I wonder if Jonathon Le Bon ever goes to check a patient's reflexes and compulsively starts humming his brother's song? (Chiropractors probably don't check reflexes, but the joke was in my head before I could stop it).
"So is the golden age of rock star mystery and eccentricity long gone?"
I think to some extent, rock music was a thing for pioneers from about 1960 to 1990. People got electric guitars, effects things, synths, samplers, multitracking and innovated, but it's about done. There's still some good new songs around, but nothing feels like it couldn't have been made decades ago.
YouTube feels like the new rock music. In the same way that anyone could pick up a guitar with a few friends and make a band, you can now do the same thing with cheap video cameras and software like Blender.
Agreed. I think without new instruments, you're restricted. Also the economics have changed so much. But yes, software plus platforms giving us all our own broadcast abilities are where the change is at. Fascinating really! Although I do miss the excesses of the past. Thanks Tim!
We ARE all tethered to the same domestic grind, aren't we? That's a sad realization. Or maybe it's re-assuring? I'm not quite sure. What I am quite sure of is that listening to you read your work made this even more enjoyable, and I daresay you may have a calling as an audiobook narrator!
Barbra Streisand has also cloned her dog which is the kind of weird celebrity behaviour I like to see. Very pleased to learn about her doll shop, sweet shop, and antique store too. If Streisand can't be a bit off the wall, who can?
I know! I wonder what they think. You write a quick thing when you're 20 and it then haunts you for the rest of your life. Thanks for reading Livvie ☺️
A couple of years ago while out at dinner the live music was being performed Liberace’s nephew (or grand nephew or something). His name was Steve and he pronounced the last name Liberace phonetically. Weird.
Fantastic. I've had a sore left eye all day and was so glad I was able to close my eyes and listen to this earlier (I'm typing this with my eye closed).
Such a fun topic - it blew my mind when I found out Richard Osman was Mat Osman's brother! (and Mat Osman has written his own book, did you know?)
I did not know that about Brett Anderson, and that's my Christmas presents sorted for my family, they're all getting Blandine Anderson pottery!
I have a few celeb stories, I'll save those for a post. Just a quick one - when I saw Suede in Boston in May 1997, a few hours before the gig, I was in a pizza place across the street from the venue (Paradise, it was called) and Suede were in there eating! I was with my girlfriend and I was nervous as hell. She was egging me on to talk to them, but I just couldn't. I was in awe, the way they were so casually lounging about and none of the other customers had any idea who they were.
I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I waited until they left and then took a photo of their empty table. Sounds strange, sure, but it was because they left an almighty mess, the pigs!
I saw them that night, they were great. Longpigs were in support.
They were playing the following night as well, and I was also going, this time with two friends. But all of their and the Longpigs equipment was stolen! Instead of cancelling the gig, there was a sign out front that said because of the theft, the bands are, unfortunately, going to have to do a shorter acoustic set. Refunds available to those who want them. The fans were like - refunds?! Are you mad? What a treat.
And what a treat it was. But the best part, for me, was when Crispin Hunt of Longpigs needed a light for his fag and there I was, right in front, with my lighter at the ready. I lit it, he patted me on the head and said, 'cheers mate!' I was chuffed and it made up for my chickening out with Suede the day before.
It did me too! Richard often chats about his brother on his excellent The Rest is Entertainment podcast. They're both authors - I wonder if there's rivalry there. Glad I could help with the Christmas shopping!
That is SO FUNNY about you taking a pic of Suede's empty table but I can completely see the logic in that - it's the sort of thing I would have done. These little encounters were so huge for us as fans weren't they - the power these people had over us!!
Thanks Daniel - I hope your eyes are better today?
What the heck ! I actually had to look that up about Barbara !!! Shopping mall 🤷🏻♀️ and as for Simon’s brother ! That’s his double ! I guess you never do think of celebrities having siblings and their normal jobs , I wonder if they ever have sibling rivalry, I would 😆
I wonder if Jonathon Le Bon ever goes to check a patient's reflexes and compulsively starts humming his brother's song? (Chiropractors probably don't check reflexes, but the joke was in my head before I could stop it).
Omg this is gold - how could I miss this?!!
Haha, when you rewrite this for publication in your memoirs, add it in there.
Fully attributed 😂
Deal!
Haha I loved this Faith! I guess shitting is the great equaliser - no matter who you are.
Exactly Sara - thanks so much for reading!
"So is the golden age of rock star mystery and eccentricity long gone?"
I think to some extent, rock music was a thing for pioneers from about 1960 to 1990. People got electric guitars, effects things, synths, samplers, multitracking and innovated, but it's about done. There's still some good new songs around, but nothing feels like it couldn't have been made decades ago.
YouTube feels like the new rock music. In the same way that anyone could pick up a guitar with a few friends and make a band, you can now do the same thing with cheap video cameras and software like Blender.
Agreed. I think without new instruments, you're restricted. Also the economics have changed so much. But yes, software plus platforms giving us all our own broadcast abilities are where the change is at. Fascinating really! Although I do miss the excesses of the past. Thanks Tim!
We ARE all tethered to the same domestic grind, aren't we? That's a sad realization. Or maybe it's re-assuring? I'm not quite sure. What I am quite sure of is that listening to you read your work made this even more enjoyable, and I daresay you may have a calling as an audiobook narrator!
Thanks so much Tim!! I’m also undecided whether it’s reassuring or not. Or just part of growing up may be 🫤
Ugh. Growing up is SO overrated. Who signed us up for that?
I know! Fortunately we have YouTube and can relive everything
Barbra Streisand has also cloned her dog which is the kind of weird celebrity behaviour I like to see. Very pleased to learn about her doll shop, sweet shop, and antique store too. If Streisand can't be a bit off the wall, who can?
Absolutely! This is more like it. I fear we'll have to hang onto these gems if we want to get our money's worth. Thanks Ruby!
I love My Generation. Every time I listen to it I can't help think about them thinking about that line now
I know! I wonder what they think. You write a quick thing when you're 20 and it then haunts you for the rest of your life. Thanks for reading Livvie ☺️
A couple of years ago while out at dinner the live music was being performed Liberace’s nephew (or grand nephew or something). His name was Steve and he pronounced the last name Liberace phonetically. Weird.
I love this! The name Steve says it all. Thanks for reading Henny.
Fantastic. I've had a sore left eye all day and was so glad I was able to close my eyes and listen to this earlier (I'm typing this with my eye closed).
Such a fun topic - it blew my mind when I found out Richard Osman was Mat Osman's brother! (and Mat Osman has written his own book, did you know?)
I did not know that about Brett Anderson, and that's my Christmas presents sorted for my family, they're all getting Blandine Anderson pottery!
I have a few celeb stories, I'll save those for a post. Just a quick one - when I saw Suede in Boston in May 1997, a few hours before the gig, I was in a pizza place across the street from the venue (Paradise, it was called) and Suede were in there eating! I was with my girlfriend and I was nervous as hell. She was egging me on to talk to them, but I just couldn't. I was in awe, the way they were so casually lounging about and none of the other customers had any idea who they were.
I'm embarrassed to admit this, but I waited until they left and then took a photo of their empty table. Sounds strange, sure, but it was because they left an almighty mess, the pigs!
I saw them that night, they were great. Longpigs were in support.
They were playing the following night as well, and I was also going, this time with two friends. But all of their and the Longpigs equipment was stolen! Instead of cancelling the gig, there was a sign out front that said because of the theft, the bands are, unfortunately, going to have to do a shorter acoustic set. Refunds available to those who want them. The fans were like - refunds?! Are you mad? What a treat.
And what a treat it was. But the best part, for me, was when Crispin Hunt of Longpigs needed a light for his fag and there I was, right in front, with my lighter at the ready. I lit it, he patted me on the head and said, 'cheers mate!' I was chuffed and it made up for my chickening out with Suede the day before.
It did me too! Richard often chats about his brother on his excellent The Rest is Entertainment podcast. They're both authors - I wonder if there's rivalry there. Glad I could help with the Christmas shopping!
That is SO FUNNY about you taking a pic of Suede's empty table but I can completely see the logic in that - it's the sort of thing I would have done. These little encounters were so huge for us as fans weren't they - the power these people had over us!!
Thanks Daniel - I hope your eyes are better today?
What the heck ! I actually had to look that up about Barbara !!! Shopping mall 🤷🏻♀️ and as for Simon’s brother ! That’s his double ! I guess you never do think of celebrities having siblings and their normal jobs , I wonder if they ever have sibling rivalry, I would 😆
Me too! Like even having to get a job must irk them. It's fascinating to watch. Thanks Francis!
Hilarious 🤣!
Enjoying you narrating your post; brings it to life! xx
Thank you! Xxx
Thanks for mention Faith!
I’ve met a few music stars, mostly of the b and c list, the more famous they are the nicer.
The Internet has really killed the mystique hasn’t it? Mind you, making them gods was even more mundane.
You’re welcome Dean! Yes. The internet has a lot to answer for 😆