spent £10 on the biggest bag of sweets ever.
Came back to the hotel to clean up and go back to the site. Had a great evening. Eric Kent (from the NAS) was there and Dave Kemp and his wife Barbara turned up. Spent time jamming with Bessie and the Zinc Buckets. We played ‘Coz I Luv You’ & ‘Goodbye T’ Jane’
I got to bed 00:45....
Saturday 17th May 2014
I was up at 08:00 - before my alarm went off. Cleaned up and went for breakfast. Sue was already there.
We spent all day at the site again raising money for National Autistic Society (as we did yesterday). Di Daley travelled down and we spent time with her.
I got up with the band ‘Black Dog’ and played Joan Jetts’ ‘I Love Rock’n’Roll’.
The organisers asked one of the other bands if drummer Don Powell from SLADE could get up and play with them....... they said a clear "NO"!!
I got up 12:00 midnight (I went to bed 18:00 last night, the 15th) when my alarm went off.
I started to clean up. Saw on my computer that Dave Kemp and Carole Williams and been in contact with each other about early ‘N Betweens stuff.
I packed the car and drove to Billund Airport to check in and fly to Stansted..... I was there SO early, nothing was open.
I arrived at Stansted and Sue Wilson then arrived from Glasgow, and together we went by train to Peterborough......
When we got there we went for lunch. We walked to the site to have a look around. Had a chat with Martin Chick the shows organiser... I saw a great pick n' mix stall at the entrance to the site. I did a deal with the owner - and spent £10 on the biggest bag of sweets ever.
Came back to the hotel to clean up and go back to the site. Had a great evening. Eric Kent (from the NAS) was there and Dave Kemp and his wife Barbara turned up. Spent time jamming with Bessie and the Zinc Buckets. We played ‘Coz I Luv You’ & ‘Goodbye T’ Jane’
I got to bed 00:45....
Saturday 17th May 2014
I was up at 08:00 - before my alarm went off. Cleaned up and went for breakfast. Sue was already there.
We spent all day at the site again raising money for National Autistic Society (as we did yesterday). Di Daley travelled down and we spent time with her.
I got up with the band ‘Black Dog’ and played Joan Jetts’ ‘I Love Rock’n’Roll’.
The organisers asked one of the other bands if drummer Don Powell from SLADE could get up and play with them....... they said a clear "NO"!!
Sunday 18th May 2014
I was up at 06:45, before my alarm went off.
I cleaned up to check out from the hotel and go to the site again.....Spent all day raising money again for the NAS......
Some people gave some really great donations - when people pass the NAS stall and are touched by the charity, they donate very generously.
Dave Kemp, Barbara & son Jack and his mate were there. (Dave was at the FA Cup Final yesterday..... his team won.... JUST). Dave took a lot of photos of me giving prizes to various event winners.
I lead the cavalcade of trikes and motorbikes around the site. Some of the trikes had CD players installed - and they played Slade's Greatest Hits as we travelled round.
Several people tried to get me to go on a ride in the funfair - which was to sit in a globe that got catapulted into the air, and then bounced up and down on cord... I declined.
After it was all over (fantastic weekend) - I caught the train to Stansted Airport to stay the night...
Monday 19th May 2014
I was up 03:15am
Cleaned up and packed to walk to the Terminal. Checked in to fly to Billund.
When I got to my car. JUST WHAT I NEEDED - a PUNCTURE AFTER SUCH A GREAT WEEKEND..................
Friday 23rd May 2014
I was up at 08:00am, cleaned up and finished my packing.
Drove to Billund Airport, checked in. The I relaxed in the lounge, making sandwiches for the day ahead....
I had an e-mail (earlier) from Pete (Robbie William’s Dad) saying how well their Hamburg shows had gone. They were off to Berlin today.....
My first flight to Frankfurt was delayed 35 mins.... I made my connection to Munich, so did my suitcase.
Had tea with Peter, the promoter and waited for H (from B’ham) and Mal (from Manchester) to arrive, also Terry Utley and Mike Craft from Smokie (from wherever).
We all ‘piled’ into a coach for a two hour drive to Bayreuth in Germany. Checked in the hotel. Everything was closed, I was in bed by 12:45am.
Saturday 24th May 2014
Concert in Bayreuth, Germany
I was awake at 08:30am. I cleaned up and went for breakfast. H and Peter (promoter) were there.
I relaxed before going to the gig early to sort my drums out....I decided to stay there the whole day.
We did our sound check after Smokie..... We had a great gig - we played to 3,000 people.
H, Mal and myself came straight back to the hotel. I was in bed by 11:15pm.
Sunday 25th May 2014
I was awake early at 06:30am because of the heat!
I cleaned up and packed to go for breakfast. We all checked out and drove to Munich. I caught my flight to Frankfurt.
When I landed there, we had to wait ages for a ‘docking’ station. I then had to race for my connection to Billund. JUST MADE IT.
When I arrived in Billund, obviously my suitcase hadn’t. I filled a lost baggage report out. They said the bag would be on the next flight from Frankfurt that evening. I didn’t wait, as they said they would deliver tomorrow.
I made my way home....
Monday 26th May 2014
As promised, my suitcase was delivered at 10:00am..... All's well......
Friday 6th June 2014
I was up at 05:00am and spent my usual three hours at the fitness-centre..
Came home to finish my packing. I caught the bus to Billund Airport. Checked in my flight to Frankfurt. Went to the lounge and I let Abbie know I was en route. Then I made sandwiches for the day.
Got to Frankfurt. Suzzanne (driver), H and Mal were there.
We drove about two and a half hours to Suhl.... Checked in the hotel and we all had tea together before I went to my room at 10:45pm.
Germany beat Armenia 6-1
Saturday 7th June 2014
Concert in Suhl, Germany
I stayed in bed until 09:00am. Cleaned up, went downstairs for tea. Everyone else was there.
Relaxed in my room before going to the ‘gig’ with Tim & Robin.....Sorted my drums out, did the sound check. I stayed at the ‘gig’ as it was an early show 18:30 !!!
Great show to 3,000 people. We put ‘My Baby Left Me’ with John singing, into the show......
Came back to the hotel and was in bed by 10:15m.
Sunday 8th June 2014
I was up at 07:00am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
The others: Abbi, John, Robin and Tim drove to Frankfurt Airport last night after the show as they had an early flight this morning.
Suzzanne, H, Mal and myself drove to Frankfurt this morning. We all went separate ways.
I checked in and made my way to Terminal 2 from, Terminal 1 by ‘Sky-Train' as my lounge was there....
An uneventful flight home.
GOOD WEEKEND
I was up at 06:45, before my alarm went off.
I cleaned up to check out from the hotel and go to the site again.....Spent all day raising money again for the NAS......
Some people gave some really great donations - when people pass the NAS stall and are touched by the charity, they donate very generously.
Dave Kemp, Barbara & son Jack and his mate were there. (Dave was at the FA Cup Final yesterday..... his team won.... JUST). Dave took a lot of photos of me giving prizes to various event winners.
I lead the cavalcade of trikes and motorbikes around the site. Some of the trikes had CD players installed - and they played Slade's Greatest Hits as we travelled round.
Several people tried to get me to go on a ride in the funfair - which was to sit in a globe that got catapulted into the air, and then bounced up and down on cord... I declined.
After it was all over (fantastic weekend) - I caught the train to Stansted Airport to stay the night...
Monday 19th May 2014
I was up 03:15am
Cleaned up and packed to walk to the Terminal. Checked in to fly to Billund.
When I got to my car. JUST WHAT I NEEDED - a PUNCTURE AFTER SUCH A GREAT WEEKEND..................
Friday 23rd May 2014
I was up at 08:00am, cleaned up and finished my packing.
Drove to Billund Airport, checked in. The I relaxed in the lounge, making sandwiches for the day ahead....
I had an e-mail (earlier) from Pete (Robbie William’s Dad) saying how well their Hamburg shows had gone. They were off to Berlin today.....
My first flight to Frankfurt was delayed 35 mins.... I made my connection to Munich, so did my suitcase.
Had tea with Peter, the promoter and waited for H (from B’ham) and Mal (from Manchester) to arrive, also Terry Utley and Mike Craft from Smokie (from wherever).
We all ‘piled’ into a coach for a two hour drive to Bayreuth in Germany. Checked in the hotel. Everything was closed, I was in bed by 12:45am.
Saturday 24th May 2014
Concert in Bayreuth, Germany
I was awake at 08:30am. I cleaned up and went for breakfast. H and Peter (promoter) were there.
I relaxed before going to the gig early to sort my drums out....I decided to stay there the whole day.
We did our sound check after Smokie..... We had a great gig - we played to 3,000 people.
H, Mal and myself came straight back to the hotel. I was in bed by 11:15pm.
Sunday 25th May 2014
I was awake early at 06:30am because of the heat!
I cleaned up and packed to go for breakfast. We all checked out and drove to Munich. I caught my flight to Frankfurt.
When I landed there, we had to wait ages for a ‘docking’ station. I then had to race for my connection to Billund. JUST MADE IT.
When I arrived in Billund, obviously my suitcase hadn’t. I filled a lost baggage report out. They said the bag would be on the next flight from Frankfurt that evening. I didn’t wait, as they said they would deliver tomorrow.
I made my way home....
Monday 26th May 2014
As promised, my suitcase was delivered at 10:00am..... All's well......
Friday 6th June 2014
I was up at 05:00am and spent my usual three hours at the fitness-centre..
Came home to finish my packing. I caught the bus to Billund Airport. Checked in my flight to Frankfurt. Went to the lounge and I let Abbie know I was en route. Then I made sandwiches for the day.
Got to Frankfurt. Suzzanne (driver), H and Mal were there.
We drove about two and a half hours to Suhl.... Checked in the hotel and we all had tea together before I went to my room at 10:45pm.
Germany beat Armenia 6-1
Saturday 7th June 2014
Concert in Suhl, Germany
I stayed in bed until 09:00am. Cleaned up, went downstairs for tea. Everyone else was there.
Relaxed in my room before going to the ‘gig’ with Tim & Robin.....Sorted my drums out, did the sound check. I stayed at the ‘gig’ as it was an early show 18:30 !!!
Great show to 3,000 people. We put ‘My Baby Left Me’ with John singing, into the show......
Came back to the hotel and was in bed by 10:15m.
Sunday 8th June 2014
I was up at 07:00am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
The others: Abbi, John, Robin and Tim drove to Frankfurt Airport last night after the show as they had an early flight this morning.
Suzzanne, H, Mal and myself drove to Frankfurt this morning. We all went separate ways.
I checked in and made my way to Terminal 2 from, Terminal 1 by ‘Sky-Train' as my lounge was there....
An uneventful flight home.
GOOD WEEKEND
Friday 13th June 2014
(Not a good day to be flying)
I started the day by ‘winding’ H up. I was up 06:00. Cleaned up and packed the car to drive to Billund Airport. Checked in for my first flight to Frankfurt (my favourite Airport ..... NOT......).
Spent time in the lounge at Billund Airport (made sandwiches for the day).
We were late leaving for Frankfurt, BUT I made it to my connecting flight to Zurich..... (and so did my suitcase). Only a 20 min flight to Zurich. I got to eat one of my own sandwiches.
I was met by driver Urs Banziger. We only had an hours drive to the hotel in Heiden.
I checked in, unpacked and had some tea. H, his wife Jan and Mal hadn’t arrived when I went to bed at 19:30...... I’d had a long day....
Saturday 14th June 2014
Gig in Schönenbühl, 9427 Wolfhalden, Switzerland
I was awake 02:30 dying for a drink..... Then slept some more until 07:30.
I cleaned up and went for breakfast. H and Jan were there, Mal joined us.
I went to the gig with Tim and Robin to sort my kit out. After doing that, I came back to the, hotel as ‘ages’ were spent trying to sort out the PA system.....
I then went back to the gig with everyone. One of the guys from the support band told me WHAT A GREAT WEB-SITE I HAD!
The concert we were doing was an open air show for just over 2,000 people ...GREAT SHOW.... GREAT CROWD.
I came back to the hotel with everyone. I was in bed by 00:15. England lost to Italy 1-2...... Not a good start in the World Cup...
Sunday 15th June 2014
I was awake early 06:45am. Cleaned up and packed.
Went for breakfast. Everyone were leaving for the airport.
I left a few hours later with ‘Urs’ again..... We had an hours drive to Zurich Airport.... However, we had to pull over and wait for 10mins as one of the stage crew had left his mobile in ‘Urs’ car.
ANYWAY, I checked in all the way to Billund. I relaxed in the Zurich lounge before my flight to Frankfurt, and on to Billund.
For the first time ever, I was stopped by customs in Billund Airport!..... I’ve seen the same guys there for nearly 15 years, never have they bothered me before!......
(Not a good day to be flying)
I started the day by ‘winding’ H up. I was up 06:00. Cleaned up and packed the car to drive to Billund Airport. Checked in for my first flight to Frankfurt (my favourite Airport ..... NOT......).
Spent time in the lounge at Billund Airport (made sandwiches for the day).
We were late leaving for Frankfurt, BUT I made it to my connecting flight to Zurich..... (and so did my suitcase). Only a 20 min flight to Zurich. I got to eat one of my own sandwiches.
I was met by driver Urs Banziger. We only had an hours drive to the hotel in Heiden.
I checked in, unpacked and had some tea. H, his wife Jan and Mal hadn’t arrived when I went to bed at 19:30...... I’d had a long day....
Saturday 14th June 2014
Gig in Schönenbühl, 9427 Wolfhalden, Switzerland
I was awake 02:30 dying for a drink..... Then slept some more until 07:30.
I cleaned up and went for breakfast. H and Jan were there, Mal joined us.
I went to the gig with Tim and Robin to sort my kit out. After doing that, I came back to the, hotel as ‘ages’ were spent trying to sort out the PA system.....
I then went back to the gig with everyone. One of the guys from the support band told me WHAT A GREAT WEB-SITE I HAD!
The concert we were doing was an open air show for just over 2,000 people ...GREAT SHOW.... GREAT CROWD.
I came back to the hotel with everyone. I was in bed by 00:15. England lost to Italy 1-2...... Not a good start in the World Cup...
Sunday 15th June 2014
I was awake early 06:45am. Cleaned up and packed.
Went for breakfast. Everyone were leaving for the airport.
I left a few hours later with ‘Urs’ again..... We had an hours drive to Zurich Airport.... However, we had to pull over and wait for 10mins as one of the stage crew had left his mobile in ‘Urs’ car.
ANYWAY, I checked in all the way to Billund. I relaxed in the Zurich lounge before my flight to Frankfurt, and on to Billund.
For the first time ever, I was stopped by customs in Billund Airport!..... I’ve seen the same guys there for nearly 15 years, never have they bothered me before!......
Monday 16th June 2014
I went to bed 18:00pm because the long day I’ll have tomorrow...
I went to bed 18:00pm because the long day I’ll have tomorrow...
With Alan Parker in the Olympic foyer
Tuesday 17th June 2014
I was awake at midnight....... Cleaned up and relaxed before packing the car and driving to Billund Airport.
I didn’t have luggage and I’d already checked in ‘on-line’ and got my boarding card.... All I had to do was wait for the lounge to open at 04:45am.
Had some breakfast there (didn’t need to make sandwiches). Went to board my flight and I text Dave Kemp to let him know.
Nice weather for my ‘smooth’ flight to Stansted. Dave met me there and we drove to Barnes to meet film-director, Alan Parker. On the way we pass The Grantly Hotel in Shepherd's Bush. It brings back memories Slade stayed there when we recorded "Play It Loud" at Olympic.... We all shared one room which cost £1 each, including breakfast (no VAT), and we used to go to an Irish cafe a few doors away where you would get loads of food for little money... Then later we pass the Hilton in Kensington, where I remember we stayed when recording "Flame" at Olympic (we'd moved up in the world).
Nice weather for my ‘smooth’ flight to Stansted. Dave met me there and we drove to Barnes to meet film-director, Alan Parker. On the way we pass The Grantly Hotel on Shepherd's Bush Green. It brings back memories Slade stayed there when we recorded "Play It Loud" at Olympic.... We all shared one room and got breakfast at an Irish cafe where you would get loads of food for a little money... Then later we pass the Hilton in Kensington, where I remember we stayed when recording "Flame" at Olympic (we'd moved up in the world).
We met Alan and did photo-shoot at the old Olympic Studios where all of Slade's early hits were recorded.... There is a lot of history there..... The Rolling Stones, The Who and the Beatles did record there for a short time.
From there we went to Marc Bolan’s memorial place. It is situated where he died in a car crash on 16th September 1977, his girlfriend Gloria Jones survived.... I only ever really met Marc on the times we both recorded Top of The Pops at the same time. He was always friendly and nice. He made it big a bit before us, and then we came along to rival his success, and then became more popular. I remember at this time him saying to us "It's over to you now...." Also, there was the famous time when me and him had similar looking cars (mine a White Bentley and he had a White Rolls). After one TOTPs Slade all jumped into what we thought was my car and locked the doors to get away from girl fans.... Before realising it was actually Marc's car and he couldn't get in!
There is a great memorial stone placed there to Marc courtesy of the Performing Rights Society.
Dave then dropped me at the restaurant for our ‘Rock’n’Roll Masons’ lunch..... H turned up for this one.
‘Tich’ from Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich was there. Also, Bruce Welch (Shadows), Clem Cattini (Session drummer, and original drummer with The Tornadoes, who played on 55 No 1’s as a session drummer), Chris Charlesworth, Bob Young (Quo's old tour manager and co writer of all their hits. PLUS MANY MORE PEOPLE.
H and myself left together. We saw Bruce Welch at the bus-stop getting bus times (bet he’s got a bus pass).
I picked up a copy of Robbie William's biography "Feel" to read and made my way to Stansted to fly home.
GREAT DAY.
Thursday 19th June 2014
I was awake at 07:00am. Got up and cleaned up, packed my case and made my way to the, Bus-Station to get my, bus to Billund Airport....
I’d already checked in on-line and had my boarding card. All I needed to do was go to Bag-Drop. From there, I had to go through my usual ‘micky’ taking at security, Went to the,lounge to relax and make sandwiches for the day.....
I let our office know everything was OK.
I flew to Frankfurt. NO PROBLEMS. (I hate that airport, they always lose my suitcase).
Suzzanne (our German tour manager) met me, H and Mal were already there.
We had a, short drive to Wiesbaden. Checked in our hotel and relaxed....
I stayed in my room to watch Columbia play the Ivory Coast in the World Cup.... 1st goal to Columbia in the 63rd minute, 2nd goal again to Columbia, in the 70th minute....... Ivory Coast scored in the 73rd minute. FINAL SCORE 2-1 to Columbia.....
England played Uruguay,...... Uruguay scored in the 39th minute, Rooney scored for England in the 74th minute...... Uruguay scored again in the 84th minute. FINAL SCORE 2-1 to Uruguay.......
ENGLAND ARE OUT OF THE COMPETITION. I went to bed at 23:00.
Friday 20th June 2014
I stayed in bed until 09:00am. Cleaned up and went downstairs for tea and to wait for the others to arrive from England....
I went to the gig with Tim and Robin to sort my drums out.... H, Mal and John arrived to do the soundcheck.
We all stayed at the gig as it was an early one.
GREAT GIG to about 1,500 people....... H, Mal and myself came back to our hotel. I relaxed in my room with a sandwich and some tea....
Honduras played Ecuador. Couldn’t be bothered to watch. I was in bed at, 00:30.
Saturday 21st June 2014
I got up when my alarm went off at 10:00am.
Made some tea, cleaned up and packed. Checked out of the hotel and was driven to the airport by the promoter's wife.
Checked in my flight home from Frankfurt Airport. An uneventful flight home.....
I was awake at midnight....... Cleaned up and relaxed before packing the car and driving to Billund Airport.
I didn’t have luggage and I’d already checked in ‘on-line’ and got my boarding card.... All I had to do was wait for the lounge to open at 04:45am.
Had some breakfast there (didn’t need to make sandwiches). Went to board my flight and I text Dave Kemp to let him know.
Nice weather for my ‘smooth’ flight to Stansted. Dave met me there and we drove to Barnes to meet film-director, Alan Parker. On the way we pass The Grantly Hotel in Shepherd's Bush. It brings back memories Slade stayed there when we recorded "Play It Loud" at Olympic.... We all shared one room which cost £1 each, including breakfast (no VAT), and we used to go to an Irish cafe a few doors away where you would get loads of food for little money... Then later we pass the Hilton in Kensington, where I remember we stayed when recording "Flame" at Olympic (we'd moved up in the world).
Nice weather for my ‘smooth’ flight to Stansted. Dave met me there and we drove to Barnes to meet film-director, Alan Parker. On the way we pass The Grantly Hotel on Shepherd's Bush Green. It brings back memories Slade stayed there when we recorded "Play It Loud" at Olympic.... We all shared one room and got breakfast at an Irish cafe where you would get loads of food for a little money... Then later we pass the Hilton in Kensington, where I remember we stayed when recording "Flame" at Olympic (we'd moved up in the world).
We met Alan and did photo-shoot at the old Olympic Studios where all of Slade's early hits were recorded.... There is a lot of history there..... The Rolling Stones, The Who and the Beatles did record there for a short time.
From there we went to Marc Bolan’s memorial place. It is situated where he died in a car crash on 16th September 1977, his girlfriend Gloria Jones survived.... I only ever really met Marc on the times we both recorded Top of The Pops at the same time. He was always friendly and nice. He made it big a bit before us, and then we came along to rival his success, and then became more popular. I remember at this time him saying to us "It's over to you now...." Also, there was the famous time when me and him had similar looking cars (mine a White Bentley and he had a White Rolls). After one TOTPs Slade all jumped into what we thought was my car and locked the doors to get away from girl fans.... Before realising it was actually Marc's car and he couldn't get in!
There is a great memorial stone placed there to Marc courtesy of the Performing Rights Society.
Dave then dropped me at the restaurant for our ‘Rock’n’Roll Masons’ lunch..... H turned up for this one.
‘Tich’ from Dave Dee, Dozy, Beaky, Mick & Tich was there. Also, Bruce Welch (Shadows), Clem Cattini (Session drummer, and original drummer with The Tornadoes, who played on 55 No 1’s as a session drummer), Chris Charlesworth, Bob Young (Quo's old tour manager and co writer of all their hits. PLUS MANY MORE PEOPLE.
H and myself left together. We saw Bruce Welch at the bus-stop getting bus times (bet he’s got a bus pass).
I picked up a copy of Robbie William's biography "Feel" to read and made my way to Stansted to fly home.
GREAT DAY.
Thursday 19th June 2014
I was awake at 07:00am. Got up and cleaned up, packed my case and made my way to the, Bus-Station to get my, bus to Billund Airport....
I’d already checked in on-line and had my boarding card. All I needed to do was go to Bag-Drop. From there, I had to go through my usual ‘micky’ taking at security, Went to the,lounge to relax and make sandwiches for the day.....
I let our office know everything was OK.
I flew to Frankfurt. NO PROBLEMS. (I hate that airport, they always lose my suitcase).
Suzzanne (our German tour manager) met me, H and Mal were already there.
We had a, short drive to Wiesbaden. Checked in our hotel and relaxed....
I stayed in my room to watch Columbia play the Ivory Coast in the World Cup.... 1st goal to Columbia in the 63rd minute, 2nd goal again to Columbia, in the 70th minute....... Ivory Coast scored in the 73rd minute. FINAL SCORE 2-1 to Columbia.....
England played Uruguay,...... Uruguay scored in the 39th minute, Rooney scored for England in the 74th minute...... Uruguay scored again in the 84th minute. FINAL SCORE 2-1 to Uruguay.......
ENGLAND ARE OUT OF THE COMPETITION. I went to bed at 23:00.
Friday 20th June 2014
I stayed in bed until 09:00am. Cleaned up and went downstairs for tea and to wait for the others to arrive from England....
I went to the gig with Tim and Robin to sort my drums out.... H, Mal and John arrived to do the soundcheck.
We all stayed at the gig as it was an early one.
GREAT GIG to about 1,500 people....... H, Mal and myself came back to our hotel. I relaxed in my room with a sandwich and some tea....
Honduras played Ecuador. Couldn’t be bothered to watch. I was in bed at, 00:30.
Saturday 21st June 2014
I got up when my alarm went off at 10:00am.
Made some tea, cleaned up and packed. Checked out of the hotel and was driven to the airport by the promoter's wife.
Checked in my flight home from Frankfurt Airport. An uneventful flight home.....
Thursday 3rd July 2014
I was awake at 05:30, cleaned up and packed. I loaded the car to drive to Aarhus Airport (further than Billund).
Nice easy flight to Stansted.
I had quite a few hours to wait for my flight to Edinburgh. I relaxed and drank copious amounts of tea.
No problems checking in. While I was going through security, I had a nice chat to one of the security guards (a big Slade fan). He told me he bought "SLAYED" album from the time and would I sign it if he brought it along?
Nice flight to Edinburgh. Sue Wilson met me and we drove about an hour to their house, stopping to say hello to her ‘farmer’ husband Andy on the way.......... I had a go on his tractor with him, ‘baling’ hay (my new profession)?
Had dinner with, Sue, Andy, son Andrew, daughter Ami. Watched a programme on TV about The Beatles,
I was in bed by 22:15pm.
Friday 4th July 2014
Anniversary of my car accident in 1973.....
I was woken by my alarm at 06:30am. I cleaned up and went for breakfast with everyone.
We drove to Hawick Town Hall....(we played there 50 years ago as the original ‘N’Betweens). I did photos and interviews there with local reporters.
From there we went to a school helping with autistic children. I had a great time and jammed with the school band.
From there we went to Coopers Bar so I could ‘jam’ with Still Whisky on their lunchtime session. We played:
‘Sharp Dressed Man’
‘Smoke On The Water’
‘Thrill Is Gone’
‘Route 66’
‘Another Brick In The Wall’
‘Born To Be Wild’
‘Alright Now’
‘Spirit In The Sky’
‘Johnny Be Good’
‘Cum On Feel The Noize’
I was awake at 05:30, cleaned up and packed. I loaded the car to drive to Aarhus Airport (further than Billund).
Nice easy flight to Stansted.
I had quite a few hours to wait for my flight to Edinburgh. I relaxed and drank copious amounts of tea.
No problems checking in. While I was going through security, I had a nice chat to one of the security guards (a big Slade fan). He told me he bought "SLAYED" album from the time and would I sign it if he brought it along?
Nice flight to Edinburgh. Sue Wilson met me and we drove about an hour to their house, stopping to say hello to her ‘farmer’ husband Andy on the way.......... I had a go on his tractor with him, ‘baling’ hay (my new profession)?
Had dinner with, Sue, Andy, son Andrew, daughter Ami. Watched a programme on TV about The Beatles,
I was in bed by 22:15pm.
Friday 4th July 2014
Anniversary of my car accident in 1973.....
I was woken by my alarm at 06:30am. I cleaned up and went for breakfast with everyone.
We drove to Hawick Town Hall....(we played there 50 years ago as the original ‘N’Betweens). I did photos and interviews there with local reporters.
From there we went to a school helping with autistic children. I had a great time and jammed with the school band.
From there we went to Coopers Bar so I could ‘jam’ with Still Whisky on their lunchtime session. We played:
‘Sharp Dressed Man’
‘Smoke On The Water’
‘Thrill Is Gone’
‘Route 66’
‘Another Brick In The Wall’
‘Born To Be Wild’
‘Alright Now’
‘Spirit In The Sky’
‘Johnny Be Good’
‘Cum On Feel The Noize’
From there we made our way to the Kelso BMF 'Bike-Fest’. I had a fantastic day, raising money for the NAS and ‘jamming’ with more bands. With Ian James and the Sound we played 'Sweet Home Alabama'. With the Gypsies I played 'Paranoid' and 'Alright Now' (Rob from the Gypsies was a founding member of Prefab Sprout).
Got to the hotel and was in bed by 11:45pm.
Saturday 5th July 2014
I woke at 07:30am. I cleaned up and went for breakfast. Sue joined me.....
I went across to the ‘Bike-Fest’ with her. Had another great day raising money.
Went back to the hotel to clean up and go to eat. ‘Jammed’ most of the night with bands playing at the ‘Bike-Fest’. In the afternoon I was with the Gypsies again - we played 'Born To Be Wild' and '20th Century Boy'. In the evening I played with 5th Element - playing 'I Love Rock n Roll'. Also, with a band called Gadji I played 'Peter Gunn' and another song. I was in bed 23:00pm.
Got to the hotel and was in bed by 11:45pm.
Saturday 5th July 2014
I woke at 07:30am. I cleaned up and went for breakfast. Sue joined me.....
I went across to the ‘Bike-Fest’ with her. Had another great day raising money.
Went back to the hotel to clean up and go to eat. ‘Jammed’ most of the night with bands playing at the ‘Bike-Fest’. In the afternoon I was with the Gypsies again - we played 'Born To Be Wild' and '20th Century Boy'. In the evening I played with 5th Element - playing 'I Love Rock n Roll'. Also, with a band called Gadji I played 'Peter Gunn' and another song. I was in bed 23:00pm.
Sunday 6 July 2014
I was awake at 08:30am. Cleaned up and packed. I called Sue to go for breakfast. Had another great day raising money We sold a signed poster from a show we did with The Rubettes and Alvin Stardust with Mike Read compering, a year ago in Edinburgh for £250:00..... FANTASTIC....
A GREAT END TO A GREAT WEEKEND
Sue drove me to Edinburgh Airport for me to fly to Stansted. I checked in the Radisson Hotel and was in bed by 11:35pm.
Monday 7 July 2014
I was up at 04:00am to get my flight home.............. FANTASTIC WEEKEND guys..............
I was awake at 08:30am. Cleaned up and packed. I called Sue to go for breakfast. Had another great day raising money We sold a signed poster from a show we did with The Rubettes and Alvin Stardust with Mike Read compering, a year ago in Edinburgh for £250:00..... FANTASTIC....
A GREAT END TO A GREAT WEEKEND
Sue drove me to Edinburgh Airport for me to fly to Stansted. I checked in the Radisson Hotel and was in bed by 11:35pm.
Monday 7 July 2014
I was up at 04:00am to get my flight home.............. FANTASTIC WEEKEND guys..............
Thursday 10 July 2014
I was awake 06:30am before my alarm was due to go off at 07:00.
Cleaned up and packed the car to drive to Billund Airport.
I checked in all the way to Prague (via my favourite airport, Frankfurt). I let Suzanne know - she’s with us this weekend, not Abbie..
I relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for later.
I flew the ‘first leg’ to Frankfurt Terminal 1. I had plenty of time (3hrs) to go to my lounge in Terminal 2.....
When it was time, I made my way back to the Terminal 1. I had to go all the way through security again, where I was met by a ‘Gestapo’ type woman who insisted on prodding me (hard) with her finger and asking me why I’d gone to a different Terminal. (That’s why they are through to the World Cup Final).
I met H and Mal at our departure gate to fly to Prague. Suzanne met us and we sat and drank (surprise, surpise) tea while waiting for John, Tim and Robin to arrive from the UK.
We were met by our Czech rep. for our 1 hour drive to Alfredov........ Checked in to our very lovely golf / spa hotel.
We all ate together. I was in bed by 23:30.
Friday 11 July 2014
Concert at Hell Fest Open Air, Holysov, Czech Republic
I was awake at 08:45am.
I taped some drum-sticks up (that’s another story - we should have a competition as to why?)....
I cleaned up and met the others in the restaurant.
I went to the gig with Tim and Robin to sort my drums out. THERE WAS A LOT OF RAIN......
We did our sound check, then came back to the hotel to clean up....
There was a threat that we would have to 'pull’ the show if the rain didn’t stop (it was a very wet, unsafe stage).
HOWEVER, WHEN IT CAME TO SHOW TIME THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS.......... We had a great show to about 3,000 people...
I was in bed by 23:45pm.
Saturday 12 July 2014
I was awake at 06:45am - before my alarm went off at 07:00am
Cleaned up and packed to check out. Had breakfast before driving to Prague Airport. Checked in all the way home via my favourite Frankfurt.
Suzanne and myself flew together to (the hated) Frankfurt. She then went on to Dusseldorf, I went on to Billund (didn’t see my security woman from Thursday - she must have been hanging upside down in a cave somewhere).
A short but great weekend...................
I was awake 06:30am before my alarm was due to go off at 07:00.
Cleaned up and packed the car to drive to Billund Airport.
I checked in all the way to Prague (via my favourite airport, Frankfurt). I let Suzanne know - she’s with us this weekend, not Abbie..
I relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for later.
I flew the ‘first leg’ to Frankfurt Terminal 1. I had plenty of time (3hrs) to go to my lounge in Terminal 2.....
When it was time, I made my way back to the Terminal 1. I had to go all the way through security again, where I was met by a ‘Gestapo’ type woman who insisted on prodding me (hard) with her finger and asking me why I’d gone to a different Terminal. (That’s why they are through to the World Cup Final).
I met H and Mal at our departure gate to fly to Prague. Suzanne met us and we sat and drank (surprise, surpise) tea while waiting for John, Tim and Robin to arrive from the UK.
We were met by our Czech rep. for our 1 hour drive to Alfredov........ Checked in to our very lovely golf / spa hotel.
We all ate together. I was in bed by 23:30.
Friday 11 July 2014
Concert at Hell Fest Open Air, Holysov, Czech Republic
I was awake at 08:45am.
I taped some drum-sticks up (that’s another story - we should have a competition as to why?)....
I cleaned up and met the others in the restaurant.
I went to the gig with Tim and Robin to sort my drums out. THERE WAS A LOT OF RAIN......
We did our sound check, then came back to the hotel to clean up....
There was a threat that we would have to 'pull’ the show if the rain didn’t stop (it was a very wet, unsafe stage).
HOWEVER, WHEN IT CAME TO SHOW TIME THERE WERE NO PROBLEMS.......... We had a great show to about 3,000 people...
I was in bed by 23:45pm.
Saturday 12 July 2014
I was awake at 06:45am - before my alarm went off at 07:00am
Cleaned up and packed to check out. Had breakfast before driving to Prague Airport. Checked in all the way home via my favourite Frankfurt.
Suzanne and myself flew together to (the hated) Frankfurt. She then went on to Dusseldorf, I went on to Billund (didn’t see my security woman from Thursday - she must have been hanging upside down in a cave somewhere).
A short but great weekend...................
Thursday 17th July 2014
Got up when the alarm went off at 08:00am.
Cleaned up and packed the car to drive to Flensburg on the Danish/German border.... Andreas and myself then caught the train to Essen via Hamburg.
When we left Hamburg, I watched the DVD of ‘History of the Eagles Part 2’.
After about a 6 hour journey, we arrived in Essen and caught the 'underground’ for a few stops to where our hotel was. We had a 2 minute walk to the hotel.
I checked in, and I let Hanne know..... Unpacked and I went to bed at 21:00. Andreas went to eat....
Got up when the alarm went off at 08:00am.
Cleaned up and packed the car to drive to Flensburg on the Danish/German border.... Andreas and myself then caught the train to Essen via Hamburg.
When we left Hamburg, I watched the DVD of ‘History of the Eagles Part 2’.
After about a 6 hour journey, we arrived in Essen and caught the 'underground’ for a few stops to where our hotel was. We had a 2 minute walk to the hotel.
I checked in, and I let Hanne know..... Unpacked and I went to bed at 21:00. Andreas went to eat....
Photo: Copyright Andreas Lundby
Friday 18th July 2014
Concert at WDR 4, Kultnacht, Essen, Germany
I was awake at 06:45am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
I went to the ‘gig’ at 07:30am, it was almost next to the hotel. No local crew were there as it was too early. However, I got my drum-riser ready and started to set my drums up.
Tim and Robin arrived... We got everything ready for our sound check. NO PROBLEMS....
Went back to the hotel to relax and clean up.
Had a great, but VERY SHORT show. ‘Noize’, ’Run Run Away’,’Coz I Luv You’, ‘My Oh My’. ‘Far Far Away’............ Also on the bill were ELO Part 2, The Sweet and Rattles (German band).
Got back to the hotel and was in bed by 11:30pm, after speaking to Hanne........ Andreas drank in the bar with Mal and Tim............
Saturday 19 July 2014
I was awake early, at 07:00am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast....
Every one else left for the airport to fly back to England.
Andreas and myself walked to the station to catch our train to the main station in Essen - to get our train home via Hamburg.
We were delayed in Hamburg-Harburg, but we had plenty of time to get something to eat at the main station in Hamburg.
Caught our train to Flensburg, where Hanne and her Mom met us. We did some duty-free shopping at the German/Danish border shops on our way home.
GREAT, BUT VERY SHORT WEEKEND.............
Concert at WDR 4, Kultnacht, Essen, Germany
I was awake at 06:45am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
I went to the ‘gig’ at 07:30am, it was almost next to the hotel. No local crew were there as it was too early. However, I got my drum-riser ready and started to set my drums up.
Tim and Robin arrived... We got everything ready for our sound check. NO PROBLEMS....
Went back to the hotel to relax and clean up.
Had a great, but VERY SHORT show. ‘Noize’, ’Run Run Away’,’Coz I Luv You’, ‘My Oh My’. ‘Far Far Away’............ Also on the bill were ELO Part 2, The Sweet and Rattles (German band).
Got back to the hotel and was in bed by 11:30pm, after speaking to Hanne........ Andreas drank in the bar with Mal and Tim............
Saturday 19 July 2014
I was awake early, at 07:00am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast....
Every one else left for the airport to fly back to England.
Andreas and myself walked to the station to catch our train to the main station in Essen - to get our train home via Hamburg.
We were delayed in Hamburg-Harburg, but we had plenty of time to get something to eat at the main station in Hamburg.
Caught our train to Flensburg, where Hanne and her Mom met us. We did some duty-free shopping at the German/Danish border shops on our way home.
GREAT, BUT VERY SHORT WEEKEND.............
Wednesday 23rd July 2014
I was up at 07:30am. Cleaned up and did some work in the garden before packing my case and car to drive to Billund Airport.
I checked in for Brussels via Frankfurt (aargh)...... In the lounge at Billund Airport, I made sandwiches for the day. I let Abbie know everything was OK.
Flew to Frankfurt, no problems Found out that I would meet Mal in Brussels.
When I got to Brussels, I met Mal and the two promoters for the gig. Drove for about an hour to Gent. H and his wife Jan had already checked out of the hotel we were using for another one. After Mal and myself checked in, we had pizza downstairs before having a walk round.
I was in bed by 23:45pm.
Thursday 24th July 2014
Gig at Sint-Baafsplein, Gent, Belgium
I was awake at 09:15am - I cleaned up and went for breakfast. I saw, H and Jan. I went to the stage. NO-ONE was there. Suzanne arrived from Germany.
I set my drum-riser and drums up. The local crew couldn’t believe it and filmed me doing it. I did some press interviews before going to eat. We had a fantastic show to about 5,000 people. I was in bed by 01:15am.
Friday 25th July 2014
I got up when the alarm went off at 08:00am.
Cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast... John-Louise picked H and Jan up from their hotel before me.
We drove for about one hour to Longueville. Went to have a look at the gig - it was part of a farm. We had bread and cheese with the promoter/farm owner.
We then drove to the hotel and checked in. I was in bed by 19:30pm.
Saturday 26th July 2014
Gig in Folestival, Longueville, Belgium
I got up when the, alarm went off at 06:00am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast. Eventually everyone else came down.
I went to the gig with Tim and Robin. Spent all afternoon there setting my drums up.
Had a great gig to about 2,500 people. Our good friend Dougie and his lady were there from England.
I came back to the hotel with John-Louise, H and Jan. I was in bed by 23:30pm.
Sunday 27th July 2014
I was up at 07:30am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Everyone else left, to drive back to the UK.
H, Jan, Mal and myself were picked up by John-Louise to go to his house for lunch. A lovely few hours before Phillipe drove me to the airport in Brussels.
Flew home via Frankfurt (aargh) - had about a three hour wait there before my next flight home.
I was up at 07:30am. Cleaned up and did some work in the garden before packing my case and car to drive to Billund Airport.
I checked in for Brussels via Frankfurt (aargh)...... In the lounge at Billund Airport, I made sandwiches for the day. I let Abbie know everything was OK.
Flew to Frankfurt, no problems Found out that I would meet Mal in Brussels.
When I got to Brussels, I met Mal and the two promoters for the gig. Drove for about an hour to Gent. H and his wife Jan had already checked out of the hotel we were using for another one. After Mal and myself checked in, we had pizza downstairs before having a walk round.
I was in bed by 23:45pm.
Thursday 24th July 2014
Gig at Sint-Baafsplein, Gent, Belgium
I was awake at 09:15am - I cleaned up and went for breakfast. I saw, H and Jan. I went to the stage. NO-ONE was there. Suzanne arrived from Germany.
I set my drum-riser and drums up. The local crew couldn’t believe it and filmed me doing it. I did some press interviews before going to eat. We had a fantastic show to about 5,000 people. I was in bed by 01:15am.
Friday 25th July 2014
I got up when the alarm went off at 08:00am.
Cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast... John-Louise picked H and Jan up from their hotel before me.
We drove for about one hour to Longueville. Went to have a look at the gig - it was part of a farm. We had bread and cheese with the promoter/farm owner.
We then drove to the hotel and checked in. I was in bed by 19:30pm.
Saturday 26th July 2014
Gig in Folestival, Longueville, Belgium
I got up when the, alarm went off at 06:00am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast. Eventually everyone else came down.
I went to the gig with Tim and Robin. Spent all afternoon there setting my drums up.
Had a great gig to about 2,500 people. Our good friend Dougie and his lady were there from England.
I came back to the hotel with John-Louise, H and Jan. I was in bed by 23:30pm.
Sunday 27th July 2014
I was up at 07:30am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Everyone else left, to drive back to the UK.
H, Jan, Mal and myself were picked up by John-Louise to go to his house for lunch. A lovely few hours before Phillipe drove me to the airport in Brussels.
Flew home via Frankfurt (aargh) - had about a three hour wait there before my next flight home.
Tuesday 29th July 2014
I was up at 6:45am, cleaned up and packed the car for the drive to Copenhagen...
Hanne and myself drove to meet our good friend Marianne at her place, and to leave our car there. We caught the subway to the airport to wait for H and Mal to arrive from UK. Jan, the driver supplied by Thomas (the promoter) met us all for our 2 hr drive to Tylosand in Sweden.
We checked into our hotel (a massive complex on the beach. We watched a local band playing (same place that we'd be playing tomorrow). We then had a walk on the beach, before meeting Sweet in the hotel restaurant.
We went up to our room at 21:00.
Wednesday 30th July 2014
Concert in Solgården, Tylösand, Sweden
I was awake at 07:00am. I cleaned up and went for breakfast. I sat with Pete and Bruce from Sweet. Our Robin and John joined us, and also Thomas the promoter.
I then decided to use the chiropodist in the hotel for a good old foot massage and ‘de-scaling’ treatment!
Afterwards, I went to the ‘gig’ to sort out my drums. I had to wait for Sweet to finish rehearsing. They were with three other guitarists, and had arranged for them all to play together, for a charity which Andy Scott is sponsoring..... Smokie then did their sound-check. As we were opening the show, we could leave our gear set up after our sound-check.
We played a GREAT show for us, to about 1,500 people.
I was in bed by 21:20pm.
I was up at 6:45am, cleaned up and packed the car for the drive to Copenhagen...
Hanne and myself drove to meet our good friend Marianne at her place, and to leave our car there. We caught the subway to the airport to wait for H and Mal to arrive from UK. Jan, the driver supplied by Thomas (the promoter) met us all for our 2 hr drive to Tylosand in Sweden.
We checked into our hotel (a massive complex on the beach. We watched a local band playing (same place that we'd be playing tomorrow). We then had a walk on the beach, before meeting Sweet in the hotel restaurant.
We went up to our room at 21:00.
Wednesday 30th July 2014
Concert in Solgården, Tylösand, Sweden
I was awake at 07:00am. I cleaned up and went for breakfast. I sat with Pete and Bruce from Sweet. Our Robin and John joined us, and also Thomas the promoter.
I then decided to use the chiropodist in the hotel for a good old foot massage and ‘de-scaling’ treatment!
Afterwards, I went to the ‘gig’ to sort out my drums. I had to wait for Sweet to finish rehearsing. They were with three other guitarists, and had arranged for them all to play together, for a charity which Andy Scott is sponsoring..... Smokie then did their sound-check. As we were opening the show, we could leave our gear set up after our sound-check.
We played a GREAT show for us, to about 1,500 people.
I was in bed by 21:20pm.
Picture of the venue/spa hotel in Tysoland
Thursday 31st July 2014Concert in Borgholm Slottsruin, Sweden
I got up 08:00am, when my alarm went off.
Cleaned up and packed to check out. I paid my extras before packing my bags on to the coach we were travelling on with Smokie......... Eventually arrived in Borgholm on the island of Oland. Checked in the hotel.
I went to the 'gig’ (which was situated in an old castle ruin) with Tim and Robin to sort my drums out. It was another great show to about 2,000 people.
I was in bed by 21:45pm.
I got up 08:00am, when my alarm went off.
Cleaned up and packed to check out. I paid my extras before packing my bags on to the coach we were travelling on with Smokie......... Eventually arrived in Borgholm on the island of Oland. Checked in the hotel.
I went to the 'gig’ (which was situated in an old castle ruin) with Tim and Robin to sort my drums out. It was another great show to about 2,000 people.
I was in bed by 21:45pm.
Above - sound check and gig in Borgholm, Sweden
Friday 1st August 2014
Concert in Öja Krog, Ystad, Sweden
I was awake 06:45am before the alarm went off. Cleaned up and packed before breakfast.....
Smokie and Slade checked out for our drive to Malmo. We checked in the hotel to unpack and go straight to the ‘gig’ which was one hours drive away in Ystad.
Did the sound-check and stayed at the venue. Another great show to about 3,000 people. Drove back to our hotel and was in bed by 22:45pm.
Saturday 2nd August 2014
Concert in Tanumstrand, Grebbestad, Sweden
I was up at 06:00am when my alarm went off. Cleaned up and packed before breakfast.
We loaded the coach and drove all afternoon to Grebbestad. The ‘gig’ was on the hotel site. We did our sound-check and relaxed before another great show to another crowd of about 3,000 people.
I was in bed by 21:45pm
Saturday 2nd August 2014
I was up 05:00am. Cleaned up and packed to check out. Made my way home.................
Concert in Öja Krog, Ystad, Sweden
I was awake 06:45am before the alarm went off. Cleaned up and packed before breakfast.....
Smokie and Slade checked out for our drive to Malmo. We checked in the hotel to unpack and go straight to the ‘gig’ which was one hours drive away in Ystad.
Did the sound-check and stayed at the venue. Another great show to about 3,000 people. Drove back to our hotel and was in bed by 22:45pm.
Saturday 2nd August 2014
Concert in Tanumstrand, Grebbestad, Sweden
I was up at 06:00am when my alarm went off. Cleaned up and packed before breakfast.
We loaded the coach and drove all afternoon to Grebbestad. The ‘gig’ was on the hotel site. We did our sound-check and relaxed before another great show to another crowd of about 3,000 people.
I was in bed by 21:45pm
Saturday 2nd August 2014
I was up 05:00am. Cleaned up and packed to check out. Made my way home.................
Friday 8th August 2014
I was awake at 06:45 before my alarm went off.
Cleaned up and packed the car to drive to Billund Airport. Checked in all the way to Leipzig - via my favourite airport, Frankfurt..............
I let Abbi know that I was on schedule, then I made sandwiches for the day in the airport lounge.
When I got to Frankfurt, Hanne called to say she was in hospital suspected of a mild heart attack. I will of course keep in close touch to check she is ok.
I was met at Leipzig Airport, BUT taken to the wrong hotel. It was quickly put right, the same driver then took me to the right place!
Checked in my hotel. Spoke to Hanne in the hospital. Everything was OK, she was under observation.
I unpacked, met the others and we all ate together. Called Hanne again for another update before going to bed at 21.45
Saturday 9th August 2014
Concert: Oldie Nite, Landsberg, Germany
I was awake by 07:30. I called Hanne in the hospital - she was still half asleep. I cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Everyone else was there.
I spoke to Hanne a few times. She was OK and was waiting for the doctor to come and see her.
I went to the gig with Robin and Alex (Tim was away with The Hollies).
Found out the good news that Hanne hadn’t had a heart attack or stroke - BUT would have more tests.
Did our sound check and met Roger Chapman (formerly with the band Family) - who was also on the show.
Came back to the hotel to clean up and eat.
My drummer friend Karl Brasil called to say he was out on tour with James Blunt again. I said I would go and see him play, Slade work permitting.
We had a, great show to 3,000 people.
H, John and myself drove back to the hotel together. I spoke again to Hanne. She seemed a lot better.
I was in bed at 23:00.
Sunday 10th August 2014
I was awake at 07:00am before my alarm went off.
Spoke to Hanne - she was still half asleep. She would call me later.
I cleaned up and went for breakfast - everyone else was there.
Drove to Munich Airport - then flew to Birmingham.
Made my way to Wolverhampton by train and checked in the hotel which was next to the station. Met up with Sue Wilson, then I had a walk round before going to the Cafe Metro in Bilston. An old drummer mate from the ‘60’s owned it (Roger Skitt). I was asked by the owner to sign the wall in a marker pen to show that I'd been there. A few fans turned up to wish me well - Gwen and Di were also there. I had a few gallons of tea before I made my way back to my hotel.
Checked on Hanne again before going to bed.
Below photos: courtesy of Michael Van Overstraeten
I was awake at 06:45 before my alarm went off.
Cleaned up and packed the car to drive to Billund Airport. Checked in all the way to Leipzig - via my favourite airport, Frankfurt..............
I let Abbi know that I was on schedule, then I made sandwiches for the day in the airport lounge.
When I got to Frankfurt, Hanne called to say she was in hospital suspected of a mild heart attack. I will of course keep in close touch to check she is ok.
I was met at Leipzig Airport, BUT taken to the wrong hotel. It was quickly put right, the same driver then took me to the right place!
Checked in my hotel. Spoke to Hanne in the hospital. Everything was OK, she was under observation.
I unpacked, met the others and we all ate together. Called Hanne again for another update before going to bed at 21.45
Saturday 9th August 2014
Concert: Oldie Nite, Landsberg, Germany
I was awake by 07:30. I called Hanne in the hospital - she was still half asleep. I cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Everyone else was there.
I spoke to Hanne a few times. She was OK and was waiting for the doctor to come and see her.
I went to the gig with Robin and Alex (Tim was away with The Hollies).
Found out the good news that Hanne hadn’t had a heart attack or stroke - BUT would have more tests.
Did our sound check and met Roger Chapman (formerly with the band Family) - who was also on the show.
Came back to the hotel to clean up and eat.
My drummer friend Karl Brasil called to say he was out on tour with James Blunt again. I said I would go and see him play, Slade work permitting.
We had a, great show to 3,000 people.
H, John and myself drove back to the hotel together. I spoke again to Hanne. She seemed a lot better.
I was in bed at 23:00.
Sunday 10th August 2014
I was awake at 07:00am before my alarm went off.
Spoke to Hanne - she was still half asleep. She would call me later.
I cleaned up and went for breakfast - everyone else was there.
Drove to Munich Airport - then flew to Birmingham.
Made my way to Wolverhampton by train and checked in the hotel which was next to the station. Met up with Sue Wilson, then I had a walk round before going to the Cafe Metro in Bilston. An old drummer mate from the ‘60’s owned it (Roger Skitt). I was asked by the owner to sign the wall in a marker pen to show that I'd been there. A few fans turned up to wish me well - Gwen and Di were also there. I had a few gallons of tea before I made my way back to my hotel.
Checked on Hanne again before going to bed.
Below photos: courtesy of Michael Van Overstraeten
Monday 11th August 2014
I was awake at 06:30. I cleaned up and tried to call Hanne, no luck.
I went for breakfast. I did some shopping before seeing part of Warhorse at Bilston Town Hall. I loved the film (hadn't seen it before) but I had to lave in the interval to make my way to Birmingham to record a radio interview. Must catch the rest of the movie sometime.
I then caught the tram back to Wolverhampton - amazed at how cheap and quick it was!
Eric Kent from the National Autistic Society came over for tea and a chat. It was great to catch up with him.
I then managed to get hold of Hanne - and relaxed in my room before going to bed at 21:30. Still staying in the same hotel nr Wolverhampton station.
Tuesday 12th August 2014
I was awake at 07:30. I cleaned up and went for breakfast. Sue Wilson, who had kindly sorted out my events in Bilston, joined me.
I went to town and put a copy of my biography in to post to Martin - Smokies’ keyboard player. I had promised him a copy.
Met up with Dave Kemp - and then took a drive to put flowers on Mom and Dad’s grave. On the way back we passed the car showroom in Wolverhampton where I bought my first car. It was a Mini. The showroom has now closed - and it was all boarded up. I tell Dave how I took my driving test and passed first time. Jim Lea took his test within a week of me - and he passed first time too. However, it took H four times to pass his test. Ha!
There had been a serious road accident in Penn - so we had to double back and drive all around to get to the cemetery. We pass a garage - and I remember that H's dad Jack used to work there. He was a car mechanic and he also looked after all the Slade limousines...
We went back to the hotel to clean up for tonight.
I spoke to Hanne before having something to eat before arranging a get-together with Dave Kemp, Carole, Vicky, Chris Selby, John Ogden (used to write for the Express & Star), Mick Marson (my very first rhythm guitarist from the Vendors) and old mate, Ross Hawkins and his wife Kitty. We all had a great night reminiscing....
Went to my room at 22:15 - spoke to, Hanne before going to bed......
Wednesday 13th August 2014
I was awake at 06:45, cleaned up and went for breakfast. Dave and Sue joined me.
Spoke to Hanne before we all went to One Stop Music to have tea with the owner - old class-mate from Etheridge School, Mick Brookes.
We then went to Cafe Metro to meet people from the Scouts - but it was closed. So we went to the Town Hall instead, where they arranged for tea to be provided for us! We talked about several things that I am trying to arrange for later in the year. From there, we went to the old Bilston Library, NOW called the Craft Centre. I signed autographs and was interviewed and photographed for the Express & Star. I saw my old schoolmate, Eddie Phelan, who came down to say hello. It was a lovely afternoon - the staff were great. Chatted to Cllr Steve Simkins and Twon Centre Manager Cheryl.
We went back to the hotel to eat - I was in bed by 21:30.
Thursday 14th August 2014
I got up when the alarm went off at 06:00. Cleaned up and packed before going for breakfast.
Checked out and drove with Dave Kemp. It was bizarre - we were travelling to West Hampstead and on the car radio came "I Am The Beat" by The Look from 1981. Hadn't heard the record for years - but the singer of the band, Jonny, was a buddy of ours from West Hampstead, which was where we were going.
Dave and myself had a walk round our old ‘haunts’ in West Hampstead before going over my accounts with Alan.
Dave, then drove me to Stansted - he then drove himself home. The rain was heavy and some of the lanes on the North Circular Road were like rivers!
In the airport, I bumped into Mick McConnell and drummer Steve from Smokie - they were on their way to Riga for concerts.
I was awake at 06:30. I cleaned up and tried to call Hanne, no luck.
I went for breakfast. I did some shopping before seeing part of Warhorse at Bilston Town Hall. I loved the film (hadn't seen it before) but I had to lave in the interval to make my way to Birmingham to record a radio interview. Must catch the rest of the movie sometime.
I then caught the tram back to Wolverhampton - amazed at how cheap and quick it was!
Eric Kent from the National Autistic Society came over for tea and a chat. It was great to catch up with him.
I then managed to get hold of Hanne - and relaxed in my room before going to bed at 21:30. Still staying in the same hotel nr Wolverhampton station.
Tuesday 12th August 2014
I was awake at 07:30. I cleaned up and went for breakfast. Sue Wilson, who had kindly sorted out my events in Bilston, joined me.
I went to town and put a copy of my biography in to post to Martin - Smokies’ keyboard player. I had promised him a copy.
Met up with Dave Kemp - and then took a drive to put flowers on Mom and Dad’s grave. On the way back we passed the car showroom in Wolverhampton where I bought my first car. It was a Mini. The showroom has now closed - and it was all boarded up. I tell Dave how I took my driving test and passed first time. Jim Lea took his test within a week of me - and he passed first time too. However, it took H four times to pass his test. Ha!
There had been a serious road accident in Penn - so we had to double back and drive all around to get to the cemetery. We pass a garage - and I remember that H's dad Jack used to work there. He was a car mechanic and he also looked after all the Slade limousines...
We went back to the hotel to clean up for tonight.
I spoke to Hanne before having something to eat before arranging a get-together with Dave Kemp, Carole, Vicky, Chris Selby, John Ogden (used to write for the Express & Star), Mick Marson (my very first rhythm guitarist from the Vendors) and old mate, Ross Hawkins and his wife Kitty. We all had a great night reminiscing....
Went to my room at 22:15 - spoke to, Hanne before going to bed......
Wednesday 13th August 2014
I was awake at 06:45, cleaned up and went for breakfast. Dave and Sue joined me.
Spoke to Hanne before we all went to One Stop Music to have tea with the owner - old class-mate from Etheridge School, Mick Brookes.
We then went to Cafe Metro to meet people from the Scouts - but it was closed. So we went to the Town Hall instead, where they arranged for tea to be provided for us! We talked about several things that I am trying to arrange for later in the year. From there, we went to the old Bilston Library, NOW called the Craft Centre. I signed autographs and was interviewed and photographed for the Express & Star. I saw my old schoolmate, Eddie Phelan, who came down to say hello. It was a lovely afternoon - the staff were great. Chatted to Cllr Steve Simkins and Twon Centre Manager Cheryl.
We went back to the hotel to eat - I was in bed by 21:30.
Thursday 14th August 2014
I got up when the alarm went off at 06:00. Cleaned up and packed before going for breakfast.
Checked out and drove with Dave Kemp. It was bizarre - we were travelling to West Hampstead and on the car radio came "I Am The Beat" by The Look from 1981. Hadn't heard the record for years - but the singer of the band, Jonny, was a buddy of ours from West Hampstead, which was where we were going.
Dave and myself had a walk round our old ‘haunts’ in West Hampstead before going over my accounts with Alan.
Dave, then drove me to Stansted - he then drove himself home. The rain was heavy and some of the lanes on the North Circular Road were like rivers!
In the airport, I bumped into Mick McConnell and drummer Steve from Smokie - they were on their way to Riga for concerts.
One of my old haunts - my flat in West Hampstead
Friday 15th August 2014
Concert in Norborg, Denmark
Spent all day getting ready to drive to Norborg ..... Andreas drove myself, Malnus & Tomas (Hanne’s Father) to the gig. It was the first time that Hanne's father has seen Slade live!
A great early show, to 2,000 people. Straight after the gig, we drove to Bucholt in Germany, to stay the night.
I was in bed by 12:00.
Saturday 16th August 2014
Concert in Greven, Germany
I got up at 08:00am. Made some tea and cleaned up. Spoke to Hanne.
Checked out of the hotel and drove to Greven..... I went straight to the gig with Robin and Tim to sort my drums out.
After the sound-check, we all came back to the hotel to clean up and eat.
Had a great gig to about 2,000 people once more. H and myself came straight back to the hotel and was in bed by 22:45.
Sunday 17th August 2014
I was up at 07:00am. Cleaned up and packed, went for breakfast before checking out.
Drove to Dusseldorf Airport to fly home.
A GREAT WEEK................
Saturday 23rd August 2014
I was up at 07:00am. Cleaned up and finished packing.
Took Rocky for a walk before driving to,Billund Airport. The attendant let me drop my suitcase early, SO I had longer in the lounge to make more sandwiches!
I let Abbi know I was on time - I was checked in all the way to Brussels.
Left for Brussels via Frankfurt (argh)....... Met H and Mal in Frankfurt for our flight to Brussels.
Our good friend John-Louis met us there and drove us to our hotel. We had dinner together. I was in bed by 23:30.
Sunday 24th August 2014
Concert at Vostertfeeston, Bree, Belgium
I was awake at 07:00. Cleaned up before breakfast. Tim and Robin joined me and we all went to the gig together.
Spent a few hours there sorting everything out before, Xavier, the promoter drove me back to the hotel so I could clean up.
Had tea with H before going back to the gig..... Abbi and John Berry were stuck in traffic on their way to the hotel.
Had a nice chat with Dennis Locorriere, former singer with Dr Hook. He was doing a solo set. He made a ‘quip’ after our set, saying to me: “Couldn’t you get a louder snare-drum?” whilst holding his ears.
We had a great show to about 3,000 people. H and myself went back to the hotel with John-Louis.
Spoke to Hanne before going to bed 22:30.
Monday 25th August 2014
I was up 07:00 when my alarm went off. Cleaned up and packed, went for breakfast.
Checked out. H, Mal and myself drove with John-Louis to Brussels Airport to fly home.
A short but great weekend.....
I was up at 07:00am. Cleaned up and finished packing.
Took Rocky for a walk before driving to,Billund Airport. The attendant let me drop my suitcase early, SO I had longer in the lounge to make more sandwiches!
I let Abbi know I was on time - I was checked in all the way to Brussels.
Left for Brussels via Frankfurt (argh)....... Met H and Mal in Frankfurt for our flight to Brussels.
Our good friend John-Louis met us there and drove us to our hotel. We had dinner together. I was in bed by 23:30.
Sunday 24th August 2014
Concert at Vostertfeeston, Bree, Belgium
I was awake at 07:00. Cleaned up before breakfast. Tim and Robin joined me and we all went to the gig together.
Spent a few hours there sorting everything out before, Xavier, the promoter drove me back to the hotel so I could clean up.
Had tea with H before going back to the gig..... Abbi and John Berry were stuck in traffic on their way to the hotel.
Had a nice chat with Dennis Locorriere, former singer with Dr Hook. He was doing a solo set. He made a ‘quip’ after our set, saying to me: “Couldn’t you get a louder snare-drum?” whilst holding his ears.
We had a great show to about 3,000 people. H and myself went back to the hotel with John-Louis.
Spoke to Hanne before going to bed 22:30.
Monday 25th August 2014
I was up 07:00 when my alarm went off. Cleaned up and packed, went for breakfast.
Checked out. H, Mal and myself drove with John-Louis to Brussels Airport to fly home.
A short but great weekend.....
29th August 2014
I was awake at 06:30am. I took Rocky for a walk before cleaning up and packing the car.
I went for my shoulder / laser treatment, before driving to Billund to check in for Frankfurt (aargh). Relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for the day.
No problem flight to Frankfurt (aargh). Suzanne, H and Mal were there, we all drove to Marburg in Germany. We checked in the hotel.
Spoke to Hanne. Andreas was at home and was connecting the I-Pad to the TV. We had lost all the ITV and BBC channels on our satellite system - an this way we could get them back through the internet.
We all went to eat - Andy Scott (The Sweet), Damien and Adam joined us. I went to my room at 20:45 and was in bed by 21:30.
30th August 2014
Concert in Stadtallendorf, Germany
I was up at 08:00am. I cleaned up before breakfast, went down and Uriah Heep were there and I joined them.
Robin and Tim arrived and we all went to the gig together - spent all day there.
Had a great show (we went on first) followed by The Sweet, Uriah Heep, and The Tremeloes.
After our set we went straight back to our hotel - I was in bed by 21:45pm.
31st August 2014
Concert in Verviers, Belgium
I was up at 08:30am - before my alarm went off.
Cleaned up and packed. I went for breakfast before checking out and driving for a few hours to Verviers in Belgium.
Checked into the hotel. I had a two floor suite (in my drinking days, that would have been dangerous).
Went out for tea and cake with John Louis and Philippe. Went to the gig with Tim and Robin - stayed there for the afternoon. Had a great show to about 3,000 people (some said there were more).
Went back to the hotel and was in bed by 23:00pm.
1st September 2014
Got up when my alarm went off at 06:00am.
Cleaned up and packed - had breakfast before driving to Brussels Airport to check in to fly home via Frankfurt....
I was awake at 06:30am. I took Rocky for a walk before cleaning up and packing the car.
I went for my shoulder / laser treatment, before driving to Billund to check in for Frankfurt (aargh). Relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for the day.
No problem flight to Frankfurt (aargh). Suzanne, H and Mal were there, we all drove to Marburg in Germany. We checked in the hotel.
Spoke to Hanne. Andreas was at home and was connecting the I-Pad to the TV. We had lost all the ITV and BBC channels on our satellite system - an this way we could get them back through the internet.
We all went to eat - Andy Scott (The Sweet), Damien and Adam joined us. I went to my room at 20:45 and was in bed by 21:30.
30th August 2014
Concert in Stadtallendorf, Germany
I was up at 08:00am. I cleaned up before breakfast, went down and Uriah Heep were there and I joined them.
Robin and Tim arrived and we all went to the gig together - spent all day there.
Had a great show (we went on first) followed by The Sweet, Uriah Heep, and The Tremeloes.
After our set we went straight back to our hotel - I was in bed by 21:45pm.
31st August 2014
Concert in Verviers, Belgium
I was up at 08:30am - before my alarm went off.
Cleaned up and packed. I went for breakfast before checking out and driving for a few hours to Verviers in Belgium.
Checked into the hotel. I had a two floor suite (in my drinking days, that would have been dangerous).
Went out for tea and cake with John Louis and Philippe. Went to the gig with Tim and Robin - stayed there for the afternoon. Had a great show to about 3,000 people (some said there were more).
Went back to the hotel and was in bed by 23:00pm.
1st September 2014
Got up when my alarm went off at 06:00am.
Cleaned up and packed - had breakfast before driving to Brussels Airport to check in to fly home via Frankfurt....
4th September 2014
I was up at 07:00am Cleaned up and packed the car ready to drive to Billund Airport. Checked in for my journey to Prague via Frankfurt (argh). Relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for the day.
Flew to Frankfurt (again aargh,)....Had to run for my connecting flight to Prague.
I met H there at the departure gate (and my suitcase made it too).
When we got to Prague, Suzanne and Mal were there. We had to wait an hour for the others to arrive from the UK.
We had a two hour drive to Litomys. While we were driving, we found out we had to change hotels tomorrow!
We eventually got to the hotel at 23:15. I went straight to bed..............
5th September 2104
Gig in Zimin Stadium, Litomys, Czech Republic
I was awake at 08:00am. I sent a text to Abbi to make sure we were changing hotels. WE WERE...........
I cleaned up and went for breakfast. I went to the gig with Robin and Tim - and left my suitcase for the others to take to the new hotel for me.
As we were on first, we could leave our equipment set up for us. We had a great show to 3,000 people.
I found out, Tony O’Hora (Sweet guitar, keyboards and vocalist) missed his flight connection in Frankfurt (aargh).
After our show, I came back to the hotel and was in bed by 21:15pm.
11th September 2014
We were on the same flight as Sweet (on the same show together). When we landed in Oslo,
we all had a 2hr drive. Checked in our hotel, the others all went out to eat. I was in bed at 21:00pm.
12th September 2014
Gig in Halden Ishall, Halden, Norway
I stayed in bed until 09:30am. I cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Relaxed before going to the gig with Tim and Robin.
Spent all afternoon checking and setting gear up before the others arrived to do the sound check.
Relaxed some more at the hotel before a great outdoor gig to about 2,000 people.
Came back to the hotel. I was in bed by 01:00am.
13th September 2014
I was up at 05:00am. Cleaned up and packed for the 2 hr drive back to Oslo for me to fly home via Copenhagen.... Great. Fantastic few days in every way.
15th September 2014
I was up at 05:45am. I cleaned up, ready to drive to Aarhus for me to fly to Stansted.
From Stansted, I caught the train to Liverpool St. then Oxford Circus.
I met our wonderful agent Abbi Carter there. We walked to the ‘Passport Office’ for me to re-new my two passports (yes two....... another story).
I got all the necessary papers, saw the man there, who said I had to fill them all out again as a date was left off. Also, the photos for the new passports were different I told him, they were taken on different days and were for two different passports anyway. He went to see his superior, who waved him away muttering at him.
Everything was sorted AND I had to wait four hours for my new documents.
From there, I took every one's passports to the Russian Embassy for visas for the upcoming shows there.
Made my way to Stansted Airport to stay at the Radisson Hotel for my flight home tomorrow...........
20 September 2014
Had an e-mail from my good friend Paul Burgess (drummer with 10CC) to say they were playing in Hjorring, about two hours drive from us. He invited me to the gig.
We arranged to meet my step-son Andreas there.
We got to the hotel complex where the guys were playing and staying - and caught them doing their sound check. We said all our hellos to them before they all went to eat. We were invited to join them, but didn’t want to encroach on their hospitality, in case there wasn’t enough food for everyone. So we decided to eat in the hotel restaurant before taking our seats for the show.
Graham Gouldman, who joined the band early 1970’s, came on first to play an acoustic set on his own. He played versions of a lot of his own songs...along with Mick, Rick and Keith. Graham in his own write is a celebrated song writer anyway. In the 1960’s he wrote many hits for The Yardbirds (when they started releasing singles and getting in the charts, that’s when Eric Clapton left the band). He also wrote hits for Herman's Hermits, The Hollies and Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders. He’s just been indoctrinated into the 'Songwriters Hall Of Fame’ in Los Angeles.......
After the acoustic set, Paul joined them on stage and they all went electric, playing all the 10CC classics!
A, GREAT SHOW.....Slade toured with 10CC in the States during the 1970’s. Paul and myself have remained friends ever since.....
Mick Wilson (mostly lead vocals and multi instrumentalist) was outstanding. He told later on at the bar that he’d just played in Jeff Lynne's (an old Brummie mate) band at his concert in Hyde Park.
Mick was telling me thatbackstage was a ‘who’s Who’ of the pop world. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and many others were there. Jeff produced the last two Beatle singles - using a John Lennon’s demo tapes (which Yoko gave to him) of ‘Free As a, Bird’ and ‘Real Love’...
I shall be seeing Paul Burgess again at the DrumBeat World Record drumming marathon in Manchester on 21st November.............we’ll be sitting next to each other acting like two naughty school children!
Slade are off to Russia next week for concerts - WATCH THIS SPACE...............
I was up at 07:00am Cleaned up and packed the car ready to drive to Billund Airport. Checked in for my journey to Prague via Frankfurt (argh). Relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for the day.
Flew to Frankfurt (again aargh,)....Had to run for my connecting flight to Prague.
I met H there at the departure gate (and my suitcase made it too).
When we got to Prague, Suzanne and Mal were there. We had to wait an hour for the others to arrive from the UK.
We had a two hour drive to Litomys. While we were driving, we found out we had to change hotels tomorrow!
We eventually got to the hotel at 23:15. I went straight to bed..............
5th September 2104
Gig in Zimin Stadium, Litomys, Czech Republic
I was awake at 08:00am. I sent a text to Abbi to make sure we were changing hotels. WE WERE...........
I cleaned up and went for breakfast. I went to the gig with Robin and Tim - and left my suitcase for the others to take to the new hotel for me.
As we were on first, we could leave our equipment set up for us. We had a great show to 3,000 people.
I found out, Tony O’Hora (Sweet guitar, keyboards and vocalist) missed his flight connection in Frankfurt (aargh).
After our show, I came back to the hotel and was in bed by 21:15pm.
11th September 2014
We were on the same flight as Sweet (on the same show together). When we landed in Oslo,
we all had a 2hr drive. Checked in our hotel, the others all went out to eat. I was in bed at 21:00pm.
12th September 2014
Gig in Halden Ishall, Halden, Norway
I stayed in bed until 09:30am. I cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Relaxed before going to the gig with Tim and Robin.
Spent all afternoon checking and setting gear up before the others arrived to do the sound check.
Relaxed some more at the hotel before a great outdoor gig to about 2,000 people.
Came back to the hotel. I was in bed by 01:00am.
13th September 2014
I was up at 05:00am. Cleaned up and packed for the 2 hr drive back to Oslo for me to fly home via Copenhagen.... Great. Fantastic few days in every way.
15th September 2014
I was up at 05:45am. I cleaned up, ready to drive to Aarhus for me to fly to Stansted.
From Stansted, I caught the train to Liverpool St. then Oxford Circus.
I met our wonderful agent Abbi Carter there. We walked to the ‘Passport Office’ for me to re-new my two passports (yes two....... another story).
I got all the necessary papers, saw the man there, who said I had to fill them all out again as a date was left off. Also, the photos for the new passports were different I told him, they were taken on different days and were for two different passports anyway. He went to see his superior, who waved him away muttering at him.
Everything was sorted AND I had to wait four hours for my new documents.
From there, I took every one's passports to the Russian Embassy for visas for the upcoming shows there.
Made my way to Stansted Airport to stay at the Radisson Hotel for my flight home tomorrow...........
20 September 2014
Had an e-mail from my good friend Paul Burgess (drummer with 10CC) to say they were playing in Hjorring, about two hours drive from us. He invited me to the gig.
We arranged to meet my step-son Andreas there.
We got to the hotel complex where the guys were playing and staying - and caught them doing their sound check. We said all our hellos to them before they all went to eat. We were invited to join them, but didn’t want to encroach on their hospitality, in case there wasn’t enough food for everyone. So we decided to eat in the hotel restaurant before taking our seats for the show.
Graham Gouldman, who joined the band early 1970’s, came on first to play an acoustic set on his own. He played versions of a lot of his own songs...along with Mick, Rick and Keith. Graham in his own write is a celebrated song writer anyway. In the 1960’s he wrote many hits for The Yardbirds (when they started releasing singles and getting in the charts, that’s when Eric Clapton left the band). He also wrote hits for Herman's Hermits, The Hollies and Wayne Fontana & The Mindbenders. He’s just been indoctrinated into the 'Songwriters Hall Of Fame’ in Los Angeles.......
After the acoustic set, Paul joined them on stage and they all went electric, playing all the 10CC classics!
A, GREAT SHOW.....Slade toured with 10CC in the States during the 1970’s. Paul and myself have remained friends ever since.....
Mick Wilson (mostly lead vocals and multi instrumentalist) was outstanding. He told later on at the bar that he’d just played in Jeff Lynne's (an old Brummie mate) band at his concert in Hyde Park.
Mick was telling me thatbackstage was a ‘who’s Who’ of the pop world. Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and many others were there. Jeff produced the last two Beatle singles - using a John Lennon’s demo tapes (which Yoko gave to him) of ‘Free As a, Bird’ and ‘Real Love’...
I shall be seeing Paul Burgess again at the DrumBeat World Record drumming marathon in Manchester on 21st November.............we’ll be sitting next to each other acting like two naughty school children!
Slade are off to Russia next week for concerts - WATCH THIS SPACE...............
Monday 29th September 2014
I was up at 06:00am to do my usual session at the fitness-centre.
Got home and took Rocky for his morning walk before finishing off my packing and getting the bus to Billund Airport.
I checked in for my flight to Heathrow via Frankfurt (aargh) and I let Abbie know all was ok, then I made sandwiches for the day.........
At the airport I read Nod's interview in the Daily Mail, and I let H know about the article.
I flew to Frankfurt relaxed in their lounge for two hours before my flight to Heathrow. the flight was ok but when landing we had to circle for ages, before eventually landing at Terminal 1 instead of Terminal 5.
Nothing was announced on the plane about the change of Terminals. I was franticly looking for Mal and Suzanne, and they were also looking for me.............. When it was all sorted, I caught the shuttle bus to Terminal 5,
We all met up and got a cab to the Holiday Inn Express. H had already checked in, he was still up. We had tea, and I was in bed by 22:30pm.
Tuesday 30th September 2014
I was up at 04:30am before my call came through.
I cleaned up and packed, to meet everyone downstairs to get to the Terminal. We all had breakfast together before leaving the hotel.
When we got to the check-in post at the airport, we found out H had left his suitcase in the hotel reception...... Ha. The hotel sent it on by taxi, just in time.
We flew to Moscow. We were met by the Russian Promoters and driven to our (very nice) Renaissance Hotel... However the traffic in Moscow is always horrendous. It took us 2 hrs to drive 5 miles! We checked in and were taken for dinner.
I was in bed by 01:00am.
Wednesday 1st October 2014
I stayed in bed until 10:00am, made tea in my room before cleaning up.
Went downstairs and met drummer Paul Fenton, from a T.REX tribute band, who were also on the bill. We had tea together and a chat before H and myself were taken to do a radio interview.
We met a Russian artist there called IGOR SANDLER ( check him out on ‘You Tube’).
From there we drove to Crocus City Hall, Moscow, for our soundcheck.
We all stayed at the hall before a great show to about 2,000 people. We went back to the hotel and had some tea before bed at 01:00am.
I was up at 06:00am to do my usual session at the fitness-centre.
Got home and took Rocky for his morning walk before finishing off my packing and getting the bus to Billund Airport.
I checked in for my flight to Heathrow via Frankfurt (aargh) and I let Abbie know all was ok, then I made sandwiches for the day.........
At the airport I read Nod's interview in the Daily Mail, and I let H know about the article.
I flew to Frankfurt relaxed in their lounge for two hours before my flight to Heathrow. the flight was ok but when landing we had to circle for ages, before eventually landing at Terminal 1 instead of Terminal 5.
Nothing was announced on the plane about the change of Terminals. I was franticly looking for Mal and Suzanne, and they were also looking for me.............. When it was all sorted, I caught the shuttle bus to Terminal 5,
We all met up and got a cab to the Holiday Inn Express. H had already checked in, he was still up. We had tea, and I was in bed by 22:30pm.
Tuesday 30th September 2014
I was up at 04:30am before my call came through.
I cleaned up and packed, to meet everyone downstairs to get to the Terminal. We all had breakfast together before leaving the hotel.
When we got to the check-in post at the airport, we found out H had left his suitcase in the hotel reception...... Ha. The hotel sent it on by taxi, just in time.
We flew to Moscow. We were met by the Russian Promoters and driven to our (very nice) Renaissance Hotel... However the traffic in Moscow is always horrendous. It took us 2 hrs to drive 5 miles! We checked in and were taken for dinner.
I was in bed by 01:00am.
Wednesday 1st October 2014
I stayed in bed until 10:00am, made tea in my room before cleaning up.
Went downstairs and met drummer Paul Fenton, from a T.REX tribute band, who were also on the bill. We had tea together and a chat before H and myself were taken to do a radio interview.
We met a Russian artist there called IGOR SANDLER ( check him out on ‘You Tube’).
From there we drove to Crocus City Hall, Moscow, for our soundcheck.
We all stayed at the hall before a great show to about 2,000 people. We went back to the hotel and had some tea before bed at 01:00am.
Thursday 2nd October 2014
I got up when my call came through at 08:00am. I packed and cleaned up to go for breakfast and check out to drive to Moscow Airport.
Checked in for our flight back to London. H and myself relaxed in the lounge. He was at the coffee machine when he had an accident. He couldn’t stop the milk coming out of the machine. It spilled all over the floor. The attendants were not very happy with him, as all he had to do was press a button which said ‘stop’............
An uneventful flight back to Heathrow.
I spent ages trying to sort my lottery tickets out. I won £60! I don’t know if I genuinely won the money that the young assistant paid me, as he wasn’t too sure how to work the machine. I just might go back to the same shop when it’s a roll-over!
I checked in my hotel and was in bed by 22:15.
Friday 3rd October 2014
I got up when my call came through at 04;00am.
Cleaned up and packed to get a cab to the Terminal for my flight home, via Frankfurt (aargh).
At the Terminal some guy came up to me and asked if he could take a photo of me. I said ‘of course’.
He then proceeded to go on, "I want to show you a photo of my dog.” Which he did. And I said “I thought you meant your wife”... He didn’t understand.....
ALWAYS A GREAT TIME IN RUSSIA.
I got up when my call came through at 08:00am. I packed and cleaned up to go for breakfast and check out to drive to Moscow Airport.
Checked in for our flight back to London. H and myself relaxed in the lounge. He was at the coffee machine when he had an accident. He couldn’t stop the milk coming out of the machine. It spilled all over the floor. The attendants were not very happy with him, as all he had to do was press a button which said ‘stop’............
An uneventful flight back to Heathrow.
I spent ages trying to sort my lottery tickets out. I won £60! I don’t know if I genuinely won the money that the young assistant paid me, as he wasn’t too sure how to work the machine. I just might go back to the same shop when it’s a roll-over!
I checked in my hotel and was in bed by 22:15.
Friday 3rd October 2014
I got up when my call came through at 04;00am.
Cleaned up and packed to get a cab to the Terminal for my flight home, via Frankfurt (aargh).
At the Terminal some guy came up to me and asked if he could take a photo of me. I said ‘of course’.
He then proceeded to go on, "I want to show you a photo of my dog.” Which he did. And I said “I thought you meant your wife”... He didn’t understand.....
ALWAYS A GREAT TIME IN RUSSIA.
Thursday 16th Oct 2014
Hanne and myself got up at 07:00am when our alarm went off.
Cleaned up and packed the car to drive 3hrs. to Copenhagen Airport to meet H and Jan. They were flying in from Birmingham - also we were meeting Mal, who was flying in from Manchester....
Our good friend Marianne met Mal off his flight and brought to meet us all.
We all caught the train from the Airport to Ronneby in Sweden - a 3 hr trip.
We were met at the, station and driven to our hotel. We checked in and unpacked. We all had dinner together.
Was in bed by 22:00pm.
Friday 17th October 2014
Gig in Ronnesby, Sweden
I was up at 07:00am cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Everyone else joined me.
We all did TV and radio interviews before lunch. I went to the gig early to sort the drums out. We did our sound check before coming back to the hotel to all eat together...........
I went back to the ‘gig’ early. GREAT SHOW. Not many people though.
After the show, I walked back to the hotel and was in bed by 00:30am.
Saturday 18th October 2014
Gig in Copenhagen, Denmark
I was up at 07:00am. Cleaned up and packed before going for breakfast.
I drove to Copenhagen with ‘Toots’ (backline guy) so I could sort out my drums.
On the way we stopped at the equipment warehouse, so he could get more equipment. We met our good friend, Jimmy Larson (he owns the backline Company) for a cuppa, before carrying on to Copenhagen.
When the others arrived we did our sound check before we all eating at our hotel. I cleaned up before going back to the gig. There wqas a crowd of about 1,000 people. A total sell-out. We had a fantastic show.
Mikael Helmuth (director of Oliver T) was there. Also, neighbour Trunte and her friend were there too.
I was in bed by 01:45am.
Sunday 19th October 2014
We were up 09:00am.
We all had breakfast together before our drive home.....
ANOTHER GREAT WEEKEND.
Monday 20th October 2014
I was up 09:00am. I answered my ‘stacked’ up e-mails before cleaning up and packing to get the bus to Billund Airport to fly to Stansted.
When I got there, I caught the train to Liverpool St. station where a Limo was waiting for me to drive to a Hotel in Chelsea.......... H was there, already in bed. I had tea in the bar before I went to bed at 22:30pm.
Tuesday 21st October 2014
I was up at 06:00am when my alarm call came through.
I made tea in my room, cleaned up and went for breakfast. H was already there. I found out today that ‘Raff’ Raphael Ravenstock who played the most amazing Sax on Gerry Rafferty’s ‘Baker St’ had died aged 60....
The ‘limo’ picked H and myself up drove us to Effra Social Club in Brixton.
What were H and I doing in London, travelling by limo? Well, we were being interviewed for a TV show - being recorded for transmission on Channel 4 on Boxing Day about artistes who had Christmas records out....
Justin and Frankie Hawkins (from the DARKNESS) were also there, recording a slot........Really nice guys.
A GREAT DAY.
The limo dropped me in to the West-End so I could do some shopping, before making my way to Stansted to fly home.............
GREAT COUPLE OF DAYS.............
Hanne and myself got up at 07:00am when our alarm went off.
Cleaned up and packed the car to drive 3hrs. to Copenhagen Airport to meet H and Jan. They were flying in from Birmingham - also we were meeting Mal, who was flying in from Manchester....
Our good friend Marianne met Mal off his flight and brought to meet us all.
We all caught the train from the Airport to Ronneby in Sweden - a 3 hr trip.
We were met at the, station and driven to our hotel. We checked in and unpacked. We all had dinner together.
Was in bed by 22:00pm.
Friday 17th October 2014
Gig in Ronnesby, Sweden
I was up at 07:00am cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Everyone else joined me.
We all did TV and radio interviews before lunch. I went to the gig early to sort the drums out. We did our sound check before coming back to the hotel to all eat together...........
I went back to the ‘gig’ early. GREAT SHOW. Not many people though.
After the show, I walked back to the hotel and was in bed by 00:30am.
Saturday 18th October 2014
Gig in Copenhagen, Denmark
I was up at 07:00am. Cleaned up and packed before going for breakfast.
I drove to Copenhagen with ‘Toots’ (backline guy) so I could sort out my drums.
On the way we stopped at the equipment warehouse, so he could get more equipment. We met our good friend, Jimmy Larson (he owns the backline Company) for a cuppa, before carrying on to Copenhagen.
When the others arrived we did our sound check before we all eating at our hotel. I cleaned up before going back to the gig. There wqas a crowd of about 1,000 people. A total sell-out. We had a fantastic show.
Mikael Helmuth (director of Oliver T) was there. Also, neighbour Trunte and her friend were there too.
I was in bed by 01:45am.
Sunday 19th October 2014
We were up 09:00am.
We all had breakfast together before our drive home.....
ANOTHER GREAT WEEKEND.
Monday 20th October 2014
I was up 09:00am. I answered my ‘stacked’ up e-mails before cleaning up and packing to get the bus to Billund Airport to fly to Stansted.
When I got there, I caught the train to Liverpool St. station where a Limo was waiting for me to drive to a Hotel in Chelsea.......... H was there, already in bed. I had tea in the bar before I went to bed at 22:30pm.
Tuesday 21st October 2014
I was up at 06:00am when my alarm call came through.
I made tea in my room, cleaned up and went for breakfast. H was already there. I found out today that ‘Raff’ Raphael Ravenstock who played the most amazing Sax on Gerry Rafferty’s ‘Baker St’ had died aged 60....
The ‘limo’ picked H and myself up drove us to Effra Social Club in Brixton.
What were H and I doing in London, travelling by limo? Well, we were being interviewed for a TV show - being recorded for transmission on Channel 4 on Boxing Day about artistes who had Christmas records out....
Justin and Frankie Hawkins (from the DARKNESS) were also there, recording a slot........Really nice guys.
A GREAT DAY.
The limo dropped me in to the West-End so I could do some shopping, before making my way to Stansted to fly home.............
GREAT COUPLE OF DAYS.............
Thursday 6th November 2014
I got up when my alarm went off at 05:00am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast before making my way to do a day of interviews. i started at Omnibus, and then went on to spend the day at the BBC doing phone interviews. Also there was Des O’Connor and Ben Elton. Ben was ‘over the moon’ when he saw me.... (he’s a big Slade fan and always plays Slade music before his shows).
ALSO the Receptionist at the BBC said he saw us in concert in 1972 at Wembley Arena..... and said he had been deaf ever since......
I also met Mick Fleetwood ...... who couldn’t quite remember SLADE touring with Fleetwood Mac in America during the ‘70’s...... “It was my indulgent period" he said.
The paparazzi were waiting outside the BBC studios all day (not for me, I am afraid).
Made my way back to the Radisson Hotel at Stansted Airport (my home for the next few days). I arranged to meet James Tapp there.... he’s a writer who wants to write a script ‘The Don Powell Story’ for a film............ We had a great chat...
I was in bed by 21:00pm.
Friday 7th November 2014
I got up when my alarm went off at 04:00am.
Cleaned up before an early breakfast. Made my way back into London to the BBC at Western House. Had another full day doing phone interviews for radio stations all over the country.
During a lunch break I went shopping for CDs and DVDs.... I managed to get some really good Xmas ones. When I was paying for them the cashier said: “Really nice choice, I can’t stand those really ‘cheesy’ ones like SLADE’S".
I commented: "I know what you mean”.
Mike Read (BBC Radio Berkshire) was the last interview that I did in this session. He always talks to me in the worst Wolverhampton accent, reminding me at an outside broadcast from one of our concerts... This was when he started singing ‘Merry Xmas’ with us, and the power blew out.....
I made my way back to the hotel at Stansted.
A great, late night interview with Phil Butler from BBC Yorkshire was my last of the day........
I was in bed by 23:00
Saturday 8th November 2014
I was up at 05:00am.
I cleaned up and packed and went to the Station to collect my tickets for Skegness before breakfast.
I checked out of the hotel and spent most of the afternoon on the train to Skegness via Ely & Grantham. I caught a cab to the hotel, checked in, and unpacked and relaxed with a cheese sandwich and a pot of tea.
I went up to my room and watched 'Jonathan Ross’, ‘Lilly Allen’ and ‘Frank Skinner’.
I was in bed by 22:45pm.
Sunday 9th November 2014
I stayed in bed until 09:30.
Made tea in my room, cleaned up and went into town to buy more CDs & DVDs.
Came back to the hotel and relaxed. H arrived from Wolverhampton... we had tea together before going for our sound check.
After that we went back to our hotel to eat......
Went back to the gig - we weren't on till late............... What a ‘STORMER’ of a ‘gig’. All sold out... thousands packed to the ceiling.........We drove back to our hotel. I was in bed by 01:30am.
A FANTASTIC FEW DAYS............
I got up when my alarm went off at 05:00am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast before making my way to do a day of interviews. i started at Omnibus, and then went on to spend the day at the BBC doing phone interviews. Also there was Des O’Connor and Ben Elton. Ben was ‘over the moon’ when he saw me.... (he’s a big Slade fan and always plays Slade music before his shows).
ALSO the Receptionist at the BBC said he saw us in concert in 1972 at Wembley Arena..... and said he had been deaf ever since......
I also met Mick Fleetwood ...... who couldn’t quite remember SLADE touring with Fleetwood Mac in America during the ‘70’s...... “It was my indulgent period" he said.
The paparazzi were waiting outside the BBC studios all day (not for me, I am afraid).
Made my way back to the Radisson Hotel at Stansted Airport (my home for the next few days). I arranged to meet James Tapp there.... he’s a writer who wants to write a script ‘The Don Powell Story’ for a film............ We had a great chat...
I was in bed by 21:00pm.
Friday 7th November 2014
I got up when my alarm went off at 04:00am.
Cleaned up before an early breakfast. Made my way back into London to the BBC at Western House. Had another full day doing phone interviews for radio stations all over the country.
During a lunch break I went shopping for CDs and DVDs.... I managed to get some really good Xmas ones. When I was paying for them the cashier said: “Really nice choice, I can’t stand those really ‘cheesy’ ones like SLADE’S".
I commented: "I know what you mean”.
Mike Read (BBC Radio Berkshire) was the last interview that I did in this session. He always talks to me in the worst Wolverhampton accent, reminding me at an outside broadcast from one of our concerts... This was when he started singing ‘Merry Xmas’ with us, and the power blew out.....
I made my way back to the hotel at Stansted.
A great, late night interview with Phil Butler from BBC Yorkshire was my last of the day........
I was in bed by 23:00
Saturday 8th November 2014
I was up at 05:00am.
I cleaned up and packed and went to the Station to collect my tickets for Skegness before breakfast.
I checked out of the hotel and spent most of the afternoon on the train to Skegness via Ely & Grantham. I caught a cab to the hotel, checked in, and unpacked and relaxed with a cheese sandwich and a pot of tea.
I went up to my room and watched 'Jonathan Ross’, ‘Lilly Allen’ and ‘Frank Skinner’.
I was in bed by 22:45pm.
Sunday 9th November 2014
I stayed in bed until 09:30.
Made tea in my room, cleaned up and went into town to buy more CDs & DVDs.
Came back to the hotel and relaxed. H arrived from Wolverhampton... we had tea together before going for our sound check.
After that we went back to our hotel to eat......
Went back to the gig - we weren't on till late............... What a ‘STORMER’ of a ‘gig’. All sold out... thousands packed to the ceiling.........We drove back to our hotel. I was in bed by 01:30am.
A FANTASTIC FEW DAYS............
Friday 14th November 2014
I got up at 07:45am.
Started to get ready to drive to Billund Airport for my flight to Manchester...
I checked in and relaxed in the lounge. Found out the venue we recently played in Copenhagen want me to do a lecture for them about my career!
I had an uneventful flight.... and it now seemed strange being on a flight where you don’t have to pay for anything.... British Airways, rather than Ryannair!
Nice flight to Manchester then caught a cab to The Palace Hotel, my home for the next three days. What a big, impressive hotel. It reminded me a lot of the hotels that we stay in when we are in Russia.
I met Jill Adam, one of the organisers from ‘Louder Than Words’ in reception. She introduced me to most of the people involved.
I checked in and settled in my room, before going to a couple of lectures.
I listened to:
Mary-Anne Hobbs - a journalist talked about the many people she had interviewed while she worked on ‘Sounds’.
Tim Burgess - The Charlatans’ front-man.
Tom Attah - bluesman, who played guitar and sang many ‘blues standards’
Michael Spencer - Rock photographer
A very tired me was in bed by 23:45pm.
I got up at 07:45am.
Started to get ready to drive to Billund Airport for my flight to Manchester...
I checked in and relaxed in the lounge. Found out the venue we recently played in Copenhagen want me to do a lecture for them about my career!
I had an uneventful flight.... and it now seemed strange being on a flight where you don’t have to pay for anything.... British Airways, rather than Ryannair!
Nice flight to Manchester then caught a cab to The Palace Hotel, my home for the next three days. What a big, impressive hotel. It reminded me a lot of the hotels that we stay in when we are in Russia.
I met Jill Adam, one of the organisers from ‘Louder Than Words’ in reception. She introduced me to most of the people involved.
I checked in and settled in my room, before going to a couple of lectures.
I listened to:
Mary-Anne Hobbs - a journalist talked about the many people she had interviewed while she worked on ‘Sounds’.
Tim Burgess - The Charlatans’ front-man.
Tom Attah - bluesman, who played guitar and sang many ‘blues standards’
Michael Spencer - Rock photographer
A very tired me was in bed by 23:45pm.
Alwyn and Don - photo by Stu Rutter
Saturday 15th November 2014
Stayed in bed ‘til 09:00am then cleaned up and went for breakfast.
I had a fantastic day today, joining in on most of the 'Louder Than Words' events that were going on in the hotel.
Dave Kemp arrived from Cambridge (he must have taken some good photos)... Also attending were Malcolm and Fran Skellington, and Di and Julie - who came armed with gifts (thank you). Ric Lee then turned up - he is my long time friend and drummer with Ten Years After. We chatted and he told me about the time when they played the legendary ‘Woodstock Festival’ back in 1969..... Because of the success of the event (they were expecting a 30,000 crowd, but 250,0000 people turned up) it elevated them to a ‘higher plane’ in the World concert circuit....
I had a great interview with Alwyn Turner (a Glam-Rock expert) he certainly had done his research.... I seem to remember the Directors' Suite (where I did my interview) being pretty packed. It was REALLY ENJOYABLE - I also did a question and answer session after.
I was in bed by 00:45am.
Sunday 16th November 2014
I got up at 08:00am.
Cleaned up and packed before breakfast. Had another great day around the festival chatting to Omnibus people... Chris Charlesworth, Matt Bourne, and ‘Louder Than Words’ organiser, Jill Adam..... I had a, really nice chat to John Robb (he used to be Goldblade’s frontman, now an author for books, mainly about Punk Rock. (He invented the term ‘Brit-Pop’). I also had a great time with Simon Wolstencroft another drummer who was with The Stone Roses.
During the last few hours of the festival, Paul Burgess, another drummer mate showed up (he plays for 10CC).
We spent the last few hours watching the ‘With The Beatles' documentary together, before I left for the airport.
Matt Bourne (Omnibus Sales Director) gave me a lift ...
WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND....
Stayed in bed ‘til 09:00am then cleaned up and went for breakfast.
I had a fantastic day today, joining in on most of the 'Louder Than Words' events that were going on in the hotel.
Dave Kemp arrived from Cambridge (he must have taken some good photos)... Also attending were Malcolm and Fran Skellington, and Di and Julie - who came armed with gifts (thank you). Ric Lee then turned up - he is my long time friend and drummer with Ten Years After. We chatted and he told me about the time when they played the legendary ‘Woodstock Festival’ back in 1969..... Because of the success of the event (they were expecting a 30,000 crowd, but 250,0000 people turned up) it elevated them to a ‘higher plane’ in the World concert circuit....
I had a great interview with Alwyn Turner (a Glam-Rock expert) he certainly had done his research.... I seem to remember the Directors' Suite (where I did my interview) being pretty packed. It was REALLY ENJOYABLE - I also did a question and answer session after.
I was in bed by 00:45am.
Sunday 16th November 2014
I got up at 08:00am.
Cleaned up and packed before breakfast. Had another great day around the festival chatting to Omnibus people... Chris Charlesworth, Matt Bourne, and ‘Louder Than Words’ organiser, Jill Adam..... I had a, really nice chat to John Robb (he used to be Goldblade’s frontman, now an author for books, mainly about Punk Rock. (He invented the term ‘Brit-Pop’). I also had a great time with Simon Wolstencroft another drummer who was with The Stone Roses.
During the last few hours of the festival, Paul Burgess, another drummer mate showed up (he plays for 10CC).
We spent the last few hours watching the ‘With The Beatles' documentary together, before I left for the airport.
Matt Bourne (Omnibus Sales Director) gave me a lift ...
WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND....
Friday 21st November 2014
My alarm went off at 05:45am. VERY TIRED. So I decided not to go to the fitness centre and stayed in bed until 09:00.
I cleaned up and packed the car to drive to Andreas’s school so he could drop me off at Billund Airport. He took the car back to school - and used it why I was away on my trip.
I checked in for Stansted - then relaxed in the lounge. When my boarding was announced, I sent a text to Dave Kemp so he knew what time to meet me - as he was driving to Stansted.
NICE FLIGHT. Dave was waiting for me when I landed.
We drove to Wolverhampton checked into our hotel unpacked. On the journey up I spoke to Carole and Vicki - and they managed to get us tickets for the sold out Robert Plant gig, which he was playing with his new band at the Civic Hall. Craig Fenney came with us.
GREAT SHOW. We all had a, drink in our hotel before I came to bed, 00:30.
My alarm went off at 05:45am. VERY TIRED. So I decided not to go to the fitness centre and stayed in bed until 09:00.
I cleaned up and packed the car to drive to Andreas’s school so he could drop me off at Billund Airport. He took the car back to school - and used it why I was away on my trip.
I checked in for Stansted - then relaxed in the lounge. When my boarding was announced, I sent a text to Dave Kemp so he knew what time to meet me - as he was driving to Stansted.
NICE FLIGHT. Dave was waiting for me when I landed.
We drove to Wolverhampton checked into our hotel unpacked. On the journey up I spoke to Carole and Vicki - and they managed to get us tickets for the sold out Robert Plant gig, which he was playing with his new band at the Civic Hall. Craig Fenney came with us.
GREAT SHOW. We all had a, drink in our hotel before I came to bed, 00:30.
Saturday 22nd November 2014
I was up at 06:00am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast, Dave joined me.
I got flowers and we drove to visit Mom & Dad’s grave. When then dropped in on Mike who runs the Robin in Bilston. From there we drove to sister Carol's for a cuppa. Her husband Gel and their daughter Jill were just leaving to watch the Wolves play Nottingham Forest (they lost 3-0).
From there, we drove to see Mick Brookes at his music shop ‘One Stop Music’ in Wolverhampton for a ‘chin-wag’ and a cuppa.
Went back to our hotel and Sue Wilson arrived from Glasgow. We all had lunch together with Eric from the National Autistic Society and his wife Shauna.
We then caught the train to Birmingham for a GREAT radio interview. Got back to our hotel had a few drinks in the hotel bar. I was in bed by 22:00pm.
I was up at 06:00am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast, Dave joined me.
I got flowers and we drove to visit Mom & Dad’s grave. When then dropped in on Mike who runs the Robin in Bilston. From there we drove to sister Carol's for a cuppa. Her husband Gel and their daughter Jill were just leaving to watch the Wolves play Nottingham Forest (they lost 3-0).
From there, we drove to see Mick Brookes at his music shop ‘One Stop Music’ in Wolverhampton for a ‘chin-wag’ and a cuppa.
Went back to our hotel and Sue Wilson arrived from Glasgow. We all had lunch together with Eric from the National Autistic Society and his wife Shauna.
We then caught the train to Birmingham for a GREAT radio interview. Got back to our hotel had a few drinks in the hotel bar. I was in bed by 22:00pm.
Sunday 23rd November 2014
I was up at 07:00am, cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Dave and Sue joined me. Dave took more photos before he drove home...
Sue and myself had a walk round town, bought some DVD’s... We saw ‘H’s brother in law, Ron, handing out Jehovah’s Witness leaflets near the railway station (I didn’t have one).
Went back to the, hotel to have a fantastic interview with Simon Archer from the ‘BILSTON MAGAZINE’ (they’re gonna put my photo on the front cover).
Cleaned up before meeting Mick Marson (original band member) ,Terry Garvey (guitarist from Bilston), Chris Selby, Dick Cox (a reporter from Derby that Slade met in the very early days, he was right behind us from the start).
A fantastic evening reminiscing....
I was in bed by 23:00pm.
Monday 24th November 2014
I was up 07:00am, cleaned up and went for breakfast. Sue joined me.
We got a taxi to the Robin in Bilston. I did photos and an interview for the TV show Midlands Today. Mick Marson and a few others were there. From there, we went to the Civic Hall to talk and give advice for their £10,000,000 development plan for the Civic and Wulfrun Halls.
Then we went to the 6th Bilston Scouts (my old Scout Troop) headquarters in Bilston to present the 'Don Powell award'...... Had a, great time meeting the Scouts and Troop Leaders.
Got back to our hotel I was in bed by 23:55.
Tuesday 25th November 2014
I was up at 07:00am. Sue had left for home near Glasgow.
I had breakfast, walked round town for a while before packing and checking out.
I got my train to Stansted Airport via Birmingham............
A LONG DAY. Flew home.
A, FANTASTIC FEW DAYS.
I was up at 07:00am, cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Dave and Sue joined me. Dave took more photos before he drove home...
Sue and myself had a walk round town, bought some DVD’s... We saw ‘H’s brother in law, Ron, handing out Jehovah’s Witness leaflets near the railway station (I didn’t have one).
Went back to the, hotel to have a fantastic interview with Simon Archer from the ‘BILSTON MAGAZINE’ (they’re gonna put my photo on the front cover).
Cleaned up before meeting Mick Marson (original band member) ,Terry Garvey (guitarist from Bilston), Chris Selby, Dick Cox (a reporter from Derby that Slade met in the very early days, he was right behind us from the start).
A fantastic evening reminiscing....
I was in bed by 23:00pm.
Monday 24th November 2014
I was up 07:00am, cleaned up and went for breakfast. Sue joined me.
We got a taxi to the Robin in Bilston. I did photos and an interview for the TV show Midlands Today. Mick Marson and a few others were there. From there, we went to the Civic Hall to talk and give advice for their £10,000,000 development plan for the Civic and Wulfrun Halls.
Then we went to the 6th Bilston Scouts (my old Scout Troop) headquarters in Bilston to present the 'Don Powell award'...... Had a, great time meeting the Scouts and Troop Leaders.
Got back to our hotel I was in bed by 23:55.
Tuesday 25th November 2014
I was up at 07:00am. Sue had left for home near Glasgow.
I had breakfast, walked round town for a while before packing and checking out.
I got my train to Stansted Airport via Birmingham............
A LONG DAY. Flew home.
A, FANTASTIC FEW DAYS.
Thursday, 27th, November 2014.
I was up, 06:00,
Cleaned up and packed the, car to drive to, Andreas’s school near Billund Airport.
He dropped me off there and kept the, car, I checked in, all the, way to, Vienna Via Frankfurt, ( Aargh) I let Abbie know, everything was OK.
I arrived in, Vienna, no problems, so did my suitcase.............. Suzanne arrived from, Germany, then, all the, others from the, UK, Brendan Riley, ( one of Smokies crew, helping us out this weekend,) was with them.
Drove a, couple of hours to, Brno, checked in the, hotel, we were all taken out to, eat.
I was in bed by 22:00.
Friday 28th November 2014
Gig in Boby Centrum, Brno, Czech Republic
I was up at 09:00am, cleaned up and went for breakfast.
I went with, Robin and Brendan to the gig venue. Stayed there all afternoon, did the sound check and went back to the hotel to clean up and eat.
I finished reading Noddy Holder's book ‘The World According To Noddy’
Relaxed before going to the gig.
Great one to about 3,000 people..........
I was back in my hotel and in bed by 23:30.
I was up, 06:00,
Cleaned up and packed the, car to drive to, Andreas’s school near Billund Airport.
He dropped me off there and kept the, car, I checked in, all the, way to, Vienna Via Frankfurt, ( Aargh) I let Abbie know, everything was OK.
I arrived in, Vienna, no problems, so did my suitcase.............. Suzanne arrived from, Germany, then, all the, others from the, UK, Brendan Riley, ( one of Smokies crew, helping us out this weekend,) was with them.
Drove a, couple of hours to, Brno, checked in the, hotel, we were all taken out to, eat.
I was in bed by 22:00.
Friday 28th November 2014
Gig in Boby Centrum, Brno, Czech Republic
I was up at 09:00am, cleaned up and went for breakfast.
I went with, Robin and Brendan to the gig venue. Stayed there all afternoon, did the sound check and went back to the hotel to clean up and eat.
I finished reading Noddy Holder's book ‘The World According To Noddy’
Relaxed before going to the gig.
Great one to about 3,000 people..........
I was back in my hotel and in bed by 23:30.
Saturday 29th November 2014
Gig in Arena Nova Weiner, Neustadt, Austria
I got up when my alarm went off at 06:00.
Cleaned up and packed before breakfast. Checked out for a two and a half hour drive to,Weiner Neuwstadt.
Dropped the crew at the gig.... We all checked in our hotel, Smokie were already there relaxing.
I had tea with H and Mal before going for our soundcheck. ELO Part 2, Troggs, Smokie, Too Rex were also on the show.
I came back to the hotel to get ready and went back to the gig with Robin to eat..............
Our set, was very late due to overrunning... The crowd were tired. H and myself went back to the hotel.
I was in bed by midnight...
Sunday 30th November 2014
I was up at 07:00 when my alarm went off.
Cleaned up and packed before breakfast.....
We left for the airport on our way home...
Smokie were on their way t, India (good take-aways) to play two concerts................
No Problems Via Frankfurt ( Aargh)
Gig in Arena Nova Weiner, Neustadt, Austria
I got up when my alarm went off at 06:00.
Cleaned up and packed before breakfast. Checked out for a two and a half hour drive to,Weiner Neuwstadt.
Dropped the crew at the gig.... We all checked in our hotel, Smokie were already there relaxing.
I had tea with H and Mal before going for our soundcheck. ELO Part 2, Troggs, Smokie, Too Rex were also on the show.
I came back to the hotel to get ready and went back to the gig with Robin to eat..............
Our set, was very late due to overrunning... The crowd were tired. H and myself went back to the hotel.
I was in bed by midnight...
Sunday 30th November 2014
I was up at 07:00 when my alarm went off.
Cleaned up and packed before breakfast.....
We left for the airport on our way home...
Smokie were on their way t, India (good take-aways) to play two concerts................
No Problems Via Frankfurt ( Aargh)
Wednesday 10th December 2014
I was up 05:45 am. Spent time at the fitness centre before coming home to pack my suitcase.
I caught the bus to Billund Airport - checked in for my flight to Stansted. There was a massive hail-storm as we took off, otherwise it was a good flight.
When I got to Stansted, I had to wait ages for my suitcase (unusual for Ryan-Air). John Berry was waiting for me. We drove to his place - where I was going to stay for a couple of day. John's wife Anna and all the kids were there - we all had dinner together.
I was in bed by 23:45pm.
Thursday 11th December 2014
I woke up at 09:00am. I found that no-one was in the house!
I made tea, and then John came back from taking the kids to school.
I cleaned up before going to the kid's school to rehearse - ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’... I was going to play it with them at the school Christmas show.
Went back to John and Anna’s to relax - we all ate fish n chips together for lunch. Went back to the school to take part in their Christmas festival....
We played ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’ twice, the second time with the school choir. Lovely evening.
Drove back to John's house. I was in bed by 22:00pm.
Friday 12th December 2014
Gig at Lotto Arena, Antwerp, Belgium
I got up when my alarm went off 05:00.
Cleaned up, packed, and waited for Phil (MUD) to arrive so we could all drive to Heathrow.
Checked in for our flight to Brussels, then checked in our hotel and drove straight for our gig sound check.
Went back to the hotel to clean up. I went back to the gig early. Haden Donovan called for a chat........
GREAT SHOW to 12,000 people. We ended the show, and all the other acts joined us on stage for ‘Merry Xmas’.
I was in bed by 12:30am.
Saturday 13th December 2014
Got up when my call came through. I cleaned up and packed before breakfast.
Flew back to the UK. I drove to Portsmouth with ‘H’ and Jan. Checked into our hotel. I ate in the hotel and watched this fantastic duo playing in the hotel bar. I was in bed by 00:30am.
Sunday 14th December 2014
Gig at The Ballroom, Mill Rythe, Hayling Island, Hants, UK
I stayed in bed until 10:00am. Cleaned up and went downstairs for tea.
Went to the gig early, came back to the hotel to do a film interview about cars.... Met up with fan Theresa Taylor before the show - and had a great laugh about when she used to meet us in Barnes.
Relaxed before we had a great show. I was in bed by 23:45pm.
Monday 15th December 2014
I was up when my alarm call came through at 06:30am.
Cleaned up and packed, checked out and caught a cab to the camp we played last night to meet the others.
Drove to John and Anna’s place and then Robin drove home. I had tea with John and Anna before John drove me to my hotel at Stansted. Checked in, and did a FANTASTIC interview with, Phil Soloman from Wolverhampton Community Radio.
I was in bed by 21:30pm.
Tuesday 16th December 2014
I was up at 05:50, made tea before cleaning up.
Packed and checked out to get my train to Barnes for the Christmas Rock Star's Lunch.
I was the first there! Nod turned up again this time - he called me "George" (as usual) - and gave me a big hug. I met the writer who gave my book a good review in Classic Rock magazine. John Pidgeon was there (he was one of the organisers) but had to go home, as he was not well.....
Had a great afternoon. I was catching the train to Wolverhampton... I checked with Nod to see if he was travelling home, so that we could travel together, but he was staying in London for a couple of days. I arrived in Wolves and checked in the ‘ROBIN’ hotel.
Watched Michael Schenker (German guitarist - who used to be with The Scorpions) who was appearing at the club that night. Saw lots of old friends in the club. I was in bed by 23:15pm.
I was up 05:45 am. Spent time at the fitness centre before coming home to pack my suitcase.
I caught the bus to Billund Airport - checked in for my flight to Stansted. There was a massive hail-storm as we took off, otherwise it was a good flight.
When I got to Stansted, I had to wait ages for my suitcase (unusual for Ryan-Air). John Berry was waiting for me. We drove to his place - where I was going to stay for a couple of day. John's wife Anna and all the kids were there - we all had dinner together.
I was in bed by 23:45pm.
Thursday 11th December 2014
I woke up at 09:00am. I found that no-one was in the house!
I made tea, and then John came back from taking the kids to school.
I cleaned up before going to the kid's school to rehearse - ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’... I was going to play it with them at the school Christmas show.
Went back to John and Anna’s to relax - we all ate fish n chips together for lunch. Went back to the school to take part in their Christmas festival....
We played ‘Merry Christmas Everybody’ twice, the second time with the school choir. Lovely evening.
Drove back to John's house. I was in bed by 22:00pm.
Friday 12th December 2014
Gig at Lotto Arena, Antwerp, Belgium
I got up when my alarm went off 05:00.
Cleaned up, packed, and waited for Phil (MUD) to arrive so we could all drive to Heathrow.
Checked in for our flight to Brussels, then checked in our hotel and drove straight for our gig sound check.
Went back to the hotel to clean up. I went back to the gig early. Haden Donovan called for a chat........
GREAT SHOW to 12,000 people. We ended the show, and all the other acts joined us on stage for ‘Merry Xmas’.
I was in bed by 12:30am.
Saturday 13th December 2014
Got up when my call came through. I cleaned up and packed before breakfast.
Flew back to the UK. I drove to Portsmouth with ‘H’ and Jan. Checked into our hotel. I ate in the hotel and watched this fantastic duo playing in the hotel bar. I was in bed by 00:30am.
Sunday 14th December 2014
Gig at The Ballroom, Mill Rythe, Hayling Island, Hants, UK
I stayed in bed until 10:00am. Cleaned up and went downstairs for tea.
Went to the gig early, came back to the hotel to do a film interview about cars.... Met up with fan Theresa Taylor before the show - and had a great laugh about when she used to meet us in Barnes.
Relaxed before we had a great show. I was in bed by 23:45pm.
Monday 15th December 2014
I was up when my alarm call came through at 06:30am.
Cleaned up and packed, checked out and caught a cab to the camp we played last night to meet the others.
Drove to John and Anna’s place and then Robin drove home. I had tea with John and Anna before John drove me to my hotel at Stansted. Checked in, and did a FANTASTIC interview with, Phil Soloman from Wolverhampton Community Radio.
I was in bed by 21:30pm.
Tuesday 16th December 2014
I was up at 05:50, made tea before cleaning up.
Packed and checked out to get my train to Barnes for the Christmas Rock Star's Lunch.
I was the first there! Nod turned up again this time - he called me "George" (as usual) - and gave me a big hug. I met the writer who gave my book a good review in Classic Rock magazine. John Pidgeon was there (he was one of the organisers) but had to go home, as he was not well.....
Had a great afternoon. I was catching the train to Wolverhampton... I checked with Nod to see if he was travelling home, so that we could travel together, but he was staying in London for a couple of days. I arrived in Wolves and checked in the ‘ROBIN’ hotel.
Watched Michael Schenker (German guitarist - who used to be with The Scorpions) who was appearing at the club that night. Saw lots of old friends in the club. I was in bed by 23:15pm.
Phil Wainman, John Coghlan, Brian Berg, Don, Gillie Coghlan, Titch - photo thanks to Lesley-Ann Jones
Wednesday 17th December 2014
I was awake at 09:15am. Made tea in my room before cleaning up.
I always try to visit my Mom and Dads grave when I am in Wolverhampton, so I went to visit and took flowers. Went back to the ROBIN and had tea with Darren from the 6th Bilston Scouts Troop (my old troop) also with Simon, from the Bilston Magazine, who printed a good interview with me recently.
My nephew Ian and his wife Mel picked me up and we all went for dinner together at this 'all you can eat' buffet. It was good to catch up with them. Went back to the ROBIN for a drink - I was in bed by 22:00pm.
Thursday 18th, December 2014
Gig at The Robin in Bilston
Got up when my alarm went off at 08:00am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Spent all day around the shops in Wolverhampton. Went to see my old school mate, Mike Brookes, who owns ‘One Way Music’ shop.... It was his day off. Ha!
We had a great gig, totally sold out...It was a great way to finish 2014 by playing in Bilston. A great crowd, packed and sweaty and loads of toilet rolls being thrown around everywhere. Ian and Mel were there. Dougie from Newcastle turned up with his girlfriend. Sue Wilson and her son Andrew travelled from Scotland for the gig - and just made it in time after a nightmare train journey. Dave Kemp drove from Cambridge to pick me up and drive me to the Radisson Hotel at Stansted Airport after the show (after working out an alternate route as the M6 was shut for roadworks). We dropped Fran off at a Services en route so that Malcolm could pick her up to drive her home.
I was in bed at 03:15am.
Friday 19th December 2104
I was awake at 08:00am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast before flying home.
I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR. XXXXXXXXXX
I was awake at 09:15am. Made tea in my room before cleaning up.
I always try to visit my Mom and Dads grave when I am in Wolverhampton, so I went to visit and took flowers. Went back to the ROBIN and had tea with Darren from the 6th Bilston Scouts Troop (my old troop) also with Simon, from the Bilston Magazine, who printed a good interview with me recently.
My nephew Ian and his wife Mel picked me up and we all went for dinner together at this 'all you can eat' buffet. It was good to catch up with them. Went back to the ROBIN for a drink - I was in bed by 22:00pm.
Thursday 18th, December 2014
Gig at The Robin in Bilston
Got up when my alarm went off at 08:00am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Spent all day around the shops in Wolverhampton. Went to see my old school mate, Mike Brookes, who owns ‘One Way Music’ shop.... It was his day off. Ha!
We had a great gig, totally sold out...It was a great way to finish 2014 by playing in Bilston. A great crowd, packed and sweaty and loads of toilet rolls being thrown around everywhere. Ian and Mel were there. Dougie from Newcastle turned up with his girlfriend. Sue Wilson and her son Andrew travelled from Scotland for the gig - and just made it in time after a nightmare train journey. Dave Kemp drove from Cambridge to pick me up and drive me to the Radisson Hotel at Stansted Airport after the show (after working out an alternate route as the M6 was shut for roadworks). We dropped Fran off at a Services en route so that Malcolm could pick her up to drive her home.
I was in bed at 03:15am.
Friday 19th December 2104
I was awake at 08:00am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast before flying home.
I HOPE EVERYONE HAS A GREAT CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR. XXXXXXXXXX
