diego maradona has left the building

Although l grew up loving George Best, Diego Maradona is in with a good shout of being classed as the greatest footballer of all time, especially during the time he was playing for Naples.  He obviously had many issues, but that just made him more human, especially coming from the dirt poor background he had, and didn't distract from his enormous talent and ability to alter the outcome of games, despite (like Best) some of the ferocious tackling he had to endure. Personally, although it was annoying that he got away with the 'Hand of God' against England, most other players on that pitch would have done the same thing if they could have, so l've no issues with it (apart from the debate about players wanting to cheat in the broader sense, but that's for another day). Lionel Messi has been the modern days nearest equivalent to Maradona, and some (insane) people prefer Cristiano Ronaldo, but comparisons are kind of pointless, as they involve different types of games and opposition, but Maradona was certainly something very very special, and should be lauded for his exceptional skills, outrageous balance, and bravery on the field.  There's an excellent piece by Maradona's former Argentina teammate Jorge Valdano in The Guardian (look here), which is an infinitely superior tribute than anything l could muster up and is well worth reading.

I love this film of Maradona warming up and juggling a football, and speaking from personal experience as someone who could also do lots of tricks with a football, Maradona's touch is gobsmacking. Another great player who will be missed by anyone with a love for the game.

On the other hand, l have nothing but contempt for the way he mistreated his records

Toodle pip

Little Richard has died - he deserves the capitals

So, Little Richard, the King and Queen of Rock and Roll has shuffled off to meet his maker after suffering the last few years with various health problems. I'm amazed he lasted so long with the lifestyle that he partook in for so long, but he was always a survivor, albeit the most over the top flamboyant one of all. I heard while l was at work over the weekend, and funnily enough l had just finished watching the Elton John biopic 'Rocket Man' on my overnight shift when l heard the news, and was thinking at the time about Little Richard, because without him, there may not have been an Elton, and although Elton's outfits were more flamboyant, and they superficially had very similar lifestyles, Little Richard was waaaay over the top and living his in Black America, before rock and roll coolness had become 'a thing', when it was (and to a lesser degree, still is) a very dangerous thing to do. I know about his influences, and that he wasn't 'the first', but he was the best. I wrote about how great Little Richard was and how fantastic and honest his biography (by Charles White) was here (Which was a long seven years ago), so find out for yourselves. I haven't really much to add, apart from the fact one of the few things l regret is not having been able to watch (or meet) him when he was a young pup (and bitch) back in his old Rock and Roll days. He was a massive gift to us all who lost his Rock and Roll way by heading to the pulpit, and who wasted his talent on lots of different record labels and bad choices of songs, but man, could that cool cat entertain and sing. For those that haven't heard them, his gospel and soul recordings are also sublime. - he could do anything. Even when he was drugged up and not at his magnificent best, the charisma. intelligence, honesty and playfulness shone through, and he'll be missed a lot in this household. I spent a lot of time yesterday watching old youtube clips with a drink in my hand and a tear in my eye, and l advise you all to do the same. The records will be dug out later today, and l pity my neighbours if they are trying to sleep. I may even try putting on some makeup and being bisexual again in his honour - he deserves it.

Here's an early crowd watching Elvis (when he was cool) - look at the joy, despite how shocking he was to some

Here's an early crowd watching Little Richard - look at the disbelief and amazement

The screen test for 'The Girl Can't Help It'. He's a bit subdued at the start, but watch him go after 1.15m. Every time l see him dancing on this l laugh out loud





From 'Don't Stop The Rock' - Bill Haley watching.















toodle pip

john prine has left the building

John Prine, one of the greatest songwriters of his generation has sadly passed away from the Coronavirus, although he had been in poor health for a while.
If you are unfamiliar with him and his work, do yourself a favour and check him out, as his ability to inhabit a character and speak plainly and emotionally from their viewpoint was outstanding.
He'll be missed a lot in this household.

Here's some examples of his genius









And here's Jeff Tweedy paying tribute with a John Prine song



toodle pip

scott walker's death

Despite Scott Walker becoming famous way before l got into music, l got to love his output later on, and went through a long period when l used to play his solo albums through earphones when falling asleep at night. Admittedly a lot of the songs take some getting used to, but it's well worth the effort. He certainly followed his own path, when he could have taken an easier route with lots more financial incentives and rewards, which is another reason l respected him.
For beginners, there's the marvelous Boy / Child best of, and his 'Sings Jacque Brel'  is another go to compilation. It also helps that one of my favourite songs of his is about one of my favourite films - 'The Seventh Seal'.
He'll be sadly missed in this household, as well as amongst the many he has inspired and influenced.
Here's a taster.









And here's how much he meant to David Bowie. Listen to Bowie's reaction after Scott calls him on Bowie's 50th Birthday.



toodle pip

some favourite spider-man covers and stories

Here's some of my favourite Spider-Man comic front covers, the first three especially have magnificent, heartbreaking stories inside, and are well worth checking out, even for freakish people that are not into comics. The first two cover the death of Gwen Stacey, and the third one has the death of (spoiler alert!!) Peter Parker /  Spider-Man's aunt Mary. The last two feature the artwork of Todd McFarlane, who revolutionised the franchise when it was getting stale in the 1980's.

As a side note, the comics are so good, it pisses me off when the films don't stick to them, as it's such a no brainer to follow the stories that have already proven to be so successful. Bastards!

Get reprints though, or read them online, as they are getting pretty expensive these days.

toodle pip

britain's oldest man - henry jenkins

Apparently Britain's oldest man, Henry Jenkins lived and died near where l live, and is buried at St Mary's Church, Bolton on Swale. If you believe the stories, he lived to be 169.
I don't. However, it's worth a visit if you're in the area.

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albert finney, charlie bubbles and old trafford

So the great Albert Finney has passed away (last week). In all of the tributes to his great body of work, one that seems to have been forgotten is Charlie Bubbles, written by Shelagh Delaney and featuring some long forgotten Manchester sights, including what Manchester United's Old Trafford used to be like, before it evolved into the 'Theatre of Dreams', and kids could still afford to attend en mass.
Reminds me of when l was a lad, back in our day when it was all bomb sites etc blah blah blah blah blah blah......

                                                     
                                                     Shelagh Delaney on the Smiths covers

                                                         Excerpts from Charlie Bubbles



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ken dodd's death

I've always liked Ken Dodd when growing up. Not keen on a lot of the songs, and can't stand the diddymen, but l loved the non stop jokes, and his single 'Happiness' was one of the first songs l remember. I still like it and it's a fine motto to live by. Loved the fact he stayed in Liverpool, rather than moving south as soon as he became famous, unlike The Beatles (although l also love them).
I was tickled by him years ago (with his tickling stick) when he opened a shop in The New Strand in Bootle, and myself and some friends were planning on seeing him live later this year, ironically, to catch him before he died. That's now out of the window, but at least l've got this little beauty below, signed by him later in life.
We won't see his like again.

toodle pip

big game animals get revenge in zimbabwe

It's always pleasing when Karma  strikes in the way you would have wished for.
Theunis Botha recruited and took people on hunting trips for big game. He was apparently hunting elephants in Zimbabwe when some of them panicked, one picked him up, was shot at, and then killed Botha by falling on him.
Sad news indeed for his wife and family, but if more of these instances took place, and more hunters and guides were killed, perhaps there would be less photographs of hunters astride or next to the dead animals they have so 'bravely' killed using their high powered long rang rifles, after the likes of Botha and his dogs have scared the animals and chased them towards the hunters.
Bunch of bastards all of them, and it's about time the animals got some revenge.
He knew the risks, and l have no sympathy for him. Pity more of the hunters weren't taken out at the same time.
More on the story here.

One less hunter

toodle pip

chris cornell has died

I can't really say that l am too surprised that Chris Cornell has died at such an early age earlier today, but it is still such a fucking waste. I'd only just read an old interview with him (in 'Classic Rock' magazine) a couple of days ago when he was talking about trying to stay clean, but it was obvious to anyone that he had a lot of issues (to say the least), and it highlights once again that fame and fortune is not the answer to deep rooted problems (although it can certainly help).
A lot of people would never of heard of him and won't know what the fuss is about, but he was one of the best rock / punk / grunge vocalists since the genres were invented. It was only a couple of weeks ago that the barman in Rachel's Bar (Sticky Fingers) in Middlesbrough was telling myself and buddies that Chris was his favourite artist. He was, to many, an icon.

Here's when l first got to hear him - Temple of the Dog's 'Hunger Strike', featuring another superb vocalist, a certain Mr Eddie Vedder.



Here's an excellent acoustic version of Sinead O'Connor's / Prince's 'Nothing Compares To You'



And lastly, another oldie from Temple of The Dog - 'Say Hello To Heaven'



All of these goodies, and no mention of his work with Soundgarden etc

For those that are interested, thee's a pretty fine acoustic concert available for download here. Don't tell the filth.
Nearly forgot - the password is zinhof and it's from this site.
Enjoy.

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alan aldridge has died

It has just come to my attention via the Afterword site that Alan Aldridge has died.
Bugger.
For those of you that don't know, he was a much in demand illustrator, and has had his work featured on many books and records, probably the best known of which are for Elton John and The Beatles.
Here's a selection of his work that l currently own, in fact the Bob Dylan poster is framed, at the top of my stairs.
Aldridge also did a load of science fiction covers for Penguin books back in the day, that l used to have, but have since gone walkabouts.
I may have to start collecting them in the future, to go with the rest of my crap, as they just look so good.

And here's Alan Aldridge himself, supporting the Labour party in 1970, with a tiny Edward Heath in the palm of his hand (from Getty Images).

toodle pip

Joe's dead

First post of the New Year, and it's more bad news.
Joe, who was originally a friend of my fathers, and a man who had outlived just about everyone he knew (apart from young whippersnappers like me) died on the 29th Dec.
The top picture is Joe pretending to be dead as a photograph was taken in the pub. The bottom one is his empty chair, with one of his hats, where he used to sit and drink copious amounts of whisky and ginger with me.
An ex boxer, wrestler, promoter (plus loads of hands on manual type work), raconteur, bullshitter and one of the brightest, hardest, and kindest people l have ever met. As an example, he used to own properties that he rented out for years. Rather than continuing with the rents, or selling the properties, he let the long time occupiers have them. He also bought shoes etc for poor friends of mine years ago when their father kept getting locked up, and took them camping and walking (and no, nothing dodgy went on).
Sandy (or as Joe called him 'Soft Cock'), his old dog, had loads of character, and so did Joe.
Although he had issues with his leg that kept him indoors for the last years of his life, he will be remembered and missed by many.
He used to say that he got on better with me than anyone else, and felt we were on the same wavelength, and considered us kindred spirits. Pisstaking bright guys who could take any jokes or insults hurled at us, and respond in kind.
I would say that he was a one off, but can confirm that he enjoyed his life more than most.

toodle pip

RIP Rick Parfitt

Breaking my December absence and capital letters in the title embargo, as the boogie master himself has died.
Drink now in hand - Piledriver on.

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leon russell - delta lady, and the leave alone list

So another one of the old rock and rollers bites the dust. This time it's Leon Russell, a name that's probably not that well known to most people, but instrumental in some of may favourite records, and especially on Joe Cocker's 'Mad Dogs and Englishman' tour (and LP). One of the greatest road movies in the rock cannon.
Here's Leon with his own composition, 'Delta Lady.'



And here's Joe Cocker and Leon from the 'Mad Dogs' film, covering The Rolling Stones' 'Honky Tonk Women'



As for the grim reaper, here's a short list of people he can bugger off and leave alone for the time being

Keith Richards
Mick Jagger
Rick Parfitt
Francis Rossi
Iggy Pop
Bobby Gillespie
The Reid brothers from The Jesus and Mary Chain
David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain from The New York Dolls
Nick Cave
Brain Wilson
Dr John
Donovan
Little Richard
Chuck Berry
Bruce Springsteen
Todd Snider
Paul Simon
Rod Stewart
Van Morrison
Any of the remaining members of The Sex Pistols, Stranglers, Damned or Clash
Or The Pixies, Deus, Hawkwind, Who, U2 and Waterboys

That lot should keep me going for a while yet if he keeps his spindly little fingers off them

toodle pip

gregory porter and others - purple rain on later with jools

A moving tribute to Prince on Later with Jools Holland.
Gregory Porter and the other artists on the show sing 'Purple Rain'.
It fair bought a tear to my eye, so it did.
Mind you, so did Iggy Pop's version of The Passenger from the same show (Best of 2016), so it's not just the tender stuff that gets the tear ducts a flowin'.
Sadly, l couldn't find a youtube clip of that, so it will just have to be Mr Porter and the rest for the time being.



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robert vaughn and the man from uncle

I've just learnt from the BBC website that the actor Robert Vaughn has died. As the article states, to us older folk, he will always be remembered from his role as Napoleon Solo in 'The Man From UNCLE', which is one of the first TV shows that l really loved. I remember having a plastic lighter / gun combo that was part of their marketing, which brought me much enjoyment on the mean streets of Singapore (when l wasn't setting fire to my eyebrows or local wasteland), but prefered his partner in espionage foiling, Ilya Kuryakin (played by David McCallum). However, both of the stars were heroes to me at the time. I know he's had a good innings (as had Leonard Cohen), but it's still a sad day, and adds to the gradual erasing of my (not many to start with) happy childhood memories.

I blame God.

Here's two versions of the title sequence





toodle pip

brexit sgt pepper picture updated, and leonard cohen - suzanne

Damn!!
Wasn't expecting the Brexit Sgt Pepper picture to be updated so quickly, and with someone l liked so much.
Here it is again, only this time with Leonard Cohen added.

And as a tribute to the sadly departed Mr Cohen......Here's 'Suzanne'



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the year so far - brexit sgt pepper

It's been one hell of a year so far, and if you haven't noticed, all of the people on this Brexit Sgt Peppers remake have died in 2016.

By Dogfacedboy.

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jimmy savile jokes and references before his death

Some excellent, near the knuckle (for the lawyers at least) Jimmy Savile jokes on 'Have I Got News For You' in 1992, plus a banned Johnny Lydon interview with Vivienne Goldman at the BBC in 1978.





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graffiti on cancelled trains, and cricket deaths and sledging

Two items in the news recently.

First of all, there's been trains cancelled because of offensive graffiti on their sides. These have been cancelled at the last minute, leaving commuters fuming and frustrated. An recent example is here.

ThamesLink have tweeted "We can't drive around all day with 'the F word' emblazoned on a train".

That is fair enough, but l have an idea.
It apparently costs about £5,000 to remove the graffiti, but why not just spray over the offensive slogan or image to make it unintelligible, so the train can carry on it's normal route, to then be taken off and cleaned at a later date. That would only take a couple of minutes, and you'd only be spraying where it needed to be cleaned anyway. If it costs a bit more to clean, it's worth it to keep the passengers happy, and prevents vandals deliberately trying to prevent trains running.

Also, cricket sledging has been under scrutiny, after the inquest into the death of Phillip Hughes. He was bowled by Doug Bollinger, who, it has been alleged (by Mathew Day), stated that "I am going to kill you" beforehand. Bowlers deliberately bowl short to cause 'bouncers', which are aimed at intimidating the batsman, often trying to hit and hurt them.
Before others die, here's a suggestion (from someone who knows bugger all about cricket).
Have a line marked in front of the batsman, where the ball has to bounce in beforehand, to eliminate the high bounces of the ball. If a bowler misses it a set amount of times by bowling short, he is unable to carry on bowling during that match, and may face suspension for later matches. Batsmen may still suffer some injury, but it would be pretty unlikely to be in the head area, therefore being a lot safer.

As for piss taking sledging - my favourite quote (by Eddo Brandes) when asked by the batsman (Glen McGrath) why he was so fat, replied  "Because every time l fuck your wife, she gives me a biscuit". I've changed that slightly, replacing 'fuck' with 'shag', and 'biscuit' with 'cracker', and have used it while out and about on many an occasion.  Long may that kind of sledging continue.

Any more advice needed on how to run things, you know where to find me.

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