2001: A PACED COMMODITY
31st December 2001
Well the year 2002 is just a few hours away. I can't make up my mind whether 2001 either flew by or was dragged along by its feet kicking and screaming. I've got a feeling 2002 is gonna be a db chock full kinda year.
So in the time honoured grand tradition of rounding up the past year here's a quick flick through what did and didn't happen during 2001...
JANUARY saw David Bowie nominated in the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards in the category 'Best Male Rock Vocal Performance' for his song 'Thursday's Child. He was up against Bob Dylan, Don Henley, Lenny Kravitz and Nine Inch Nails. I can't remember who ended up winning it, possibly Lenny Krapbits ;)
On the 5th FEBRUARY David and Iman were guests for the premiere of the new Ridley Scott movie 'Hannibal' at the Ziegfeld Theatre, in New York City. Other guests included Anthony Hopkins, Emma Thompson, Giancarlo Giannini, Julianne Moore, James Wood, Teri Hatcher, Lauren Bacall and Muhammad Ali.
The Rat and Parrot, formerly the Three Tuns, in Beckenham High Street was shortlisted for a top historic landmark award. It was one of ten finalists in BBC History Magazine doomsday project. The project is a nationwide search for historic landmarks local people think should be saved for future generations, recorded in some way or simply given the recognition they deserve. The Three Tuns finally came in 2nd place behind Reading British School, Berkshire.
The 23rd saw a live David Bowie performance at the Tibet House US Benefit Concert in Carnegie Hall, New York City. His band line-up was Philip Glass on keyboards, Moby on guitar, Tony Visconti on bass and Sterling Campbell on drums. He performed two songs 'Silly Boy Blue' and "Heroes" and joined in the encore of 'People Got The Power' with Patti Smith et al.
MARCH 2nd David Bowie laid down his 'Nature Boy' vocals in NYC with Tony Visconti for the Baz Luhrmann highly successful movie 'Moulin Rouge'. Two excellent versions of the song appeared on the soundtrack. Massive Attack's Robert '3D' Del Naja produced a version in London.
David made a surprise TV appearance on BBC2's Omnibus documentary, 'Resurrecting Stanley'. He narrated the arts documentary on British artist Stanley Spencer and bloody good he was too. David featured on the cover of UK's 'Uncut' magazine (April issue) along with an exclusive 'Bowie In Berlin'. David and Tony Visconti duly supplied their exclusively written material for this special feature the previous month - only to find it cut up and edited when published. If you want to read the PROPER and CORRECT versions of what both of them said click here David Bowie and Tony Visconti.
On the 27th a David Bowie Audio Biography CD was released on the Chrome Dreams label and apart from the packaging it was dire.
Sadly David's mother 'Peggy' (Margaret Mary Jones) past away on the 2nd APRIL aged 88.
'We reinvented culture the way we wanted it - with great big shoes' - David Bowie remembers glam. David writes the foreword of Mick Rock's excellent publication 'Blood & Glitter: An Eyewitness Account'.
David records his amazing and quite brilliant version of the classic Pete Townshend penned song 'Pictures Of Lily' for the Who tribute album, with himself and Mark Plati producing.
14th MAY Moulin Rouge soundtrack gets released on the Uni/Interscope label featuring 2 different Bowie versions of 'Nature Boy' along with Beck's version of 'Diamond Dogs'.Genesis Publications invited you to a pre-publication preview of the forthcoming book 'Moonage Daydream: The Life and Times of Ziggy Stardust' due for publication in June 2002 to mark the 30th Anniversary of this legendary classic album.
After the success of 'Life On Mars?' used on the French television commercial for LA Post (the French Post Office), the single was re-released by EMI in France.
David made a visit to CBGB's Gallery on May 15th to see singer Kristeen Young who appears on some of David's recent studio work and also earlier caught Icelandic 4 piece band Sigur Ros at their Irving Plaza gig in New York City.
David Bowie came out top in a Virgin poll as the 'Greatest Rock Star' over the age of 50 with Rolling Stones star Mick Jagger coming second. I said it then and I'll say it again... We already know David is, was, and always will be, the great rock star ever at whatever age he happens to be.
After a month delay 'Substitute - The Songs Of The Who' is released on the 4th JUNE by Edel featuring David's own version 'Pictures Of Lily'. David said: "The Who's work became a major template for so many of us. The considered and intelligent use of so-called 'art-theory', actively engaged with rock music, was merely one of Pete's phenomenally important contributions to the new 'language' of rock. Nice trousers too!"
And not only that, a special 4 track promo CD single of the Who tribute album was available for free - if you cut out the coupon in The Daily Telegraph newspaper and ran along to your local Virgin Record store. The coupon said you could obtain one for free... or disguise yourself sufficiently enough to keep going back in and out of the shop for a dozen or so. Oh the hats, overcoats and sunglasses I went through! ;) I shouldn't really be telling us this but... doesn't life bring out the strangest of coincidences when you go along for your free CD and the Virgin girl behind the counter is someone you've known for the last 15 years... and still desperately fancies you :) One cup of a coffee and a peck on the cheek later = 25 CDs... good deal huh?
The 5th finally saw The Rustic Overtones, after record label problems finally get around to releasing their album 'Viva Neuva' on the Tommy Boy label, which features David Bowie on two tracks 'Man Without A Mouth' and 'Sector Z', with Tony Visconti producing.
JULY sees David Bowie begin a two-part series that tells the fascinating history of Soho's Marquee club, one of the most famous music venues in the world. Broadcast on Radio Two on 14th and 21st July.
'All Saints' was released on the 23rd featuring sixteen all instrumental songs recorded by between 1977 and 1999. Originally compiled by David for a 2CD Christmas present for friends back in 1993, the album was reconfigured into a single disc and newly created artwork produced by David himself. The Sunday Times voted it as their 'Record Of The Week' along with the soundtrack to Christiane F which was released in CD format.
David records 'American Dream' with Sean Combs, P. Diddy aka Puff Daddy at his Times Square studios for the soundtrack of the upcoming movie 'Training Day'.
David, Snoop Dogg and B.B. King all fall from the sky and land in the oddest places in TBWA/Chiat/Day's first work for XM Satellite Radio. David's commercial features part of the track 'Afraid'.
July 26th photograph session for Vanity Fair magazine. The cover shot was photographed exclusively for Vanity Fair by Annie Leibovitz in New York City and for those of you fashion conscientious fans out there, David was wearing clothing by Alexander McQueen from Jeffrey, NYC. The magazine was published later in October. The fold out front cover portrayed Jewel, Beyoncé Knowles, Beck, David Bowie, Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Maxwell, Emmylou Harris, Gwen Stefani, Jay-Z, Missy 'Misdemeandor' Elliott and Chris Cornell.
AUGUST sees the Edinburgh Fringe Festival go slightly Bowie crazy with Des De Moor's cabaret tribute show 'Darkness and Disgrace' which went down really well and Adrian Berry's 'From Ibiza To The Norfolk Broads' play which was excellent.
The Beckenham Town Centre Residents Association start planning to celebrate and recognise David Bowie's association with their town where he lived for almost five years between 1969 and 1973.
Virtuoso keyboardist Jordan Rudess plays on David's new album. The sessions took place in late August at a studio in the Catskill Mountains, New York (Glen Tonche Studios).
In SEPTEMBER Absolut Vodka start sending out a 45 'record' invite of David Bowie's Aladdin Sane album cover, with a tiny vodka bottle replacing the teardrop on his shoulder. 'Absolut Bowie' is part of the latest US advertising campaign 'Absolut Album Covers' from the Swedish vodka company.
The movie Zoolander which features a cameo by David gets its release during September. David said of the movie: "The script is hilarious... "there is a 'fight-club' style 'walk-off' between the two star models and I act as the ref."
'Training Day' soundtrack is released in the USA featuring P. Diddy and the Bad Boy Family featuring David Bowie: 'American Dream'.
Guitarist David Torn starts recording with David for a new album to be produced by Tony Visconti.
11th September - New York F**king Nightmare...
OCTOBER sees Boy George winning in a celeb version of 'Stars In Their Eyes' as 'David Bowie' - and boy wasn't he chuffed about it.
David and a host of leading London artists design 2001 Christmas cards for the Aids charity Crusaid. All the money raised will go towards helping fund Aids care, support and research around the world. David's card was a portrait of his baby daughter Alexandria's hand.
David is recording the new album at Glen Tonche Studios in the US. Commenting on the new album he said: "I feel we've touched on things musically that we never could have accomplished those many years ago and I know we're going to be quite proud of this album."
In Pete Townshend's diaries from 19th October he mentions that after rehearsals he went to see David at a studio and was asked to work on a track off David's new album. David played Pete a number of tracks, he said that it was "surprising, moving, poetic (in a musical and visionary sense). I think real Bowie fans (and a few of Radiohead) will be able to walk tall soon in the knowledge that their hero can still break all the rules and remain cool."
David opens the benefit 'Concert for New York City' on the 20th at Madison Square Garden. Amazingly he performs Paul Simon's 'America' sat cross legged on the floor playing an Omnichord. He said inbetween songs: "Thank you very much. Hi friends. Hi fellow New Yorkers. I'd particularly like to say hello to the folks from my local ladder. You know where you are. I must say it's an absolute privilege to play for you tonight. Without further more adieu"... Then David and the band went into an excellent version of "Heroes". The stage lighting behind David had banks of vertical white lights, not too dissimilar from his 1976 and 1978 World tours. He then left the stage with: "Thank you. Have a great evening." David was able to get both Gail Ann Dorsey and Mark Plati involved, along with Tony Visconti in the sound truck to oversee David's part of the show.
The Concert for New York City event was to raise money for the Twin Towers Fund. Thousands of members of New York's fire department, police department and rescue crews were invited to attend the show along with their families. A 2CD set was released on November 27th by Columbia Records. Film maker Albert Maysles is currently working on a documentary of the event to be released around July 2002.
In his BowieNet journal from the 21st, David let's slip that he's planning on touring in 2002. He also went on to mention that the new recordings have by been performed in the main by: Matt Chamberlain on drums, Tony Visconti on bass and some other things (including recorders), David Torn on guitar and the 'Scorchio Quartet' (led by Martha Mooke). He also said he has "played probably more on this album than any other that I've done since 'Diamond Dogs' or maybe 'Low'." And then to top all that, another surprise was that Carlos Alomar came over and played rhythm guitar on a couple of tracks.
On the BowieNet message boards David answered a question about the release of 'Toy'... "As I have said before, Virgin/EMI have had scheduling problems and are now going for an album of 'new' material over the TOY album. Fine by me. I'm EXTREMELY happy with the new stuff (I love Toy as well and won't let that material fade away). If you've been following the newspapers you will have seen that EMI/Virgin are having major problems themselves. This has not helped. But all things pass." And later he commented further: "I won't let TOY slide away. I am working on a way that you'll be able to get the songs next year as well as the newie."
During NOVEMBER David contributed his vocal talents for Lou Reed's next album 'POE-try', a 2-CD soundtrack to his musical theatre collaboration with Robert Wilson. The project is based on the work of Edgar Allen Poe and while Willem Dafoe recites most of Wilson's text, Lou Reed has contributed thirteen new songs. The track featuring David's lead vocals is entitled 'Hopfrog'.
Iman published her first ever book 'I Am Iman'. A promotional 5 track compilation CD made up of Bowie tracks were hand selected by David himself to celebrate the new book.
Bowieart.com again sponsored the RCA Secret exhibition at the Royal College of Art in London, with David submitting artwork. The secret db piece eventually turned out to be piece number 1376.
David made an appearance in a new Pixies documentary 'Gouge' which was broadcast by Channel 4. The documentary looked at how the influential US band the Pixies redefined rock music in the 90s. Featuring rare footage of their first London gig in 1988, and contributions from David Bowie, U2, Radiohead, PJ Harvey, Badly Drawn Boy and Blur.
On the 29th David was confirmed to play next year's Tibet House Benefit Concert next February 22nd 2002 in the Isaac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall in New York City, USA. The sold out show will also feature Philip Glass and the Kronos Quartet.
During DECEMBER David got erected on the 6th with a Bowie Plaque handsomely placed on the wall outside The Three Tuns in Beckenham to celebrate and honour The Arts Lab he set up in 1969. Monies raised from the event so far has reached £909.69, which went to The Chernobyl Children Lifeline Charity.
15th December and the most important Bowie announcement of the year... 'David leaves Virgin Records'. He has taken the unprecedented step for an artist of his standing and decided not to re-sign with his record company, Virgin Records, choosing instead, to create his own small, independent label ISO. On the Thursday morning Bowie's business representatives, RZO, sent a letter to Virgin Records stating that "We respectfully decline your attempts to negotiate a new contract in light of the missed option pick-up of a year ago."
On taking the whole recording and marketing process into his own hands Bowie commented "I've had one too many years of bumping heads with corporate structure. Many times I've not been in agreement with how things are done and as a writer of some proliferation, frustrated at how slow and lumbering it all is. I've dreamed of embarking on my own set-up for such a long time and now is the perfect opportunity." David Bowie's label ISO, which was registered as a record label over a year ago, will be based out of New York and London and has already signed two new artists, one solo and one band. Bowie and Visconti have also recently moved their projects into their own recording studio in Manhattan, New York, in anticipation of this new departure.
Said Bowie, "I want to keep the whole experience at a human level. To characterize ISO, I think I would use guitarist Robert Fripp's phrase and describe it as aiming to be 'a small, mobile, intelligent unit'." David Bowie was able to make this bold step as a result of an overlooked option in his previous deal with Virgin Records.
After you've stood outside on the door step in the freezing cold with a lump of coal, a piece of bread and a quid in your pocket whilst the missus finally opens the door to let you 'let the new year in' you can rush over to the TV, tune into ITV at 5 minutes past midnight and watch Iman in the excellent movie 'No Way Out' with that Kevin Costner bloke.
Have a Happy New Year everyone! Here's to 2002.
ZIGGY COLLECTIVE GIG IN SYDNEY
31st December 2001
Coming up real soon on Friday 4th January 2002 at The Basement in Sydney... following a handful of huge 'DAVID BOWIE' shows around town in the last couple of years the ZIGGY COLLECTIVE are back to present the music of the most influential performer of the twentieth century. The Bowie Show kicks the New Year off with a night of glam attitude. Hear classic Bowie songs, Heroes, China Girl, Changes, Rebel Rebel, Space Oddity, Ziggy Stardust, Starman, Life On Mars, Lets Dance, Jean Genie, Suffragette City... the smash hits are endless.
Jeff Duff, Morgana from Nitocris and Steve Balbi will be joined by special guest vocalists and backed by a true all star band. Dave Leslie - guitar (Baby Animals); Rick Grosman - bass (Hoodoo Gurus); Warren Trout - drums (currently with Men at Work); Colin Courie - keyboards (Richard Clapton) and Joseph Calderazzo - guitar with (Jeff Duff Orchestra). Dust off the flares, dig out the platform heels and get ready for a heady serve of glam rock... Bowie style!
The Basement Nightclub, 29 Reiby Place, Circular Quay, NSW Australia. Phone: (02) 9251 2797. Fax: (02) 9252 3007 Email: crichards@tpg.com.au or visit the website www.thebasement.com.au for more details.
From 96dbfreak.
NEW YEARS EVE GLAM SPECTACULAR
30th December 2001
A New Year's Eve Glam Spectacular! Videos and music by DAVID BOWIE, Roxy Music, Iggy Pop, T-Rex and many more. 'Velvet Goldmine' DVD awarded to the best-dressed glam-boy and glam-girl! Complimentary champagne - toast at midnite. NO ADMISSION CHARGE!
Cinema Classics, 332 East 11th Street, New York City.
From Antonio.
BOWIE NIGHT CHEQUE PRESENTATION
29th December 2001
A cheque was presented to The Chernobyl Children Lifeline Charity in The Rat & Parrot (The Three Tuns) for £909.69 which was the money raised on the David Bowie Night at the pub on 6th December 2001.
Pictured from left to right are: Tammy Shirley and Alan Hughes from the Rat & Parrott, Katya Lapteva (age 11) and Nastia Narko (age 9) from the Mogilev region of Belarus, Roger Fitter and Dennis Vystavkin from the Chernobyl Children Life Line Charity.
After the presentation of the cheque, the children and other guests enjoyed a meal with Alan Hughes and Tammy Shirley the managers of the Rat & Parrot and were given gifts donated by the Rat & Parrott, Beckenham Sports & Toys and Pram Toys of Norbury.
The Chernobyl Children Life Line is a charitable organisation arranging recuperative holidays for children from Belarus who have been affected by radiation from Chernobyl. Even children born after the nuclear accident are suffering after-effects. The aim is to give children a month of unpolluted air and food to boost their immune systems and prolong their lives.
If you are interested in hosting or helping in any other way, please telephone: 020 8290 0191.
DAVID BOWIE ON PERFORMANCE CHANNEL
27th December 2001
Coming up soon on DAVID BOWIE'S birthday (8th January 2002) on the Performance (The Arts Channel) in the UK and Europe is the Cable and Satellite Premiere of a one hour profile programme. Insightful interviews from throughout Bowie's career are brought together with live footage to form an in-depth profile - from glam rock, via Brian Eno and Berlin, through to the lucrative 'Let's Dance' years and the new technology expert of today.
Check out their website @ www.performance-channel.com for more details.
Showing on 8th January at 9:00, 15:00 and 21:00 and 9th January at 3:00.
VH1 CFNY REPEAT SHOWING
25th December 2001
David kicks off the show, with Paul Simon's 'America' followed by "Heroes". Hint: If you plan on video taping the concert... start recording right at the beginning as the sponsors names are being shown, David isn't introduced as he kicks off the show.
The Concert for New York City, VH1, USA, 04:00pm ET.
HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS 2001!!!
25th December 2001
WISHING EVERYONE EVERYWHERE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS
Have a Cool Yule! I hope you all receive everything you ever wish for
Very Best Wishes from Paul aka Rednik
DB DVD AND VIDEO ROUND-UP
24th December 2001
The excellent MOULIN ROUGE is to be released on DVD and video on 4th March 2002. Edition Details: Region 2 encoding (Europe, Middle East & Japan only), PAL, Widescreen, Catalogue Number: 19945DVD.
You can pre-order DVD and video here and now.
The German version of ABSOLUTE BEGINNERS on DVD features extra bonuses of: Filmographys, trailer, David Bowie promo video and documentry!
There's another free cover mounted DAVID BOWIE promotional DVD of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars that appears on the exclusive Brazilian magazine DVD Total. There are plenty on eBay or you can buy direct from Sid at around $25.
The latest TV series of 'Classic Albums' on LWT/Carlton is currently underway.The new series is being shown every Saturday evening at 23:45 - the first one up is Elvis Presely. Coming up shortly is LOU REED'S classic 'Transformer' album which was produced by David Bowie and Mick Ronson, DB played on it, sang on it and wrote on it.
The programme features film of Ziggy backstage, DB interviews and rare archive footage. The DVD features more 'extra' unseen footage. You can purchase the Transformer DVD and the video here.
Trivia: Look on the back cover of the album and find the hidden banana!
THE BITS FLEW FAR AND WIDE
23rd December 2001
Lots more additions to the Monthly Planners - if you want see what's lined up for January 2002 on DBTV click here and if you're feeling really adventurous you can go all the way to next Christmas in December 2002 ;)...
Sign the petition - 'It's Your Shout!' - add your views and opinions to THE THREE TUNS CAMPAIGN and let's make sure this famous DAVID BOWIE landmark gets renamed back to its rightful title...
On Christmas Day VH1 in the USA are repeating their broadcast of 'The Concert For New York City' featuring DAVID BOWIE, VH1, USA, 04:00pm ET...
You've still got time to nominate DAVID BOWIE as your greatest Briton in the BBC poll. The top ten greatest Britons based on these nominations will feature in an upcoming BBC2 series in 2002. Voting finishes on New Years Eve. Go and do it now before you fill yourself with turkey and booze and can't move your arse off the settee.
Click here to nominate or telephone 08700 100870 (Calls cost 10p per minute).
THE THREE TUNS VIDEO AVAILABLE
21st December 2001
The video shot at the unveiling of the DAVID BOWIE Plaque in Beckenham on 6th December 2001 is now available. The video includes:
- The Unveiling of the Plaque
Prices including VAT and postage: UK £14.95, Europe £15.95, Rest of the World £17.95. Price includes donation to the Chernobyl Children Life Line Charity.
Visit www.editpoint.co.uk/bowie/ and please email video@editpoint.co.uk with any enquiries.
BOWIE DIRECTORY AND LINKS
20th December 2001
The BowieDirectory has just undergone it's 3 monthly update. All the dead links, updates and new Bowie sites and pages have been checked and ammended. If you have a Bowie website and want it adding to the directory please fill in the online form or if you know of a site not listed please feel free to send it in.
Visit the BowieDirectory with links to over 300 Bowie sites.
IMAN BOOK AND PROMO CD
19th December 2001
Available now to the general public... the I AM IMAN Book and CD Bundle. This Limited Edition Book and CD Bundle brings together two unique items: an autographed copy of Iman's new book 'I AM IMAN' and the 'I AM IMAN' Promotional CD autographed by DAVID BOWIE.
The promotional CD includes 5 Bowie tracks compiled by David himself to celebrate the launch of Iman's new book. It is available to the public only as part of this special BowieNet offer.
This promotional CD is a limited edition compilation, unavailable in stores. The tracklisting is as follows:
There are very few of these Limited Edition Bundles available, so order now! Hardcover - 160 pages (autographed). Universe Pub; ISBN: 0789306336; Dimensions (in inches): 0.87 x 11.81 x 8.32 - Priced at only $45.00.
Click on the official BowieNet Store logo for details.
THIS LITTLE ZIGGY
19th December 2001
The long awaited memoirs by MARTIN NEWELL entitled This Little Ziggy - are published by House Of Stratus. ISBN 0-7551-0267-3.
This wonderful 260 page A5 book contains the extraordinary memoirs of a celebrated poet and 'failed' rock star which tells how one boy grew up in the Sixties, survived a British Army upbringing, school, the Far East, South London and real trouble, only to go through the hell of being beaten, dabbling in drugs, overdosing, getting arrested, being busted, pop obsession and much, much more. Joining Plod, a seventies glam-rock band, became the steadying influence in a life spinning hopelessly out of control. Told with hugely generous dollops of smut, pathos and irrepressible humour, Martin Newell's entertaining adventures make for a fast-moving page-turner for anyone who has ever dreamed of being in a band.
'This Little Ziggy', a new autobiographical book charting Martin's formative years and his introduction to the band scene. "It's the best book I have ever read. And I have a library card" - John Cooper Clarke.
About the Author: Martin Newell was born in 1953 to an army family and he grew up in Hertfordshire, Hampshire, London, Cyprus, Dundee, Chester, Singapore, Malaya and Essex. In 1973 he joined the Colchester glam-rock band, Plod. Subsequent bands were Gypp, The Stray Trolleys and Cleaners From Venus. In between jobs included stints as a kitchen porter and gardener. Martin's latest album is The Spirit Cage (Cherry Red Records). In 1990 Martin began working as a performance poet and took up a poet's residency in Middlesborough. He has had seven books published: five collections of verse and two long poems, Black Shuck and Wildman of Wivenhoe. Martin is resident pop poet for The Independent, and as a result he is the most regularly published poet in the UK. He lives in north-east Essex.
Read one of Martin's rather excellent poems concerning David Bowie entitled: 101 Reasons Why You're Not David Bowie and He Is.
You can purchase This Little Ziggy here via Amazon.co.uk
Go take a look at Martin's official website. You won't regret it.
THE THREE TUNS CAMPAIGN
18th December 2001
'It's Your Shout!' - add your views and opinions to THE THREE TUNS CAMPAIGN and let's make sure this famous DAVID BOWIE landmark gets renamed back to its rightful title.
FUTURE LEGEND RECORDS
18th December 2001
UK Independent record label FUTURE LEGEND RECORDS is famous for doing great new versions of Cult TV and Films themes. They are rated by both composers and fans alike and even started a lifestyle trend in the 90's. After 3 successful volumes of the 60's and 2 of the 70's they have just got around to doing an excellent volume of the 80s.
DAVID BOWIE got well into doing themes for films in that period and his songwriting is well represented on this album. The album also contains Merry Christmas Mr. Lawrence (Ed. Forbidden Colours) which also has a Bowie connection of course.
The Bowie tracks featured on 'Cult Themes From The 80s' are:
1. Cat People by Phosphoric (Even Bowie fans who have heard this are saying its better than David's two versions). It has a great Pop Noir/Arabic feel and conjures up strong images of the film just be listening to it.
2. Absolute Beginners by Once More Into The Bleach. (Radio stations have picked up on this track calling it a classy version of this song. Not only does it have a great Walker Brothers (Sun ain't gonna shine anymore) type production which suits the song perfectly. It also sounds like a new Blondie single as well. This is no surprise since Into The Bleach were recommended to us by Debbie Harry as the world's official number one Blondie tribute act.
3. This Is Not America (Falcon And The Snowman) by Misty Woods. (Although not as good as Bowie and Pat Metheny's version, it is a very creative urban rendition of this track that Bowie as a cutting edge artist would appreciate). Empire Magazine said in a review of this album that on the strength of this track Misty Woods is destined for big things.
The full tracklisting for Cult themes from the 80's is:
Although it is available from all good record shops in the UK (Cat no. FLEG.23CD distributed by IDL/Universal), you can get it cheaper directly from Future Legend Records. Not only that there is a special Bonus available to BOWIE FANS ONLY.
FLR signing Box Office Poison are Pioneers of Pop Noir. A few years back they did a CD/EP that featured a great version of 'Lady Grinning Soul'. Bowie himself said he liked this version a lot. It features 3 other great tracks as well.
Any Bowie fan ordering 'Cult Themes from the 80's' within the next month will get this CD free of charge as well. Since the price of the album is only £10 including P&P anywhere in the world. Thats what we call a good deal. Cheques postal orders or cash to be send to FLR, P.O. Box 727, Kenley, Surrey CR8 5YF, UK. (Made payable in British Sterling to 'Future Legend Records').
Outside the UK International money orders in sterling are required. The only exception is the USA where we will except $20 cash if its to difficult to get a money order in Stirling (You may want to send cash registered, although we have had no problems before).
Further details about Future Legend Records can be found at www.future.legend.records.freeservers.com
From Russ.
EVERYTHING'S STILL HUNKY DORY
17th December 2001
Unbelievably, it was 30 years ago today that DAVID BOWIE'S classic 'Hunky Dory' album was first released.
Last year Hunky Dory was ranked at number 38 in the New Musical Express 'Greatest Albums Of All Time'.... number 16 in Q magazine's '100 Greatest British Albums'... and at number 12 in the New Musical Express list of 'The Greatest Albums of The 70s'.
Back in 1971, Hunky Dory received some good reviews at the time of release, notably in the NME, Melody Maker, Billboard and Rolling Stone magazines but initial sales figures were disappointing up until the Ziggy Stardust album, then it took off:
Billboard
Review: 28th November 1971.
The British composer-performer comes up with a heavy debut for RCA, loaded with the kind of Top 40 and FM appeal that should break him through big on the charts. Along with vocals, Bowie plays piano, sax and guitar. Strong material, his own, for programming include "Changes", "Oh You Pretty Things", and "Life On Mars?" His "Andy Warhol" material is also a standout.Rolling Stone
Review: 6th January 1972.
"...Hunky Dory not only represents Bowie's most engaging album musically, but also finds him once more writing literally enough to let the listener examine his ideas comfortably..."It's interesting to read David's own notes on each of the songs contained on the album that appeared on a promotional sheet at the time:
Changes - This album is full of my changes and those of some of my friends.
Pretty - The reaction of me to my wife being pregnant was archetypal daddy - Oh he's gonna be another Elvis. This song is all that plus a dash of sci-fi.
Eight - The city is a kind of high-life wart on the backside of the prairie.
Life On Mars - This is a sensitive young girls reaction to the media.
Kooks - The baby was born and it looked like me and it looked like Angie and the song came out like - if you're gonna stay with us you're gonna grow up Bananas.
Quicksand - The chain reaction of moving around through out the bliss and then the calamity of America produced this epic of confusion - Anyway, with my esoteric problems I could have written it in Plainview - or Dulwich.
There is a time and space level just before you go to sleep when all about you are losing theirs and whoosh void gets you with its cacopfony of thought - that's when I like to write my songs.
Fill - Biff Rose song.
Andy - A man of media and anti-message, with a kind of cute style.
Bob - This is how some see B.D.
Queen - A song on a Velvet Underground-Lou Reed framework s'about London sometimes.
Bewlay - Another in the series of David Bowie confessions - Star-Trek in a leather jacket.
So what the hell is a 'hunky dory' anyway?... We all take it for granted now that it now translates as 'everything is fine' or 'everything is ok'... but if you take a peek into The Random House Historical Dictionary of American Slang it suggests that the term may have been introduced in America about 1865 by a popular variety performer named Japanese Tommy.
It is said to have been sailors' slang for a street in Yokohama named Honki-Dori, whose inhabitants "catered for the pleasures of sailors".
The trouble with this story is that nobody has ever found a street of that name in Yokohama, then or at any other time, and it seems it may be another example of people trying too hard to explain a puzzling phrase. However, there is more than a germ of plausibility in the theory, as one Japanese word for a street is indeed dori, though it refers to a broad or important one, perhaps like our avenue, rather than any old road.
In fact, there was a street in existence in Yokohama about 1884 with the name Honchou-doori that was set aside for foreign residents, and which conceivably could have something to do with the phrase. It may be that hunky-dory was the result of a bilingual pun, perhaps invented because American sailors knew the word doori and prefixed it with hunky as an imagined Japanese street of earthly delights.
Sailors fighting in the dance halls? Hmm I wonder?
REEVES GABRELS FREE DOWNLOAD
17th December 2001
REEVES GABRELS has released Brainchild (a new album) via fansite Stamford Hill (www.reevz.net). It's a little less than half an hour of ambient techno, weighing in at about 30Megs in total. The download is free. More information about the album is available at Stamford Hill.
Brainchild: Released 08 December 2001 on Reevz.Net (Stamford Hill).
From Manda.
Tracklisting:
Direct Free Download Site: http://www.reevz.net/brainchild/ and at mp3.com.
STUART ADAMSON RIP
17th December 2001
Sadly gone but never forgotten
Thank you for the wonderful Big Country memories on the 1987 Glass Spider Tour
God bless and rest in peace
BATTLE FOR BRITAIN (THE NOMINATION)
16th December 2001
Who's your Greatest Briton? Sir Winston Churchill or Charlie Chaplin, Queen Victoria or David Beckham, DAVID BOWIE or John Lennon?
Nominate yours now. Ten of the Greatest Britons based on your nominations, will feature in a BBC2 series in 2002. You can nominate anyone who was born in the British Isles, including Ireland; or anyone who lived in the British Isles, including Ireland, and who has played a significant part in the life of the British Isles. You can only nominate one Great Briton.
Click here to nominate or telephone 08700 100870 (Calls cost 10p per minute).
Adam on the MB reports... John Lennon is favourite to win a national poll to find the greatest Briton of all time. He is leading William Shakespeare, Sir Isaac Newton and Sir Winston Churchill. So far, 10,000 people have voted in the BBC poll, which closes on New Year's Eve. Charles Darwin, Captain Cook and Admiral Nelson are also in the Top 10 at the moment, reports The Times. The highest placed living person so far is Paul McCartney. Other contenders in the poll are Sir Ernest Shackleton, Queen Elizabeth I, Michael Crawford, Eric Morecambe, David Bowie, Sir Steven Redgrave and David Beckham.
A BBC spokesman said: "There are many surprises, not least the high placing for Sir Ernest Shackleton and Michael Crawford, while Chaucer is languishing. "But nothing in the poll is fixed, and people still have time to make their choice."
Make your nomination here
MORE BOWIE ISO RECORD LABEL STORIES
16th December 2001
More stories surfacing around the globe concerning DAVID BOWIE setting up his own record label ISO...
Annova: Bowie to go it alone with new record label.
BBC News: Bowie quits record company.
Billboard: Bowie Bolts Virgin, Launches Indie Label.
DotMusic: Bowie splits from Virgin.
E! Online: Bowie kisses Virgin goodbye.
Jam! Showbiz: Bowie quits Virgin, forms own label.
Los Angeles Times: David Bowie quits Virgin Records.
NME: David Bowie quits Virgin Records.
Reuters @ Yahoo! News: David Bowie ch-changes record label again.
The Sunday Times: EMI claims it has the best of Bowie.
Undercover: Bowie quits Virgin.
BEAUTY AND THE BEASTIE BOYS
16th December 2001
Three and half years after the release of their fifth full-length album, 'Hello Nasty', THE BEASTIE BOYS are finally getting to work on the follow-up. Along with their DJ, Mixmaster Mike, the Beasties (Ad-Rock, Mike D and MCA) have begun the writing process and expect to begin formal recording sessions early in 2002.
For the Methods track, Brandon Boyd and Mike Einziger of Incubus and Cypress Hill's B-Real will all join Lee and Mixmaster on a cover of DAVID BOWIE'S 'Fame'. As for the Jails, Hospitals and Hip-Hop score, Mike says, "It's all original beats and scratches. It's crazy. It's like hypnotic, psychedelic hip-hop meets Ultraman and Godzilla."
Read the full story here...
ANGRY BOWIE QUITS LABEL
15th December 2001
In this morning's UK newspaper THE SUN Dominic Mohan reports in his Bizarre column... "Angry Bowie quits label".
DAVID BOWIE has quit his record label because he doesn't like the way they market his music. He reckons its Virgin/EMI group's fault that he hasn't had a massive hit since Let's Dance - way back in 1983 when he first signed for them. The Seventies superstar is now setting up his own label and will release an album next year. Virgin/EMI were desperate for Bowie to sign a new contract but Bowie told them to get lost. He said he was sick of working for a big corporation which he claimed didn't handle his work they way he wanted. He feels he will have more success if he works independently and last night told me:
"I've had one too many years of bumping heads with the corporate structure. "Many times I've not been in agreement with how things are done. "And as a prolific writer, I've been frustrated at how slow the business is. "I've dreamed of embarking on my own set-up for such a long time and now is the perfect opportunity. "I want to keep the whole experience at a human level."
Bowie's label, called ISO, will have offices in New York and London and has already signed two unnamed artists. Bowie's first album on it - as yet untitled - will feature long-time collaborator Tony Visconti, who produced and played on his classic Seventies albums, Young Americans, Low and "Heroes".
Full story here by Dominic Mohan.
BOWIE LEAVES VIRGIN RECORDS
15th December 2001
DAVID BOWIE, one of the most influential musicians and writers in popular music, has taken the unprecedented step for an artist of his standing and decided not to re-sign with his record company, Virgin Records, choosing instead, to create his own small, independent label. On Thursday morning Bowie's business representatives, RZO, sent a letter to Virgin Records stating that "We respectfully decline your attempts to negotiate a new contract in light of the missed option pick-up of a year ago."
All David Bowie's future recordings, including the hotly tipped new album that he is recording with long-time collaborator Tony Visconti, will be released on ISO, his new label.
On taking the whole recording and marketing process into his own hands Bowie commented "I've had one too many years of bumping heads with corporate structure. Many times I've not been in agreement with how things are done and as a writer of some proliferation, frustrated at how slow and lumbering it all is. I've dreamed of embarking on my own set-up for such a long time and now is the perfect opportunity."
David Bowie's label ISO, which was registered as a record label over a year ago, will be based out of New York and London and has already signed two new artists, one solo and one band. Bowie and Visconti have also recently moved their projects into their own recording studio in Manhattan, New York, in anticipation of this new departure.
Said Bowie, "I want to keep the whole experience at a human level. To characterize ISO, I think I would use guitarist Robert Fripp's phrase and describe it as aiming to be 'a small, mobile, intelligent unit'."
David Bowie was able to make this bold step as a result of an overlooked option in his previous deal with Virgin Records.
"With smaller, more focussed labels such as Relentless in London (3 number ones) and Artimus in the US proving that creativity and commercial success can go hand in hand, the chance is there to be taken and Bowie is the perfect candidate to pull it off."
From BowieNet.
KEN SIMMON'S COMPERE SCRIPT
15th December 2001
One of the nicest and funniest people I've ever had the pleasure to meet is a certain Mr. K Smith - that's 'Wild Man' to you lot. Ken was pencilled in to do the compering and introducing at The Three Tuns last week. Unfortunately a journalist from The Kentish Times grabbed a hold of him and that was that. Anyway here for your delectable consumption is his "prepared" script for the day...
KEN SIMMON'S COMPERE SCRIPT (albeit put on paper after the event).
Now although I didn't get a chance to introduce/compere at the Thursday 6 December 2001 Beckenham 3 Tuns (I refuse to call it the Rat and Parrot!) David Bowie event - too busy being interviewed by the Kentish Times - this is how it might have gone. A bit like the old days, when I stood in for David while he was away touring. (And with Angie supporting me in the audience I didn't need canned laughter!)...
AFTERNOON - BEFORE STEVE HARLEY
Did someone call me Wild Man Simmons? That was Tony Visconti's idea to produce an English version of America's Larry 'Wild Man' Fischer but I would never have used that handle! The Wild Man was more like Jerry Springer - I would have been closer to Russell Harty! I probably could have been Mild Man Simmons and holding a half pint of milk stout in my publicity shots. ANYWAY - enough about me!
It was Stephen Roberts who recently said to me "Have you heard about David Bowie's plaque?" Well, I though, that's not kind. I know his teeth used to go in but - so I logged onto bowiewonderworld.com and saw David in all his new ceramic glory. Gosh - he could do a cover version of Come Up and See Me - MAKE ME SMILE! (Mind you, I've had my teeth - and nose - fixed since 1969 so less said the better.) Now in those days Steve Harley (I can see his fan club's here) was a bit of a ladies man. That song was originally called 'Come Up and See Me GET IN SINGLE FILE' but the BBC wouldn't give it airplay! So without adoing further the time has come for our special guest. They say you have made it when someone "does" you on STARS IN THEIR EYES. Now Matthew Kelly's impersonator had the real guitar but we have the real thing. So ladies and gentleman, boys and girls, let's hear a big Beckenham welcome back for Mr. Stephen Harley!!!!
EVENING - BEFORE/DURING DAVIE BOWIE TRIBUTE PERFORMERS
Welcome back. They say if you can remember the 60's then you weren't there. Well I can remember 1969 so maybe I wasn't ALL there! But I won't start a debate. Someone we all miss is our own Guitar George - Ronno from Hull, sadly no longer with us. I remember him turning up here for the first time in January 1970 with his power blasting group gear. I noticed the back of the speakers were stencilled with the name "RATS" - that was Mick Ronson's group, now come to the smoke to support David. So although the name of the 3 Tuns HAS changed, part of it does have an unexpected link to the past.
David once said to me "I wish I could be humorous on stage" - I replied "I wish I could be musical - we should get together!" BUT - (although his real name is Jones and mine is Smith (we were the original Alas Smith and Jones) - fortunately for David he decided to stay solo. Otherwise we might have been playing the Grimsby working men's club circuit to this day!
And to demonstrate just how musical David is, we have tribute performers bringing his magic back to life again at the 3 Tuns! A big hand please for Paul Henderson, Rob Storm and Little Wonder. From Ken 'Mild Man' Simmons.
ARTS LAB MEMORIES IN THE KENTISH TIMES
15th December 2001
The current issue of The Kentish Times newspaper has given the DAVID BOWIE Plaque and Party Event full page coverage with four photographs and most copy relating to Arts Lab memories. There are three paragraphs about "Bromley chick" Christina Ostrom plus a real fun photo of Christina and Mary unveiling.
From Cliff Watkins.
RCA SECRET - BOWIE CONTRIBUTION
14th December 2001
The secret can now be revealed... 1376 was the artwork contributed by DAVID BOWIE into this year's RCA 2001 Secret exhibition. As with all the pieces contributed, one lucky person purchased this piece by David for a mere £35.
This hugely popular annual exhibition and sale of postcards by internationally renowned artists and by students of the Royal College of Art in London, with all the proceeds going to the RCA Fine Art Student Fund.
For the second year running, the exhibition was sponsored by Bowieart, who have on display all the postcards online.
You can view the full list of contributors here and email Bowieart.com for a full list of the secret pieces contributed by the artists.
LOU REED - THE TELL-TALE ROCKER
13th December 2001
LOU REED, who helped reinvent rock in the 60's, now turns to rewriting the work of Edgar Allan Poe.
In 1845, four years before his death, Edgar Allan Poe first published "The Imp of the Perverse," a short story about a murder. It identified a human compulsion toward transgression and self-destruction. "The assurance of the wrong or error of any action is often the one unconquerable force which impels us, and alone impels us to its prosecution," Poe wrote. "Nor will this overwhelming tendency to do wrong for the wrong's sake, admit of analysis, or resolution into ulterior elements. It is radical, a primitive impulse elementary."
Some 124 years later, Lou Reed offered a more monosyallabic version of the same idea. In the Velvet Underground's "Some Kinda Love," he sang, "Let us do what you fear most/ That from which you recoil/ But which still makes your eyes moist." It was not the first, and hardly the last, song in which Mr. Reed would contemplate, as a matter-of-fact observer or playing a highly volatile character, what goes on in the minds of people committing acts of desperation, mania and depravity. Where Poe delivered his narratives in elaborately sonorous prose, Mr. Reed has used a different vehicle: the rhythm and clangor of rock.
Yet perhaps it was destined that as the 20th century ended, Mr. Reed would find himself delving into and overhauling the works of Poe for "POEtry," a music-theater collaboration with the director and designer Robert Wilson that will be at the Brooklyn Academy of Music from Tuesday to December 8th
"I just love Poe's language," Mr. Reed, 59, said earlier this month. "To me, it would slip right into my idea of what rock could be: the fun of the rhythm of rock and the sex of rock and the physical push of it, with the real power of the language."
From the beginning of his career, Mr. Reed has straddled the intellectual precincts of literature and art and the down-and-dirty intensity of rock 'n' roll. He wasn't trying to legitimize rock or to spoon-feed fancy notions to teenagers. He was simply refusing to separate the things he loved. "I don't see any reason why you can't like rock and be smart," he said. "We can engage our minds within the song. There is a theory that if you engage the mind, the crotch won't have any fun. But that's such a narrow-minded view of our possibilities."
Unlike some of his latter-day admirers, Mr. Reed wasn't trafficking simply in shock value, he insists. "There are great old blues songs that cover so much of it; there are novels that have been covering it forever," he said. "I come with a university background in English, so naturally it's not shocking to me. It was only the format I presented it in. If it was a novel, you wouldn't have spun around twice to think it was shocking. It would be, to any literate person, a non-event. Drugs? Sex? Murder? Hello? Let's go back to Greek tragedy. Or look at the end of 'Hamlet.' But this is a very puritan country at war with itself, and that's always been part of the problem."
Though Mr. Reed has occasionally played the boorish rocker, he has never disavowed literary intentions. Last year, Hyperion published "Pass Thru Fire: The Collected Lyrics," endorsing Mr. Reed's significance as a poet. By then, Mr. Wilson, who had gotten Mr. Reed to write songs for "Time Rocker" in 1996, had already come up with the idea of a Poe adaptation. "Bob thought this is something that could occur easily, without any weird rubbings going on," Mr. Reed said.
"I saw it as a can't-win situation," Mr. Reed added with a smile. "I knew people would say, 'How dare he rewrite Poe?' But I thought, here's the opportunity of a lifetime for real fun: to combine the kind of lyricism that he has into a flexible rock format. I really like my version of it. It's accessible, among other things. And I felt I was in league with the master. In that kind of psychology, that interest in the drives and the meaning of obsession and compulsion in that realm Poe reigns supreme. Particularly now, with the anxiety and everything else that's permeating our lives right now."
Mr. Reed has just completed an audio version of "POEtry" to be released next year. He sings most of the songs himself, backed by his own band and guest musicians including Ornette Coleman and the Five Blind Boys of Alabama. The album also features the speaking voices of a cast that includes Elizabeth Ashley, DAVID BOWIE, Steve Buscemi, Willem Dafoe, Amanda Plummer and Fisher Stevens.
The music in "POEtry" reaches back through Mr. Reed's entire career. With two guitars, as usual, at its core, there's bluesy, broad-shouldered rock, borderline funk and a mock-vaudeville interlude. The chamber-music cello of "Street Hassle" returns; so does the austerity and almost unbearable tension of "Berlin." As actors narrate the stories, Mr. Reed also unveils some purely electronic music, updating both "The Gift" and the enveloping textures of "Metal Machine Music," the feedback-and-overdubs 1975 instrumental album that was rereleased last year and hailed as a precursor of industrial rock and electronica.
At the Brooklyn Academy of Music, "POEtry" is to be performed by the Thalia Theater, which also presented "Time Rocker" and Mr. Wilson's collaboration with Tom Waits, "The Black Rider." It is a troupe from Hamburg that speaks mostly in German but sings in English. (The B.A.M. production will have supertitles.) For "POEtry," unlike "Time Rocker," Mr. Reed has written not only songs but dialogue, adapted from or inspired by Poe. "The intention was to free Poe up a bit," Mr. Reed said. "To just loosen it a bit and get it out of the book and take advantage of that amazing language going on, not to mention that imagination. I read some of it with my jaw agape."
Mr. Reed identified not only with Poe's gallery of guilt-stricken madmen, but with the sardonic humor and the sense of loss that also permeate Poe's writings. "POEtry" reworks "The Tell-Tale Heart," "The Fall of the House of Usher," "Hop-Frog," "The Cask of Amontillado," "The Pit and the Pendulum" and other Poe stories and poems. "These are the stories of Edgar Allan Poe," one song announces with Reed's own bluntness. "Not exactly the boy next door." It also includes a rewrite of "The Raven," using the original meter, in which the narrator mentions not only his quaint and curious volumes of forgotten lore, but also his cigarettes and Scotch.
"Within any given short story, there will be things pulled from other sources," Mr. Reed said. "Poe keeps circling back a lot. The interests in the stories are so much the same, and the female characters, and what happens to them, and what they do to him, over and over and over.
"He's so contemporary," Mr. Reed added. "It would sad be if he's consigned to some cartoon level, like the Roger Corman movies. And the language is so beautiful. I spent so many hours with the dictionary, because some of these words were already arcane when he used them. He was a show-off in that way. My God, what a vocabulary. So I spent time finding out what these things meant, and then making it a litte bit, not necessarily contemporary, but what it actually meant. But the word he picked always had a beautiful sound."
There is a separation between Poe's grandiloquent diction and Mr. Reed's usual pithiness, a division "POEtry" mines for laughs and epiphanies. But in the end, it's also a collusion between two New Yorkers: two hard-boiled, death-haunted, quietly sardonic writers who won't avert their gaze from the worst they can see or imagine. "Obsession and guilt are reasons people write in the first place," Mr. Reed said. "They are big continents to explore. For Poe, and for me too."
By JON PARELES The New York Times.
TOTAL AMOUNT RAISED AT BOWIE PARTY
12th December 2001
I am pleased to inform everyone that the total money raised for the Chernobyl Children Life Line charity via The Rat & Parrot pub during the David Bowie Plaque and Party events on 6th December reached an amazing £909.68.
A cheque will be presented to some of the children who are currently visiting this country in the next few weeks or so. Local and regional newspapers will be reporting on the presentation to be held at The Rat & Parrot.
A massive huge thank you to everyone involved and a special thank you to landlord Alan, Tammy and the barstaff who sponsored and collected on behalf of the childrens charity before and after the day of the event inside the pub.
The next few weeks will see the overall total amount rise even further with the sale of the exclusive limited edition photo packs (available from this coming weekend) of which £5 will be donated on each pack sold directly to the charity. There are also the upcoming online internet auctions of the specially enlarged photographs all signed courtesy of David Bowie and Tony Visconti, which will obviously push the amount raised even higher.
Hang on there's more... the video currently being produced by Brett Davies, who also kindly offered to donate an amount on each video sold, should be on it's way real soon.
THE THREE TUNS CAMPAIGN
11th December 2001
'It's Your Shout!' - add your views and opinions to THE THREE TUNS CAMPAIGN and let's get the pub renamed back to its rightful title.
Several more photographs including some excellent shots of Steve Harley have been added to the Beckenham Bowie Plaque photograph gallery.
THE THREE TUNS NAME CHANGE?
10th December 2001
The Noble House Pub Company which took over The Rat & Parrot chain of pubs are inviting the public to enter a competition called 'IT'S YOUR SHOUT!'
Postcards in the pubs ask you to... "Rename the pub and see 'your' name in lights! If we choose your name (for the pub) you will receive a FREE bottle of Champagne and framed photo of your pub. Simply complete this card and return it to a member of staff."
So this provides us DAVID BOWIE fans with the opportunity to get the name changed back to THE THREE TUNS, and make the events of 6th December an annual event. There's no reason whatsoever why the pub can't start hosting music nights again. If the pub gets back its real name, maybe even the back half could be turned into a David Bowie area with memorabilia etc in a similar style to the Rock Cafes.
But first we need to regain the name The Three Tuns. There were some of the 'It's Your Shout' cards on the bar last Thursday, but I think we were all too busy having a good time and enjoying the music to notice. What else do you do when you reach the bar in a crowd of 150 plus? So I'm offering to pass on your wishes to the Noble House Pub Company.
You should be aware that Noble House own the Jim Thompson brand name and are looking for sites to set up these Thai restaurant style outlets. Let's remind them of the importance of The Three Tuns before someone else comes up with such an alternative idea.
There will be an online area later today, where you can put your views across, similar to the postcard in the pub, and I will invite the owners of the Noble House Pub Company to view the comments posted... click here on the THE THREE TUNS CAMPAIGN to get your opinions and thoughts heard.
Let's show them the power of the internet and David Bowie fans worldwide! And get the pub changed back to its rightful name.
MIKE GARSON OFFICIAL WEBSITE UPDATES
10th December 2001
I thought you would like to know that we have made some exciting new upgrades to MIKE GARSON'S Website. Among the more notable ones are:
The best part is that the site has a fresh new look and is organised in a way that will enable us to add a great deal more content than before. I hope you all have a chance to stop by.
From Matt - webmaster @ www.mikegarson.com
MERCURY REV TO GET CHATTED UP
10th December 2001
The special chat guests making an appearance on BOWIENET tonight (10th December) are the excellent MERCURY REV. The chat will commence at 7:00pm EST, (that's midnight GMT). DB has made no secret of his admiration for the band, and Tony Visconti helped with the string arrangements and such like on a number of tracks on their last album 'All Is Dream'.
Be there or be square, you never know just who might turn up. David and Tony might even drop in to ask a few questions of their own.
Visit David's official website @ www.davidbowie.com
GRAB 'EM WHILE YOU CAN
10th December 2001
The latest items in the BowieNet Shop include these two items which are a strictly limited supply - grab 'em while you can...
Serious Moonlight Tour Official Lapel Pin - $14.99.
A recent visit to the vaults unearthed these bad boys - A vintage item originally sold at the merchandise table on the Serious Moonlight tour in the early 80's! They have a very limited supply of these pins and once they're gone, don't count on them finding any more!Autographed BowieNet v1.0 Mouse Pad - $24.99.
Doing some Fall cleaning, they found a limited quantity of these vintage BowieNet 1.0 mouse pads. Issued when the BowieNet community launched and featuring art based on the original site, there are only a few of these classics left! To make them even more special, David sat down and signed them!And for those of you who want to actually use your BowieNet 1.0 mouse pad, they kept a small batch aside without signatures. There's not many, but they're here and they're priced to move! Only $4.99!
A MESSAGE FROM MARY FINNIGAN
9th December 2001
"It was a new and educational experience to meet Bowie fans en masse. This has never happened to me before, so I had no idea so many people love him so much. Christina and I were at times overwhelmed by the enthusiasm and eagerness to find out every detail of our time with David. Thanks to everyone who made me feel special that day. I live a quiet, private life most of the time - but it felt good to be on display again!"
Click here to read Mary's speech and take a look at the first lot of photographs to come through. (Ed. Many thanks to Blammo, Eddie, Cliff, Roger, Alex and Karen for sending in photographs).
ROB STORM PERFORMANCES
8th December 2001
DAVID BOWIE tribute act ROB STORM has three performances lined up for this month in Edinburgh, Prestatyn and Nottingham.
From Rob.
MAYSLES TO DIRECT NYC FILM
8th December 2001
Filmmaker Albert Maysles, who 31 years ago Thursday (December 6) debuted the documentary "The Rolling Stones: Gimme Shelter," chronicling the Rolling Stones' infamous 1969 tour that ended in tragedy at Altamont Speedway (which occurred 32 years ago Thursday), has confirmed he is working on a new film about Paul McCartney and the Concert for New York City.
Held on October 20 at New York's Madison Square Garden, the event was organized to raise funds for the families of police officers and firefighters killed in the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center. McCartney, Backstreet Boys (news - web sites), Destiny's Child, Jay-Z, Elton John, the Who, DAVID BOWIE, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and many others performed at the show.
Maysles shot miles of footage of McCartney, starting five days before the concert up until the actual event. McCartney asked Maysles to film in black and white, as he did in 1964 when he shot the Beatles for the movie "Beatles: The First U.S. Visit," which was produced for Britain's Granada Television and released on video in the U.S. in 1991.
The documentarian has said he will spend the next six months editing the Concert for New York footage.
He has worked on other music films in the past, including "Monterey Pop" in 1968 and "The Grateful Dead Movie" in 1976. "Gimme Shelter" is his most well-known movie, though, largely because it captured the tumult and violence of the Altamont concert, including a man in the crowd being fatally stabbed by a member of the Hell's Angels, who were hired by the Stones to handle security at the event.
From Yahoo News.
BECKENHAM SALUTES DAVID BOWIE
7th December 2001
Yesterday 6th December 2001, Beckenham celebrated their famous former resident DAVID BOWIE with a plaque hung at The Rat & Parrot (formerly The Three Tuns) to celebrate and recognise David's involvement in their town with The Arts Laboratory he co-founded at the pub.
Some people like to arrive fashionably late, we arrived an unfashionable 4 hours late! And unfortunately missed the unveiling, Steve Harley's performance and at least 8 pints necking down time. Motorway traffic was horrendous, and chauffeur for the day poor Stephen K drove for a record 7 hours non stop. The journey should of been 4 hours at the most but having arrived in Beckenham via the scenic route we unfortunately didn't arrive until gone 2 o'clock. Aren't traffic jams wonderful?
I felt worse for the DJ Craig (aka Tony Day), he's probably Steve Harley's biggest fan and sadly missed it all. Craig got his set up, set up in record time and started spinning his discs and doing his thing. He did a grand job. As a special thank you to Craig I had a word with Kevin Cann and explained the situation and he kindly promised he'd sort him out next time Steve performs and get some autographed items. Thanks Kevin :)
Pictured here (courtesy of Total Blam Blam and Eddie Harris) are Mary Finnigan and Christina Ostrom who unveiled the plaque, with Mary giving her speech followed by recollections from Christina.
Stephen Roberts says he just watched the the video footage he shot through the day and the evening. There were loads of police there because they were training some new police officers in crowd control, so there were about 10-14 of them. This started a rumour that David was going to turn up which in turn brought more crowds.
Everyone I spoke to said Steve Harley gave a great 30 minutes along with his brilliant guitarist Robbie Gladwell. He performed classics such as 'Judy Teen', 'Sebastian', 'Star For A Week', 'Mr Soft' and 'Make Me Smile' (Come Up And See Me).
Stephen Roberts performed one song with his acoustic guitar, which went down really well. After speaking with sore-throated Stephen today I get the feeling he's got some of the old taste back for performing. Go for it son!
Mark Carr Pritchett brought along his Hagstrom 12-string acoustic guitar that formerly belonged to David. Comment from someone in the crowd: "I can't believe that's THE actual guitar!"
Paul Henderson and Rob Storm both played great sets and went down really well. How on earth they've got the bottle to perform live in front of 150 or so hardcore Bowie fans is beyond me. I think it just goes to show how good they actually are.
Seven piece band Little Wonder performed a great tight set, playing a bag full of Bowie songs. The sound of 7 musicians playing in a very small venue was overwhelmingly wonderful. They sounded absolutely brilliant. For me 'Scary Monsters' did it - brilliant! Then to top it all, the encore at the end, Paul and Rob joined in with the band and got the crowd going ape.
A lot of the credit for the excellent sound with all the musicians goes to all the sound engineers. Brilliant job done guys.
Band member Craig from Little Wonder said: "U lot rock! What a great crowd in Beckenham! Thanks to everyone who came - we had a great time. Good to meet everyone. Faces to names and all that.You all know far too much about Bowie, far too much about the songs, and I think you're all mad as hat stands, but to use the cliche... you certainly know how to party. I know the band loved it, as did all of the other acts. Thanks for a great night."
The auctions and raffle went down rather well. Big thanks you to everyone who bought tickets and bid on items. All the money raised goes directly to the childrens charity. You're a generous lot :) All in all, with the collection boxes, raffle, auctions, barstaff charity events, and with the forthcoming DB and Visconti signed photos to be auctioned online - we estimate it will easily reach a thousand pounds raised for the childrens charity :)
Apart from this amount there is also the donations to be added from the forthcoming "photo packs" as well as donations from every video sold by Brett. If you saw the photos behind the bar on the large white board, which later raised over £50 each in the auction, these will be part of the special limited edition 'Three Tuns' photo pack along with recently written contributions from people who were directly involved in the Arts Lab, will be available to order. Proceeds from the 'packs' are to help raise money for the Chernobyl Children Life Line Charity of which Stephen is heavily involved with. Exclusively written contributions from David Bowie, Mary Finnigan, Ken 'Wild Man' Simmons, Stephen Roberts, The Diary of Steve Hippy, Mark Carr Pritchett, as well as extracts and information about The Arts Lab taken from various sources. Watch this space for full details in the next few days.
The video shot by Brett Allen to produce a professional record of the daytime events. Brett captured people recalling their own memories of the Arts Lab days. Along with this, Brett is to film various places relating to David Bowie in the Beckenham and Bromley areas. Brett has very kindly offered to donate money to the childrens charity on each video sold. Again, watch this space for full details in the next few days.
Landlord Alan and Tammy did a absolutely marvellous job of pulling all this together. Their generosity in 'sponsoring' the childrens charity before and after the event helping raise money is more than we ever wished to hope for. Many thanks from us all.
A big thank you to the barstaff who did an absolutely wonderful job. Dressed in their Bowie T-shirts and Aladdin Sane lightning bolts across the faces, they collected money and sold raffle tickets above and beyond the call of duty.
I emailed David this morning and sent him the above photograph of the plaque. I'm sure he won't mind me informing everyone that he responded immediately with the comment: "It's so swishy." I think you can safely take from that he's well chuffed about it.
On behalf of everyone involved in this event I would like to personally send a huge thank you to everyone on behalf of the Chernobyl Children Life Line charity who contributed, helped, donated, sung, sang, played, attended, supported, gave money, gave time, gave effort, wrote, reported, filmed, drove friends, travelled, gave encouragement and signed stuff - it was a absolutely marvellous event and fingers crossed it will renamed back to The Three Tuns and turned into an annual event.
A big thank you also goes out to Matthew Fisher who's original proposal to erect the plaque on The Three Tuns was the nomination for its inclusion in the BBC History Magazine Domesday project.
Last but not least, on behalf of all David Bowie fans everywhere the biggest thank you goes to Mr. Cliff Watkins of the CCARA, who has spent the last six months organising this whole overall event. We Bowie fans salute you... you did the boy proud!
If anyone took any photographs during the event and would like to send them to me to add to photo gallery please feel free to do so. I took my digital camera and unfortunately it decided to go ape on me.
I RAN TO THE STREET, LOOKING FOR INFORMATION
5th December 2001
Here's the latest word off the street, (the high street) in Beckenham concerning the DAVID BOWIE Plaque and Party at The Rat & Parrot pub tomorrow...
MARK CARR PRITCHARD (real name Mark Carr Pritchett) is another special VIP guest who will be attending the Beckenham Plaque and Party. I've managed to twist his arm to play a few numbers. Let's hope Mark brings along a certain Hagstrom 12-string that David played throughout this period (the 'Free Festival' 12-string) which David he gave Mark after The 1980 Floor Show performance back in October 1973 at the Marquee in London.
For those who don't know, Mark was originally a member of Dulwich College band Rungk, who went on to be part of the Arnold Corns band. He performed with David on the John Peel BBC Show 'David Bowie and Friends' in 1971, he was guitarist in the Spiders backing band for The 1980 Floor Show, and has performed with David many times over the years including performances at The Three Tuns.
Lots of people asked if JOHN 'HUTCH' HUTCHINSON will be attending... after a bit of the old Sherlock detective work, I eventually managed to speak with Hutch on the telephone the other day and gave him an official invitation to attend. He didn't know about the event, and after a few minutes of the Kinder charm he was all up for performing, along with his musician daughter. He said he would get back in touch the following day. John did indeed ring back the following day and had to sadly decline because of his residential commitments at The Punch Bowl pub in York, where he plays every Thursday evening. Hutch sends everyone his best wishes and hopes you all have a wonderful time.
DAVID BEBBINGTON musician and photographer, who played The Three Tuns and shot that famous photograph of David performing at the Growth Arts Festival in the bandstand at Croydon Recreational Ground is also attending. "Don't ask me to perform!"...
If anyone is stuck for a place to stay over whilst you're in Beckenham - Mrs. Smith wife of KEN SIMMONS takes in occasional students or Bed and Breakfast. They have a large room with 3ft bunk beds and a single bed. Charge is £15 per person for bed and continental breakfast. The room can be occupied by 1, 2 or 3 persons who are together. Please ring callsign number 020-8695 9932 if you need a place to stay.
The 'exclusive limited edition 1969 Arts Lab Photo Presentation Pack' (jesus what a mouthful!) is now nearly completed. There will be flyers distributed around the pub for people to check out, including a tear off slip for you to fill in if you're interested in purchasing this piece of historical memorabilia.
The "photo pack" will contain ten exclusive and newly discovered never before seen 1969 photographs taken inside The Arts Lab. Featuring David Bowie, Tony Visconti, Chas Lippeatt, Noel Brown and an unknown band. Also features exclusively written essay contributions from: David Bowie, Mary Finnigan, Stephen Roberts, Ken 'Wild Man' Simmons, and other regular visitors to the Arts Lab at the time. With some background history, which includes extracts, articles and information published over the years from various sources.
Each pack is available at a ridiculous price of only £48 each, which includes a substantial donation to the Chernobyl Childrens Life Line Charity.
There will be a sneak preview of the exclusive photographs tomorrow at the event. Stephen Roberts (the photographer and copyright holder) has kindly donated 2 sets contained in a photo album to the auction/raffle. With all proceeds going to the charity.
BRETT ALLEN is to produce a professional record of the daytime events on Thursday. Brett is keen to capture people recalling their own memories of the Arts Lab days. So if he sticks a video camera in your face - be nice and helpful. Tip: Smile a lot ;)
There are still a few tickets left for the evening party. I had a "special reserve" allocation of 20 evening tickets for people who couldn't get payment in on time. If you want to take the opportunity of having one of these tickets - telephone Alan (landlord) on (020) 8658 9618.
Check out a few more photographs on the Information Guide and another update on the What's Planned page.
[INFORMATION GUIDE] [PRESS RELEASE] [WHAT'S PLANNED] The 'what's planned' page will be continually updated as and when other information and events are confirmed. Click on the links for some new photos and information.
Ticket enquiries or you need help please email me at 3tuns@bowiewonderworld.com
ALTERNATIVE PRESS SPECIAL FEATURE
4th December 2001
The latest issue (#162 - Jan 2002) of the ALTERNATIVE PRESS (AP) magazine contains a special feature entitled 'Fast Forward: The Most Anticipated Records of 2002'. A.P. celebrates the new year a month early with words and pictures from DAVID BOWIE, Nine Inch Nails, AFI, Bouncing Souls, Disturbed Filter, The Chemical Brothers, Green Day, ICP, Marilyn Manson, Weezer and many others.
The rather gorgeous portrait of David by MYRIAM SANTOS-KAYDA, was recently shot in New York. In the feature David talks about his next album due for release, which gives the date of release as 12th March 2001.
Check out the Alternative Press website for more details.
LIPSTICK TORPEDO GO GLAM
4th December 2001
LIPSTICK TORPEDO are currently doing a glam tribute set, which features, among others, several DAVID BOWIE tracks (Hang Onto Yourself, Ziggy Stardust, Moonage Daydream, Suffragette City, All The Young Dudes and sometimes Rebel Rebel and Waiting For The Man). All this is topped off with smatterings of T. Rex, Sweet, Slade and other gems from the era.
They are playing at The Standard Music Venue, Walthamstow London E17, this coming Saturday (8th December) supporting top T. Rex tribute T Rextasy. It promises to be a fine night for all fans of glam and 70's rock music.
Update: Listen to Lipstick Torpedo's version of Moonage Daydream on mp3.
More details can be found at www.lipsticktorpedo.co.uk. Please note that admission is £5.00 and a discount voucher can be obtained by e-mailing lipstick.torpedo@blueyonder.co.uk.
JORDAN PLAYS ON NEW BOWIE ALBUM
3rd December 2001
Virtuoso keyboardist JORDAN RUDESS will be featured on DAVID BOWIE'S new album. The sessions took place in late August at a studio in the Catskill Mountains (New York). Jordan was asked several questions about these sessions during an official chat on his website last month...
Salty asks: Jordan, Tell us about the music you contributed to the new Bowie album...
Jordan answers: OK - It is NOT progressive. Nothing fast... Some interesting things though. David had many songs ready to go when I got there. He does not like a lot of options. I did some very cool stuff at an old upright piano in which I would play the Steinway grand.
RyanG asks: Hi Jordan, a big hello from Scotland! How was it working with David Bowie? He is one of the most influential artists of all time, how did you get on with him? Will you be touring with him?
Jordan answers: I met him through my association with producer Tony Visconti. I did some other cool projects with Tony.
Jordan answers: I probably will not tour with him - but who knows!
Check out the official Jordan Rudess website @ www.jordanrudess.com.
BW COMPETITION 10 WINNERS
3rd December 2001
Big thanks to everyone who entered the latest BowieWonderworld Competition Number 10 to win one of three copies of MR. RICE'S SECRET on DVD. The 3 lucky winners drawn at random were:
j4nbrokaar@planet.nl See the competition page for the answers.
johnno@bowiewonderworld.com
starman@bowiewonderworld.com
DAVID BOWIE 1969 - 1971
3rd December 2001
DAVID BOWIE 1969 - 1971 is a brand new publication by PETE FOULSTONE and ALEX ALEXANDER. 96 glorious pages, 4 in full colour crammed full with details of David during the years 1969 to 1971.
Every page filled with rare photos (over 250 different images) some being seen here for the very first time. Featuring interviews, reviews, tickets, posters, flyers, programmes, etc, the majority of which are not available on the internet.
The book is available from:
Alex Alexander, 143 Ferry Road, Langstone Marina, Portsmouth, Hants PO4 9UD, UK.Total prices are as follows:
In the UK - £15 / In Europe - £15 or $20 / Outside Europe - £20 or $30.I can accept cash in most currencies but cheques and postal orders from the UK only. Any questions I can be contacted on alex-a@teenagewildlife.com
From AlexA.
THE BITS FLEW FAR AND WIDE
2nd December 2001
The Kentish Times are running a full page article on the Beckenham DAVID BOWIE Plaque and Party in their current issue...
Other places with news about the Bowie Plaque and Party include: Annova - Undercover - Beckenham.Net - Man Of Music...
The students of MANCAT (school of music and performance skills) will be putting on a show of Ziggy Stardust and The Spiders from Mars (live music) on Thursday 13th December 2001 at 7:30pm. Admission is free. Bar. Feel free to come dressed up... we will be. Address: 65 Lever Street , Manchester M2. Tel: 0161 236 3711 for more information...
After seven years of being an integrated part of Evan Torrie's website, The Illustrated db Discography now has moved to its own domain @ www.illustrated-db-discography.nl - v 12.0 of the IdbD includes half a year of updates. To celebrate the new looks of the discography, a very special track has been added to the Real Audio section - an amazing live version of 'Waiting For The Man', recorded at the famous 1976 Uniondale concert. Unlike most of the other songs from this concert, 'Waiting For The Man' previously has never been available. Visit the Illustrated db Discography to have a listen!...
Simone has produced an advent calendar at davidbowie.com/users/simone
BECKENHAM SALUTE TO DAVID BOWIE
1st December 2001
Latest updates information and what's planned for the DAVID BOWIE Plaque and Party at The Rat & Parrot (formerly The Three Tuns) in Beckenham, Kent this coming week on 6th December 2001.
If you have already applied for EVENING tickets and still haven't sent off your payment - please do so today, otherwise your cheque won't clear in time and your admission is NOT guaranteed. The EVENING tickets are on a first come, first served basis.
IMPORTANT: A daytime ticket DOES NOT automatically guarantee your admission into the EVENING event. Unless your payment has been received by The Rat & Parrot, and Alan, Tammy or Beth have telephoned you to confirm your place - we CANNOT guarantee your admission. Be quick - you have been warned.
The press releases have now been sent out worldwide, with lots of news wires, newspapers, regional papers, magazines, websites and TV all taking up the story. There has been a massive response today from the media. Posters are going up in Beckenham this weekend and we are expecting a sell out by the middle of this coming week.
If you live in the local area, or fancy a night out boozing in The Rat & Parrot - you can purchase and collect your evening tickets over the counter. First come first served.
[INFORMATION GUIDE] [PRESS RELEASE] [WHAT'S PLANNED] The 'what's planned' page will be continually updated as and when other information and events are confirmed. Click on the links for some new photos and information.
Ticket enquiries or you need help please email me at 3tuns@bowiewonderworld.com
DAVID CONFIRMED TO PLAY TIBET BENEFIT
1st December 2001
DAVID BOWIE has been confirmed to play next year's TIBET HOUSE BENEFIT CONCERT on February 22nd 2002 in the Isaac Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall in New York City, USA.
Other artists so far confirmed to play are Philip Glass and the Kronos Quartet.
Benefit package tickets, which include prime seats at the concert and a supper party afterwards, are now available through Tibet House. Concert-only tickets will be available about two months prior to the concert date through Carnegie Charge (these are not sold through Tibet House), (212) 247-7800, or at the Carnegie Hall Box Office, 154 West 57th Street.
Buy your ticket early as the concert sells out fast!
Check out Tibet US News.
| Created: December 2001 © Paul Kinder | Last Updated: 31/12/01 |
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}