it's a special anniversary today - man utd v benfica!

May 29th has a special place in my heart as the day Manchester United first won what was then called The European Cup, beating Benfica 4-1 after extra time, which l watched with my Manchester United supporting Uncle Ray (God bless him). I've obviously got the vinyl recording of it from back in the day (how times have changed), and am wearing a t-shirt commemorating it, which l will shortly be showing off at our Wednesday club, making the most of being off work till Friday. Also obviously l have the programme, video, DVD, magazines and newspapers from the time (amongst other crap), but can't be bothered digging them all out to photograph at the moment.

I need to get out more.

Toodle pip

a romantic meal on bank holiday monday

It wasn't all heavy drinking yesterday, as l had a short break to have a romantic Indian meal.  Unfortunately it was with my mate from Middlesbrough. Still -  beggars can't be choosers.

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marc bolan pulls out of sheffield gig and high ticket prices

When out and about yesterday, we were talking about the high cost of concert tickets and what artists could do about it. This was referring to the superstars who have already made their millions making a stand and charging a lot less so poorer fans could attend, and Bruce 'Man of the blue collar workers' Springsteen was mentioned in dispatches. I gave the example of Marc Bolan doing shows for cheap so that younger fans could attend, which was a great idea and made the younger fans love him even more.  He also backed it up by refusing to play Sheffield when they charged extra, and here's a cutting referencing it to prove l am not going mad(der). The trouble is, as long as fans are prepared to pay the extortionate prices. they will keep putting the prices up. Our Bank Holiday drinking crew would have gone to see the likes of The Eagles, Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift, the way we used to go and see Adam and the Ants, Culture Club, Madonna and Frankie Goes to Hollywood, let alone Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan and The Rolling Stones. Not any more.

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bank holiday monday!

 As tradition dictates, l shall be heading to Richmond and drinking more than is good for me. I have my outfit sorted.

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Ace - How Long

Technically, the first band l've seen, at half time during an Oxford United game.

Squeeze - Tempted (Official Music Video)

food banks and voters

I've just seen a couple of the news who are obviously ill educated, toothless, and heading to a food bank. Asked who they were going to vote for, said 'Conservative, as they look after the likes of us'. I think they feel that the extra food banks are a good thing set up by the Conservatives, rather than an example of how blighted the country has become under their rule. Turkey's voting for Christmas meals.

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bringing back national service

This pretty much sums it up.

Never vote Tory.

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Bring back rickets!

 

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Get in!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 I was not expecting that today, and to say l'm happy is very much an understatement.

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The Mamas & The Papas • “Boys & Girls” (Rehearsal and Recording with The Wrecking Crew)

looking forward to the fa cup final (not)

This is me (wearing a George Best mask)  looking forward to the Manchester United v City FA Cup Final. No doubt it will end in tears but there's always hope, 

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Inside Shabby Road: The Music Of The Rutles (2008)

Rush - The Spirit Of Radio

When glittering prizes and endless composes shatter the illusion of integrity.

My ex girlfriend was a fan and l wasn't that bothered about them (although l did like them) but after seeing them live in Edinburgh back in the day (1980 l think)  l became a convert. At l bought the live album on the way back and a couple of albums after that, but everything about them appeals to me (apart from the clothes), despite the fact l've bought bugger all since then. 

Toodle pi

the happy party days

You'll have to trust me on this one, l've plenty of pictures of myself and people of that time looking pretty much like this back in the day.  Lord knows what caused it. Great fun though. 

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it's a july 4th election!

Hopefully Rishi Sunak's independence day, as he'll be a free man after then. 

Never vote Tory

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stairs optical illusion

This is an oldie but goldie and still gets me today. It's amazing how your eyes and brain can play tricks on you.

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when even journalists dressed as rock stars

 I'm old enough to remember when bands and rock stars lived for the sex drugs and rock and roll, and even journalists looked cool and followed the same path.  Here's Chrissie Hynde (later of The Pretenders) and Nick Kent watching The Sex Pistols in 1976. 

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charles m shultz knew the importance of music

This is from a very early Peanuts strip by Charles M Shultz, but still resonates (at least to me) these days. I used to love the Peanuts books when l was younger, and l've certainly loved music for many, many years.

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the red king charles portrait is fixed

If you know, you know.  Made me laugh anyway. 

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Squeeze - Take Me I'm Yours (Official Music Video)

Squeeze - Another Nail In My Heart (Official Music Video)

the rich and the homeless

Nothing to see here - move along.

Never vote Tory.

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rivers full of crap but billions paid out

These shareholders shouldn't be able to take out profits while the river s and sea continue to be filled with crap, and asking the public to pay extra is taking the piss.

From BBC News

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The Rolling Stones - Happy (From "Ladies & Gentlemen")

klopp's legacy

 

Rolling Stones - Rocks Off (1972)

rolling stones setlist

Here's a recent setlist from The Rolling Stones show in Las Vegas on May 11th 2024. It's heartening to see that they recognise 'Sweet Sound of Heaven' is already a classic song, and what a splendid set (apart from 'Angry' and 'Mess it Up'). 

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don't like the red king charles?

If you don't like the red portrait of King Charles, here's an alternative photoshopped version. I'd still do away with all of the royals, as it's part of what makes this country so class based, with people thinking they have a right to rule.

By Jose Villarrubia

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The Jesus & Mary Chain - Sidewalking (Video)

The Jesus And Mary Chain - Reverence (Official Music Video)

so after being given a ticket to rwanda....

If you know - you know.

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status quo poster from 1972

A Status Quo poster from 1972 from when they were still a Rock band. A picture l haven't seen before.

Relax girls - they're married (and now 50% dead).

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David Bowie - The Midnight Special Episode | November 16, 1973 The 1980 Floor Show

well this should be interesting - changes to catterick garrison 'town centre'

It was all fields when l first moved here....   There will still be way too many blokes compared to ladies, no matter what they build.

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unitree robots now on sale

Technology advances, and prices come down, so the future is nearly upon us.  You can now buy a Unitree robotic avatar for $16,000.  This is just the start of the new world, which will soon be available for many ordinary people, including knobheads like myself. Be worried.

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Bob Log III - Mr. Sis Boom Bah (Live at Ramsgate Music Hall)

brexit - a good decision?

We were sold a lie.

Never vote Tory.

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Sam Cooke - Bring It on Home to Me (Live at the Harlem Square Club 1963)

Benny Hill - The Rolling Stones (The Strolling Ones)

bob log III at the cluny

Off out tonight to see Bob Log III at The Cluny in Newcastle.  Looking forward to it!!

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morrissey does marc bolan

 I loved The Smiths but am not so bothered about a lot of Morrissey's solo output (and some of his views), but using this artwork was a simple yet genius idea.  Based on the iconic Marc Bolan and T.Rex singles.

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you can tell robbie fowler supports liverpool

This is surely taking the piss from Robbie Fowler as a Liverpool fan and ex player.  There's no way in the world l would want Jose Mourinho back as manager.  I'd rather have Steve Bruce!

From The Sunday Mirror 

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Holly Johnson - Americanos (Official HD Remastered Video)

Holly Johnson - Atomic City (Official HD Remastered Video)

David Bowie and Mick Jagger - Dancing in the Street // Silent Music Video

the beatles change their logo

From Thank Your Lucky Stars between the rehearsal and performance. May 12th 1963. I love this sort of crap!

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The Monkees Screen Tests

bill hicks speaks the truth

Bill Hicks knew what he was talking about.

Never vote Tory.

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Black Oak - Race with the Devil

naked man in suitcase at everton's ground

If there's not already enough reasons to love Liverpool, here's someone who looks to be naked, apart from being in a suitcase, outside Everton's new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, just down the road from where l used to live.

Perhaps it's a very poor re-make of this.

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john steinbeck's letter to marilyn monroe

 This shows, that even with a supposedly simple act such as writing a letter, talent and imagination can shine on through. as demonstrated here by John Steinbeck, asking a favour of Marilyn Monroe. Even if l had never heard of him before (obviously l've read his books), this would make me want to go and investigate them.

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robert jenrick held to account

 More of this please

Millie Jackson - My Man, A Sweet Man (Official Audio)

Isaac Hayes - Theme From Shaft (1971)