My favourite news story from the past few weeks comes from the Telegraph newspaper.
As unlikely as it seems, it would appear that the South Wales police have solved the mystery of UFO’s.
A local made a 999 call to South Wales police after monitoring a “Bright, stationary” object loitering in the sky for at least half an hour.
What follows is the trascript, It was too good not to repost……..
Control: “South Wales Police, what’s your emergency?”
Caller: “It’s not really. I just need to inform you that across the mountain there’s a bright stationary object.”
Control: “Right.”
Caller: “If you’ve got a couple of minutes perhaps you could find out what it is? It’s been there at least half an hour and it’s still there.”
Control: “It’s been there for half an hour. Right. Is it actually on the mountain or in the sky?”
Caller: “It’s in the air.”
Control: “I will send someone up there now to check it out.”
Caller: “OK.”
After the police patrol car arrives, the script reveals the exchange between the control room and the police officer sent to the scene.
Control: “Alpha Zulu 20, this object in the sky, did anyone have a look at it?”
Officer: “Yes, it’s the moon. Over.”
Monday 28 July 2008
Full mental jacket
At what point does Health and Safety go from being a sensible precaution, to completely ludicrous?
Is it when a man playing Lord Nelson in an re-enactment of the Battle of Trafalgar is forced to wear a life jacket?
Or is it when a man playing Jesus has to stand on scaffolding during an re-enactment of the crucifixion during an Easter parade?
You may think I’ve made these examples up, but you would be wrong. It seems not only are no parts of our lives untouched by the Health and Safety brigade these days but they seem hell bent on justifying their jobs.
Mind I guess if I was on 60 thousand a year of taxpayers money with a car and index linked pension throw in, I might feel obliged to do something with my days.
But it seems that they haven’t even gotten started yet.
Word reaches me of a Royal marine who’s just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq.
Based in Basra he was one day ordered to take a JCB a short distance from the base to dig a hole for soil testing.
Nothing too strange about that you might think?
But as he was about to leave kitted out in full-body armour and helmet, he was told he had to wear a high-visibility vest over the top because it was technically a construction site and normal British Health and Safety rules applied.
It would have easier to just paint a target on his back.
Is it when a man playing Lord Nelson in an re-enactment of the Battle of Trafalgar is forced to wear a life jacket?
Or is it when a man playing Jesus has to stand on scaffolding during an re-enactment of the crucifixion during an Easter parade?
You may think I’ve made these examples up, but you would be wrong. It seems not only are no parts of our lives untouched by the Health and Safety brigade these days but they seem hell bent on justifying their jobs.
Mind I guess if I was on 60 thousand a year of taxpayers money with a car and index linked pension throw in, I might feel obliged to do something with my days.
But it seems that they haven’t even gotten started yet.
Word reaches me of a Royal marine who’s just returned from a tour of duty in Iraq.
Based in Basra he was one day ordered to take a JCB a short distance from the base to dig a hole for soil testing.
Nothing too strange about that you might think?
But as he was about to leave kitted out in full-body armour and helmet, he was told he had to wear a high-visibility vest over the top because it was technically a construction site and normal British Health and Safety rules applied.
It would have easier to just paint a target on his back.
Thursday 10 July 2008
Iron Maiden (2 of 2)
Grey, overcast and downright miserable.
That was the impression I got of the sky on Saturday morning as I looked out of a bedroom window.
It goes without saying that it was pissing down.
Still I had paid for my ticket, and it was Iron Maiden; no amount of bad weather would put me off.
Having spent the night at a friends, it was for the first part of the day; a case of hanging around and waiting for the rest of our group to turn up.
Everybody having arrived at around 2pm we set out, thankfully one of us doesn’t drink so the car became an option. Finding a parking place some 15 minutes walk away from the legendary Twickenham stadium we made the last part of the journey on foot.
I had never been to the home of English rugby before, and as it rounded into view I had to admit; I was a little disappointed. It was just so grey.
Still at 3:30 the gates opened and the crowd began to filter in, having waited for the initial queues to die down my group made our own way through the gates and on to the matted pitch.
Opting to part with our money in exchange for drinks we settled down along the sidelines as we awaited the show to begin.
Lauren Harris
Being the daughter of Steve Harris, Iron Maiden’s bassist, main song writer, founder member and general leader it would only be fair to say that there was a small amount of nepotism involved with her placement on the bill.
But did she really deserve to be there? To be honest it’s hard to say. As she took to the stage the venue was still half empty.
Anyone who has ever been to a stadium gig will know that a half filled place echoes like hell and plays hell with the sound.
For most of her set I couldn’t understand a word she was singing.
However she tried hard, and even joked about how awful the sound was. Her energy was infectious and she seemed to be able to please the front 10 rows at least.
Towards the last 5 minutes the sound had improved enough that I could actually hear her sing, while I wouldn’t say I’m a fan yet. I’d be interested in seeing her again with a more suitable PA.
Within Temptation
I had never heard of the Dutch gothic rockers before, so had no idea what to expect.
The first thing that was obvious as singer Sharon den Adel began to belt out her operatic style, was that the sound had improved a great deal since Lauren Harris had departed the stage.
The style was a mix of gothic, operatic, rock and metal. And most importantly, it worked.
Managing to walk the line between being entertaining and laughable they put on a fine display for the uneducated like myself.
How good did I think they were? Well the following day I dropped by a large record store and picked up their latest CD.
Avenged Sevenfold
The last of the support acts; the band had a lot to live to. Not only did they have to be better than Within Temptation but they also had a large following of their own in the crowd to please.
Unfortunately they didn’t, I wanted to like them. But as a live band they are shockingly bad. The harmony guitars sound like a cats being strangled. The singer was completely incomprehensible.
Which is a shame, as the vocalist when he spoke, had a genuine charm. You couldn’t help but get the impression that he felt privileged to be there, and even more privileged that most of the crowd seemed to enjoy their stuff.
But me, I just thought they were shit.
So that was it, the support bands out of the way. I didn’t stay till the end of Avenged Sevenfold’s set; I left for the outer concourse. Enjoyed a death-burger and another pint.
And then as UFO’s song “Doctor Doctor” (A song that Iron Maiden covered as a B-side) began to play over the PA I knew it was time to re-enter, rejoin my friend and make my way upfront for the main event.
Iron Maiden
Two huge screens flanked the stage, showing clips of the band on tour, this gave way to images of World War 2 as Winston Churchill’s famous “We will fight them on the beaches” speech was blasted through the speakers.
No sooner had Churchill said the magic line “We will never surrender” than pyrotechnics exploded into life and the opening bars of Aces High rang out.
As the song picked up-tempo the band charged the stage and just like on my DVD, the crowd went wild.
The set was Egyptian themed, with an elaborate lighting display. The backdrop curtain was of the sliding veracity providing a different theme for every song.
As the last bar of the first song closed Adrian Smith began the riff to open Two Minutes to Midnight.
Bruce Dickinson changed into a red 19th centaury army jacket for The Trooper.
Wasted Years proved to be the big sing along song of the night, 55,000 voices in unison must have been heard all across West London.
Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner proved to be another hit, for the slow part of the 13-minute epic the lighting rig was lowered and sent swaying to match the musical picture.
Powerslave sent the fans into a screaming frenzy, the screams turned to chants for Heaven Can Wait.
Another massive sing along came with Fear Of The Dark, and before we knew it the bands final song; the self titled Iron Maiden.
At the half way stage of the song the giant sarcophagus hanging around at the back split open to revel the biggest Eddie yet, covered in bandages this was a bigger and bidder version of the one from Live After Death
And all too soon it was over.
Throughout the night both Bruce Dickinson and Steve Harris had run the length of the stage, showing more vigour and stamina than men half their age.
Bruce’s powerful vocals were on top form all night, with Revelations being a particular highlight.
As ever Steve Harris played his bass perfectltly, with speed and passion.
Janick Gers had danced and pranced like a lunatic, how he manages to play guitar at the same time defies belief. Although it sounded like there were a few bum notes in his solos the way the man moves it can only be expected.
The rather more reserved Adrian Smith and Dave Murray also played their parts. Laying down solid rhythms and inspiring solos.
And last but not least Nicko McBrain, you can never see him behind that drum kit. But you can hear him, never the same fill twice its no wonder he is a legend among all other drummers.
But it wasn’t over yet, Bruce Dickinson returned to the stage to promise despite whatever roomers were going around. Iron Maiden would record another studio album.
Then a brief mention of culture as Dave Murray took up an acoustic guitar for the opening of Moonchild.
All the stops were pulled out as one last giant Eddie from Somewhere on tour gave the band one last chance to dodge their own theatrical theme.
And then it was Hallowed be Thy Name, the most rocking version of it yet.
The band played with a passion and conviction that others can only dream of. There is a reason why so many other bands fell by the wayside while Iron Maiden went from strength to strength.
They always said they were a live band, and at Twickenham they proved why.
Last time I asked could a band where the youngest member hits 50 this year still do it 23 years on from Live After Death.
My opinion.
Not only can they still do it, their even better at it.
Set list
Churchill's Speech
Aces High
2 minutes to midnight
Revelations
The Trooper
Wasted Years
Number of the Beast
Run to the hills
Rime of the ancient mariner
Powerslave
Heaven can wait
Can I Play with madness
Fear of the Dark
Iron Maiden
Encore
Moonchild
The Clairvoyant
Hallowed be thy name
That was the impression I got of the sky on Saturday morning as I looked out of a bedroom window.
It goes without saying that it was pissing down.
Still I had paid for my ticket, and it was Iron Maiden; no amount of bad weather would put me off.
Having spent the night at a friends, it was for the first part of the day; a case of hanging around and waiting for the rest of our group to turn up.
Everybody having arrived at around 2pm we set out, thankfully one of us doesn’t drink so the car became an option. Finding a parking place some 15 minutes walk away from the legendary Twickenham stadium we made the last part of the journey on foot.
I had never been to the home of English rugby before, and as it rounded into view I had to admit; I was a little disappointed. It was just so grey.
Still at 3:30 the gates opened and the crowd began to filter in, having waited for the initial queues to die down my group made our own way through the gates and on to the matted pitch.
Opting to part with our money in exchange for drinks we settled down along the sidelines as we awaited the show to begin.
Lauren Harris
Being the daughter of Steve Harris, Iron Maiden’s bassist, main song writer, founder member and general leader it would only be fair to say that there was a small amount of nepotism involved with her placement on the bill.
But did she really deserve to be there? To be honest it’s hard to say. As she took to the stage the venue was still half empty.
Anyone who has ever been to a stadium gig will know that a half filled place echoes like hell and plays hell with the sound.
For most of her set I couldn’t understand a word she was singing.
However she tried hard, and even joked about how awful the sound was. Her energy was infectious and she seemed to be able to please the front 10 rows at least.
Towards the last 5 minutes the sound had improved enough that I could actually hear her sing, while I wouldn’t say I’m a fan yet. I’d be interested in seeing her again with a more suitable PA.
Within Temptation
I had never heard of the Dutch gothic rockers before, so had no idea what to expect.
The first thing that was obvious as singer Sharon den Adel began to belt out her operatic style, was that the sound had improved a great deal since Lauren Harris had departed the stage.
The style was a mix of gothic, operatic, rock and metal. And most importantly, it worked.
Managing to walk the line between being entertaining and laughable they put on a fine display for the uneducated like myself.
How good did I think they were? Well the following day I dropped by a large record store and picked up their latest CD.
Avenged Sevenfold
The last of the support acts; the band had a lot to live to. Not only did they have to be better than Within Temptation but they also had a large following of their own in the crowd to please.
Unfortunately they didn’t, I wanted to like them. But as a live band they are shockingly bad. The harmony guitars sound like a cats being strangled. The singer was completely incomprehensible.
Which is a shame, as the vocalist when he spoke, had a genuine charm. You couldn’t help but get the impression that he felt privileged to be there, and even more privileged that most of the crowd seemed to enjoy their stuff.
But me, I just thought they were shit.
So that was it, the support bands out of the way. I didn’t stay till the end of Avenged Sevenfold’s set; I left for the outer concourse. Enjoyed a death-burger and another pint.
And then as UFO’s song “Doctor Doctor” (A song that Iron Maiden covered as a B-side) began to play over the PA I knew it was time to re-enter, rejoin my friend and make my way upfront for the main event.
Iron Maiden
Two huge screens flanked the stage, showing clips of the band on tour, this gave way to images of World War 2 as Winston Churchill’s famous “We will fight them on the beaches” speech was blasted through the speakers.
No sooner had Churchill said the magic line “We will never surrender” than pyrotechnics exploded into life and the opening bars of Aces High rang out.
As the song picked up-tempo the band charged the stage and just like on my DVD, the crowd went wild.
The set was Egyptian themed, with an elaborate lighting display. The backdrop curtain was of the sliding veracity providing a different theme for every song.
As the last bar of the first song closed Adrian Smith began the riff to open Two Minutes to Midnight.
Bruce Dickinson changed into a red 19th centaury army jacket for The Trooper.
Wasted Years proved to be the big sing along song of the night, 55,000 voices in unison must have been heard all across West London.
Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner proved to be another hit, for the slow part of the 13-minute epic the lighting rig was lowered and sent swaying to match the musical picture.
Powerslave sent the fans into a screaming frenzy, the screams turned to chants for Heaven Can Wait.
Another massive sing along came with Fear Of The Dark, and before we knew it the bands final song; the self titled Iron Maiden.
At the half way stage of the song the giant sarcophagus hanging around at the back split open to revel the biggest Eddie yet, covered in bandages this was a bigger and bidder version of the one from Live After Death
And all too soon it was over.
Throughout the night both Bruce Dickinson and Steve Harris had run the length of the stage, showing more vigour and stamina than men half their age.
Bruce’s powerful vocals were on top form all night, with Revelations being a particular highlight.
As ever Steve Harris played his bass perfectltly, with speed and passion.
Janick Gers had danced and pranced like a lunatic, how he manages to play guitar at the same time defies belief. Although it sounded like there were a few bum notes in his solos the way the man moves it can only be expected.
The rather more reserved Adrian Smith and Dave Murray also played their parts. Laying down solid rhythms and inspiring solos.
And last but not least Nicko McBrain, you can never see him behind that drum kit. But you can hear him, never the same fill twice its no wonder he is a legend among all other drummers.
But it wasn’t over yet, Bruce Dickinson returned to the stage to promise despite whatever roomers were going around. Iron Maiden would record another studio album.
Then a brief mention of culture as Dave Murray took up an acoustic guitar for the opening of Moonchild.
All the stops were pulled out as one last giant Eddie from Somewhere on tour gave the band one last chance to dodge their own theatrical theme.
And then it was Hallowed be Thy Name, the most rocking version of it yet.
The band played with a passion and conviction that others can only dream of. There is a reason why so many other bands fell by the wayside while Iron Maiden went from strength to strength.
They always said they were a live band, and at Twickenham they proved why.
Last time I asked could a band where the youngest member hits 50 this year still do it 23 years on from Live After Death.
My opinion.
Not only can they still do it, their even better at it.
Set list
Churchill's Speech
Aces High
2 minutes to midnight
Revelations
The Trooper
Wasted Years
Number of the Beast
Run to the hills
Rime of the ancient mariner
Powerslave
Heaven can wait
Can I Play with madness
Fear of the Dark
Iron Maiden
Encore
Moonchild
The Clairvoyant
Hallowed be thy name
Friday 4 July 2008
Iron Maiden (1 of 2)
To celebrate the release of “Live after death” on DVD Iron Maiden will take to the stage tonight on their “Somewhere back in time” tour. The tours name is obviously a play on the 1986 album “Somewhere in time.”
Given that this will be Iron Maiden's only appearance in this part of the world for the next two years it would just be rude not to attend the event.
And so I will be among the 55.000 strong crowd there to watch the band as they preform at the legendary Twickenham stadium.
Of course I will be posting my review of the concert, but before I do; I have opted to go back and review the now 23 year old Live after death on which the concert is based.
On October 14th 1985 Iron Maiden released their first true live album Live after death, simultaneously the then current video format VHS companion was unleashed upon the world.
The album would go one to not only be rated as one of the best live rock recordings, but one of the best live recordings of any genre ever. It is considered compulsory viewing for almost any artist who wishes to learn the art of stagecraft.
So what made Live after death so special? Why is it that this one album is viewed as sitting so highly above all others.
For years now fans have been screaming for a DVD release of Live after death, and in February of this year they got their wish.
The fear was always that it would seem a little dated 23 years on, but like the band themselves; its stood the test of time.
Although the sound has been remastered for the digital age, it hasn't been over produced. The visuals have been cleaned up but not altered, while the images may not be as sharp as modern recordings it is to be expected; it was filmed 23 years ago after all. Technology has moved on.
For this review I will be using the DVD.
I had originally owned the VHS version in my mid teens, fast-forward 17 years and like many other fans had rushed out to acquired the newly released DVD.
Although I could remember my old video, which meant i knew exactly what i was about to see and hear I still felt a sense of excitement as images of the crowd began to appear on the screen accompanied by the sounds of Winston Churchill giving his famous “We will fight them on the..” speech through the PA system.
No sooner does Churchill finish than the opening half-time riff of Aces high begins, and the crowd cheers. With a drum roll the curtain drops to revel the stage and the band are seen for the first time. If the crowd were cheering before, now they break into a frenzy.
Over the course of the next 90 minutes Iron Maiden prove why they are considered one of the world greatest live bands.
The twin guitars of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith are in perfect sync, unlike many two guitar bands its impossible to tell their rhythm pieces apart. I can think of many other big name metal bands who suffer from one guitarist starting a riff just before his partner. (Hint: The worst criminal of this offence bands name starts with M and ends in A)
The lead guitars are equally spot on, with their individual styles shining throughout the concert.
Dave Murray's blues based style and fast legato runs flow seamlessly from his fingers, his solo during the slow part of Powerslave is particularly a moving piece of blues guitar.
Adrian Smith's style is a complete opposite, melodic and slightly flashier. But all his leads are still executed with the stunning professionalism. While having more than a few tricks up his sleeve he doesn't use flash playing for the sake of it, it's always there to tell part of a musical story.
The two styles, while wildly different seem to compliment each other. Two half's of a whole they rap around each other to complete a musical picture.
Vocalist and front man Bruce Dickinson is on top form here, admittedly he seems a little too eager during aces high he soon settles down and puts in the performance of a lifetime. Not only does he sing with conviction (note to imitators: sing not scream) but he has a passion. Even when he talks to the crowd he oozes charm of someone who is simply lost in the moment.
There is little that can be said about the bands rhythm section that hasn't already been said. It's no wonder that Steve Harris is considered a bass legend. His playing is as tight as a ducks ass, almost by instinct he seems to know when to be the link between the drums and harmonic section, and when to go nuts and pop up out and take his own turn at being a star.
And last but not least drummer Nicko McBrian, when many other drummers were adopting a twin cam systems he refused claiming that it was cheating; and here he sows why. He has a very fast right foot.
Never playing the same fill twice the skin basher not only is the one to keep the rest of the band in time, but its sense of fun too.
Before i asked why this recording was so special, the answer is simple. Not only is this a group of musicians on top form, but it also 5 guys who are loving what they do. It isn't going through the motions. unlike many bands they don't hold back the hits till after the show to guarantee an encore.
Iron Maiden have always maintained that they are a live band, live after death contains what many consider definitive versions of many songs. And you can see why, there is an enthusiasm and energy that is lacking on other live albums.
Quite simply it is a band at the top of their game, and a band loving what they do.
To cut a long story short, if you like rock music then Live after death is a must have in your collection.
However the big question is still to come, 23 years later how will it stand up? Stay tuned to find out......
Given that this will be Iron Maiden's only appearance in this part of the world for the next two years it would just be rude not to attend the event.
And so I will be among the 55.000 strong crowd there to watch the band as they preform at the legendary Twickenham stadium.
Of course I will be posting my review of the concert, but before I do; I have opted to go back and review the now 23 year old Live after death on which the concert is based.
On October 14th 1985 Iron Maiden released their first true live album Live after death, simultaneously the then current video format VHS companion was unleashed upon the world.
The album would go one to not only be rated as one of the best live rock recordings, but one of the best live recordings of any genre ever. It is considered compulsory viewing for almost any artist who wishes to learn the art of stagecraft.
So what made Live after death so special? Why is it that this one album is viewed as sitting so highly above all others.
For years now fans have been screaming for a DVD release of Live after death, and in February of this year they got their wish.
The fear was always that it would seem a little dated 23 years on, but like the band themselves; its stood the test of time.
Although the sound has been remastered for the digital age, it hasn't been over produced. The visuals have been cleaned up but not altered, while the images may not be as sharp as modern recordings it is to be expected; it was filmed 23 years ago after all. Technology has moved on.
For this review I will be using the DVD.
I had originally owned the VHS version in my mid teens, fast-forward 17 years and like many other fans had rushed out to acquired the newly released DVD.
Although I could remember my old video, which meant i knew exactly what i was about to see and hear I still felt a sense of excitement as images of the crowd began to appear on the screen accompanied by the sounds of Winston Churchill giving his famous “We will fight them on the..” speech through the PA system.
No sooner does Churchill finish than the opening half-time riff of Aces high begins, and the crowd cheers. With a drum roll the curtain drops to revel the stage and the band are seen for the first time. If the crowd were cheering before, now they break into a frenzy.
Over the course of the next 90 minutes Iron Maiden prove why they are considered one of the world greatest live bands.
The twin guitars of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith are in perfect sync, unlike many two guitar bands its impossible to tell their rhythm pieces apart. I can think of many other big name metal bands who suffer from one guitarist starting a riff just before his partner. (Hint: The worst criminal of this offence bands name starts with M and ends in A)
The lead guitars are equally spot on, with their individual styles shining throughout the concert.
Dave Murray's blues based style and fast legato runs flow seamlessly from his fingers, his solo during the slow part of Powerslave is particularly a moving piece of blues guitar.
Adrian Smith's style is a complete opposite, melodic and slightly flashier. But all his leads are still executed with the stunning professionalism. While having more than a few tricks up his sleeve he doesn't use flash playing for the sake of it, it's always there to tell part of a musical story.
The two styles, while wildly different seem to compliment each other. Two half's of a whole they rap around each other to complete a musical picture.
Vocalist and front man Bruce Dickinson is on top form here, admittedly he seems a little too eager during aces high he soon settles down and puts in the performance of a lifetime. Not only does he sing with conviction (note to imitators: sing not scream) but he has a passion. Even when he talks to the crowd he oozes charm of someone who is simply lost in the moment.
There is little that can be said about the bands rhythm section that hasn't already been said. It's no wonder that Steve Harris is considered a bass legend. His playing is as tight as a ducks ass, almost by instinct he seems to know when to be the link between the drums and harmonic section, and when to go nuts and pop up out and take his own turn at being a star.
And last but not least drummer Nicko McBrian, when many other drummers were adopting a twin cam systems he refused claiming that it was cheating; and here he sows why. He has a very fast right foot.
Never playing the same fill twice the skin basher not only is the one to keep the rest of the band in time, but its sense of fun too.
Before i asked why this recording was so special, the answer is simple. Not only is this a group of musicians on top form, but it also 5 guys who are loving what they do. It isn't going through the motions. unlike many bands they don't hold back the hits till after the show to guarantee an encore.
Iron Maiden have always maintained that they are a live band, live after death contains what many consider definitive versions of many songs. And you can see why, there is an enthusiasm and energy that is lacking on other live albums.
Quite simply it is a band at the top of their game, and a band loving what they do.
To cut a long story short, if you like rock music then Live after death is a must have in your collection.
However the big question is still to come, 23 years later how will it stand up? Stay tuned to find out......
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