I had a piss next to Willie Thorne at M1 services on way to a Leicester away game up northAnd I thought I'd done well having a piss next to Vincent Crane
Two biggies for me and a B lister.
Had breakfast with Boy George at hotel in Leicester after Culture Club gig the night before. My girlfriend was sleeping in and all his crew were still in bed. I was next to him in-line for a table, told him I was a fan and he said "join me". Just a small hotel, but was early days of their success and 'Do you really want to hurt me' just made #1 the week before. He was completely horse after the gig, but a very friendly and charming guy.
Second was Ian Gillan. Post DEEP PURPLE he had his own band 'Gillan' and a carfl of mates drove to see them play 'Northampton Cricket Club' for an intimate heavy metal gig.
We decided to go for a curry and few beers before driving back to Leicester, and the Indian restaurant we went in had Ian Gillan and his band mates relaxing with a meal after the show. Went up and said Hello, told him I was huge fan, and bought th table a bottle of wine.
He asked me to write my address and he'd get his PA to send me a photo, and he kept his word and I got sme signed photos in the mail two weeks later.
Pat Travers at The Rockpile Club in Toronto, 4-5 years ago. Had a quick chat - he know Leicester and said he loved touring UK as rock fans were so knowledgeable and appreciative
Wombat, no B-Listers there in my book!Two biggies for me and a B lister.
Had breakfast with Boy George at hotel in Leicester after Culture Club gig the night before. My girlfriend was sleeping in and all his crew were still in bed. I was next to him in-line for a table, told him I was a fan and he said "join me". Just a small hotel, but was early days of their success and 'Do you really want to hurt me' just made #1 the week before. He was completely horse after the gig, but a very friendly and charming guy.
Second was Ian Gillan. Post DEEP PURPLE he had his own band 'Gillan' and a carfl of mates drove to see them play 'Northampton Cricket Club' for an intimate heavy metal gig.
We decided to go for a curry and few beers before driving back to Leicester, and the Indian restaurant we went in had Ian Gillan and his band mates relaxing with a meal after the show. Went up and said Hello, told him I was huge fan, and bought th table a bottle of wine.
He asked me to write my address and he'd get his PA to send me a photo, and he kept his word and I got sme signed photos in the mail two weeks later.
Pat Travers at The Rockpile Club in Toronto, 4-5 years ago. Had a quick chat - he know Leicester and said he loved touring UK as rock fans were so knowledgeable and appreciative.
Me and a few of us were travelling up to see city in Carlisle and we got on the train and looked fo4 a table. The only one had a weedy looking bloke sitting and looking out of the window. Ok let’s sit there and annoy him and he will move. When we sat down he turned around and it was Limahl from kajagoogoo and he had been crying. So we were all sympathetic (not), and just took the piss out of him. Little did we realise that he had just been sacked by the rest of the band. When he got off the train later he squeaked “ you are all mean” and we just fell around laughingCharlie Harper bought me a pint (Poly or Uni, I can't remember which). Which was nice of him.
And Don Letts was a visiting lecturer on my eldest's Uni course - he can also confirm he's an all round good egg.
I've bumped into Paddy McAloon a couple of times in Durham/Newcastle over the last couple of years. As much a gentleman as you would expect.
I was with you .Me and a few of us were travelling up to see city in Carlisle and we got on the train and looked fo4 a table. The only one had a weedy looking bloke sitting and looking out of the window. Ok let’s sit there and annoy him and he will move. When we sat down he turned around and it was Limahl from kajagoogoo and he had been crying. So we were all sympathetic (not), and just took the piss out of him. Little did we realise that he had just been sacked by the rest of the band. When he got off the train later he squeaked “ you are all mean” and we just fell around laughing
Dorset - despite seeing many great Tamla Motown artists I saw at Bailey's nightclub in Leicester, in mid-70's Gary Glitter & the Glitter Band was truly the best night.A contentious one for you.
Some mates were working the Glitterband tour in around 1977-78, I spent most of the day with them at a north London college gig.
The band were a mix of totally professional work wise and great fun in all other respects. Gary himself was a total gent throughout and first to the bar (with his wallet out) after the gig.
My mates said that this was one of the best tours they had done, professionally run and enjoyable atmosphere to work in. Great 'rock and roll' environment and they had nothing but praise and respect for Gary himself.
Strange how things turn out...
Pop stars not porn starsand also Bruce Cockburn
PORN PORN PORN PORNPop stars not porn stars
There's a great podcast called Rockonteurs hosted by Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt, and they had Trevor Horn on the other week. Didn't realise he spent most of the 70s in Leicester playing at Baileys most nights, and he cut his production teeth producing This Is The Season For Leicester. Who knew!Jon Lord..... ( Deep Purple)...Born and raised within 1/2 mile of me in the Humberstone area, lovely bloke.
Al Stewart.....Leic Polytech in the 70's .. A bit spaced out when i met him. He'd just performed Nostradamus and was waxing on about soothsayers and the like.
Trevor Horne ......played in a Band at The Top Rank and lived his early years in Leicester. I knew the family quite well and worked with his dad.
I never knew Hans Zimmer was in The Buggles till a few years ago, and he produced The Damned's 'history of the word pt 1' single.There's a great podcast called Rockonteurs hosted by Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt, and they had Trevor Horn on the other week. Didn't realise he spent most of the 70s in Leicester playing at Baileys most nights, and he cut his production teeth producing This Is The Season For Leicester. Who knew!
Zimmer’s the bloke lurking around at the back in the video!I never knew Hans Zimmer was in The Buggles till a few years ago, and he produced The Damned's 'history of the word pt 1' single.
Boz Boorer?Most of them are just ordinary people who happen to be successful at what they do. Reg Presley of the Troggs was particularly down to earth (if you leave aside his UFO stuff). The only ones who weren't were Shakin Stevens and Steve Harley, who is definitely a bit up himself (I have done business with him, and his guitarist is a mate).
Interesting that you mentioned Kirsty MacColl's drummer as her guitarist/ co-writer/producer was a friend of mine.
NoBoz Boorer?
Odd to think Horn and Downes joined Yes.Zimmer’s the bloke lurking around at the back in the video!