While sorting through my box of precious things, I came across a sachet of hot sauce.
It was given to me by a man wearing pyjamas in Manchester. A decade or so ago.
A man called Mark.
Mark Oliver Everett.
While sorting through my box of precious things, I came across a sachet of hot sauce.
It was given to me by a man wearing pyjamas in Manchester. A decade or so ago.
A man called Mark.
Mark Oliver Everett.
Eels have announced a new album, due out in April.
Followed by a tour in the summer.
Would you believe, I had to come to Italy to realise that a Sam Smith video was filmed on Gateshead’s high level bridge (saw the video in a bar).
How didn’t I know that? Not that I like the bloke’s music, but I do live in Gateshead.
There’s a band in Los Angeles called the Mosaics.
I’ve no idea whether they’re any good. But, a few years ago another band who’d first used the same name decided to split up.
They’ve still some stuff on YouTube, so I’d recommend listening to it. Because they truly had something magical. Don’t confuse them with the new Mosaics though.
The former front man, Dan McClew, has been performing solo for a while now. So he’s built up some great songs of his own (although the band’s stuff was all original).
He’s a really nice bloke too.
I mention this because my local has played the Mosaics album twice over.
I’ve had separate text message exchanges with two blokes this evening. About Cheburashka.
That’s the weird little thing with big ears in the middle.
My first encounter with Cheburashka was at an Eels gig. An old film was the support. The dialogue was Russian, but some Eels content had been cleverly added.
Anyway, both myself and my mate Ian have a Cheburashka condiment holder. I fear that mine may be radioactive. I’ve never asked whether Ian’s might be. Both were bought from Russia, mine from the Ukraine.
An old mate, Tom, is currently in the Crimea. He’s not yet encountered Cheburashka.
I attended a mate’s funeral today. It was pretty horrible, but nice at the same time. I knew, deep down, that Freebird would be played at some point. And it was.
Right at the end.
I can’t say more. But the world has has lost one of the good guys.
Traffic en route to Manchester yesterday was terrible, leading to a late arrival and virtually no time for pre-gig beer.
After checking in, we headed straight for Oxford Road, where I introduced my companions to Big Hands. We then walked at pace to the Arena, where we encountered a queue of great magnitude.
Worried that we’d miss some of the gig, we began to regret the pre-departure drinks in Gateshead and our one drink in Big Hands. After what seemed like an eternity, we discovered the cause of the queue; airport-like security, complete with metal detectors. The large queue was being filtered through a half dozen security lanes.
Once inside, beer was hurriedly purchased before finding a suitable viewing point. Then, within a few minutes, the band came on stage.
And delivered an incredible performance. I won’t say more, it’s all here. But I’ve been struggling to get the theme tune from Peaky Blinders out of my head all day.
It was so good, I only have one rather pathetic picture and nothing uploaded to Youtube.
Afterwards, we hastily reunited and set off for Sinclair’s Oyster Bar and the Shakeapeare, both of which were no longer serving. Which meant a march back to Oxford Road, where we found a Wetherspoon’s open. Just. After a quick beer, we relocated to the more favourable surroundings of the Temple. All but one of my companions hadn’t been there before, but I’m sure they’ll all return.
Food followed, then it was back to Big Hands until closing time at two.
On our return this afternoon, a farewell drink was a must before we all went our separate ways. With fond memories of Mr Cave’s performance in the company of nice people.
We were impressed with Chase Park festival yesterday, even though it took place in Saltwell Park this year. Which was a good thing since it’s a relatively short walk from the house.
It’s a small, one day thing, so the lineup wasn’ huge. But it was a cool event. And we enjoyed the Coral.
And with a bar from Wylam, with Jakehead on tap, what more could a man want.
My second in command seems to be asleep on the sofa, under her Glastonbury blanket. I’m watching flog-it on TV.
Today was a nice day. We spent time with a man called Simon Diamond.
I had a pleasant day with gentlemen in Ouseburn yesterday. We began in Gateshead in Station East, crossing over the river to the Bridge Hotel. Then we called off at the Bridge Tavern and the Tyne Bar, before walking to the Cumberland Arms. And the Cluny, of course. And Arch 2. Afterwards, there were cabs back to town and the newly opened Newcastle Tap.
Incapable of my usual, local nightcap, I retired early.
Waking early this morning, I fitted the last piece of stove pipe, so I now have a working chimney.
This afternoon, we’re off to Chase Park festival, which isn’what I’d really call a festival, and isn’t actually in Chase Park. This year, it’s just down the road in Saltwell Park.