Don's 2015 Gig Reports
Friday 23rd October 2015
Bronnosund, Norway
I stayed in bed ‘till 09:00.
Cleaned up and went downstairs for breakfast. H, Abbie and Suzanne were there.
I relaxed in my room and let Robin and Tim go to the gig early before I joined them to sort my drums out.....
Did our sound check, went back to the hotel to relax. Mal and myself ate together.
As the dressing room facilities were limited we changed in our rooms and were driven straight to the stage.
GREAT show to about 2,000 people, straight off stage, into the car and back to the hotel.
I was in bed by 01:30am.
Saturday 24th October 2015
Finnsness, Norway
I was up 06:15am, before my alarm call came through.
Cleaned up and packed to fly to Tromso and drive to Finnsness.
Checked in our hotel and I went to check my drums out before having tea with Mal & John.
We all got ready in our rooms again, we were driven straight to the stage. Another great gig to about 2,000 people. We were driven straight back to our hotel. I was in bed by 00:30.
Saturday 7th November 2015
Butlins, Skegness, UK
I was awake at 06:45am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Went into town to get more DVD’s.
I packed ready to check out and wait for H to pick me up to drive to Skegness.
Checked in our hotel. H and myself had tea together before I went to the gig to check my drums out.
After sound check H and myself ate at our hotel. FANTASTIC gig, PACKED SOLID.
H and myself drove back to our hotel.
I was in bed by 23:45.
Saturday 14th November 2015
Hastings, UK
I was up just before my alarm went off at 06:30.
Packed and cleaned up before going for breakfast and checking out.
We all drove to Hastings. The weather was torrential rain all day and it was an awful drive. The others went to their hotel, I relaxed at the gig.
Great gig. The support band were The Rockitmen and their guitarist was an electrician who used to do work for me when I was living in Bexhill On Sea! Also at the gig was, Dave and Hazel Hanley. Dave used to service my cars for me while I was living there. His wife Hazel used to work in the Bahamas (not while we were there) in the government offices.
I told her about our predicament in 1968, I said I would love to go back there but I thought I might get arrested ‘cause of the massive hotel bill left unpaid. Hazel wrote to the authorities on my behalf who told her that I’m more than welcome to go back there as it wasn’t a criminal offence, it was between the hotel and us. (The hotel manager, Dan Darrow, probably lost his job and is now holding a bridge up somewhere).
Met some fans after the gig giving me nice presents and Dave and Barbara Kemp drove me back to the Radisson Hotel where I was staying that night.
Friday 20th November 2015
Rock N’ Roll Ferry - Stockholm/Finland
I was awake 07:45am.
Cleaned up, packed and went for breakfast.
H and myself did a, great interview for a Swedish magazine ‘Rock N. Roll’.
The reporter had actually brought plasters for me to put on my fingers. He wanted to copy the photograph from the Slayed album cover!
We boarded the ship, got all of our room keys and food passes for the journey. I had a fantastic suite on the 11th floor (would you believe this was a boat). We had a, fantastic gig to about 2,000 people (remember this is a boat).
I was in my cabin at 01:45am.
Saturday 21st November 2015
Rock N. Roll Ferry - Stockholm/ Finland
I stayed in bed ‘till 11:00 just as the boat was docking back in Stockholm.
I went for a late breakfast in a special restaurant set out for us.....
We set sail for Finland again.
Another great gig to a packed house. We all ate together afterwards. I was in bed by 00:50.
Bronnosund, Norway
I stayed in bed ‘till 09:00.
Cleaned up and went downstairs for breakfast. H, Abbie and Suzanne were there.
I relaxed in my room and let Robin and Tim go to the gig early before I joined them to sort my drums out.....
Did our sound check, went back to the hotel to relax. Mal and myself ate together.
As the dressing room facilities were limited we changed in our rooms and were driven straight to the stage.
GREAT show to about 2,000 people, straight off stage, into the car and back to the hotel.
I was in bed by 01:30am.
Saturday 24th October 2015
Finnsness, Norway
I was up 06:15am, before my alarm call came through.
Cleaned up and packed to fly to Tromso and drive to Finnsness.
Checked in our hotel and I went to check my drums out before having tea with Mal & John.
We all got ready in our rooms again, we were driven straight to the stage. Another great gig to about 2,000 people. We were driven straight back to our hotel. I was in bed by 00:30.
Saturday 7th November 2015
Butlins, Skegness, UK
I was awake at 06:45am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Went into town to get more DVD’s.
I packed ready to check out and wait for H to pick me up to drive to Skegness.
Checked in our hotel. H and myself had tea together before I went to the gig to check my drums out.
After sound check H and myself ate at our hotel. FANTASTIC gig, PACKED SOLID.
H and myself drove back to our hotel.
I was in bed by 23:45.
Saturday 14th November 2015
Hastings, UK
I was up just before my alarm went off at 06:30.
Packed and cleaned up before going for breakfast and checking out.
We all drove to Hastings. The weather was torrential rain all day and it was an awful drive. The others went to their hotel, I relaxed at the gig.
Great gig. The support band were The Rockitmen and their guitarist was an electrician who used to do work for me when I was living in Bexhill On Sea! Also at the gig was, Dave and Hazel Hanley. Dave used to service my cars for me while I was living there. His wife Hazel used to work in the Bahamas (not while we were there) in the government offices.
I told her about our predicament in 1968, I said I would love to go back there but I thought I might get arrested ‘cause of the massive hotel bill left unpaid. Hazel wrote to the authorities on my behalf who told her that I’m more than welcome to go back there as it wasn’t a criminal offence, it was between the hotel and us. (The hotel manager, Dan Darrow, probably lost his job and is now holding a bridge up somewhere).
Met some fans after the gig giving me nice presents and Dave and Barbara Kemp drove me back to the Radisson Hotel where I was staying that night.
Friday 20th November 2015
Rock N’ Roll Ferry - Stockholm/Finland
I was awake 07:45am.
Cleaned up, packed and went for breakfast.
H and myself did a, great interview for a Swedish magazine ‘Rock N. Roll’.
The reporter had actually brought plasters for me to put on my fingers. He wanted to copy the photograph from the Slayed album cover!
We boarded the ship, got all of our room keys and food passes for the journey. I had a fantastic suite on the 11th floor (would you believe this was a boat). We had a, fantastic gig to about 2,000 people (remember this is a boat).
I was in my cabin at 01:45am.
Saturday 21st November 2015
Rock N. Roll Ferry - Stockholm/ Finland
I stayed in bed ‘till 11:00 just as the boat was docking back in Stockholm.
I went for a late breakfast in a special restaurant set out for us.....
We set sail for Finland again.
Another great gig to a packed house. We all ate together afterwards. I was in bed by 00:50.
Friday 11th December 2015
Stayed in bed ‘till 11:30am, packed my case and checked out.
We all drove to Vantaa - checked in the hotel and went for a sound check.
Had a great show with Smokie & Nazareth to about 5,000 people.
After the show we drove straight to Helsinki airport to stay.
Got to bed at 02:30.
Saturday 12th December 2015
I got up when my alarm went off at 06:00am.
Cleaned up and packed to check out.
Flew to Rovaniemi. Tim and myself went straight to the gig to sort the equipment out.
Nazareth & Smokie were stuck in snow somewhere out in the ‘wilds’
Came back to our hotel to clean up.
Another great gig to about 3,000 people.
Mal and myself came straight back to the hotel. I packed my case and was in bed by 22:30.
Thursday 17th December 2015
I was awake at 05:30.
Cleaned up and went for an early breakfast.
I did a great phone interview for WFM Radio for about an hour.
Did some Christmas shopping.
Made my way to the Robin in Bilston....... Had another fantastic night to a full house and lots of friends turned up to the show including My brother Derek and his wife Chris, My nephew Ian and his wife Mel and Dave Hill's sister, Carol.
Brother Derek and his wife Chris drove me to my hotel in Wolverhampton.
I was in bed by 00:30.
Friday 18th December 2015
Woke up at 10.30am had planned to meet some others who were staying in the hotel for breakfast - but this ended up being lunch!
At 14.30 I caught my train from Wolverhampton to Preston.
Saturday 19th December 2015
I stayed in bed ‘till 11:30.
Cleaned up and went downstairs for tea.
Went to the,gig to do the sound check.
Came back to the hotel to relax before going back to the venue.
Great last gig for this year,
H, Jan (his wife) and myself walked back to our hotel.
Had some tea before going to bed at 11:45pm.
I want to thank everyone for their continued support. You never cease to amaze me as to how loyal you all are
THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.
Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year...... see you all in 2016.
XXXXXXXXX Don.XXXXXXXXX
Don's 2016 Gig Reports
Monday 11th January 2016
I have started my analysis regarding my skin problem. At the moment I am covered in little suction pads - hopefully to sort out my allergy. I look like an octopus. There are suction pads all over my back and arms.
I am back to the hospital tomorrow for more tests 'watch this space'.
I have started my analysis regarding my skin problem. At the moment I am covered in little suction pads - hopefully to sort out my allergy. I look like an octopus. There are suction pads all over my back and arms.
I am back to the hospital tomorrow for more tests 'watch this space'.
Tuesday 12th January 2016
I was at the skin hospital at 09:00am this morning.
Spent about 90 mins in a cubicle having sonar treatment and UV treatment pumped into my body......
The way things are going, I’ll be able to supply Blackpool Illuminations.
Wednesday 13th January 2016
I was at the hospital at 09:30am for more skin treatment.
I was stripped off and put in a cubicle like Michael Jackson used to sleep in'
I was there for 1 hour then I had this laser treatment on the top of one of my legs......
NOW I’ve got about a 3” square of, sunburnt skin there, they will do tests on it tomorrow.
Keep you posted......
Friday 15th January 2016
I was at the hospital at 09:00am.
I was told I’ve an allergy to c ertain kinds of plants (only evergreens) and certain perfumes.
They would be more specific next week.......
They did more drawings over my body as to where ‘pads’ were to be stuck on me at some point.
I couldn’t go into my ‘Michael Jackson’ cubicle as some of the tests on my legs were starting to blister, A Doctor was sent for and he ‘froze’ part of my leg, so he could take a biopsy.....
No more tests could be done today ‘cause of my skin condition. I start again on Monday....... LOOK OUT...............
I was at the skin hospital at 09:00am this morning.
Spent about 90 mins in a cubicle having sonar treatment and UV treatment pumped into my body......
The way things are going, I’ll be able to supply Blackpool Illuminations.
Wednesday 13th January 2016
I was at the hospital at 09:30am for more skin treatment.
I was stripped off and put in a cubicle like Michael Jackson used to sleep in'
I was there for 1 hour then I had this laser treatment on the top of one of my legs......
NOW I’ve got about a 3” square of, sunburnt skin there, they will do tests on it tomorrow.
Keep you posted......
Friday 15th January 2016
I was at the hospital at 09:00am.
I was told I’ve an allergy to c ertain kinds of plants (only evergreens) and certain perfumes.
They would be more specific next week.......
They did more drawings over my body as to where ‘pads’ were to be stuck on me at some point.
I couldn’t go into my ‘Michael Jackson’ cubicle as some of the tests on my legs were starting to blister, A Doctor was sent for and he ‘froze’ part of my leg, so he could take a biopsy.....
No more tests could be done today ‘cause of my skin condition. I start again on Monday....... LOOK OUT...............
Saturday 16th January 2016
Drum event in Aarhus
Craig and myself made our way to the Music House in Aarhus..............
Met Soren from the music shop in Aarhus - who was running the event.
I then met all the drummers taking part. Sadly, I couldn’t because of my skin complaint (not allowed to sweat or get too hot....). About a hundred kits were set up for the event.
We all had a great day though, and I was called up on stage to do an interview to everyone..
We all had drinks together at the hotel after the event.
Drum event in Aarhus
Craig and myself made our way to the Music House in Aarhus..............
Met Soren from the music shop in Aarhus - who was running the event.
I then met all the drummers taking part. Sadly, I couldn’t because of my skin complaint (not allowed to sweat or get too hot....). About a hundred kits were set up for the event.
We all had a great day though, and I was called up on stage to do an interview to everyone..
We all had drinks together at the hotel after the event.
Monday 18th January 2016
I was at the ‘Skin’ hospital for 09:30 this morning for the analysis results....
WELL, at last I know...... I’m allergic to the sun and UV rays. Also certain kinds of fabrics. More tests for that ............
So now no sunbathing ever again for me......... I have to totally cover up when I go in the sun. SoI’ve got me a divers suit for such occasions!
Would you believe, I could finally have a shave, shower and wash my hair today. It’s been a week since the hospital allowed me to do that, because of all the, blood and skin tests and drugs I’ve battered my system with.
You should have seen the colour of the water, I almost blocked the drains up! Rocky wouldn’t come near me AND there were dead fly's on my shoulders.....
AT LEAST NOW I KNOW
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I was at the ‘Skin’ hospital for 09:30 this morning for the analysis results....
WELL, at last I know...... I’m allergic to the sun and UV rays. Also certain kinds of fabrics. More tests for that ............
So now no sunbathing ever again for me......... I have to totally cover up when I go in the sun. SoI’ve got me a divers suit for such occasions!
Would you believe, I could finally have a shave, shower and wash my hair today. It’s been a week since the hospital allowed me to do that, because of all the, blood and skin tests and drugs I’ve battered my system with.
You should have seen the colour of the water, I almost blocked the drains up! Rocky wouldn’t come near me AND there were dead fly's on my shoulders.....
AT LEAST NOW I KNOW
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
UPDATE: This week I spent a couple of, hours with the ‘Allergy’ Dr......
This is what he said. Here goes...
NO More sunbathing for me. I’ve got an allergy to the sun's UV rays. Over the last few days I’ve been given a intensive sun ray treatment on a 3” square of my right leg. Sure enough it started to blister after a few days. THEN, the doctor got a ‘drill’ like they use to drill oil, only smaller. Ha! He drilled about a quarter of an inch into my leg where they gave me the sunburn for a sample of skin and ‘gunge’..... that was analysed ...... AND there you have it.... So now it’s stay covered up and wear a hat. ( I’ll get one of ‘H’s).
The doctor's comment is: “ Don’t even think sun”....... I’ve got more tests to do regarding materials I might have an allergy to........ Not out of the ‘wood’ yet.....
UPDATE: This week I spent a couple of, hours with the ‘Allergy’ Dr......
This is what he said. Here goes...
NO More sunbathing for me. I’ve got an allergy to the sun's UV rays. Over the last few days I’ve been given a intensive sun ray treatment on a 3” square of my right leg. Sure enough it started to blister after a few days. THEN, the doctor got a ‘drill’ like they use to drill oil, only smaller. Ha! He drilled about a quarter of an inch into my leg where they gave me the sunburn for a sample of skin and ‘gunge’..... that was analysed ...... AND there you have it.... So now it’s stay covered up and wear a hat. ( I’ll get one of ‘H’s).
The doctor's comment is: “ Don’t even think sun”....... I’ve got more tests to do regarding materials I might have an allergy to........ Not out of the ‘wood’ yet.....
Thursday 28th January 2016
I got up 06:00. Finished packing, met my step-son Andreas and we flew to Manchester and got a train to Liverpool.
Checked into our hotel. Met with Terry McCusker and Brian (who were drummer and singer with a band Chas signed in the 1970’s called Bunny - they toured the UK and Europe with Slade). Also, met Lou Rosenthall who was drummer with Export. (Another band that supported Slade on a UK tour)........ Also, our very own Mal McNulty also joined us for the evening.
We all sat in the hotel bar drinking and eating and reminiscing. Some stories to be kept to ourselves.........
Went to the famous Jackaranda Club in Liverpool and Andreas played and sung onstage. (Andrew Birkin used the name of this club in the 'Slade In Flame' movie).
I was in bed by 00:00.
Friday 29th January 2016
(Don invited to do Questions and Answer session at LIPA - Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts)
I was up 07:00am.
Cleaned up and went for, breakfast, Andreas joined me.
Allison Steadman was also in our hotel......
We went shopping for more DVD’s and CD’s, had lunch before making our way to LIPA. We were sitting having a drink when Ged McKenna joined us (he was the guy interviewing me).
We talked over our interview. Went to a theatre in the Institute to do my interview to about 200 students. We covered the whole spectrum of Slade's career from start to finish...
I was very impressed with Ged’s research. Had a great couple of hours doing the question and answer interview.
I actually met Noddy Holders son (Django) who’s a student there. He had a talk to Andreas, who would also like to attend LIPA.
Andreas and myself went out for dinner and had a relaxing evening.
I got up 06:00. Finished packing, met my step-son Andreas and we flew to Manchester and got a train to Liverpool.
Checked into our hotel. Met with Terry McCusker and Brian (who were drummer and singer with a band Chas signed in the 1970’s called Bunny - they toured the UK and Europe with Slade). Also, met Lou Rosenthall who was drummer with Export. (Another band that supported Slade on a UK tour)........ Also, our very own Mal McNulty also joined us for the evening.
We all sat in the hotel bar drinking and eating and reminiscing. Some stories to be kept to ourselves.........
Went to the famous Jackaranda Club in Liverpool and Andreas played and sung onstage. (Andrew Birkin used the name of this club in the 'Slade In Flame' movie).
I was in bed by 00:00.
Friday 29th January 2016
(Don invited to do Questions and Answer session at LIPA - Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts)
I was up 07:00am.
Cleaned up and went for, breakfast, Andreas joined me.
Allison Steadman was also in our hotel......
We went shopping for more DVD’s and CD’s, had lunch before making our way to LIPA. We were sitting having a drink when Ged McKenna joined us (he was the guy interviewing me).
We talked over our interview. Went to a theatre in the Institute to do my interview to about 200 students. We covered the whole spectrum of Slade's career from start to finish...
I was very impressed with Ged’s research. Had a great couple of hours doing the question and answer interview.
I actually met Noddy Holders son (Django) who’s a student there. He had a talk to Andreas, who would also like to attend LIPA.
Andreas and myself went out for dinner and had a relaxing evening.
Saturday 30th January 2016
(Travel to the Real World Studios in Box, Wiltshire)
I was up 07:30am. Cleaned up and packed, Andreas joined me for breakfast.
We checked out of the hotel to get our train to Bristol.
We tried to liaise with Kevin (Andy Scott's helper) during the journey to the Real World Studios. Found out he’d lost his phone! (Adam, one of Sweet's roadies informed us). BUT Kevin was there to meet us at Bristol station.
We eventually got to ‘Real World’ too late and dark to show Andreas round the place...... we were in bed by 23:30. (The Real World Studios has live-in accommodation).
Sunday 31st January 2016
(Session with Suzi Quatro and Andy Scott)
I was awake 06:00. Cleaned up and we both went for breakfast.....
Spent all day in the rehearsal room with Suzi (Quatro) and Andy going over new songs.....
Gerard Mankowitz (the photographer who did all of Slade's early album covers, our first skinhead shots, and toured with the Rolling Stones on numerous occasions and also Jimmy Hendrix) drove up from Cornwall to take our first group shots of Suzi, Andy and me in the grounds of ‘Real World’. He's a great guy to have in your company...... He actually came out of retirement to take our photos......
We all went out to eat together.
A very long day........ I was in bed at 21:30.
Monday 1st February 2016
(More rehearsing)
I was up at 08:00am, cleaned up and played the rehearsal tapes from yesterday, before we all had breakfast together.....
Had another great day rehearsing. We decided to all eat together at the studio. The others went out to the pub. Andreas and myself stayed in our room watching TV.
I was in bed by 21:30.
(Travel to the Real World Studios in Box, Wiltshire)
I was up 07:30am. Cleaned up and packed, Andreas joined me for breakfast.
We checked out of the hotel to get our train to Bristol.
We tried to liaise with Kevin (Andy Scott's helper) during the journey to the Real World Studios. Found out he’d lost his phone! (Adam, one of Sweet's roadies informed us). BUT Kevin was there to meet us at Bristol station.
We eventually got to ‘Real World’ too late and dark to show Andreas round the place...... we were in bed by 23:30. (The Real World Studios has live-in accommodation).
Sunday 31st January 2016
(Session with Suzi Quatro and Andy Scott)
I was awake 06:00. Cleaned up and we both went for breakfast.....
Spent all day in the rehearsal room with Suzi (Quatro) and Andy going over new songs.....
Gerard Mankowitz (the photographer who did all of Slade's early album covers, our first skinhead shots, and toured with the Rolling Stones on numerous occasions and also Jimmy Hendrix) drove up from Cornwall to take our first group shots of Suzi, Andy and me in the grounds of ‘Real World’. He's a great guy to have in your company...... He actually came out of retirement to take our photos......
We all went out to eat together.
A very long day........ I was in bed at 21:30.
Monday 1st February 2016
(More rehearsing)
I was up at 08:00am, cleaned up and played the rehearsal tapes from yesterday, before we all had breakfast together.....
Had another great day rehearsing. We decided to all eat together at the studio. The others went out to the pub. Andreas and myself stayed in our room watching TV.
I was in bed by 21:30.
(Don behind the miixing desk at Real World - working, while Andy and Suzi were doing overdubs - photo Kevin Smith).
Tuesday 2nd February 2016
(Recording)
I was up 07:30am, cleaned up to go for breakfast and our first day in the ‘BIG’ studio...... We had a great day recording two new songs... What a fantastic studio......
We all ate together at the studio before more recording.
I was in bed by 22:00.
Wednesday 3rd February 2016
(Overdubs)
I was awake at 07:30am.
Cleaned up and packed (our last day) we all had breakfast together.
Spent nearly all day doing overdubs and percussion before Andreas and myself caught the train to Bath. Andreas made his way to Heathrow for his flight.
I made my way by train to Bognor Regis by train (where Slade are playing on Friday night)......................... WHAT A FANTASTIC FEW DAYS........ Peter Gabriel you have a fantastic studio set up.......
Checked in my hotel in Bognor Regis and was in bed by 21:30.
Thursday 4th February 2016
I stayed in bed ‘till 08:00.
Cleaned up, didn’t bother with breakfast.
Made my way to town..... No DVD shops. I ended up catching the train to Worthing and went berserk in HMV.
Relaxed back in my hotel and was in bed by 20:00.
Friday 5th February 2016
(Butlins Bognor)
I was up 09:30. Made tea in my room and cleaned up.
Went into Bognor for my breakfast (too late at the hotel).
Decided to make my way to Butlins, I was feeling fit, SO, I walked there (not far). As I was going through the gate who should I hear calling me from their car, but Dave Kemp with his friends, who were arriving for a crazy weekend....
After they parked up, I met them all for a quick drink......
Met all the band there. We did our sound check and relaxed before the show.....
A great sold out crowd and a great gig......
Drove back to our hotel with H. I was in bed by 23:30.
Saturday 6th February 2016
I was up 06:30. Cleaned up and packed before breakfast.
Checked out to make my way home...................
(Recording)
I was up 07:30am, cleaned up to go for breakfast and our first day in the ‘BIG’ studio...... We had a great day recording two new songs... What a fantastic studio......
We all ate together at the studio before more recording.
I was in bed by 22:00.
Wednesday 3rd February 2016
(Overdubs)
I was awake at 07:30am.
Cleaned up and packed (our last day) we all had breakfast together.
Spent nearly all day doing overdubs and percussion before Andreas and myself caught the train to Bath. Andreas made his way to Heathrow for his flight.
I made my way by train to Bognor Regis by train (where Slade are playing on Friday night)......................... WHAT A FANTASTIC FEW DAYS........ Peter Gabriel you have a fantastic studio set up.......
Checked in my hotel in Bognor Regis and was in bed by 21:30.
Thursday 4th February 2016
I stayed in bed ‘till 08:00.
Cleaned up, didn’t bother with breakfast.
Made my way to town..... No DVD shops. I ended up catching the train to Worthing and went berserk in HMV.
Relaxed back in my hotel and was in bed by 20:00.
Friday 5th February 2016
(Butlins Bognor)
I was up 09:30. Made tea in my room and cleaned up.
Went into Bognor for my breakfast (too late at the hotel).
Decided to make my way to Butlins, I was feeling fit, SO, I walked there (not far). As I was going through the gate who should I hear calling me from their car, but Dave Kemp with his friends, who were arriving for a crazy weekend....
After they parked up, I met them all for a quick drink......
Met all the band there. We did our sound check and relaxed before the show.....
A great sold out crowd and a great gig......
Drove back to our hotel with H. I was in bed by 23:30.
Saturday 6th February 2016
I was up 06:30. Cleaned up and packed before breakfast.
Checked out to make my way home...................
Thursday 25th February 2016
I was awake 07:00, took Rocky for his walk.
Finished my packing to make my way to the Airport.
I flew to Stockholm. Met uo with the others and Sweet, Smokie and Slade drove to Orebro to check in our hotel.
Met our good friend, Promoter Thomas. We all checked in our hotel and eat together.
I was in bedby 11:00pm.
Friday 26 February 2016
Gig in Orebro, Sweden
I stayed in bed until 09:00.
Made tea in my room and cleaned up.
Met Tim, Robin and Toots (backline guy). We all drove to the gig.
Spent the afternoon there, did our sound check and stayed as we were on first.....
We had a great gig to about 3,000 people. We all eat at the gig before driving back to our hotel.
I was in bed by 21:30.
Saturday 27 February 2016
Gig in Leksand, Sweden
I was awake by 06:45.
Cleaned up and packed, checked out of the hotel and drove for about two and a half hours to Leksand.
Checked in our hotel, I went straight away with Tim and Robin to sort my drums out. Did our sound check, THEN I did Smokie’s sound check for singer Mike Craft as no-one else was there.....
We played an Ice Hockey Stadium to about 3,000 people.
Another great show, we all eat at the venue again before making our way back to our hotel.
I was in bed by 22:00.
Sunday 28 February 2016
I was awake at 06:45.
Cleaned up, packed and went for breakfast.
Checked out of the hotel and drove to Stockholm airport to fly home.....
Friday 11th March 2016
Travelled all day to Aalborg, Denmark.
Checked in the hotel. Because of the hotel situation, we had to send out for food.... Lovely take-away of, salmon and vegetables.
I was in bed by 20:00pm.
Saturday 12th March 2016
I was awake 07:00. cleaned up and went for breakfast.... Everyone else came down one by one.
I went to the gig early with backline guy ‘Toots’ (12:00 noon sound check). Sorted my drums out, the others arrived for us to do our sound check.
Sweet and Slade were filmed by a Danish TV programme.
We all had lunch together and relaxed before a fantastic show to 3,200 people..... What a great crowd.....
I was in bed by 00:15.
Sunday 13th March 2016
I was up at 08:00, cleaned up and packed before breakfast,
Checked out of the hotel to travel home.........
GREAT GIG..... GREAT CROWD.....
Travelled all day to Aalborg, Denmark.
Checked in the hotel. Because of the hotel situation, we had to send out for food.... Lovely take-away of, salmon and vegetables.
I was in bed by 20:00pm.
Saturday 12th March 2016
I was awake 07:00. cleaned up and went for breakfast.... Everyone else came down one by one.
I went to the gig early with backline guy ‘Toots’ (12:00 noon sound check). Sorted my drums out, the others arrived for us to do our sound check.
Sweet and Slade were filmed by a Danish TV programme.
We all had lunch together and relaxed before a fantastic show to 3,200 people..... What a great crowd.....
I was in bed by 00:15.
Sunday 13th March 2016
I was up at 08:00, cleaned up and packed before breakfast,
Checked out of the hotel to travel home.........
GREAT GIG..... GREAT CROWD.....
Wednesday 16th March 2016
I stayed at the Radisson Hotel in London. I was in bed by 00:15.
I had a panic earlier, I couldn’t find my mobile anywhere. I searched my room over and over and went down to reception in case I left it there when I checked in. No luck.
Went back to my room. It was on the top of the mini-bar!........
Thursday 17th March 2016
I was awake 07:00am. I cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Patrick McGoohan was also in the breakfast room. He came over to speak, I said “Can’t you see I’m busy” . Ha........
I caught the train to Skegness and checked into my hotel....
I went into town shopping. Got the CD’s of, ZZ Top ‘The Very Badest’ and ‘Andy Fairweather Lowe and the Lowriders'.....‘Zone- O- Tone'.
Caught the bus back to my hotel and relaxed with a ‘cream-tea’.
I was in bed by 22:45pm.
Friday 18th March 2016
I was up at 07:30, and went for breakfast.....
Came back to my room to clean up.... Made my way to Butlin’s, did the sound check.
Had a, great gig to a ‘packed’ house. H and myself drove back to our hotel. I was in bed by 23:45pm.
Saturday 19th March 2016
I was awake at 07:00am, cleaned up. H and myself had breakfast together.
Checked out and caught the train to Stansted with dear friend Dougie and his wife.
At one station on the way, a young lady went to go for her suitcase..... It had been taken by mistake by someone else who had got off the the train!
Spent the afternoon in the West-End shopping for loads and loads of more DVD’s and CD’s...... Was going to stay there and catch a film....... Couldn’t find anything worthwhile... ( ‘Slade In Flame’ wasn’t on anywhere....)
Came back to relax in my hotel. I was in bed by 20:45.
I stayed at the Radisson Hotel in London. I was in bed by 00:15.
I had a panic earlier, I couldn’t find my mobile anywhere. I searched my room over and over and went down to reception in case I left it there when I checked in. No luck.
Went back to my room. It was on the top of the mini-bar!........
Thursday 17th March 2016
I was awake 07:00am. I cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Patrick McGoohan was also in the breakfast room. He came over to speak, I said “Can’t you see I’m busy” . Ha........
I caught the train to Skegness and checked into my hotel....
I went into town shopping. Got the CD’s of, ZZ Top ‘The Very Badest’ and ‘Andy Fairweather Lowe and the Lowriders'.....‘Zone- O- Tone'.
Caught the bus back to my hotel and relaxed with a ‘cream-tea’.
I was in bed by 22:45pm.
Friday 18th March 2016
I was up at 07:30, and went for breakfast.....
Came back to my room to clean up.... Made my way to Butlin’s, did the sound check.
Had a, great gig to a ‘packed’ house. H and myself drove back to our hotel. I was in bed by 23:45pm.
Saturday 19th March 2016
I was awake at 07:00am, cleaned up. H and myself had breakfast together.
Checked out and caught the train to Stansted with dear friend Dougie and his wife.
At one station on the way, a young lady went to go for her suitcase..... It had been taken by mistake by someone else who had got off the the train!
Spent the afternoon in the West-End shopping for loads and loads of more DVD’s and CD’s...... Was going to stay there and catch a film....... Couldn’t find anything worthwhile... ( ‘Slade In Flame’ wasn’t on anywhere....)
Came back to relax in my hotel. I was in bed by 20:45.
Thursday 19th May
Made my way to Bath and checked in my hotel. Had a walk round the city before going to bed 22:15.
Friday 20th May
I was awake at 06:30, cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Made my way into Bath and found HMV.... Got almost everything on my shopping list. On my way back to my hotel a pigeon did his business all over my shoulder... Thinking it was good luck, I went and got a lottery ticket (later that evening I got the results - NOTHING.....).
Kevin picked me up and we drove to the Kings Arms (they’re the organisers with ‘Grubby and Andy). We drove to meet Suzi Quatro and Andy Scott, roadie Adam, Damien... We all had fantastic evening, eating and drinking. Kevin drove me back to my hotel, I was in bed 23:00.....
Saturday 21st May
I was awake at 06:15. I cleaned up and went and sorted my Lottery tickets out before Kevin picked me up to have breakfast at Andy and Jane’s..... We drove to the concert site. It looked fantastic. One by one the artists turned up..... 10CC.. Suzi.. Big Country..Marmalade... Fish... Hamish Stuart from the Average White Band... Chris Thompson from Manfred Mann’s Earth Band... and the SAS band.
I had a great time with Sandy from Marmalade reminiscing......
A great time was had by all backstage. NO EGO’s at all.....
5,000 people were in the audience, fantastic they were too.... standing in the pouring rain all day.
I got up and played drums with Suzi’s band and played ‘Mama We’re All Crazee Now’ with the SAS band...... Mark Brzezicki, drummer with Big Country, paid me a really flattering compliment, saying “You’re one of the best Rock drummers around”.
We all had a fantastic day..... Kevin drove me back to my hotel. I was in bed by 01:30......
WHAT A FANTASTIC WEEKEND.
Made my way to Bath and checked in my hotel. Had a walk round the city before going to bed 22:15.
Friday 20th May
I was awake at 06:30, cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Made my way into Bath and found HMV.... Got almost everything on my shopping list. On my way back to my hotel a pigeon did his business all over my shoulder... Thinking it was good luck, I went and got a lottery ticket (later that evening I got the results - NOTHING.....).
Kevin picked me up and we drove to the Kings Arms (they’re the organisers with ‘Grubby and Andy). We drove to meet Suzi Quatro and Andy Scott, roadie Adam, Damien... We all had fantastic evening, eating and drinking. Kevin drove me back to my hotel, I was in bed 23:00.....
Saturday 21st May
I was awake at 06:15. I cleaned up and went and sorted my Lottery tickets out before Kevin picked me up to have breakfast at Andy and Jane’s..... We drove to the concert site. It looked fantastic. One by one the artists turned up..... 10CC.. Suzi.. Big Country..Marmalade... Fish... Hamish Stuart from the Average White Band... Chris Thompson from Manfred Mann’s Earth Band... and the SAS band.
I had a great time with Sandy from Marmalade reminiscing......
A great time was had by all backstage. NO EGO’s at all.....
5,000 people were in the audience, fantastic they were too.... standing in the pouring rain all day.
I got up and played drums with Suzi’s band and played ‘Mama We’re All Crazee Now’ with the SAS band...... Mark Brzezicki, drummer with Big Country, paid me a really flattering compliment, saying “You’re one of the best Rock drummers around”.
We all had a fantastic day..... Kevin drove me back to my hotel. I was in bed by 01:30......
WHAT A FANTASTIC WEEKEND.
Tuesday 14th June
Six monthly Writers and Scribblers Rock Star's Lunch in Barnes
I was awake, 06:00.
Cleaned up and went for, breakfast before making my way to the restaurant in Barnes. I was first there.
One by one everyone arrived. Had a fantastic afternoon. I sat on a, table with Andy Scott.....
At the end, when almost everyone had left, Nod, Andy, Ed Bicknell and myself sat round a table for about another hour talking and laughing with ‘business’ stories.????? (The meal was on the day before Nod's 70th birthday).
I eventually left with Tom McGuiness (Manfred Mann & The Blues Band). Another fantastic day.............
Saturday 18th June
I went to the, gig in ‘Gram’ Denmark. Got there early to check my drums before everyone came for our sound check.....
Relaxed before a fantastic gig to about 5,000 people in a big marquee in the grounds of a massive estate.
Had a lovely relaxing day, met lots of old friends, chatted for hours with them all.
Six monthly Writers and Scribblers Rock Star's Lunch in Barnes
I was awake, 06:00.
Cleaned up and went for, breakfast before making my way to the restaurant in Barnes. I was first there.
One by one everyone arrived. Had a fantastic afternoon. I sat on a, table with Andy Scott.....
At the end, when almost everyone had left, Nod, Andy, Ed Bicknell and myself sat round a table for about another hour talking and laughing with ‘business’ stories.????? (The meal was on the day before Nod's 70th birthday).
I eventually left with Tom McGuiness (Manfred Mann & The Blues Band). Another fantastic day.............
Saturday 18th June
I went to the, gig in ‘Gram’ Denmark. Got there early to check my drums before everyone came for our sound check.....
Relaxed before a fantastic gig to about 5,000 people in a big marquee in the grounds of a massive estate.
Had a lovely relaxing day, met lots of old friends, chatted for hours with them all.
Friday 24th June
We all eventually got to Amsterdam after many delayed flights. Checked in our hotel much much later than expected.
Mal and myself had tea, I was in bed by midnight.
Saturday 25th June
I was awake at 07:30.
Made tea, and started to clean up. Got my stage things together and went for breakfast.
I sat talking to, Holly Johnson from Frankie Goes To Hollywood and his agent Nikki who happens to be married to Nick Van Eede - who Chas Chandler used to manage during the late ‘70’s. He was solo then, he toured Poland with Slade and also the UK. He always wanted to be part of a band.But Chas said NO. He left Chas, formed a band (Cutting Crew) and went to No. 1 in the States twice ( I think.).
‘WET, WET, WET. were top of the bill. (No-one saw them about in the backstage area at all).
I went to the gig with Tim and Robin..... We had a, great afternoon gig to about 4,000 people.
Came back to our hotel and Mal and myself ate together. I was in bed by 21:30.
We all eventually got to Amsterdam after many delayed flights. Checked in our hotel much much later than expected.
Mal and myself had tea, I was in bed by midnight.
Saturday 25th June
I was awake at 07:30.
Made tea, and started to clean up. Got my stage things together and went for breakfast.
I sat talking to, Holly Johnson from Frankie Goes To Hollywood and his agent Nikki who happens to be married to Nick Van Eede - who Chas Chandler used to manage during the late ‘70’s. He was solo then, he toured Poland with Slade and also the UK. He always wanted to be part of a band.But Chas said NO. He left Chas, formed a band (Cutting Crew) and went to No. 1 in the States twice ( I think.).
‘WET, WET, WET. were top of the bill. (No-one saw them about in the backstage area at all).
I went to the gig with Tim and Robin..... We had a, great afternoon gig to about 4,000 people.
Came back to our hotel and Mal and myself ate together. I was in bed by 21:30.
Saturday 2nd July 2016
Concert in Budelsdorf, Germany
I was up by 08:00, cleaned up and went for breakfast.
I then went to the festival site (25Km away) with Robin and Adam (Sweet's roadie, he was helping us out as Tim is on holiday).
Sorted all my equipment out, I stayed at the site....
Spent time in the catering area chatting to Mark King (Level 42) they were also on the show. Also, Jimmy Somerville, (he’s smaller than H).
We had a, great afternoon slot. Great gig, very enthusiastic 7,500 crowd....
Came back to our hotel straight away, relaxed there and watched part of the Germany V Portugal game ( I said part...I went to bed 22:00).
GREAT GIG...............
Concert in Budelsdorf, Germany
I was up by 08:00, cleaned up and went for breakfast.
I then went to the festival site (25Km away) with Robin and Adam (Sweet's roadie, he was helping us out as Tim is on holiday).
Sorted all my equipment out, I stayed at the site....
Spent time in the catering area chatting to Mark King (Level 42) they were also on the show. Also, Jimmy Somerville, (he’s smaller than H).
We had a, great afternoon slot. Great gig, very enthusiastic 7,500 crowd....
Came back to our hotel straight away, relaxed there and watched part of the Germany V Portugal game ( I said part...I went to bed 22:00).
GREAT GIG...............
Friday 8th July 2016
Concert in Berlin, Germany
Met Davey Johnston, Elton Johns guitarist in Heathrow Terminal 5. He came over to say hello, saying: “It’s been a long time since Sydney in 1974” (Elton John and all of his band came to our show at Ranwick Race Course to 60,000 people).
Elton was ‘raving’ after the show saying: “ I can’t understand why you haven’t made it in America”.
We had a great gig to about 1,000 people near Berlin.
We then drove straight after the show to Frankfurt (Oder). Checked in our hotel, I was in bed by 00:30.
Saturday 9th July 2016
Concert in Oder, Frankfurt, Germany
I was awake by 07:00am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
H, myself and Abbie had a meeting about Slade maybe touring Australia again.....
I went to the gig with Robin & Brendon (Smokie’s roadie on loan) to sort my drums out. We did our sound-check. Met the East 17 guys who were also on the show. They were great guys.
We had a great show to about 5,000 people.
Mal, H and myself came back to our hotel. I was in bed by 00:30.
Friday 15th July 2016
Concert in Hasslo, Sweden
I went to the gig with Robin and Tim. Spent all day there.
Sweet opened the show as they had to race off straight after. Smokie were also on the show.
We had a great gig to about 5,000 people.
Saturday 16th July 2016
'Beach Party' Duisburg, Germany
I was up at 06:30.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast....
We all drove to Hasslo.
I went straight to the gig with Robin & Tim. Spent nearly an hour sorting my drums out. STILL, we had a great show to about 5,000 people...
Straight back to the hotel. I was in bed by 11:30.
Concert in Berlin, Germany
Met Davey Johnston, Elton Johns guitarist in Heathrow Terminal 5. He came over to say hello, saying: “It’s been a long time since Sydney in 1974” (Elton John and all of his band came to our show at Ranwick Race Course to 60,000 people).
Elton was ‘raving’ after the show saying: “ I can’t understand why you haven’t made it in America”.
We had a great gig to about 1,000 people near Berlin.
We then drove straight after the show to Frankfurt (Oder). Checked in our hotel, I was in bed by 00:30.
Saturday 9th July 2016
Concert in Oder, Frankfurt, Germany
I was awake by 07:00am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
H, myself and Abbie had a meeting about Slade maybe touring Australia again.....
I went to the gig with Robin & Brendon (Smokie’s roadie on loan) to sort my drums out. We did our sound-check. Met the East 17 guys who were also on the show. They were great guys.
We had a great show to about 5,000 people.
Mal, H and myself came back to our hotel. I was in bed by 00:30.
Friday 15th July 2016
Concert in Hasslo, Sweden
I went to the gig with Robin and Tim. Spent all day there.
Sweet opened the show as they had to race off straight after. Smokie were also on the show.
We had a great gig to about 5,000 people.
Saturday 16th July 2016
'Beach Party' Duisburg, Germany
I was up at 06:30.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast....
We all drove to Hasslo.
I went straight to the gig with Robin & Tim. Spent nearly an hour sorting my drums out. STILL, we had a great show to about 5,000 people...
Straight back to the hotel. I was in bed by 11:30.
aturday 30th July 2016
I was up at 07:30. Cleaned up and went for tea....
We all had lunch together before I went to the gig with Robin and Tim to sort my drums out...
We had a great gig to about 1,700 people. The drummer in the support band was SO nervous he came to speak to me to ask if I was the same in the early days.... I said “ Of course I was, it’s a natural thing.” I don’t think that helped him though! He was shaking and dropping sticks throughout their show, I did feel sorry for him..... We’ve all been there. The times I played with my head down during those early days!....
10CC were also on the show.... I sat with, them all for a while having tea and cake.... We’ve been mates since we toured with them in the States during the ‘70’s... When we toured with them in the ‘70’s They were No 1 with “ I’m Not In Love”. Kiss were top of the bill, we were second and 10CC were third..... strange...............
I was driven back to the hotel after the show and was in bed by 23:30....
Sunday 31st July 2016
I was awake at 04:30, cleaned up and packed. We had a fantastic luxury coach to drive us to Herrenberg in Germany... Our journey was about 9 hours.....
I went straight to the gig with Robin and Tim to sort my drums out....
The gig was called “ Rock Of Ages” is an annual gig, we have played there before.
About 5,000 people attended, we had a fantastic gig.............. Barclay James Harvest were also on the show.
I didn’t see them as I was SO tired. I went straight back to the hotel and was in bed by 21:50.
I was up at 07:30. Cleaned up and went for tea....
We all had lunch together before I went to the gig with Robin and Tim to sort my drums out...
We had a great gig to about 1,700 people. The drummer in the support band was SO nervous he came to speak to me to ask if I was the same in the early days.... I said “ Of course I was, it’s a natural thing.” I don’t think that helped him though! He was shaking and dropping sticks throughout their show, I did feel sorry for him..... We’ve all been there. The times I played with my head down during those early days!....
10CC were also on the show.... I sat with, them all for a while having tea and cake.... We’ve been mates since we toured with them in the States during the ‘70’s... When we toured with them in the ‘70’s They were No 1 with “ I’m Not In Love”. Kiss were top of the bill, we were second and 10CC were third..... strange...............
I was driven back to the hotel after the show and was in bed by 23:30....
Sunday 31st July 2016
I was awake at 04:30, cleaned up and packed. We had a fantastic luxury coach to drive us to Herrenberg in Germany... Our journey was about 9 hours.....
I went straight to the gig with Robin and Tim to sort my drums out....
The gig was called “ Rock Of Ages” is an annual gig, we have played there before.
About 5,000 people attended, we had a fantastic gig.............. Barclay James Harvest were also on the show.
I didn’t see them as I was SO tired. I went straight back to the hotel and was in bed by 21:50.
Friday 5th August 2016
Gig in Skansen, Stockholm, Sweden
I got up when my alarm went off at 08:00.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast......
I went with, Robin and Tim to the gig to sort my drums out.
Spent all day there, had tea with the Sweet and Smokie guys.
As we were on first, our sound check last. We had a GREAT show to about 2,000 people....
‘H’ and myself were taken back to the hotel more or less straight away. I was in bed by, 21:00.
Gig in Skansen, Stockholm, Sweden
I got up when my alarm went off at 08:00.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast......
I went with, Robin and Tim to the gig to sort my drums out.
Spent all day there, had tea with the Sweet and Smokie guys.
As we were on first, our sound check last. We had a GREAT show to about 2,000 people....
‘H’ and myself were taken back to the hotel more or less straight away. I was in bed by, 21:00.
Friday 12th August 2016 Tallinn, Estonia
I was out of bed 10:00. Cleaned up and went for tea.
Went to the gig with Robin and Tim. Sorted all the equipment out and waited for the others to arrive to do our sound check.
Came back to the hotel to relax before the gig.
Went back to the venue, had a great open air show to about 1'700 people…… No Rain.
Drove back to the hotel and was in bed by 23:00.
Saturday 13th August 2016 Kuressaare, Estonia
I was up 06:30. Cleaned up and packed to drive to Kuressaare.
Checked in our hotel, I went to the gig with Robin and Tim.
A beautiful setting with the stage right in front of a castle. There was a tree right in front of the stage, a few feet away from Mal!
Did our sound check, went back to the hotel to relax. Went back to the gig already changed, we went straight on stage.
A great show to about 3'000 people.
H, John Berry and myself drove straight back to the hotel. I was in bed by 23:45.
Saturday 20th August 2016 Harstad, Norway
We flew to Harstad and was met at the airport….. (damaged suitcase again!)
Went straight to the gig with Robin and Tim to sort my drums out.
Did the, sound check, came back to our hotel. H and myself had a walk round the harbour before leaving for the gig.
A great crowd of about 3,000 people, at an open air show,….. just as we came off stage, it started to pour with rain!
Got back to our hotel, I was in bed by 12:00 midnight.
I was out of bed 10:00. Cleaned up and went for tea.
Went to the gig with Robin and Tim. Sorted all the equipment out and waited for the others to arrive to do our sound check.
Came back to the hotel to relax before the gig.
Went back to the venue, had a great open air show to about 1'700 people…… No Rain.
Drove back to the hotel and was in bed by 23:00.
Saturday 13th August 2016 Kuressaare, Estonia
I was up 06:30. Cleaned up and packed to drive to Kuressaare.
Checked in our hotel, I went to the gig with Robin and Tim.
A beautiful setting with the stage right in front of a castle. There was a tree right in front of the stage, a few feet away from Mal!
Did our sound check, went back to the hotel to relax. Went back to the gig already changed, we went straight on stage.
A great show to about 3'000 people.
H, John Berry and myself drove straight back to the hotel. I was in bed by 23:45.
Saturday 20th August 2016 Harstad, Norway
We flew to Harstad and was met at the airport….. (damaged suitcase again!)
Went straight to the gig with Robin and Tim to sort my drums out.
Did the, sound check, came back to our hotel. H and myself had a walk round the harbour before leaving for the gig.
A great crowd of about 3,000 people, at an open air show,….. just as we came off stage, it started to pour with rain!
Got back to our hotel, I was in bed by 12:00 midnight.
Friday 2nd September 2016
I was awake at 08:30, made tea and cleaned up.
Met everyone in the breakfast room.
I went to the gig with, Robin and Tim. Friedhelm was also there - he used to drive us everywhere a few years ago when we played Germany….
Spent most of the afternoon at the gig. After our sound check, we relaxed back at the hotel.
We all changed in our rooms, so we could go straight on stage for our show.
A, great show to about 3'000 people….. Lots of flies on stage !!!!!!!!!
I was in bed by 00:30.
Saturday 3rd September 2016
I was awake just before my alarm clock went off at 07:00.
Cleaned up and packed before breakfast. We all checked out and drove a few hours to Oldenburg.
I went to the gig with Tim and Robin to sort my drums out.
I arranged to meet Dethy and Anke, his wife, If I can explain: some time ago, I did some recordings with a German band and Dethy is the lead guitarist. Christian, their keyboard player' was also there. It was great to see them……We recorded ‘C’mon Feel The Noize.’Together. We also filmed the recording session.
We had a great show. I was in bed by 23:30
I was awake at 08:30, made tea and cleaned up.
Met everyone in the breakfast room.
I went to the gig with, Robin and Tim. Friedhelm was also there - he used to drive us everywhere a few years ago when we played Germany….
Spent most of the afternoon at the gig. After our sound check, we relaxed back at the hotel.
We all changed in our rooms, so we could go straight on stage for our show.
A, great show to about 3'000 people….. Lots of flies on stage !!!!!!!!!
I was in bed by 00:30.
Saturday 3rd September 2016
I was awake just before my alarm clock went off at 07:00.
Cleaned up and packed before breakfast. We all checked out and drove a few hours to Oldenburg.
I went to the gig with Tim and Robin to sort my drums out.
I arranged to meet Dethy and Anke, his wife, If I can explain: some time ago, I did some recordings with a German band and Dethy is the lead guitarist. Christian, their keyboard player' was also there. It was great to see them……We recorded ‘C’mon Feel The Noize.’Together. We also filmed the recording session.
We had a great show. I was in bed by 23:30
Saturday 24th September 2016
Gig at Butlins Bognor
I was awake at 7 :00, Made tea and cleaned up….
I went back into Bognor to do the lottery and get a new touring jacket…..
I then went to Chichester to get DVD’s…. Got the bus back to Bognor, when I got on the bus to pay….. The driver winked at me and did the Slade fist and didn’t charge me…Ha Ha.
I made my way to Butlin’s sorted my drums out with Jon ‘Now Hire’…. The others arrived and we did our Sound check.
Would you believe The Osmonds were also on earlier…. They consisted of Jimmy Osmond (not so little), Jay Osmond (great drummer) and Merrill Osmond..... They have great voices….. I watched some of their show before going to their dressing room to finish the pizza they had left!….. I think they had already eaten about 10….
We had a great show to a VERY packed house….. Fantastic crowd.
H and myself drove back to our hotel together. I was in bed by 23:45……
Gig at Butlins Bognor
I was awake at 7 :00, Made tea and cleaned up….
I went back into Bognor to do the lottery and get a new touring jacket…..
I then went to Chichester to get DVD’s…. Got the bus back to Bognor, when I got on the bus to pay….. The driver winked at me and did the Slade fist and didn’t charge me…Ha Ha.
I made my way to Butlin’s sorted my drums out with Jon ‘Now Hire’…. The others arrived and we did our Sound check.
Would you believe The Osmonds were also on earlier…. They consisted of Jimmy Osmond (not so little), Jay Osmond (great drummer) and Merrill Osmond..... They have great voices….. I watched some of their show before going to their dressing room to finish the pizza they had left!….. I think they had already eaten about 10….
We had a great show to a VERY packed house….. Fantastic crowd.
H and myself drove back to our hotel together. I was in bed by 23:45……
Friday 7th October 2016
Gig at Butlins Minehead
I was awake at 07:00am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Suzi called me from Lithuania, where she was gigging, to say some paper in Australia had put it out that QSP was her band.... She put them right that it was an equal situation between ‘Quattro, Scott & Powell’.
I made my way into town, it’s full of café’s and charity shops. Mind you, some years back, I got two Slade albums from Oxfam - “Old New Borrowed And Blue” and “ Nobody’s Fools” - I knocked them down from £2:00 to £1:50 cash….. for both.
I made my way to Butlin’s to sort my drums out. It was only Mal, John and myself who did our sound check. H stayed in the hotel….
I went back to the hotel. H told me about Jim Lea having a write up in the Wolverhampton, Express & Star as to how great he was and a genius. H and myself were laughing like Herbert Lom (Inspector Drefuss in the Pink Panther films).
We left for the gig. A fantastic gig to a sold out crowd. Adam, Sweet's roadie was there (they play tomorrow).
H and myself made our way back to our hotel. I was in bed by 23:50.
Tuesday 11th October 2016
I had a call from an Australian reporter for an interview about “Quatro, Scott & Powell” touring there next year. We spoke for about 20 minutes.
Apparently there’s a “Buzz” about us down under ……………………
Gig at Butlins Minehead
I was awake at 07:00am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Suzi called me from Lithuania, where she was gigging, to say some paper in Australia had put it out that QSP was her band.... She put them right that it was an equal situation between ‘Quattro, Scott & Powell’.
I made my way into town, it’s full of café’s and charity shops. Mind you, some years back, I got two Slade albums from Oxfam - “Old New Borrowed And Blue” and “ Nobody’s Fools” - I knocked them down from £2:00 to £1:50 cash….. for both.
I made my way to Butlin’s to sort my drums out. It was only Mal, John and myself who did our sound check. H stayed in the hotel….
I went back to the hotel. H told me about Jim Lea having a write up in the Wolverhampton, Express & Star as to how great he was and a genius. H and myself were laughing like Herbert Lom (Inspector Drefuss in the Pink Panther films).
We left for the gig. A fantastic gig to a sold out crowd. Adam, Sweet's roadie was there (they play tomorrow).
H and myself made our way back to our hotel. I was in bed by 23:50.
Tuesday 11th October 2016
I had a call from an Australian reporter for an interview about “Quatro, Scott & Powell” touring there next year. We spoke for about 20 minutes.
Apparently there’s a “Buzz” about us down under ……………………
Thursday 13th October 2016
I was up at 07:00, cleaned up and caught the train to, Gt Yarmouth. Arranged with John Berry to give me a lift to Robin's on Saturday to sort my drums out.
Checked in my hotel. Did a fantastic phone interview for about an hour for a, local newspaper…He was raving about our Web-Site where he found out a lot of information. Dave Kemp called me to say Suzi Quatro's Fan Club had been on to him about using some of our site material on Suzi’s.
I went for tea in the hotel restaurant and unbelievably Graham Nash and David Crosby’s son (looks exactly like his Father) were there. I introduced myself and told Graham we played twice with the Hollies in the early ‘60’s (when he was still with them).
I reminded him when they released the George Harrison song “If I Needed Someone” they only did it to get a hit. (everybody who recorded a Beatle song in those days was guaranteed a hit). He gave me a ‘limp’ handshake and said: “small world isn’t it?" and walked off! HA, HA…... I was in bed by 22.00
Friday 14th October 2016
I woke at 09:15, made tea and started to clean up. Went for breakfast. The I had a walk around town. Made my way to the gig to sort my drums out with Jon Overton. The others arrived and we did our sound check.
H and myself made our way back to our hotel and we ate together…… John Berry called to say he and Robin would have breakfast in our hotel tomorrow with us.
We had a great gig……. H and myself made our way back to our hotel. I was in bed by 01:15.
Saturday 15th October 2016
I was up at 05:45. Cleaned up and packed, went for breakfast. John and Robin came to our hotel for breakfast. I drove with them to Robin's place. Spent a couple of hours checking my drums over. Robin then drove me to check in the Radisson Hotel at Stansted Airport. I was in bed by 22:00
Sunday 16th October 2016
I was awake at 07:30. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Collected my £120:00 lottery winnings!!… Relaxed all day and played the QSP rehearsal tapes a lot… I was in bed by. 20:00.
Monday 17th October 2016
I was awake at 06:00. Cleaned up and packed, went for, breakfast. Andy Scott picked me up, we drove to Stag rehearsal studios near Suzi's place. We rehearsed all day, we all went out to eat together… Stayed the night at her place.
Tuesday 18th October 2016
I was awake at 07:00. Cleaned up and packed. Met everyone downstairs for breakfast. Drove to Stag rehearsal studios to spend the day rehearsing again. I packed Adam’s (Sweets roadie) drums away before Andy drove me to the Radisson Hotel at Stansted Airport.
I eat in the Airport Terminal and was in bed by 20:20.
Wednesday 19th October 2016
I was awake at 05:00. Cleaned up, packed and went for breakfast.
Checked out of the hotel and made my way to the Terminal.
Checked in for my flight to Prague. Relaxed in the lounge. Nice flight to Prague…. Pavel Tesar, the promoter, met me and we drove for about 2 hours to Brno. Checked into our hotel, we ate there together. He left for his office, I drank MORE tea and was in bed by 21:45.
Thursday 20th October 2016
Stayed in bed ‘till 10:00.
Went for tea. Met H and Abbie (some of the others had been delayed for 4hrs at Heathrow). Went to the gig with Robin and Alex Harris (standing in for Tim).
Sorted my drums out. We all did our sound check. Relaxed back in the hotel. We had a great gig to about 3,000 people here in Brno.
I was in bed by 22:00.
Friday 21st October 2016
I was awake at 05:30.
Cleaned up and packed to check out and drive to Hradec Kralove. We had about a two-hour drive. Checked in our hotel and we all had lunch before I went to the gig with Robin and Alex.
We did our sound check and relaxed back at the hotel. H and myself having tea together.
Great sold out gig to about 2,000 people. I was in bed by 22:45
Saturday 22nd October 2016
I was awake 06:00.
Cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast before driving to Prague.
Our rooms weren’t ready when we got there SO (heavy metal) we had free tea and cakes all round.
orted my drums out and did our sound check. Relaxed in our hotel before a fantastic gig to 2,000 people.
An old friend Victor who did security on previous tours was at the show (I’ve watched him put an overzealous fan on the floor just by touching a nerve in his neck!) We had tea together before I went to bed 23:45…………. As always a great few days in Czech…. ALSO, rehearsals…………
I was up at 07:00, cleaned up and caught the train to, Gt Yarmouth. Arranged with John Berry to give me a lift to Robin's on Saturday to sort my drums out.
Checked in my hotel. Did a fantastic phone interview for about an hour for a, local newspaper…He was raving about our Web-Site where he found out a lot of information. Dave Kemp called me to say Suzi Quatro's Fan Club had been on to him about using some of our site material on Suzi’s.
I went for tea in the hotel restaurant and unbelievably Graham Nash and David Crosby’s son (looks exactly like his Father) were there. I introduced myself and told Graham we played twice with the Hollies in the early ‘60’s (when he was still with them).
I reminded him when they released the George Harrison song “If I Needed Someone” they only did it to get a hit. (everybody who recorded a Beatle song in those days was guaranteed a hit). He gave me a ‘limp’ handshake and said: “small world isn’t it?" and walked off! HA, HA…... I was in bed by 22.00
Friday 14th October 2016
I woke at 09:15, made tea and started to clean up. Went for breakfast. The I had a walk around town. Made my way to the gig to sort my drums out with Jon Overton. The others arrived and we did our sound check.
H and myself made our way back to our hotel and we ate together…… John Berry called to say he and Robin would have breakfast in our hotel tomorrow with us.
We had a great gig……. H and myself made our way back to our hotel. I was in bed by 01:15.
Saturday 15th October 2016
I was up at 05:45. Cleaned up and packed, went for breakfast. John and Robin came to our hotel for breakfast. I drove with them to Robin's place. Spent a couple of hours checking my drums over. Robin then drove me to check in the Radisson Hotel at Stansted Airport. I was in bed by 22:00
Sunday 16th October 2016
I was awake at 07:30. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Collected my £120:00 lottery winnings!!… Relaxed all day and played the QSP rehearsal tapes a lot… I was in bed by. 20:00.
Monday 17th October 2016
I was awake at 06:00. Cleaned up and packed, went for, breakfast. Andy Scott picked me up, we drove to Stag rehearsal studios near Suzi's place. We rehearsed all day, we all went out to eat together… Stayed the night at her place.
Tuesday 18th October 2016
I was awake at 07:00. Cleaned up and packed. Met everyone downstairs for breakfast. Drove to Stag rehearsal studios to spend the day rehearsing again. I packed Adam’s (Sweets roadie) drums away before Andy drove me to the Radisson Hotel at Stansted Airport.
I eat in the Airport Terminal and was in bed by 20:20.
Wednesday 19th October 2016
I was awake at 05:00. Cleaned up, packed and went for breakfast.
Checked out of the hotel and made my way to the Terminal.
Checked in for my flight to Prague. Relaxed in the lounge. Nice flight to Prague…. Pavel Tesar, the promoter, met me and we drove for about 2 hours to Brno. Checked into our hotel, we ate there together. He left for his office, I drank MORE tea and was in bed by 21:45.
Thursday 20th October 2016
Stayed in bed ‘till 10:00.
Went for tea. Met H and Abbie (some of the others had been delayed for 4hrs at Heathrow). Went to the gig with Robin and Alex Harris (standing in for Tim).
Sorted my drums out. We all did our sound check. Relaxed back in the hotel. We had a great gig to about 3,000 people here in Brno.
I was in bed by 22:00.
Friday 21st October 2016
I was awake at 05:30.
Cleaned up and packed to check out and drive to Hradec Kralove. We had about a two-hour drive. Checked in our hotel and we all had lunch before I went to the gig with Robin and Alex.
We did our sound check and relaxed back at the hotel. H and myself having tea together.
Great sold out gig to about 2,000 people. I was in bed by 22:45
Saturday 22nd October 2016
I was awake 06:00.
Cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast before driving to Prague.
Our rooms weren’t ready when we got there SO (heavy metal) we had free tea and cakes all round.
orted my drums out and did our sound check. Relaxed in our hotel before a fantastic gig to 2,000 people.
An old friend Victor who did security on previous tours was at the show (I’ve watched him put an overzealous fan on the floor just by touching a nerve in his neck!) We had tea together before I went to bed 23:45…………. As always a great few days in Czech…. ALSO, rehearsals…………
Saturday 29th October 2016
The Apex, Bury St Edmunds
I was awake 06:00, cleaned up and did some shopping.
I'd won £8:60 on the Thunderball (won’t be buying my Caribbean Island yet)... Dear friend Dave Kemp picked me up to drive to Bury St Edmunds.
Finished setting my drums up and we did the sound check…. Mud 2 were also on the show. I know their drummer Phil really well, so I let him use my drums to save all the messing around….
John Hessenthaler was promoting the show. John, his assistant Nigel, Dave and me went for lunch in the local Wetherspoons pub. John said the pub is on the site of the old Bury St Edmunds Corn Exchange where Slade previously played (and he promoted us) in the 1970's...
We had a great show to about 1,000 people. Dave drove me back to the Radisson. I was in bed by, 12:00 midnight…..
The Apex, Bury St Edmunds
I was awake 06:00, cleaned up and did some shopping.
I'd won £8:60 on the Thunderball (won’t be buying my Caribbean Island yet)... Dear friend Dave Kemp picked me up to drive to Bury St Edmunds.
Finished setting my drums up and we did the sound check…. Mud 2 were also on the show. I know their drummer Phil really well, so I let him use my drums to save all the messing around….
John Hessenthaler was promoting the show. John, his assistant Nigel, Dave and me went for lunch in the local Wetherspoons pub. John said the pub is on the site of the old Bury St Edmunds Corn Exchange where Slade previously played (and he promoted us) in the 1970's...
We had a great show to about 1,000 people. Dave drove me back to the Radisson. I was in bed by, 12:00 midnight…..
Sunday 6th November 2016
Gig in Butlins Skegness
I was up 08:00. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
I went into town to do ‘toiletries’ shopping then I made my way to Butlins.
We all did our sound check. H and myself made our way back to our hotel to relax before going back to the gig.
We had a fantastic show to a sold out crowd. H and myself drove back to our hotel. I was in bed by 23:15.
Tuesday 8th November 2016
I was up 07:00.
Cleaned up and made my way to meet everyone for a little soiree in Barnes, London.
There was about forty people (musicians, actors, writers etc.) there. I was privileged to sit on a table with Bruce Welch from the Shadows and Clem Cattini celebrated session drummer (he has played drums on over 200 hit records, 55 No. 1’s, that is some record).
Bruce and Clem were ‘winding’ each other up about success in America. Bruce toured there a few times with Cliff and The Shadows BUT never really had any success there either touring or with records. WHERE AS when Clem was with The Tornados their recording of the instrumental ‘Telstar’ was No 1 all over the world..
A GREAT afternoon.
Saturday 12th November 2016
Naested Glam Rock Festival, Denmark
I woke at 09:00.
Relaxed in the hotel. Sweet and Suzi Quatro arrived from a gig they’d played together the night before.
I went to the gig with Robin to sort my drums out. We ALL had a fantastic show to about 3,000 people. We opened the show…..We all ate together after the show.
I was in bed by 22:45.
Saturday 19th November 2016
Light switch on and gig - Perth, Scotland
I was awake 06:15,
Cleaned up and went for breakfast, Rob (sound man) joined me,
I went into town to do my lottery.
Went to the gig with Rob and Jon from Now Hire……Sorted all the equipment out. It was SO cold my hands were sticking to my cymbal stands.
We did our sound check, went back to the, hotel for a “Meet & Greet”….. quite a few people.
Relaxed with my usual 10 gallons of tea………
We all drove back to the site. A fantastic gig to more than 8,000 people… (in the freezing cold). All the acts were on stage to switch the town's Christmas lights on (except H) then there were lots & lots of fireworks………
East 17 were also on, they’re great guys. People from the X-Factor ( I wouldn’t have a clue) and other singers. Basil Brush was also there, BUT he were being filmed at a different hotel in town. I was disappointed, I couldn’t have a photo taken with him….. Aargh.
Came back to our hotel freezing. I was in bed by 21:30…..
Light switch on and gig - Perth, Scotland
I was awake 06:15,
Cleaned up and went for breakfast, Rob (sound man) joined me,
I went into town to do my lottery.
Went to the gig with Rob and Jon from Now Hire……Sorted all the equipment out. It was SO cold my hands were sticking to my cymbal stands.
We did our sound check, went back to the, hotel for a “Meet & Greet”….. quite a few people.
Relaxed with my usual 10 gallons of tea………
We all drove back to the site. A fantastic gig to more than 8,000 people… (in the freezing cold). All the acts were on stage to switch the town's Christmas lights on (except H) then there were lots & lots of fireworks………
East 17 were also on, they’re great guys. People from the X-Factor ( I wouldn’t have a clue) and other singers. Basil Brush was also there, BUT he were being filmed at a different hotel in town. I was disappointed, I couldn’t have a photo taken with him….. Aargh.
Came back to our hotel freezing. I was in bed by 21:30…..
Saturday November 26th 2016
Gig at Weymouth Pavilion
I was up at 07:00. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Tim (tech) and girlfriend Julie joined me…
I walked into town to sort my lottery out ( I won £3 pounds)…..I then walked about 2 miles along the seafront to the gig.
Tim arrived, then Robin. Spent all afternoon sorting equipment out before we all did a sound check. Came back to our hotel with Abbie and John Berry to relax before going back to the gig.
Great gig to a sold out crowd, about 4,000 people. Mal, H and myself came back to our hotel.
I was in bed 23:00. (In the old days I would have just been going out).
Gig at Weymouth Pavilion
I was up at 07:00. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Tim (tech) and girlfriend Julie joined me…
I walked into town to sort my lottery out ( I won £3 pounds)…..I then walked about 2 miles along the seafront to the gig.
Tim arrived, then Robin. Spent all afternoon sorting equipment out before we all did a sound check. Came back to our hotel with Abbie and John Berry to relax before going back to the gig.
Great gig to a sold out crowd, about 4,000 people. Mal, H and myself came back to our hotel.
I was in bed 23:00. (In the old days I would have just been going out).
Friday 9th December 2016.
Gig in Norwich
I was awake 08:00, made tea before cleaning up.
Met Suzanne for, breakfast, spent some time in the beautiful town before going to the, gig…… Sorted my drums out before the others arrived to do our sound check.
John Berry and myself walked back to the hotel, had a drink together, before leaving for the gig.
Great gig, packed crowd....
I was in bed by 22:45
Saturday 10th December 2016
Gig in Wakefield
I was awake at 06:30, Cleaned up before breakfast.
Robbie from East 17 contacted me for our agent Abbie’s details so she could get them work….
Drove to Wakefield. I went straight to the gig to sort my drums out. We all ate in the hotel later……
Great sold out gig, I came back to the hotel with H's nephew Mathew.
I was in bed by 23:15.
Sunday 11th December 2016
Gig in Hayling Island
I was up, at 07:30, cleaned up. We all had breakfast together before driving to Hayling Island.
H and myself checked into our hotel, I cleaned up before going to sort my drums out.
Another great show…. I was in bed by 23:15.
Friday 16th December 2016.
Gig at The Robin in Bilston
I was awake at 07:30, cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Went int town to see my old school mate Mick Brookes who owns ‘One Way Music’ shop. We always have a great laugh ‘bout our old school days together……
I then met Vicki, Carole and Chris Selby at ‘BlueBricks’ for a cuppa before Vicki took me to the cemetery to put flowers on Mom & Dads grave.
Went back to the Robin to do our soundcheck, I then relaxed in my room there.
Earlier on, I had ‘fish’n’chips from the place opposite the Robin ( it’s still there). Johnny Howells, Mick Marson and me used to go there back around 1962! As it we always went there SO late after gigs, they were always clearing up, getting ready to close. We could always get all the scraps for pennies!
We had a great show to a fantastic sold out crowd. Lots of faces in the crowd I knew….. I was in bed by 12:00.
Saturday 17th December 2016
Gig at City Hall, Salisbury
I was up at 08:00. Cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast.
Mal and myself drove to Salisbury in his car. Checked into our hotel and cleaned up.
We then left for the, gig and soundcheck. Great gig to a sold out crowd….
I was in bed by, 23:00.
Sunday 18th December 2016
Gig at William Aston Hall, Wrexham
I was up 07:30. Cleaned up, ready to drive to Wrexham.
Mal and myself drove together again, checked into our hotel. I went to the, gig to check my drums out.
We had a, great gig to a sold out 3,000 crowd. I gave some laundry to John Berry to do for me…….
Terry McCusker, my old mate from the band Bunny, who supported Slade on numerous tours in the ‘70’s was there. (Chas Chandler signed them to Barn Records) He had a copy of a book about Ringo Starr for me.
He has written the book with Alex Cain about Ringo Starr called ‘Ringo Starr and the Beatles Beat’. They very kindly asked me to write a ‘foreword’ which I was quite honoured to do.
I was in bed by 23:45.
Tuesday 20th December 2016
I caught the train to Cambridge.
Checked in my hotel. Contacted Willi Wright (my drum roadie from the ‘70’s & 80’s).
He picked me up and we went out to eat together in a Cambridgeshire pub. We reminisced all night ‘bout our days together. In those days, Willi used to drive the ‘Happy Car’ which was Nod and myself. The car was so named cause Nod and myself always used to stop at every pub that was open during our travels…..
‘H’ and Jim Lea’s car was the ‘hospital’ car (which no-one wanted to drive…) - they just wanted to go straight home, stopping for nothing.
A great night out. I was in bed by 22:15.
Wednesday 21st December 2016
Gig at The Junction, Cambridge
I stayed in bed ‘till 10:00.
Relaxed and made tea in my room before cleaning up. Went into town to try and get a book about John Bonham that his brother has written. No luck….
I went to the, gig to sort my drums out.
I met John Shearer a drummer I was with at Ludwig Drum Co’s 75th anniversary in Chicago back in the ‘80’s. We were reminiscing ‘bout how we had to hold each other up at the photo ‘shoot’ and how we tried to walk out with the dinner suits Ludwig had made for everyone.
Another fantastic sold out gig, The venue had a snow machine installed and when it was turned on during Merry Xmas Everybody it unfortunately fired snow straight into the face of a lady at the side of the stage in a wheelchair. She couldn't get away from it. John Berry through her his Christmas hat afterwards as some sort of compensation!
I met a few fans in the lobby of my hotel and had tea and a chatr with them. I was in bed by 01:00.
Thursday 22nd December 2016
Final gig of the tour at Concorde 2 in Brighton
I was awake at 05:00.
Cleaned up and packed before breakfast. Dave and Barbara Kemp picked me up to drive to Brighton together. (A bit of a nightmare journey, took an age to get out of Cambridge - all caused by a mile long queue of traffic trying to get into Waitrose).
We did some photos in the Grand Hotel (where we filmed scenes for Flame). We also had afternoon tea (which just consisted of tea and scones) It cost £17 each for 2 scones and a pot of tea! I nearly put the tea pots in my suitcase!
We had a fantastic last night in Brighton…..
I CAN’T THANK YOU ALL ENOUGH FOR YOUR SUPPORT…..
Next diary pages will be from Australia next February when I tour there with Andy Scott and Suzi Quatro…..
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.
Gig in Norwich
I was awake 08:00, made tea before cleaning up.
Met Suzanne for, breakfast, spent some time in the beautiful town before going to the, gig…… Sorted my drums out before the others arrived to do our sound check.
John Berry and myself walked back to the hotel, had a drink together, before leaving for the gig.
Great gig, packed crowd....
I was in bed by 22:45
Saturday 10th December 2016
Gig in Wakefield
I was awake at 06:30, Cleaned up before breakfast.
Robbie from East 17 contacted me for our agent Abbie’s details so she could get them work….
Drove to Wakefield. I went straight to the gig to sort my drums out. We all ate in the hotel later……
Great sold out gig, I came back to the hotel with H's nephew Mathew.
I was in bed by 23:15.
Sunday 11th December 2016
Gig in Hayling Island
I was up, at 07:30, cleaned up. We all had breakfast together before driving to Hayling Island.
H and myself checked into our hotel, I cleaned up before going to sort my drums out.
Another great show…. I was in bed by 23:15.
Friday 16th December 2016.
Gig at The Robin in Bilston
I was awake at 07:30, cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Went int town to see my old school mate Mick Brookes who owns ‘One Way Music’ shop. We always have a great laugh ‘bout our old school days together……
I then met Vicki, Carole and Chris Selby at ‘BlueBricks’ for a cuppa before Vicki took me to the cemetery to put flowers on Mom & Dads grave.
Went back to the Robin to do our soundcheck, I then relaxed in my room there.
Earlier on, I had ‘fish’n’chips from the place opposite the Robin ( it’s still there). Johnny Howells, Mick Marson and me used to go there back around 1962! As it we always went there SO late after gigs, they were always clearing up, getting ready to close. We could always get all the scraps for pennies!
We had a great show to a fantastic sold out crowd. Lots of faces in the crowd I knew….. I was in bed by 12:00.
Saturday 17th December 2016
Gig at City Hall, Salisbury
I was up at 08:00. Cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast.
Mal and myself drove to Salisbury in his car. Checked into our hotel and cleaned up.
We then left for the, gig and soundcheck. Great gig to a sold out crowd….
I was in bed by, 23:00.
Sunday 18th December 2016
Gig at William Aston Hall, Wrexham
I was up 07:30. Cleaned up, ready to drive to Wrexham.
Mal and myself drove together again, checked into our hotel. I went to the, gig to check my drums out.
We had a, great gig to a sold out 3,000 crowd. I gave some laundry to John Berry to do for me…….
Terry McCusker, my old mate from the band Bunny, who supported Slade on numerous tours in the ‘70’s was there. (Chas Chandler signed them to Barn Records) He had a copy of a book about Ringo Starr for me.
He has written the book with Alex Cain about Ringo Starr called ‘Ringo Starr and the Beatles Beat’. They very kindly asked me to write a ‘foreword’ which I was quite honoured to do.
I was in bed by 23:45.
Tuesday 20th December 2016
I caught the train to Cambridge.
Checked in my hotel. Contacted Willi Wright (my drum roadie from the ‘70’s & 80’s).
He picked me up and we went out to eat together in a Cambridgeshire pub. We reminisced all night ‘bout our days together. In those days, Willi used to drive the ‘Happy Car’ which was Nod and myself. The car was so named cause Nod and myself always used to stop at every pub that was open during our travels…..
‘H’ and Jim Lea’s car was the ‘hospital’ car (which no-one wanted to drive…) - they just wanted to go straight home, stopping for nothing.
A great night out. I was in bed by 22:15.
Wednesday 21st December 2016
Gig at The Junction, Cambridge
I stayed in bed ‘till 10:00.
Relaxed and made tea in my room before cleaning up. Went into town to try and get a book about John Bonham that his brother has written. No luck….
I went to the, gig to sort my drums out.
I met John Shearer a drummer I was with at Ludwig Drum Co’s 75th anniversary in Chicago back in the ‘80’s. We were reminiscing ‘bout how we had to hold each other up at the photo ‘shoot’ and how we tried to walk out with the dinner suits Ludwig had made for everyone.
Another fantastic sold out gig, The venue had a snow machine installed and when it was turned on during Merry Xmas Everybody it unfortunately fired snow straight into the face of a lady at the side of the stage in a wheelchair. She couldn't get away from it. John Berry through her his Christmas hat afterwards as some sort of compensation!
I met a few fans in the lobby of my hotel and had tea and a chatr with them. I was in bed by 01:00.
Thursday 22nd December 2016
Final gig of the tour at Concorde 2 in Brighton
I was awake at 05:00.
Cleaned up and packed before breakfast. Dave and Barbara Kemp picked me up to drive to Brighton together. (A bit of a nightmare journey, took an age to get out of Cambridge - all caused by a mile long queue of traffic trying to get into Waitrose).
We did some photos in the Grand Hotel (where we filmed scenes for Flame). We also had afternoon tea (which just consisted of tea and scones) It cost £17 each for 2 scones and a pot of tea! I nearly put the tea pots in my suitcase!
We had a fantastic last night in Brighton…..
I CAN’T THANK YOU ALL ENOUGH FOR YOUR SUPPORT…..
Next diary pages will be from Australia next February when I tour there with Andy Scott and Suzi Quatro…..
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL.