Don's 2015 Diary
Thursday 30th January 2015
I got up when my alarm went off at 05:45am.
Did my usual stint at the fitness centre. Came home, took Rocky for his walk before catching the bus to Billund Airport.....
When I came to pay my fare, the price had gone up and I was 1Kr short BUT a gallant old lady helped me out.....
SO, I helped her and her suitcase onto the bus......Ozzie would have been proud of me!
When I checked in I was in plenty of time to go to the lounge and make sandwiches for the day. My first flight was to Frankfurt (aargh). I made my connection to Brussels.
Met all the others there and we drove to Aalst. Checked into our hotel. Everyone went out to eat, but I stayed in with my sandwiches and made tea in my room!
Watched ‘Star Trek’ in Belgian.
I was in bed by 22:30pm.
Friday 31st January 2015
Private gig in Aalst, Belgium
I stayed in bed till 10:00am.
Cleaned up to go downstairs for more tea. I went to the gig with, Abbi and Suzzane.
It was in the grounds of a fantastic white castle (home of a multi-billionaire fan). There was security everywhere. EVERYONE needed special passes (as you can imagine).
Our dressing room area was full with servants plying us with drinks and food all the time. After our sound check we went back to our hotel to clean up.
Then back to the castle, to play for 20 minutes only (!), and we had to finish with ‘MY OH MY’. H and myself had a limo to take us back to our hotel. I was in bed by 01:20am.
Saturday 1st February 2015
I got up when my alarm went off at 07:30am. Cleaned up and packed to go for breakfast.
Checked out of the hotel and drove to Brussels Airport to fly home via Frankfurt (aargh). When I was going through security in Frankfurt (aargh) a small kid went through, all he set off all the alarms and bells. He panicked, and ran off, screaming.
There was pandemonium as his father and ALL the security ran after him (it was worse than ‘Midnight Express’). I was thinking of of going through his case to see if he had any chocolate.........
A strange end to the weekend.
I got up when my alarm went off at 05:45am.
Did my usual stint at the fitness centre. Came home, took Rocky for his walk before catching the bus to Billund Airport.....
When I came to pay my fare, the price had gone up and I was 1Kr short BUT a gallant old lady helped me out.....
SO, I helped her and her suitcase onto the bus......Ozzie would have been proud of me!
When I checked in I was in plenty of time to go to the lounge and make sandwiches for the day. My first flight was to Frankfurt (aargh). I made my connection to Brussels.
Met all the others there and we drove to Aalst. Checked into our hotel. Everyone went out to eat, but I stayed in with my sandwiches and made tea in my room!
Watched ‘Star Trek’ in Belgian.
I was in bed by 22:30pm.
Friday 31st January 2015
Private gig in Aalst, Belgium
I stayed in bed till 10:00am.
Cleaned up to go downstairs for more tea. I went to the gig with, Abbi and Suzzane.
It was in the grounds of a fantastic white castle (home of a multi-billionaire fan). There was security everywhere. EVERYONE needed special passes (as you can imagine).
Our dressing room area was full with servants plying us with drinks and food all the time. After our sound check we went back to our hotel to clean up.
Then back to the castle, to play for 20 minutes only (!), and we had to finish with ‘MY OH MY’. H and myself had a limo to take us back to our hotel. I was in bed by 01:20am.
Saturday 1st February 2015
I got up when my alarm went off at 07:30am. Cleaned up and packed to go for breakfast.
Checked out of the hotel and drove to Brussels Airport to fly home via Frankfurt (aargh). When I was going through security in Frankfurt (aargh) a small kid went through, all he set off all the alarms and bells. He panicked, and ran off, screaming.
There was pandemonium as his father and ALL the security ran after him (it was worse than ‘Midnight Express’). I was thinking of of going through his case to see if he had any chocolate.........
A strange end to the weekend.
Friday 6th February 2015
I was up when my alarm went off - 07:00am.
I took Rocky for a walk before catching the bus to Billund Airport. Checked in for Stansted and relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for the day. When I landed at Stansted I caught the train to Bognor Regis, then a cab to my hotel...... Checked in and relaxed downstairs with a large pot of tea.
I was in bed by 22:00pm.
Saturday 7th February 2015
Gig at Butlins Bognor Regis
I stayed in bed until 11:00am, cleaned up and went downstairs for tea.
I made my way to Butlins to check my drums. Met Dave Kemp there, with his mates.... We all had a drink together - I got some DVD’s from him that I asked him to pick up for me. Also bumped into Chris Savage (keyboard player with Mud) who was in the bar - he had taken his Mum to the gig as it was her birthday! He told me that in the agenda if Mud had been appearing at the same time as Slade, that she'd have gone to the Slade gig!
When Mal turned up we went to see Mud's afternoon set in Reds - as it didn't clash with our set.
I then was in the dressing room at Centre Stage when there was a knock on the dressing room door..... I went to answer it, and there was a shout of "Daaaadddd!". Who was it? It was Steevi - the drummer with Too Rex (my 'love-child') ha!
We only had a short gig at 9.30pm. I came back to the hotel with H and Fred (driver). I went straight to bed.
I was up when my alarm went off - 07:00am.
I took Rocky for a walk before catching the bus to Billund Airport. Checked in for Stansted and relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for the day. When I landed at Stansted I caught the train to Bognor Regis, then a cab to my hotel...... Checked in and relaxed downstairs with a large pot of tea.
I was in bed by 22:00pm.
Saturday 7th February 2015
Gig at Butlins Bognor Regis
I stayed in bed until 11:00am, cleaned up and went downstairs for tea.
I made my way to Butlins to check my drums. Met Dave Kemp there, with his mates.... We all had a drink together - I got some DVD’s from him that I asked him to pick up for me. Also bumped into Chris Savage (keyboard player with Mud) who was in the bar - he had taken his Mum to the gig as it was her birthday! He told me that in the agenda if Mud had been appearing at the same time as Slade, that she'd have gone to the Slade gig!
When Mal turned up we went to see Mud's afternoon set in Reds - as it didn't clash with our set.
I then was in the dressing room at Centre Stage when there was a knock on the dressing room door..... I went to answer it, and there was a shout of "Daaaadddd!". Who was it? It was Steevi - the drummer with Too Rex (my 'love-child') ha!
We only had a short gig at 9.30pm. I came back to the hotel with H and Fred (driver). I went straight to bed.
Don with Chris from Mud
Sunday 8th February 2015
Gig at Butlins Minehead
I got up when my alarm went off at 07:00am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast. Waited for John Berry and Fred to pick me up to drive to Butlins Minehead.
They dropped me at my hotel and made their way to Butlins.
I cleaned up and went into town to buy more DVD’s and CD’s...... Couldn’t find anything!
Did the lottery and won £185:00 on the Lottery, Thunderball and Euro!
Made my way to the gig. Debbie Bonham (sister of my all time favourite drummer, John ‘Bonzo’ Bonham) was also on with her band.
Also, Eddie and the Hotrods singer Barry (Masters) came by to say hello. I used to see him a lot when I lived in West Hampstead - he lived in the same flats.
We had a great show (full set). Abbie dropped H and myself at our hotel, on her way back to Milton Keynes.
I was in bed by 23:30pm.
Monday 9th February 2015
I was up at 07:15 (before my alarm went off). Cleaned up and packed before breakfast. H joined me.
I checked out and caught an earlier train back to London.
Did some more shopping for DVD’s and CD’s in Oxford St (I feel an excess baggage charge coming on).
Made my, way to Stansted Airport. Checked in (no excess baggage charge,phew!).
Met Geoff Brown (ex Sweet, now Tremeloes) in departures on his way to Belgium. An uneventful flight home.
Gig at Butlins Minehead
I got up when my alarm went off at 07:00am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast. Waited for John Berry and Fred to pick me up to drive to Butlins Minehead.
They dropped me at my hotel and made their way to Butlins.
I cleaned up and went into town to buy more DVD’s and CD’s...... Couldn’t find anything!
Did the lottery and won £185:00 on the Lottery, Thunderball and Euro!
Made my way to the gig. Debbie Bonham (sister of my all time favourite drummer, John ‘Bonzo’ Bonham) was also on with her band.
Also, Eddie and the Hotrods singer Barry (Masters) came by to say hello. I used to see him a lot when I lived in West Hampstead - he lived in the same flats.
We had a great show (full set). Abbie dropped H and myself at our hotel, on her way back to Milton Keynes.
I was in bed by 23:30pm.
Monday 9th February 2015
I was up at 07:15 (before my alarm went off). Cleaned up and packed before breakfast. H joined me.
I checked out and caught an earlier train back to London.
Did some more shopping for DVD’s and CD’s in Oxford St (I feel an excess baggage charge coming on).
Made my, way to Stansted Airport. Checked in (no excess baggage charge,phew!).
Met Geoff Brown (ex Sweet, now Tremeloes) in departures on his way to Belgium. An uneventful flight home.
Friday 20th March 2015
I was out of bed by 07:15am.
Finished my packing and cleaned up to get the bus to Billund Airport. There were no problems dropping my bags as I’d already checked in on-line.
Relaxed in the, lounge and made sandwiches for the day. An easy flight to Stansted.
Caught the train to Skegness via Peterborough and Grantham.
Got a cab to my hotel. Checked in and unpacked - went for tea and cake in the bar area.
There was a ‘Trade Union Conference’ on in the hotel and their chairman recognised me and asked me to do a ‘talk’ ‘bout my career to his delegates! I regaled them with many stories. ( H and ‘Metal- Mickey' & mine and Ozzie’s drinking marathons). It all went down extremely well - I was invited to have dinner with them all. (A NEW CAREER...???)
Saturday 21st March 2015
Gig at Butlin's Skegness
I was awake 08:00am.
Made tea and cleaned up.
Went for breakfast and sat with some of last night's delegates.
I went into Skegness on a DVD buying trip.... (Excess Baggage)
I went to the gig to check my drums out and came back to the hotel.
H arrived and we had tea together............
GREAT GIG,
We had tea at the hotel before going to bed at 00:15.
Sunday 22nd March 2015
I was awake 06:30am - before my alarm went off.
Cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast. H joined me. He left for Wolverhampton. I waited for John Berry and Robin to pick me up to drive to Stansted.
Before going to the airport (I had an evening flight) I went into London (MORE DVD’s)................
Made my way to the airport. Checked in. (NO EXCESS BAGGAGE??????....... ) But drats, the lounge has now been closed down! I used all their profits, drinking tea and eating their cakes.
Uneventful flight home...........................
I was out of bed by 07:15am.
Finished my packing and cleaned up to get the bus to Billund Airport. There were no problems dropping my bags as I’d already checked in on-line.
Relaxed in the, lounge and made sandwiches for the day. An easy flight to Stansted.
Caught the train to Skegness via Peterborough and Grantham.
Got a cab to my hotel. Checked in and unpacked - went for tea and cake in the bar area.
There was a ‘Trade Union Conference’ on in the hotel and their chairman recognised me and asked me to do a ‘talk’ ‘bout my career to his delegates! I regaled them with many stories. ( H and ‘Metal- Mickey' & mine and Ozzie’s drinking marathons). It all went down extremely well - I was invited to have dinner with them all. (A NEW CAREER...???)
Saturday 21st March 2015
Gig at Butlin's Skegness
I was awake 08:00am.
Made tea and cleaned up.
Went for breakfast and sat with some of last night's delegates.
I went into Skegness on a DVD buying trip.... (Excess Baggage)
I went to the gig to check my drums out and came back to the hotel.
H arrived and we had tea together............
GREAT GIG,
We had tea at the hotel before going to bed at 00:15.
Sunday 22nd March 2015
I was awake 06:30am - before my alarm went off.
Cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast. H joined me. He left for Wolverhampton. I waited for John Berry and Robin to pick me up to drive to Stansted.
Before going to the airport (I had an evening flight) I went into London (MORE DVD’s)................
Made my way to the airport. Checked in. (NO EXCESS BAGGAGE??????....... ) But drats, the lounge has now been closed down! I used all their profits, drinking tea and eating their cakes.
Uneventful flight home...........................
Thursday 16th April 2015
I was awake at 06:00am. Cleaned up and packed, went for breakfast at the Radisson at Stansted Airport.
Caught the train to Skegness via Peterborough and Grantham.
Checked in the hotel. I let Abbi know I was there, THEN I went shopping for DVD's.
The ones I got were:- Rust & Bone, Prisoners, The Re-Write, Love Rosie, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and
Before I Go To Sleep.
Watched TV...........Guess what was on TV? ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy !!!!
I didn’t watch it. I was in bed by 22:00pm.
Friday 17th April 2015
I was awake at 07:00am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
I went back to town (kept away from the DVD shop.......)
A phone call came to the hotel from a local radio station, asking if I would go in to do an interview....... REALLY GOOD ONE.
H arrived from Wolves - we had tea together.
Abbi picked us up and drove us to Butlins for the sound check.
Great gig.
I was in bed by midnight.
Saturday 18th April 2015
I was awake at 05:00 am, cleaned up and went for breakfast (a little early - they made me tea while the chef cooked).
After breakfast we checked out and all drove to Minehead together.
We all went straight to Butlins to do a sound check.
H and myself checked in our hotel to clean up..............
We went back to the sight - Mud II (two, not eleven) were also on.
It was a Motor Bike Convention - another great gig.
I was in bed by Midnight.
Sunday 19th April 2015
I was awake at 06:30am.
Cleaned up and packed - went for breakfast and checked out.............
Drove to Stansted with everyone.
Checked in for my flight home........................
I was awake at 06:00am. Cleaned up and packed, went for breakfast at the Radisson at Stansted Airport.
Caught the train to Skegness via Peterborough and Grantham.
Checked in the hotel. I let Abbi know I was there, THEN I went shopping for DVD's.
The ones I got were:- Rust & Bone, Prisoners, The Re-Write, Love Rosie, Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and
Before I Go To Sleep.
Watched TV...........Guess what was on TV? ‘Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy !!!!
I didn’t watch it. I was in bed by 22:00pm.
Friday 17th April 2015
I was awake at 07:00am.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
I went back to town (kept away from the DVD shop.......)
A phone call came to the hotel from a local radio station, asking if I would go in to do an interview....... REALLY GOOD ONE.
H arrived from Wolves - we had tea together.
Abbi picked us up and drove us to Butlins for the sound check.
Great gig.
I was in bed by midnight.
Saturday 18th April 2015
I was awake at 05:00 am, cleaned up and went for breakfast (a little early - they made me tea while the chef cooked).
After breakfast we checked out and all drove to Minehead together.
We all went straight to Butlins to do a sound check.
H and myself checked in our hotel to clean up..............
We went back to the sight - Mud II (two, not eleven) were also on.
It was a Motor Bike Convention - another great gig.
I was in bed by Midnight.
Sunday 19th April 2015
I was awake at 06:30am.
Cleaned up and packed - went for breakfast and checked out.............
Drove to Stansted with everyone.
Checked in for my flight home........................
Friday 24th April 2015
I was awake at 06:00am, did my usual at the fitness centre. I then finished packing and caught the bus to Billund Airport.
Uneventful flight to Stansted - except I had my shaving foam and shampoo confiscated!
Dave Kemp met me for our drive to Wolverhampton.
When we got to Kettering there was ‘mega’ road works going on, making us go in many circles around the same traffic Islands many times. Got completely lost. However, after few frantic phone calls to Dave’s wife Barbara, and also to Malcolm and Fran, meant we eventually found our way in the right direction.
We eventually found Wolverhampton and checked in to our hotel........going straight to bed.
Saturday 25th April 2015
'Slade In Flame' showing and Fan Club convention at The Robin in Bilston
I was awake 05:45am.
Made tea in my room before starting to clean up.
Met several people at the hotel over breakfast. Sue Wilson from Scotland was there, Fran and Malcolm, some fans from London and 5 fans from Germany.
I made my way with Malcolm driving to my parent's old house in Bilston. The new occupiers Belinda and Darren Charlesworth were really lovely. They showed me round the old place and had all their family there to meet me. We had tea, and I signed a copy of my biography for them to say 'thank you'.
Then I played a prank on the fans who were on the Slade bus tour. They had stopped off and were looking at my parent's house. A couple of the girls were encouraged to knock on the front door - and to their surprise I opened it! The prank went down well and everyone was laughing.
Next we made our way to the Robin in Bilston. Mick Marson (original rhythm guitarist with The Vendors) turned up, and Eric from the National Autistic Society.
A few hundred people were there. I sigend things and did some photos, then we watched ‘Flame’. Then I did a question and answer session about the movie.
We then went out to eat with Daryl (leader of my old scout troop) at a pub his son works at (The Horse and Jockey in Sedgley).
Made our way back to the Robin. I met Slyde, who were playing that night, I got up and played ‘Gudbuy T Jane’ and ‘Coz I Luv You’ with them. It was a great night and then Malcolm and Fran drove me back to our hotel.
I was in bed by 22:45pm.
I was awake at 06:00am, did my usual at the fitness centre. I then finished packing and caught the bus to Billund Airport.
Uneventful flight to Stansted - except I had my shaving foam and shampoo confiscated!
Dave Kemp met me for our drive to Wolverhampton.
When we got to Kettering there was ‘mega’ road works going on, making us go in many circles around the same traffic Islands many times. Got completely lost. However, after few frantic phone calls to Dave’s wife Barbara, and also to Malcolm and Fran, meant we eventually found our way in the right direction.
We eventually found Wolverhampton and checked in to our hotel........going straight to bed.
Saturday 25th April 2015
'Slade In Flame' showing and Fan Club convention at The Robin in Bilston
I was awake 05:45am.
Made tea in my room before starting to clean up.
Met several people at the hotel over breakfast. Sue Wilson from Scotland was there, Fran and Malcolm, some fans from London and 5 fans from Germany.
I made my way with Malcolm driving to my parent's old house in Bilston. The new occupiers Belinda and Darren Charlesworth were really lovely. They showed me round the old place and had all their family there to meet me. We had tea, and I signed a copy of my biography for them to say 'thank you'.
Then I played a prank on the fans who were on the Slade bus tour. They had stopped off and were looking at my parent's house. A couple of the girls were encouraged to knock on the front door - and to their surprise I opened it! The prank went down well and everyone was laughing.
Next we made our way to the Robin in Bilston. Mick Marson (original rhythm guitarist with The Vendors) turned up, and Eric from the National Autistic Society.
A few hundred people were there. I sigend things and did some photos, then we watched ‘Flame’. Then I did a question and answer session about the movie.
We then went out to eat with Daryl (leader of my old scout troop) at a pub his son works at (The Horse and Jockey in Sedgley).
Made our way back to the Robin. I met Slyde, who were playing that night, I got up and played ‘Gudbuy T Jane’ and ‘Coz I Luv You’ with them. It was a great night and then Malcolm and Fran drove me back to our hotel.
I was in bed by 22:45pm.
Catching a bite to eat
Sunday 26th April 2015
I was awake at 06:00am. Cleaned up and packed. Met everyone for breakfast.
Checked out and drove to visit my Mum and Dad's grave, before going for tea with my sister Carol, before going on to see my sister Marilyn. Me and Dave then went down the M6 and A14 to his house, and had tea there! His wife Barbara came with us to Stansted. Dropped me off there. They drove home, I flew home to Denmark..............
WHAT A FANTASTIC FEW DAYS............... Thank you all who came along to the event. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
I was awake at 06:00am. Cleaned up and packed. Met everyone for breakfast.
Checked out and drove to visit my Mum and Dad's grave, before going for tea with my sister Carol, before going on to see my sister Marilyn. Me and Dave then went down the M6 and A14 to his house, and had tea there! His wife Barbara came with us to Stansted. Dropped me off there. They drove home, I flew home to Denmark..............
WHAT A FANTASTIC FEW DAYS............... Thank you all who came along to the event. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Don visiting sister Marilyn and her husband John
Friday 1 May 2015
Don visits Gracelands!
I was awake at 06:00.
Cleaned up ready to drive to the town of Randers in Denmark, where they have an exact replica of Elvis Presley's Graceland. It was built to exact specifications by promoter and entrepreneur, Stig Ulrichson.
There I did an interview with him (for TV and You-Tube) about Slade’s career from day one, then he showed me round the building. It is SO impressive, full of original memorabilia. We had lunch there in the Elvis Presley cafe.
He said he would let me know when my interview would be used.
Have a look on www.gracelandranders.dk
WATCH THIS SPACE...........
Don visits Gracelands!
I was awake at 06:00.
Cleaned up ready to drive to the town of Randers in Denmark, where they have an exact replica of Elvis Presley's Graceland. It was built to exact specifications by promoter and entrepreneur, Stig Ulrichson.
There I did an interview with him (for TV and You-Tube) about Slade’s career from day one, then he showed me round the building. It is SO impressive, full of original memorabilia. We had lunch there in the Elvis Presley cafe.
He said he would let me know when my interview would be used.
Have a look on www.gracelandranders.dk
WATCH THIS SPACE...........
Graceland in Randers, Denmark
Saturday 2nd May 2015
Hanne and myself packed the car to drive to Odense to see Emilie, Jakob and August. We all had dinner together, it was arranged for us to stay at their place.
Sunday 3rd May 2015
Don's lecture in Prismen
We were up early to clean up before breakfast. We said our goodbyes to everyone and drove about 2 hours to Amager, Copenhagen. We met our dear friend Marianne at her place.
We could park and leave our car outside there and walk to Prismen. We had lunch with Marianne at a local pub before meeting, Bjarne Frey (the organiser). He showed us the room where the lecture would take place.
I had brought lots of DVD’s of the original band to show during my talk.
I had a really good question and answer session for about 90 minutes.
Bjarne had arranged a “ Black Country” inspired dinner for us and some of the people from the gathering.
Hanne and myself left around, 8 pm for our 4 hr drive home.
A LOVELY FUN DAY WITH LOVELY PEOPLE............
Hanne and myself packed the car to drive to Odense to see Emilie, Jakob and August. We all had dinner together, it was arranged for us to stay at their place.
Sunday 3rd May 2015
Don's lecture in Prismen
We were up early to clean up before breakfast. We said our goodbyes to everyone and drove about 2 hours to Amager, Copenhagen. We met our dear friend Marianne at her place.
We could park and leave our car outside there and walk to Prismen. We had lunch with Marianne at a local pub before meeting, Bjarne Frey (the organiser). He showed us the room where the lecture would take place.
I had brought lots of DVD’s of the original band to show during my talk.
I had a really good question and answer session for about 90 minutes.
Bjarne had arranged a “ Black Country” inspired dinner for us and some of the people from the gathering.
Hanne and myself left around, 8 pm for our 4 hr drive home.
A LOVELY FUN DAY WITH LOVELY PEOPLE............
Sunday 17th May 2015
I was up at 07:30am, cleaned up and packed to make my way to the bus terminal to get my bus to Billund Airport.
I checked in at a very quiet airport and made my way to the lounge to relax before my flight.
I made sandwiches for the day.
For technical reasons, a lot of flights were cancelled or delayed ( thankfully not mine).
I had an easy flight to Berlin - though we were AGES waiting for our cases. One irate passenger started shouting throgh the hatch where the cases come throug. Then he started kicking and thumping the walls. Two security guards came to lead him off, when he started shouting about getting his suitcase, one of the guards took his ‘baggage tag’ and he was still lead away...........
I had a limousine waiting for me to drive me to the hotel. I checked in and relaxed in the restaurant with some tea.
The others arrived from the UK. we all had dinner together.
I was in bed by 23:00.
Monday 18th May 2015
Thomas Gottschalk's Birthday Party
I was awake at 08:00am - before my alarm call came through. I cleaned up and went for breakfast. Everyone else came down to join me.
We all left for the TV studios to take part in a big German TV celebrity's birthday party special - ‘Happy Birthday Thomas Gottschalk’.
We did first rehearsal. Guess who was on the show? our old mates Quo!.... had a good laugh with Fran, Rick and Rhino. But I didn’t get to speak to their drummer??????
Did a dress rehearsal late afternoon, and then we were hanging around all day drinking copious amounts of tea.
We eventually were on around midnight. I walked back to our hotel, signing hundreds of autographs on my way.
I was in bed around 01:00am.
Tuesday 19th May 2015
I was awake at 06;00 before my alarm call came through.
I cleaned up and packed before going for breakfast.
I drove to the airport with H (he was flying to Birmingham) and Mal (he was flying to, Manchester,)
I had an easy check in for my flight.
GREAT FEW DAYS.
I was up at 07:30am, cleaned up and packed to make my way to the bus terminal to get my bus to Billund Airport.
I checked in at a very quiet airport and made my way to the lounge to relax before my flight.
I made sandwiches for the day.
For technical reasons, a lot of flights were cancelled or delayed ( thankfully not mine).
I had an easy flight to Berlin - though we were AGES waiting for our cases. One irate passenger started shouting throgh the hatch where the cases come throug. Then he started kicking and thumping the walls. Two security guards came to lead him off, when he started shouting about getting his suitcase, one of the guards took his ‘baggage tag’ and he was still lead away...........
I had a limousine waiting for me to drive me to the hotel. I checked in and relaxed in the restaurant with some tea.
The others arrived from the UK. we all had dinner together.
I was in bed by 23:00.
Monday 18th May 2015
Thomas Gottschalk's Birthday Party
I was awake at 08:00am - before my alarm call came through. I cleaned up and went for breakfast. Everyone else came down to join me.
We all left for the TV studios to take part in a big German TV celebrity's birthday party special - ‘Happy Birthday Thomas Gottschalk’.
We did first rehearsal. Guess who was on the show? our old mates Quo!.... had a good laugh with Fran, Rick and Rhino. But I didn’t get to speak to their drummer??????
Did a dress rehearsal late afternoon, and then we were hanging around all day drinking copious amounts of tea.
We eventually were on around midnight. I walked back to our hotel, signing hundreds of autographs on my way.
I was in bed around 01:00am.
Tuesday 19th May 2015
I was awake at 06;00 before my alarm call came through.
I cleaned up and packed before going for breakfast.
I drove to the airport with H (he was flying to Birmingham) and Mal (he was flying to, Manchester,)
I had an easy check in for my flight.
GREAT FEW DAYS.
Friday 29th May 2015
I was up at 09:00am, cleaned up and took Rocky for a walk before getting the bus to Billund Airport.
Easy check in, relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for the day............ While I was in the lounge some guy jumps over the counter and starts to help himself to copious amounts of whisky.The staff were not happy....
Flew to Berlin, relaxed in a cafe and met Suzanne there. She told me H & Mal had missed their connection in Frankfurt (argh).
Abbie, Tim, Robin and John arrived.
We drove for about four hours to Schwarzenberg.
I was in bed by midnight.
Saturday 30th May 2015
I was awake at 08:30, stayed in bed until 09:30.
Went for breakfast.......... H, Abbie, Suzanne & John were there, Mal joined us.
Went to the gig for an early soundcheck. Met our good friends the ‘Hermits’ and the ‘Equals’.
Came back to the hotel to clean up and relax.
Left for the show - we weren't on till 23:00pm. GREAT gig to 15,000 people. We only played 35 mins (that’s how long the Beatles played at Shea Stadium!)
I was in bed by 01:00am.
Sunday 31st May 2015
I was up 06:00.
Cleaned up and packed, went for breakfast and checked out. Suzanne and myself drove in a rented car to Berlin Airport.
She took the car back to Hertz ..... Abbie called as we arrived to say they were stuck in traffic on the autobahn miles away.... ( more next week).
I had an uneventful flight home via Frankfurt (aargh).
I was up at 09:00am, cleaned up and took Rocky for a walk before getting the bus to Billund Airport.
Easy check in, relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for the day............ While I was in the lounge some guy jumps over the counter and starts to help himself to copious amounts of whisky.The staff were not happy....
Flew to Berlin, relaxed in a cafe and met Suzanne there. She told me H & Mal had missed their connection in Frankfurt (argh).
Abbie, Tim, Robin and John arrived.
We drove for about four hours to Schwarzenberg.
I was in bed by midnight.
Saturday 30th May 2015
I was awake at 08:30, stayed in bed until 09:30.
Went for breakfast.......... H, Abbie, Suzanne & John were there, Mal joined us.
Went to the gig for an early soundcheck. Met our good friends the ‘Hermits’ and the ‘Equals’.
Came back to the hotel to clean up and relax.
Left for the show - we weren't on till 23:00pm. GREAT gig to 15,000 people. We only played 35 mins (that’s how long the Beatles played at Shea Stadium!)
I was in bed by 01:00am.
Sunday 31st May 2015
I was up 06:00.
Cleaned up and packed, went for breakfast and checked out. Suzanne and myself drove in a rented car to Berlin Airport.
She took the car back to Hertz ..... Abbie called as we arrived to say they were stuck in traffic on the autobahn miles away.... ( more next week).
I had an uneventful flight home via Frankfurt (aargh).
Don with Geoff from The Hermits
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On stage in Schwarzenberg with the announcer before Slade play
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Wednesday 3rd June 2015
I was up at 08:00am and took Rocky for his morning walk (and mine).
Made my way to the train station to get my bus to Billund Airport.
Easy flight to Stansted - except all the trains were cancelled ???????
I got the shuttle coach to Gatwick Airport via every terminal at Heathrow Airport. Took me about four and a half hours!
Checked in my hotel at 00:30am - went straight to bed.
Thursday 4th June 2015
I was awake at 06:00 - cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast.
Met the others at the terminal to fly to Isle Of Man.
There we were met by promoter John and driven to our hotel, H arrived just after.
Everyone went out to eat - I decided to eat in the hotel.
I relaxed in my room and was in bed by 21:00pm.
Friday 5th June 2015
I stayed in bed until 08:30am.
Cleaned up - and Abbie text me to say there was a radio interview at the hotel later.............
Relaxed and had tea with Mal before going to the gig with Tim & Robin.
H and myself did the 'Manx Radio’ interview.
Spent all afternoon sorting my drums out with Jon from Now-Hire before the sound check.
Mal and myself walked back to the hotel.
I cleaned up and walked back to the gig.
GREAT GIG to about 2,000 people. I was about to walk back to the hotel when one of the bouncers wouldn’t let me.... he drove me back in his car......
I relaxed in my room with a sandwich and tea I brought back from the gig.
I was in bed by 23:15pm.
I was up at 08:00am and took Rocky for his morning walk (and mine).
Made my way to the train station to get my bus to Billund Airport.
Easy flight to Stansted - except all the trains were cancelled ???????
I got the shuttle coach to Gatwick Airport via every terminal at Heathrow Airport. Took me about four and a half hours!
Checked in my hotel at 00:30am - went straight to bed.
Thursday 4th June 2015
I was awake at 06:00 - cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast.
Met the others at the terminal to fly to Isle Of Man.
There we were met by promoter John and driven to our hotel, H arrived just after.
Everyone went out to eat - I decided to eat in the hotel.
I relaxed in my room and was in bed by 21:00pm.
Friday 5th June 2015
I stayed in bed until 08:30am.
Cleaned up - and Abbie text me to say there was a radio interview at the hotel later.............
Relaxed and had tea with Mal before going to the gig with Tim & Robin.
H and myself did the 'Manx Radio’ interview.
Spent all afternoon sorting my drums out with Jon from Now-Hire before the sound check.
Mal and myself walked back to the hotel.
I cleaned up and walked back to the gig.
GREAT GIG to about 2,000 people. I was about to walk back to the hotel when one of the bouncers wouldn’t let me.... he drove me back in his car......
I relaxed in my room with a sandwich and tea I brought back from the gig.
I was in bed by 23:15pm.
Saturday 6th June 2015
I was awake 06:00am.
Cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast.
Paid my extras - checked out and drove to the airport to fly back to Gatwick.
I had about 8 hours to ‘kill’ SO, I caught the train into London and did my DVD shopping. All I got was 'Whiplash’ with Miles Teller, JK Simmons, Damien Chazelle & Melissa Benoist and 'Unbroken’ with Jack O’Connell.
Made my way to Stansted for my flight home.....
When I boarded my flight the Captain was standing outside the cockpit. We said hello, I walked past my usual 1C seat to the seat I was booked in which was 9C when he said: "why aren’t you in your usual place?".. I said: "That’s the way it’s been booked".............. When we'd taken off and the fasten seat belt sign had been switched off, the captain came over the plane speaker system and said "Mr Don, the seat 1C is vacant for you." I was a little red in the face as I went to that seat, the captain came out of the cockpit laughing and said I must go back to seat 9C for the landing......
GREAT WEEKEND.
I was awake 06:00am.
Cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast.
Paid my extras - checked out and drove to the airport to fly back to Gatwick.
I had about 8 hours to ‘kill’ SO, I caught the train into London and did my DVD shopping. All I got was 'Whiplash’ with Miles Teller, JK Simmons, Damien Chazelle & Melissa Benoist and 'Unbroken’ with Jack O’Connell.
Made my way to Stansted for my flight home.....
When I boarded my flight the Captain was standing outside the cockpit. We said hello, I walked past my usual 1C seat to the seat I was booked in which was 9C when he said: "why aren’t you in your usual place?".. I said: "That’s the way it’s been booked".............. When we'd taken off and the fasten seat belt sign had been switched off, the captain came over the plane speaker system and said "Mr Don, the seat 1C is vacant for you." I was a little red in the face as I went to that seat, the captain came out of the cockpit laughing and said I must go back to seat 9C for the landing......
GREAT WEEKEND.
Saturday 13th June 2015
We were up early and drove to pick our very good friend Lisbeth up to drive to Middelfart to the 'Under The Bridge Festival' to see our old mates Quo....
We collected our car park passes and back stage passes (all arranged by Ilona’ at ‘Quo’s office).
We were invited by the festival organisers to sit down and have lunch, I checked with Lance (new drummer Leon’s roadie) what time the guys would arrive.....
I met them as they arrived backstage - we had a quick chat before they changed to go on stage. They were only allowed to play for an hour, ‘cause of time restrictions.
After their rousing show, they showed their usual fantastic hospitality towards Hanne, Lisbeth and myself. We were invited to eat with them all, before they left for their hotel. Andy Bown and myself talked about Slade touring the States with Peter Frampton in the ‘70’s (Andy used to be in The Herd with him in the ‘60’s...), Fran and myself reminisced a lot about our past touring times together. Rick was very quiet (he’s lost a lot of weight) I don’t think he’s in that good a health. John (Rhino) Is always great to talk to - he admitted to me about being a big Slade fan..............Their new drummer, Leon, is a lovely bloke - we talked ‘drums’ a lot..............
THANKS GUYS FOR YOUR WONDERFUL HOSPITALITY, AS USUAL..............
Also on the festival...Dizzy Mizz Lizzy, Gnags, Kim Larsen & Kjukken, Kato, Maglens Korridorer, Queen Machine, Rockers By Choice.
We were up early and drove to pick our very good friend Lisbeth up to drive to Middelfart to the 'Under The Bridge Festival' to see our old mates Quo....
We collected our car park passes and back stage passes (all arranged by Ilona’ at ‘Quo’s office).
We were invited by the festival organisers to sit down and have lunch, I checked with Lance (new drummer Leon’s roadie) what time the guys would arrive.....
I met them as they arrived backstage - we had a quick chat before they changed to go on stage. They were only allowed to play for an hour, ‘cause of time restrictions.
After their rousing show, they showed their usual fantastic hospitality towards Hanne, Lisbeth and myself. We were invited to eat with them all, before they left for their hotel. Andy Bown and myself talked about Slade touring the States with Peter Frampton in the ‘70’s (Andy used to be in The Herd with him in the ‘60’s...), Fran and myself reminisced a lot about our past touring times together. Rick was very quiet (he’s lost a lot of weight) I don’t think he’s in that good a health. John (Rhino) Is always great to talk to - he admitted to me about being a big Slade fan..............Their new drummer, Leon, is a lovely bloke - we talked ‘drums’ a lot..............
THANKS GUYS FOR YOUR WONDERFUL HOSPITALITY, AS USUAL..............
Also on the festival...Dizzy Mizz Lizzy, Gnags, Kim Larsen & Kjukken, Kato, Maglens Korridorer, Queen Machine, Rockers By Choice.
Don with new Status Quo drummer - Leon Cave
Monday 15th June 2015
I was up 08:00. Did my usual stint at the fitness centre,
Came home to take Rocky for a walk.
Packed an over-night bag, drove to the airport to check in for my flight to London.
Relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for later.
Easy flight, nice feeling not having to wait for luggage.
Checked in my hotel, they upgraded me to an Executive room ?????
I stayed in my room, made tea and ate the sandwiches I made earlier.
I was in bed by 21:00.
Tuesday 16th June 2015
Rock Star's Lunch in Barnes
I was awake at 05:30. Had a wonderful sleep. I made tea and cleaned up.
Went for a small breakfast (lunch later.) Checked out and made my way by train to Oxford Circus.
I must have been the first customer in HMV (they were still opening the shutters).
Got about ten DVD’s that was on my list.....
Made my way to the restaurant in Barnes for lunch.
As arranged, I met Andy Scott and Suzi Quatro we made our way to the ‘eatery’ together.
Everyone (too numerous to mention) arrived one by one.
I sat by John ‘Spud’ Coghlan’.......original Status Quo drummer & Clem Cattini....(famous session drummer).
Wonderful afternoon, Nod and myself were engrossed in a wonderful reminiscing conversation for about two hours, People couldn’t believe it, many photos were being taken of us both together...............
Also at the lunch, I met one of my all time favourite drummers, Brian Bennett from The Shadows.His drum solo on the track ‘Little B’. (Track 6 from the ‘Out Of The Shadows’ CD) is one of the best drum solos I’ve heard.
I approached him and told him so. He looked at me rather surprised and said “Thank you. God, that was a long time ago.” After nearly 50 years, I managed to meet him and tell him!
I eventually caught the train back to Stansted (I shared the train with Chris Welch (ex Melody Maker writer) for part of the way).
WONDERFUL TWO DAYS...........
I was up 08:00. Did my usual stint at the fitness centre,
Came home to take Rocky for a walk.
Packed an over-night bag, drove to the airport to check in for my flight to London.
Relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for later.
Easy flight, nice feeling not having to wait for luggage.
Checked in my hotel, they upgraded me to an Executive room ?????
I stayed in my room, made tea and ate the sandwiches I made earlier.
I was in bed by 21:00.
Tuesday 16th June 2015
Rock Star's Lunch in Barnes
I was awake at 05:30. Had a wonderful sleep. I made tea and cleaned up.
Went for a small breakfast (lunch later.) Checked out and made my way by train to Oxford Circus.
I must have been the first customer in HMV (they were still opening the shutters).
Got about ten DVD’s that was on my list.....
Made my way to the restaurant in Barnes for lunch.
As arranged, I met Andy Scott and Suzi Quatro we made our way to the ‘eatery’ together.
Everyone (too numerous to mention) arrived one by one.
I sat by John ‘Spud’ Coghlan’.......original Status Quo drummer & Clem Cattini....(famous session drummer).
Wonderful afternoon, Nod and myself were engrossed in a wonderful reminiscing conversation for about two hours, People couldn’t believe it, many photos were being taken of us both together...............
Also at the lunch, I met one of my all time favourite drummers, Brian Bennett from The Shadows.His drum solo on the track ‘Little B’. (Track 6 from the ‘Out Of The Shadows’ CD) is one of the best drum solos I’ve heard.
I approached him and told him so. He looked at me rather surprised and said “Thank you. God, that was a long time ago.” After nearly 50 years, I managed to meet him and tell him!
I eventually caught the train back to Stansted (I shared the train with Chris Welch (ex Melody Maker writer) for part of the way).
WONDERFUL TWO DAYS...........
Friday 19th June 2015
I had to look after my tomato plants before cleaning up.
I had to look after my tomato plants before cleaning up.
Hanne, our good friend Marianne and myself, got ready to drive to Horsens where Suzi Quatro was to play a concert in the old prison (not used anymore).
We had all our backstage passes arranged by Suzi...............
However, they hadn’t arrived when we got there - so we were invited by the promoter to help ourselves in the catering marquee......
Wonderful hospitality - another one of our good friends, Lisbeth, joined us there.
The promoter Michael from ‘Fast-Entertainment’ really wants to book Slade there. It’s a fantastic setting - all within the old prison walls.
We had a nice chat to, Suzi and her band before their gig - great show, everything you’d expect from her.
As it was an early show, she invited us all to have dinner with her and her band after their show............
THANKS Suzi.................
See you soon.
We had all our backstage passes arranged by Suzi...............
However, they hadn’t arrived when we got there - so we were invited by the promoter to help ourselves in the catering marquee......
Wonderful hospitality - another one of our good friends, Lisbeth, joined us there.
The promoter Michael from ‘Fast-Entertainment’ really wants to book Slade there. It’s a fantastic setting - all within the old prison walls.
We had a nice chat to, Suzi and her band before their gig - great show, everything you’d expect from her.
As it was an early show, she invited us all to have dinner with her and her band after their show............
THANKS Suzi.................
See you soon.
Thursday 25 June 2015
I was up, 05:45. I did my stint at the fitness centre before taking Rocky for his morning walk.
We packed the car for Andreas to drive us to Frederickshavn so we could get the ferry to Gothenburg.
While we were waiting to board the ferry ‘My Oh My’ was on Danish radio.
Spent the 3hr ferry crossing in the restaurant. Caught a cab to the hotel.
Had a few drinks with Andy Scott & Pete Lincoln (Sweet's singer) & Thomas the promoter.
We were in bed by 01:15am.
Friday 26th June 2015
Stayed in bed ‘til 11:00.
Made tea in our room before cleaning up.
Met John Berry and Abbie outside the hotel (smoking).
We all had lunch together before going to the gig. We did our sound check and stayed there as we were on first.
Great gig to about 3,000 people.
Came back to the hotel - everyone else went to eat.
I was in bed by 21:30.
Saturday 27th June. 2015.
I was awake at 06:00am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Checked out of the hotel and drove to Helsingborg.
Checked in the hotel. Went for the sound check and stayed at the gig.
Another great gig to 3,000 people again. Stayed at the gig to watch Sweet & Smokie.
We all came back to the hotel together.
I was in bed by 00:45.
Sunday 28th June 2015
I was up at 08:00. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Some of Sweet & Smokie left for the airport.
I sat having tea with Andy Scott...... Found out, the guys who had just left for the airport had got on the wrong bus and were about 5 hrs too early...............
Hanne and myself walked to the ferry to go back to Denmark and the Robbie Williams concert..............
I was up, 05:45. I did my stint at the fitness centre before taking Rocky for his morning walk.
We packed the car for Andreas to drive us to Frederickshavn so we could get the ferry to Gothenburg.
While we were waiting to board the ferry ‘My Oh My’ was on Danish radio.
Spent the 3hr ferry crossing in the restaurant. Caught a cab to the hotel.
Had a few drinks with Andy Scott & Pete Lincoln (Sweet's singer) & Thomas the promoter.
We were in bed by 01:15am.
Friday 26th June 2015
Stayed in bed ‘til 11:00.
Made tea in our room before cleaning up.
Met John Berry and Abbie outside the hotel (smoking).
We all had lunch together before going to the gig. We did our sound check and stayed there as we were on first.
Great gig to about 3,000 people.
Came back to the hotel - everyone else went to eat.
I was in bed by 21:30.
Saturday 27th June. 2015.
I was awake at 06:00am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Checked out of the hotel and drove to Helsingborg.
Checked in the hotel. Went for the sound check and stayed at the gig.
Another great gig to 3,000 people again. Stayed at the gig to watch Sweet & Smokie.
We all came back to the hotel together.
I was in bed by 00:45.
Sunday 28th June 2015
I was up at 08:00. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Some of Sweet & Smokie left for the airport.
I sat having tea with Andy Scott...... Found out, the guys who had just left for the airport had got on the wrong bus and were about 5 hrs too early...............
Hanne and myself walked to the ferry to go back to Denmark and the Robbie Williams concert..............
Sunday 28th June 2015
Robbie Williams Gig - 'Tinderbox'
We (Hanne, our friend Marianne and myself) left our hotel in Helsingborg, Sweden to get the ferry back to Helsingør, Denmark. Then we drove to Nyborg where the Robbie Williams entourage were staying. We relaxed in the hotel reception drinking tea when Karl Brazil (drummer) and Robbie’s manager came to say hello on their way to play tennis. One by one, band members, Guy Chambers (keyboards and Robbie’s co songwriter), Jerry Meehan (bass) & Gary Nutall (guitarist) came to say hello.............. Jerry told me that he’d been working with Steve McNerney (I did some recordings with him at EMI in the late 70’s).
We all left to go to the new “Tinderbox Festival” in Odense
It was arranged for us to follow their cars to the backstage and catering area. Emilie, Jakob and little August (2 years old) joined us there.
August got everyone’s attention as he walked around as if he’d been doing it all his life............... Robbie came over to say hello and talk about family life and touring. As promised, I gave Robbie and the band each a DVD of “Slade in Flame”.
Jakob left with August as it was getting past his bedtime. Emilie’s friend Heidi joined us backstage.
Karl and I had our photo taken with Søren Andersen from the Danish rock band D-A-D.
Just before they went on stage, we had a group photo taken with Robbie and his band. It was arranged for us to watch the show from on stage, fantastic really as it started to pour down with rain, just as the show started. The crowd of 25,000/30,000 fans wasn’t bothered about the rain though!
What a fantastic show!!!
Towards the end of the show, Robbie came over to shake hands with us all. At the end of the show Karl came over to give me his drumsticks, I gave them to Emilie’s friend Heidi (I’ve got plenty of my own....HA!) She was ecstatic! Karl said, they would leave straight after the show to the airport to fly back to the UK.
THANKS ONCE AGAIN GUYS FOR YOUR FANTASTIC HOSPITALITY.............
(Photos: Marianne Jensen)
Robbie Williams Gig - 'Tinderbox'
We (Hanne, our friend Marianne and myself) left our hotel in Helsingborg, Sweden to get the ferry back to Helsingør, Denmark. Then we drove to Nyborg where the Robbie Williams entourage were staying. We relaxed in the hotel reception drinking tea when Karl Brazil (drummer) and Robbie’s manager came to say hello on their way to play tennis. One by one, band members, Guy Chambers (keyboards and Robbie’s co songwriter), Jerry Meehan (bass) & Gary Nutall (guitarist) came to say hello.............. Jerry told me that he’d been working with Steve McNerney (I did some recordings with him at EMI in the late 70’s).
We all left to go to the new “Tinderbox Festival” in Odense
It was arranged for us to follow their cars to the backstage and catering area. Emilie, Jakob and little August (2 years old) joined us there.
August got everyone’s attention as he walked around as if he’d been doing it all his life............... Robbie came over to say hello and talk about family life and touring. As promised, I gave Robbie and the band each a DVD of “Slade in Flame”.
Jakob left with August as it was getting past his bedtime. Emilie’s friend Heidi joined us backstage.
Karl and I had our photo taken with Søren Andersen from the Danish rock band D-A-D.
Just before they went on stage, we had a group photo taken with Robbie and his band. It was arranged for us to watch the show from on stage, fantastic really as it started to pour down with rain, just as the show started. The crowd of 25,000/30,000 fans wasn’t bothered about the rain though!
What a fantastic show!!!
Towards the end of the show, Robbie came over to shake hands with us all. At the end of the show Karl came over to give me his drumsticks, I gave them to Emilie’s friend Heidi (I’ve got plenty of my own....HA!) She was ecstatic! Karl said, they would leave straight after the show to the airport to fly back to the UK.
THANKS ONCE AGAIN GUYS FOR YOUR FANTASTIC HOSPITALITY.............
(Photos: Marianne Jensen)
Saturday 4th July 2015
Around lunchtime, Hanne and myself packed the car to drive to the Roskilde festival to see Paul McCartney.
It had all been arranged by John ‘Grubby’ Callis who is Paul's monitor engineer............
We had about a three and a half hour drive to the festival.
When we'd driven as far as Aarhus we decided to take the ferry (less stress) to Sealand Ode. We could relax and have lunch on the boat.
We then drove to Roskilde and met our friend Marianne at the station. We drove to our hotel and checked in.............
Had a quick clean up and caught a cab to the backstage area of the festival site. A girl from Live Nation (promoters) met us and gave us all of our passes.
I let ‘Grubby’ know we were in...... He came and joined us for some tea. He was telling us after Denmark they would be doing shows in Sweden then the States.
He left us to go to work. As you can imagine, it was a massive set up - along with eight follow spots, screens showing Beatle and Paul photos and playing Beatle and his solo stuff over the PA system (mind you, there is a lot of material to choose from).... The organisers were passing water out to everyone through out the festival.......
We found our son, Andreas, he’d been there all the week at the festival. He was telling us the organisers had to fetch, Damon Albarn (previously BLUR) off stage the previous night) after playing for four hours and going past curfew at 4:00 in the, morning. https://embed.theguardian.com/embed/video/music/video/2015/jul/06/damon-albarn-carried-off-stage-roskilde-denmark-video" This is the video of what happened..........
THEN the man was on stage.............. Paul played everything you wanted to hear. Most of his solo and Beatle songs. He played and sang ‘Something’ (just him on ukulele) as a tribute to George Harrison.
Then he played ‘Here Today’ as a tribute to John Lennon. Paul was on stage for 2 Hrs 45 mins........ and played to an ecstatic 140,000 people.
We caught the festival bus (lots of buses supplied by the organisers to taker punters to train and bus stations).
We got to bed around 03:00 am.
AFTER 50 YEARS AWAITING, I GOT TO SEE ONE OF MY ALL TIME HERO’s....
Around lunchtime, Hanne and myself packed the car to drive to the Roskilde festival to see Paul McCartney.
It had all been arranged by John ‘Grubby’ Callis who is Paul's monitor engineer............
We had about a three and a half hour drive to the festival.
When we'd driven as far as Aarhus we decided to take the ferry (less stress) to Sealand Ode. We could relax and have lunch on the boat.
We then drove to Roskilde and met our friend Marianne at the station. We drove to our hotel and checked in.............
Had a quick clean up and caught a cab to the backstage area of the festival site. A girl from Live Nation (promoters) met us and gave us all of our passes.
I let ‘Grubby’ know we were in...... He came and joined us for some tea. He was telling us after Denmark they would be doing shows in Sweden then the States.
He left us to go to work. As you can imagine, it was a massive set up - along with eight follow spots, screens showing Beatle and Paul photos and playing Beatle and his solo stuff over the PA system (mind you, there is a lot of material to choose from).... The organisers were passing water out to everyone through out the festival.......
We found our son, Andreas, he’d been there all the week at the festival. He was telling us the organisers had to fetch, Damon Albarn (previously BLUR) off stage the previous night) after playing for four hours and going past curfew at 4:00 in the, morning. https://embed.theguardian.com/embed/video/music/video/2015/jul/06/damon-albarn-carried-off-stage-roskilde-denmark-video" This is the video of what happened..........
THEN the man was on stage.............. Paul played everything you wanted to hear. Most of his solo and Beatle songs. He played and sang ‘Something’ (just him on ukulele) as a tribute to George Harrison.
Then he played ‘Here Today’ as a tribute to John Lennon. Paul was on stage for 2 Hrs 45 mins........ and played to an ecstatic 140,000 people.
We caught the festival bus (lots of buses supplied by the organisers to taker punters to train and bus stations).
We got to bed around 03:00 am.
AFTER 50 YEARS AWAITING, I GOT TO SEE ONE OF MY ALL TIME HERO’s....
Thursday 9th July 2015
I was up at 07:00and went to the bakery for fresh bread rolls.
Hanne and me had American guests staying: Todd, Jackie, Melissa, Brad & their son Lance (Hanne’s family and friends from when she was aforeign exchange student in America when she was 18yrs old). I packed and said my goodbyes to them.
I caught the bus to Billund Airport, andchecked in my flight to Stansted. I relaxed in the lounge before flying to Stansted. I checked into the Radisson. I was in bed at 21:45.
Friday 10th July 2015
I was awake 08:00am before my wake-up call came through. I cleaned up and packed and decided to go to Cambridge by train. Got to the hotel - I had to wait to check into my room. I did some toiletry shopping before my great friend Vicky came to the hotel, and we drove to her daughters house nearby for tea and cake. Vicky then drove me to the showground. We couldn’t do a sound check.
Had a great show to about 3,000 people. Malcolm Skellington drove me back to my hotel.
I was in bed by 21:20 pm.
Saturday 11th July 2015
I was awake 07:30am. Cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast.
H, Mal and myself drove to Boston. Checked in our hotel.
Johnny Shane (surname actually Howells), who was in the band before Dave Hill with Johnny Howells (not the same one), Mick Marson and me, came to the hotel with all of his family. We had a catch-up and a great time reminiscing....
Drove to the gig. Had a great, open air, gig........ H, Mal and myself drove back to our hotel. I was in bed 00:30am.
I was up at 07:00and went to the bakery for fresh bread rolls.
Hanne and me had American guests staying: Todd, Jackie, Melissa, Brad & their son Lance (Hanne’s family and friends from when she was aforeign exchange student in America when she was 18yrs old). I packed and said my goodbyes to them.
I caught the bus to Billund Airport, andchecked in my flight to Stansted. I relaxed in the lounge before flying to Stansted. I checked into the Radisson. I was in bed at 21:45.
Friday 10th July 2015
I was awake 08:00am before my wake-up call came through. I cleaned up and packed and decided to go to Cambridge by train. Got to the hotel - I had to wait to check into my room. I did some toiletry shopping before my great friend Vicky came to the hotel, and we drove to her daughters house nearby for tea and cake. Vicky then drove me to the showground. We couldn’t do a sound check.
Had a great show to about 3,000 people. Malcolm Skellington drove me back to my hotel.
I was in bed by 21:20 pm.
Saturday 11th July 2015
I was awake 07:30am. Cleaned up and packed and went for breakfast.
H, Mal and myself drove to Boston. Checked in our hotel.
Johnny Shane (surname actually Howells), who was in the band before Dave Hill with Johnny Howells (not the same one), Mick Marson and me, came to the hotel with all of his family. We had a catch-up and a great time reminiscing....
Drove to the gig. Had a great, open air, gig........ H, Mal and myself drove back to our hotel. I was in bed 00:30am.
Don and Johnny Shane
Sunday 12th July 2015
I was awake at 06:45am. I cleaned up and packed. I went for breakfast. Checked out of the hotel and walked to the station. Went by train to London first to do a DVD shopping spree.
Made my way back to Stansted. Checked in and found out they’ve opened a new lounge there (I have an annual pass for entry into the lounges). I relaxed with tea and cake before my flight. While I was waiting to board, I witnessed SO many people missing their flights, because of not allowing plenty of time going through security or by just not keeping their eye on the time. OH WELL.
I was awake at 06:45am. I cleaned up and packed. I went for breakfast. Checked out of the hotel and walked to the station. Went by train to London first to do a DVD shopping spree.
Made my way back to Stansted. Checked in and found out they’ve opened a new lounge there (I have an annual pass for entry into the lounges). I relaxed with tea and cake before my flight. While I was waiting to board, I witnessed SO many people missing their flights, because of not allowing plenty of time going through security or by just not keeping their eye on the time. OH WELL.
Saturday 25th July 2015
Some time ago, I was contacted by my friend Torben (the guitarist with the band “The Glam”), who asked if I could possibly be “guest drumming” and play “Far Far Away” with them at “Varde Open Air” festival where they were to celebrate the bands 25th anniversary on Saturday July 25th.
Hanne and myself left our house around lunchtime to drive and meet our very good friends Mikael Helmuth, ( from the Team Theatre in Herning) and his girlfriend Anne at her parents summer house in “Vejers Strand”, on the west coast of Jutland, to have lunch with them all.......
From there we drove to Varde were the festival was being held. To my great surprise, my favourite Danish band “Big Fat Snake” was also on the bill. I got to meet them, (great guys) and have my photo taken with them before their show. One of my all times favourite songs is one of theirs called “Be Alone With Me”. I took great pleasure in telling them so they were a bit surprised as it was a song they recorded many years ago.......... A great show they did, we all sat in the audience to watch.......
‘The Glam’ were next; they played many songs from the ‘70’s. THEN, it was my turn to go on stage to play with them, there were about 3000 people standing in the pouring rain... About half way through’ Far Far Away’ their arrangement was for all the instruments, except the drums, to drop out and let the crowd sing on their own........ A great spectacle!
A FANTASTIC DAY, DESPITE THE RAIN.
Some time ago, I was contacted by my friend Torben (the guitarist with the band “The Glam”), who asked if I could possibly be “guest drumming” and play “Far Far Away” with them at “Varde Open Air” festival where they were to celebrate the bands 25th anniversary on Saturday July 25th.
Hanne and myself left our house around lunchtime to drive and meet our very good friends Mikael Helmuth, ( from the Team Theatre in Herning) and his girlfriend Anne at her parents summer house in “Vejers Strand”, on the west coast of Jutland, to have lunch with them all.......
From there we drove to Varde were the festival was being held. To my great surprise, my favourite Danish band “Big Fat Snake” was also on the bill. I got to meet them, (great guys) and have my photo taken with them before their show. One of my all times favourite songs is one of theirs called “Be Alone With Me”. I took great pleasure in telling them so they were a bit surprised as it was a song they recorded many years ago.......... A great show they did, we all sat in the audience to watch.......
‘The Glam’ were next; they played many songs from the ‘70’s. THEN, it was my turn to go on stage to play with them, there were about 3000 people standing in the pouring rain... About half way through’ Far Far Away’ their arrangement was for all the instruments, except the drums, to drop out and let the crowd sing on their own........ A great spectacle!
A FANTASTIC DAY, DESPITE THE RAIN.
Big Fat Snake onstage
Friday 7th August 2015
I was up at 01:30 (I went to bed 20:00 last night). I cleaned up.
Jakob (Emilie’s boyfriend) drove me to the bus station to get the 03;40am bus to Billund Airport. The bus driver couldn’t get the passenger door open. So, he climbed out of his window to force the door open. Thus we started our journey to the airport. He stopped at a traffic island and waved a car down. I shouted to him: “What’s wrong”? He said “ I don’t know my way to the airport - I’m going to ask this driver”....... I said to him: “ I’ve got a plane to catch - I know the way to the airport! ”. What a great start to the day!
I eventually checked in (don’t know where the bus driver went).
I relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches.
I flew to Copenhagen and had tea with our great friend Marianne before my flight to Riga. Met Suzanne at the arrivals in Riga. Our transport was late, we then drove about three hours to Kuldiga. Checked in our hotel (an old castle which was also a museum). Check out Edole Castle www.edolespils.Lv .................. The others arrived from the UK, Apparently there was a haunted bedroom in the hotel. I said make sure H gets it (don’t know who did). We were the only people in the hotel......... We were taken out to eat. I was in bed by 22:15 (Not in the haunted room).
Saturday 8th August 2015
I was up at 08:00, cleaned up and went for breakfast,
I went to the gig with Tim And Robin to sort the equipment out. The Rubbettes arrived from the, UK..... We did our sound check before driving back to our hotel to clean up. I spoke to Hanne who was baby sitting August - he was asking for me, SO she showed him the live DVD from ‘KOKO’s’ - after ten minutes he said “mo thanks”.... AND HE’s ONLY TWO YEARS OLD..................
We left for the gig,..... GREAT show to about 3,000 people. Got back to the hotel at 01:15 and straight to bed.
Sunday 9th August 2015
I was awake early? Cleaned up and packed. Went for breakfast. The promoter drove Suzanne and myself to Riga Airport.
Checked in and relaxed in the lounge before our flight to Copenhagen...... When we landed, I said cheerio to Suzanne - she had a connection to Dusseldorf and I flew to Billund and home.....
I was up at 01:30 (I went to bed 20:00 last night). I cleaned up.
Jakob (Emilie’s boyfriend) drove me to the bus station to get the 03;40am bus to Billund Airport. The bus driver couldn’t get the passenger door open. So, he climbed out of his window to force the door open. Thus we started our journey to the airport. He stopped at a traffic island and waved a car down. I shouted to him: “What’s wrong”? He said “ I don’t know my way to the airport - I’m going to ask this driver”....... I said to him: “ I’ve got a plane to catch - I know the way to the airport! ”. What a great start to the day!
I eventually checked in (don’t know where the bus driver went).
I relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches.
I flew to Copenhagen and had tea with our great friend Marianne before my flight to Riga. Met Suzanne at the arrivals in Riga. Our transport was late, we then drove about three hours to Kuldiga. Checked in our hotel (an old castle which was also a museum). Check out Edole Castle www.edolespils.Lv .................. The others arrived from the UK, Apparently there was a haunted bedroom in the hotel. I said make sure H gets it (don’t know who did). We were the only people in the hotel......... We were taken out to eat. I was in bed by 22:15 (Not in the haunted room).
Saturday 8th August 2015
I was up at 08:00, cleaned up and went for breakfast,
I went to the gig with Tim And Robin to sort the equipment out. The Rubbettes arrived from the, UK..... We did our sound check before driving back to our hotel to clean up. I spoke to Hanne who was baby sitting August - he was asking for me, SO she showed him the live DVD from ‘KOKO’s’ - after ten minutes he said “mo thanks”.... AND HE’s ONLY TWO YEARS OLD..................
We left for the gig,..... GREAT show to about 3,000 people. Got back to the hotel at 01:15 and straight to bed.
Sunday 9th August 2015
I was awake early? Cleaned up and packed. Went for breakfast. The promoter drove Suzanne and myself to Riga Airport.
Checked in and relaxed in the lounge before our flight to Copenhagen...... When we landed, I said cheerio to Suzanne - she had a connection to Dusseldorf and I flew to Billund and home.....
Saturday 22nd August 2015
I was awake at 04:00am.
Cleaned up and packed the car to drive to Billund Airport....
I was too early to check in........... I checked in eventually at 09:45am. I went to the lounge to relax and make sandwiches for the day.
Boarded my flight - there was a ‘double’ booking on the seat i was allocated. SO, I agreed to be upgraded to ‘First-Class’..... Uneventful flight to Brussels.
Our dear friends, Philippe and John Louise (mega banker on the European market) met myself, H, his daughter Bibi, her new fella Jonathan and Mal............
We all drove to our hotel in Bocholt-Reppel........... John Berry and his family were already there..
Mal and myself relaxed in the bar. Dick who is Bobby Elliot's (Hollies drummer’s) tech joined us.
I was in bed by 20:30pm.
Sunday 23rd August 2015
I was awake at 07:30.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Relaxed all day - the Tremeloes arrived from the UK .... Sat with drummer Dave Munden and Joe Gillingham (keyboards) drinking tea and beer (not me).
I went to the gig with John and his family to eat there (fantastic catering).
Had a great gig to about 3,000 people. Also on the show were Mud, the Tremeloes, Hollies, Sweet, & ELO.
Philippe drove Mal and myself back to our hotel.
I was in bed by 22:40pm.
Monday 24th August 2015
I was already awake when my alarm went off at 07:00am.
Cleaned up and packed , them went for breakfast. Checked out. Philippe drove Mal and myself 3hrs. to Brussels Airport. We were on the same flight to Copenhagen . Relaxed in the lounge.....
We were early for our flights when we got to Copenhagen, Mal to Manchester, me to Billund. More ‘gallons’ of tea.............. Mal went his way, I went mine.
GREAT WEEKEND.
I was awake at 04:00am.
Cleaned up and packed the car to drive to Billund Airport....
I was too early to check in........... I checked in eventually at 09:45am. I went to the lounge to relax and make sandwiches for the day.
Boarded my flight - there was a ‘double’ booking on the seat i was allocated. SO, I agreed to be upgraded to ‘First-Class’..... Uneventful flight to Brussels.
Our dear friends, Philippe and John Louise (mega banker on the European market) met myself, H, his daughter Bibi, her new fella Jonathan and Mal............
We all drove to our hotel in Bocholt-Reppel........... John Berry and his family were already there..
Mal and myself relaxed in the bar. Dick who is Bobby Elliot's (Hollies drummer’s) tech joined us.
I was in bed by 20:30pm.
Sunday 23rd August 2015
I was awake at 07:30.
Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Relaxed all day - the Tremeloes arrived from the UK .... Sat with drummer Dave Munden and Joe Gillingham (keyboards) drinking tea and beer (not me).
I went to the gig with John and his family to eat there (fantastic catering).
Had a great gig to about 3,000 people. Also on the show were Mud, the Tremeloes, Hollies, Sweet, & ELO.
Philippe drove Mal and myself back to our hotel.
I was in bed by 22:40pm.
Monday 24th August 2015
I was already awake when my alarm went off at 07:00am.
Cleaned up and packed , them went for breakfast. Checked out. Philippe drove Mal and myself 3hrs. to Brussels Airport. We were on the same flight to Copenhagen . Relaxed in the lounge.....
We were early for our flights when we got to Copenhagen, Mal to Manchester, me to Billund. More ‘gallons’ of tea.............. Mal went his way, I went mine.
GREAT WEEKEND.
Friday 4th September 2015
I was up 07:00 and took Rocky for his morning walk (and mine).
Got my things together to go and catch the bus to Billund Airport.
Checked in and relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for the, day............
My plane was an hour delayed. It was a connection from Majorca and was late leaving there ‘cause of thunderstorms.
So, when I got to Stansted my ‘booked’ train had already left. The man in the ticket office recognised me and just swapped my tickets to the next train, rather than making me pay again.....
Spoke to my friend Carole Williams. She was just finishing packing as she was just about to make her way to the airport to visit her daughter in Canada. Spoke to my other friend Vicki, will see her tomorrow for a cuppa.
Checked in my hotel in Wolverhampton (which was at the Racetrack) and walked over to have a look at the stage. The crew were just finishing setting the lights and PA system.
We all had a drink together in the bar. Suzanne from Germany joined us.
I went to my room and spoke to Hanne and was in bed by 23:45.
Saturday 5th September 2015
Slade gig at Wolverhampton Racetrack
I was awake at 06:00am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Got a taxi to take flowers to Mom & Dad's grave. I then went to Swinn's house. I was ringing the door bell for ages. His dogs were going berserk. NO ANSWER.
Made my way back to the hotel. Met Anthony who's doing the research for ‘H’s biography............ We had a little chat. H referred to me a few times to confirm information from the past... Anthony said "Hold on. I thought you were thge one with the memory problem!"
I went over to check my drums................. Did the sound check, ALSO lots of photos and interviews. At 7pm the band got together in the Green Room to do a Meet & Greet with fans. I took our old mate Richard Cox along to meet the band. Richard used to be a reporter for a Derby newspaper. He was the first journalist ever to champion Slade outside Wolverhampton before we 'made it'.
We had a fantastic ‘home coming’ show.............. We all relaxed together in our hospitality suite, eating and drinking.
I was in bed by 00:45 on a ‘high’.
I was up 07:00 and took Rocky for his morning walk (and mine).
Got my things together to go and catch the bus to Billund Airport.
Checked in and relaxed in the lounge and made sandwiches for the, day............
My plane was an hour delayed. It was a connection from Majorca and was late leaving there ‘cause of thunderstorms.
So, when I got to Stansted my ‘booked’ train had already left. The man in the ticket office recognised me and just swapped my tickets to the next train, rather than making me pay again.....
Spoke to my friend Carole Williams. She was just finishing packing as she was just about to make her way to the airport to visit her daughter in Canada. Spoke to my other friend Vicki, will see her tomorrow for a cuppa.
Checked in my hotel in Wolverhampton (which was at the Racetrack) and walked over to have a look at the stage. The crew were just finishing setting the lights and PA system.
We all had a drink together in the bar. Suzanne from Germany joined us.
I went to my room and spoke to Hanne and was in bed by 23:45.
Saturday 5th September 2015
Slade gig at Wolverhampton Racetrack
I was awake at 06:00am. Cleaned up and went for breakfast.
Got a taxi to take flowers to Mom & Dad's grave. I then went to Swinn's house. I was ringing the door bell for ages. His dogs were going berserk. NO ANSWER.
Made my way back to the hotel. Met Anthony who's doing the research for ‘H’s biography............ We had a little chat. H referred to me a few times to confirm information from the past... Anthony said "Hold on. I thought you were thge one with the memory problem!"
I went over to check my drums................. Did the sound check, ALSO lots of photos and interviews. At 7pm the band got together in the Green Room to do a Meet & Greet with fans. I took our old mate Richard Cox along to meet the band. Richard used to be a reporter for a Derby newspaper. He was the first journalist ever to champion Slade outside Wolverhampton before we 'made it'.
We had a fantastic ‘home coming’ show.............. We all relaxed together in our hospitality suite, eating and drinking.
I was in bed by 00:45 on a ‘high’.
Richard Cox at the Meet & Greet
Sunday 6th September 2015
Got up when my alarm went off 08:00am.
Cleaned up and packed. Went for breakfast before checking out and making my way to Dave Kemp and Barbara's hotel. Met a crowd of people in Blue Bricks Restaurant where they were having breakfast. Fran and Sherri, Sue Wilson & Andrew, and Nigel Hart were all there. My friend Vicki couldn’t get there cause of a ‘marathon- run’ going on all the roads tp the hotel were closed.. Theresa Taylor had made a surprise (early) birthday cake that was served up at the table. Other guests passed where we were sitting thinking 'how can they eat cake at this time'?
Dave, Barbara, there son Jack, his friend and myself drove back to their house - stopping for tea & cake on the way (Heavy-Metal). We popped into the garden centre where their daughter Lana works to say Hi. (I was gonna embarrass her and do a bit of ‘shop lifting’...Ha......). Dave and myself went for a walk with their dog while Barbara made us a lovely lunch.
Dave then drove me to Stansted Airport for my flight home......
WHAT A FANTASTIC WEEKEND.
)Sunday 4th October 2015
As we were about to leave for home from concerts in Norway and I really didn’t feel too good. People were commenting on my unusual ‘red’ colour. I also had an unusual sweat on.....
When I did get home, Hanne could see I wasn’t good. I went to bed with a shivering sweat. Hanne said we would have to go and see a doctor in the morning.
Monday 5th October 2015
I got up 07:00am, still not feeling good.
We got ready to go to see Eva, our doctor (GP). She arranged an emergency consultation with the skin specialist -who straight away made me rush to a special skin related problem ward at the hospital in Aarhus.
I was immediately admitted, and straight away sent to have special chemical baths. I was put on a course of drugs and my whole body, face and hair was covered in different medical creams.
Lots of blood tests were done and samples of skin were taken from different parts of me for analysis.
That went on everyday for a week.
I’m now back home and have just finished a massive course of pills. I’m still having to cover the whole of my body everyday with different creams (now I know what a ‘French Fry’ (chip) feels like.
I have to go back to the hospital tomorrow (Tuesday 20th October) to be signed off. And when my system is clear of all the drugs, THEN they will start extensive tests to find out what it is I’m actually allergic to.... BUT, at the moment I feel really good and have agreed to play the two concerts in Norway this weekend.
I must apologise for cancelling the shows in Gt Yarmouth, Minehead and Finland over the past few weeks. BUT, I was strongly advised by the medics looking after me, not to go ahead with them ‘cause of the strain that would be put on my heart.
I would love to thank everyone for your wonderful messages on ‘Facebook’ etc.... ALSO for the many, many boxes of chocolates sent to me in hospital. (I’ve eaten the lot and shared them with no-one).
LOVE TO YOU ALL. Don XXXXXXX
As we were about to leave for home from concerts in Norway and I really didn’t feel too good. People were commenting on my unusual ‘red’ colour. I also had an unusual sweat on.....
When I did get home, Hanne could see I wasn’t good. I went to bed with a shivering sweat. Hanne said we would have to go and see a doctor in the morning.
Monday 5th October 2015
I got up 07:00am, still not feeling good.
We got ready to go to see Eva, our doctor (GP). She arranged an emergency consultation with the skin specialist -who straight away made me rush to a special skin related problem ward at the hospital in Aarhus.
I was immediately admitted, and straight away sent to have special chemical baths. I was put on a course of drugs and my whole body, face and hair was covered in different medical creams.
Lots of blood tests were done and samples of skin were taken from different parts of me for analysis.
That went on everyday for a week.
I’m now back home and have just finished a massive course of pills. I’m still having to cover the whole of my body everyday with different creams (now I know what a ‘French Fry’ (chip) feels like.
I have to go back to the hospital tomorrow (Tuesday 20th October) to be signed off. And when my system is clear of all the drugs, THEN they will start extensive tests to find out what it is I’m actually allergic to.... BUT, at the moment I feel really good and have agreed to play the two concerts in Norway this weekend.
I must apologise for cancelling the shows in Gt Yarmouth, Minehead and Finland over the past few weeks. BUT, I was strongly advised by the medics looking after me, not to go ahead with them ‘cause of the strain that would be put on my heart.
I would love to thank everyone for your wonderful messages on ‘Facebook’ etc.... ALSO for the many, many boxes of chocolates sent to me in hospital. (I’ve eaten the lot and shared them with no-one).
LOVE TO YOU ALL. Don XXXXXXX
Wednesday 21st October 2015
I spent most of the day relaxing and getting my suitcase ready for the weekend.....
Hanne drove me to Billund Airport so I could stay the night at the airport hotel (early flight tomorrow).
I was in bed 20:00.
Thursday 22nd October 2015
I woke naturally at 03:30am just before my alarm went off.
I cleaned up and packed, then went for breakfast and walked to the Terminal. I was already checked in and dropped my bag off.
I flew to Oslo. I had to collect my bag and re-check in to Bronnosund and Trondheim. Beautiful scenery, flying through the mountains and lakes.
A car was waiting for me. I had a short drive to my hotel. I checked in and unpacked. I relaxed in my room. Abbie text me to say what time the others would arrive.
I took a shower and put all my creams on and was in bed by 22:00pm.
Friday 23rd October 2015
Gig in Oktoberfest i Bronnoy, Norway
Stayed in bed ‘till 09:00am.
I cleaned up and went for breakfast.
‘H’, Abbie and Suzzanne were there. I walked in like some one from ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest’ - they weren't amused.... Ha.....
I relaxed in my room while Tim and Robin went to the gig to set the equipment up.
I left just after to check my drums before the others arrived to do a sound check.
I came back to the hotel, and Mal and myself eat together.
We all got changed in our rooms (dressing rooms were very limited..... NONE).
We drove straight to the back stage and straight on stage. Great gig to about 2,000 people, straight off stage in to the car and straight back to the hotel.
I was in bed by 01:30.
Saturday 24th October 2015
Gig Rocktober, Storgata 4, Finnsnes
I was awake 06:15am.
Cleaned up and packed to check out and fly to Tromso and drive to Finnsnes.
Relaxed in the hotel before sound check. Mal, John and myself had tea together.
We changed in our rooms again..... Straight on stage. Great gig to about 2,000 people. Straight off stage and back to the hotel.
We got changed and were taken out to eat. Another shower and cream. I was in bed by 00:30am.
Sunday 25th October 2015
I was up at 09:30am. Cleaned up and packed, went for breakfast. The others left for their flight back to the UK.
I had about four hours to kill. So, I had a walk round town, had lunch in the hotel before being driven to get my flight to Oslo and then to Billund.
When I got to Oslo, I didn’t realise how early I was and tried to get on a flight before my scheduled one.....
All the alarms went off and I was surrounded by security...... Signed a few autographs (ha) and was sent to the correct gate.........
I spent most of the day relaxing and getting my suitcase ready for the weekend.....
Hanne drove me to Billund Airport so I could stay the night at the airport hotel (early flight tomorrow).
I was in bed 20:00.
Thursday 22nd October 2015
I woke naturally at 03:30am just before my alarm went off.
I cleaned up and packed, then went for breakfast and walked to the Terminal. I was already checked in and dropped my bag off.
I flew to Oslo. I had to collect my bag and re-check in to Bronnosund and Trondheim. Beautiful scenery, flying through the mountains and lakes.
A car was waiting for me. I had a short drive to my hotel. I checked in and unpacked. I relaxed in my room. Abbie text me to say what time the others would arrive.
I took a shower and put all my creams on and was in bed by 22:00pm.
Friday 23rd October 2015
Gig in Oktoberfest i Bronnoy, Norway
Stayed in bed ‘till 09:00am.
I cleaned up and went for breakfast.
‘H’, Abbie and Suzzanne were there. I walked in like some one from ‘One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest’ - they weren't amused.... Ha.....
I relaxed in my room while Tim and Robin went to the gig to set the equipment up.
I left just after to check my drums before the others arrived to do a sound check.
I came back to the hotel, and Mal and myself eat together.
We all got changed in our rooms (dressing rooms were very limited..... NONE).
We drove straight to the back stage and straight on stage. Great gig to about 2,000 people, straight off stage in to the car and straight back to the hotel.
I was in bed by 01:30.
Saturday 24th October 2015
Gig Rocktober, Storgata 4, Finnsnes
I was awake 06:15am.
Cleaned up and packed to check out and fly to Tromso and drive to Finnsnes.
Relaxed in the hotel before sound check. Mal, John and myself had tea together.
We changed in our rooms again..... Straight on stage. Great gig to about 2,000 people. Straight off stage and back to the hotel.
We got changed and were taken out to eat. Another shower and cream. I was in bed by 00:30am.
Sunday 25th October 2015
I was up at 09:30am. Cleaned up and packed, went for breakfast. The others left for their flight back to the UK.
I had about four hours to kill. So, I had a walk round town, had lunch in the hotel before being driven to get my flight to Oslo and then to Billund.
When I got to Oslo, I didn’t realise how early I was and tried to get on a flight before my scheduled one.....
All the alarms went off and I was surrounded by security...... Signed a few autographs (ha) and was sent to the correct gate.........
