Monday

Evening all (or good morning/afternoon if you are not in the same timezone as wastrels such as my humble self)Sun shining (again!) upon the rancid slagheaps here adjacent Victory Mansions, ah the warm glow of the Great Orb gently braising the seagull fouled strewn harbour streets............time for some unadulterated Metal to cleanse the dying embers of Monday................"Angel of Retribution" - Judas Priest, particularly the Eulogy/Lochness track combo, yes The Priest meets Nessie!
Just like The Doctor did before them when the Zygons were muscling in on the Highlands....

Stone Hungover Forever

All images are copyright byJ. Petagno.

Not much to report on the Motörhead side of things, I see the official Motörhead site's forum/message board has been off air now for over a week. I've a bit of hangover anyway which will limit my intellectual capacity to spin this blog post out for little more than a few sentences........

Your humble narrator has not posted a 'Joe Petagno' cover of the week for a while.......so here is one right now, the fantastic cover art for the very fine boxset 'Stone Deaf Forever';

And if you think Joe's work was all Motörhead, just go and Google search images to see his wide and varied portfolio......................all good!

Mid Week

I've got my tickets but maybe you want to win yours here for the upcoming Motörhead UK tour....there are a pair up for grabs via this site, so it says. Warning don't scroll down beyond the article or be faced with a tacky Madonna promo, oh dear.

The weather has been nice of late so as a result and the necessity of quenching one's thirst I have been imbibing of copious amounts of Fraoch, the Picts drink of choice. Nothing like disrupting the work blues with something tasty. I have chosen a chilled bottle while spinning Hawkwind's Warrior On The Edge of Time. There is some imagery in there what with knocking back the Pictish cough mixture while being absorbed by tracks such as Assault and Battery and The Golden Void....close my eyes and I could almost, almost I said, be lying back in the old patchouli reeking freak jeans soaking up the rays next to the old Z whilst in the surreal embrace of the ancient wood of Scouthal.

Enough imagery and indulgence, I am off for my dinner...

Saturday Night

If I see one more photo of Wendy Alexander with her gob open I swear I will just vomit!

Anyways on to more routine matters, I am late with this but better late than never...the new video for Airbourne's RUNNIN WILD taken from their debut album of the same name (in stores now!). Watch for a certain Mr Kilmister at the wheel in the video............ Worth a watch, good stuff and that is not a reference to Lemmy's driving either..

Been a good day today, progress on the academia and now relaxing in front of my servant the computer ("my master is my slave") and in a little while some tea and my latest reading material, Devadatta by Osama Tezuka.

Debate with a colleague at work yesterday about rock bands and of course the subject got around to the guitar greats over the years, he plumped for predictably but not unworthy the usual suspects, Blackmore, Page even May but I begged to differ, and went with the exceptional but oft unsung talents of Fast Eddie Clarke, Campbell, Burston, Iommi and the wonder that is Huw Lloyd-Langton..........the man is a fretboard genius!

And in true connections style ala Friday Night Rock Show, Huw provides the linkage into your humble narrator's next mini-topic - Hawkwind tribute band Assassins of Silence they do a wonderful version live of 'Motorway City'........................

Is it only me and my infernal machine but does Myspace pages sometimes take an age to open?

Bollocks.

And finally, with all the great artists such as the legendary Barney Bubbles and John Coulthart that have provided the weird and wonderful illustrations and design for Hawkwind, I had thought that Chris Achilleos would have been an excellent choice for at least one future album cover right?

See his wonderful Doctor Who works, and the The Rocket Rider plus various splendid other pieces.........including that of Elric, at his website

And finally, wasn't that ending of tonight's Doctor Who episode 'The Doctor's Daughter' simply awful!
Another opportunity for a spin-off?
You're having a laugh right?

Wednesdays, Sunshine and Birthdays

As is the tradition here on my Motörhead-laden blog, notable birthday celebrations do not go unnoticed........so to the greetings.....................Happy Birthday to both Motörhead axeman extraordinaire Phil Campbell and Motörheadbangers frontman Alan Burridge..............this fine sunny (here at least) May Seventh.

Today's the day for a touch of barrel chilled stout methinks, after work (I am currently scribing this short but poignant post at the Factory lunchbreak, rattling the keys before the klaxon howls.....)

Now that's lunch over, a well heeled lump of loaf with lettuce, a bit of cheese and some marmite - just enough to rock the tastbuds; and what with the sun blazing, and The Chronicle Of The Black Sword on the MP3 featuring the amazing inspirational talent of Huw.............lunchtimes are not much better than this.

I woke up last night and was struck by the profound thought that it is good to be alive regardless of worklife and all the other minor irritations that I am exposed to.........................can't say I always feel like this, at least I can think and imagine and plan - oh, how I like to plan!?

Oh one final thing dear readers, I've often wondered what people are up to when surfing this blog; what are you eating, going to do later, plans for the day, wearing, wishing for - go let's hear it - let's be having ya!
Comments in the usual box please

....................there's that klaxon blaring, lunch ov................................er

Handle Like Eggs

A bit brittle this morning if you know what I mean.....having said that I was up and about early with my face stuck into the academic books whether anything registered in your humble narrator's thinking sponge who can tell, not me.

Welcome to your weekend dear readers, ok loads to get through this bright and sunny Saturday afternoon amidst the street crap and noise outside here at Victory Mansions. No chums, you'll not find one mention of the London Mayor or Man U or Chelsea on this blog no sirrah, no there are far more important things to blurt out instead............

First up I'm just back from my bi-weekly walk to my local Co-op, getting in the essentials like milk, bread, tatties and some of that tasty fair trade Merlot that seems to evaporate as soon as its top comes off (phnarr, phnarr, sorry). The Gemma Atkinson lookalike on the till tried to strike up some small talk, about the Chilean Merlot Rosé by saying it is delicious, I blurted out "it certainly is" and then like some senile elderly my mind went into fast spin and rinse, almost forgetting what the hell my debit card pin number was!
I was almost waiting for the Gemmalike girl to say, "need any help Grandad!?"
Blimey!

I am particularly annoyed today by the lump of dogshite that was excreted on the pavement at the frontdoor of Victory Mansions, not only is it the biggest crap I've seen this side of Jurassic Park but some poor blighter had stood in it further spreading its rather pale and smelly consistency.

Recently I got rid of the old Boxer (I'm not talking dogs now by the way) as it was moaning on one pot well to be frank it had died on one pot and quite honestly I'm from the old Blue Peter school of fixing things that is to say, if it can't be put back in order with some sticky tape and an old toilet roll holder that'll be it - so now I'm on the look out for a wholesome Iron Horse replacement that will deplete further my shaky resources and starved piggy bank. Watch this space, probably for a long time.

I finally ordered my ticket for the Motörhead show in Glasgow, must keep up traditions in this case the annual pilgrimage to see Motörhead of course............plus Saxon on this occasion, it really will (and forgive me for repeating this) just like old times!!!
Motörhead AND Saxon (aided & abetted by Danko Jones) are tramping round this Sceptred Isle during November. Tickets available for those of you looking for a good ear punishing but generally wonderful night out. Me good mate Claw Hammah has decided to hit the road with me for the show too after his absence from last year's tour - good on ya Mike!

And now I find out Doctor Who has a daughter, neither I'm not talking about the William Hartnell/Peter Cushing incarnations...........oh for goodness sake!

I've taken all day to write this one post............it's now late, FilmFour is running through its Science Fiction Fortnight, it's been a pretty much ad-hoc affair mostly padded out by rerunning the core handful of 'blockbusters'............. David Cronenberg's The Fly ("I want to be the first insect politician...") welcome but could have been much better. Survey time Pop Pickers, which SF movies would you have screened...................oh thanks for asking (ego masseur due at 11pm)............
Solaris (the original Andrei Tarkovsky version from 1972)
Dark Star
Blade Runner (which version this week huh?)
2001: A Space Odyssey
Aliens ("how do I get out of this chicken shit outfit?")
Gattaca
That's just for starters, more anyone?

Could I include my favourite all time movie 'Mad Max' in there?
"You can shut the gate on this one, Maxie... it's the duck's guts!"
Although I saw this film, more times than I can remember at the local fleapit upon its release by the time it progressed to video I couldn't bring myself to watch the Terrible Death Of Jim Goose
"That THING in there, that's not the Goose. No way"

And finally because it is bedways is rightways, an online review of that tribute album 'Sheep In Wolves Clothing' is available to read here.........jolly good

G'night peeps.

Bellyfull

Now i'm off for a Nepalese slap-up binge. Dear fellows have a nice weekend! - your humble narrator live from The Green Man pub

Catch Up.............

Lots of things to get through here in this one post so....here goes................



Where's the weeks gone?
I have been listening to a wonderful array of music lately what with catching up on my Hawkwind live bootlegs to Dio era Rainbow to seventies epoch Judas Priest to the tribute to end all tribute albums, 'Sheep In Wolves Clothing' but more of that particular shiny beermat later.....

I almost let the latest issue of Motörheadbangers pass without proper and due reference....too busy as I was concentrating on the tribute CD and all its aura instead. What can I say but issue #81 is as you would expect full of interesting trivia and serious comment. The great thing about this 'zine is that it where every MHB can contribute to its pages, with reviews, views and pics. It is a must for Motörhead enthusiasts the world over. Keep up the good work Mr MHB frontman, Alan Burridge!

Talking of the Tribute CD (again!), good friend and fellow blogger George from over at the Lite Zone summed things up perfectly "Sheep in Wolf's Clothing, it was most excellent, especially Mick Farren and the Deviants rendition of lost Johnny, a veritable Holy Grail for the Hawkwind fan."
Lost Johnny is always a wonder to behold and it was the icing on the cake to see it reach the grooves of 'Sheep....'.
Not got a copy of this wondeful Motörhead tribute, there are still a few copies left (I think!). Get on over there or rather here....and grab your very own copy.
By the way, Get well soon George.

Guess Where I Am

JUDAS PRIEST, HEAVEN AND HELL, MOTÖRHEAD and TESTAMENT

According to those big mouths at blabbermouth for those lucky US fans and those from further afield who will make the trip, The Tour of the Year is on...................But remember pop pickers always check with your venue first before getting your tickets....

JUDAS PRIEST, MOTÖRHEAD, TESTAMENT Members Comment On 'The Metal Masters Tour'Apr. 21, 2008After weeks of speculation, Live Nation has finally confirmed a killer package that is bound to go down as the heavy metal event of 2008 — JUDAS PRIEST, HEAVEN AND HELL, MOTÖRHEAD and TESTAMENT will be touring together for the first time.Dubbed "The Metal Masters Tour", the fifteen-date U.S. trek kicks off August 6 at the Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, New Jersey. Tickets go on sale to the public beginning this weekend at http://www.livenation.com/.

JUDAS PRIEST will be supporting their epic concept album, "Nostradamus", arriving June 17 via Epic Records, which tells the tale of the renowned 16th century prophet. A few tracks from "Nostradamus" will make their in-concert debut on "The Metal Masters Tour", but the majority of PRIEST's set list will include some of metal's all-time classics, as well as fan favorites that span the quintet's entire career. Without a doubt, this will be one of PRIEST's most powerful sets ever.HEAVEN AND HELL will be supporting the release of "The Rules Of Hell", a five-CD boxed set available July 22 from Rhino Records, which features re-mastered versions of all four Dio-era BLACK SABBATH albums ("Heaven and Hell", "Mob Rules", "Live Evil" and "Dehumanizer") in a deluxe package with new liner notes.

Perennial road rats MOTÖRHEAD will be offering a blistering barnstormer of a set spanning more than three decades of molar-rattling biker metal. A new studio album — the 20th of their storied career — is currently being recorded at their old pal Dave Grohl's studio with an August release date targeted.
Frontman Lemmy, named by the U.K.'s Guardian newspaper as "the nation's greatest living Englishman," blairs out, "Here it comes everybody, the test of your Metalness in 2008 and the years to come! Come one come all and be abused!"Rounding out the line-up will be legendary thrash metal titans TESTAMENT, whose new album, "The Formation of Damnation", (April 29) displays TESTAMENT as the quintessential modern heavy metal band, whose experience and accumulated skill allows them to attack with reserves of anger, energy and finesse that make them more powerful than ever. Lead singer Chuck Billy says, "Uniting these bands is the heavy metal event of generations. We are so proud to be a part of it."Although all four bands may represent different subgenres of heavy metal, all four have one thing in common – they have stuck to their stylistic guns through thick and thin, and have remained true to the metal form. And soon, band and fan will be united as one on "The Metal Masters Tour"."As ever, we look forward to screaming out loud with our metal maniac fans when we hit the road," enthuses PRIEST singer Rob Halford. "Thank you once again for your devotion and support. The PRIEST is back!"This tour will be limited to fifteen very special engagements, and Citi cardmembers will have pre-sale access to tickets through Citi's Private Pass Program, available to all Citi cardmembers at http://www.privatepass.citi.com/.

Metal maniacs seeking the ultimate concert experience can access unique VIP ticket and fan experience packages that offer premium seats, meet & greets, pre-concert parties and more brought to you by the bands' official websites. VIP packages for the first events will be on sale by 10 a.m eastern time on Friday, April 25.
Also, not all VIP packages are the same, so be sure to pick the right one that suits you best.
According to LiveNation.com, the following dates have been confirmed for the trek:

Aug. 06 - Susquehanna Bank Center - Camden, NJ
Aug. 07 - Nissan Pavilion - Bristow, VA
Aug. 09 - PNC Bank Arts Center - Holmdel, NJ
Aug. 10 - Nikon at Jones Beach - Wantagh, NY
Aug. 13 - Molson Amphitheatre - Toronto, ON
Aug. 15 - Mohegan Sun Arena - Uncasville, CT *
Aug. 16 - Post Gazette Pavilion - Pittsburgh, PA
Aug. 18 - DTE Energy Music Theatre - Detroit, MI
Aug. 19 - First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre - Chicago, IL
Aug. 22 - Superpages.com Amphitheatre - Dallas, TX
Aug. 23 - Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion - Houston, TX
Aug. 24 - Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre - San Antonio, TX
Aug. 27 - Journal Pavilion - Albuquerque, NM
Aug. 28 - Cricket Pavilion - Phoenix, AZ
Aug. 30 - Glen Helen Pavilion - San Bernardino, CA
Aug. 31 - Shoreline Amphitheatre - Mountain View, CA
Sep. 01 - Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort - Las Vegas, NV*

*The following "The Metal Masters Tour" dates are being listed on JUDAS PRIEST's Tunewidget, but are not part of the official Live Nation press release:
Aug. 15 - Mohegan Sun Arena - Uncasville, CT
Sep. 01 - Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort - Las Vegas, NV

Motörhead News

Maybe just maybe that Motörhead, Judas Priest, Heaven+Hell US tour will be confirmed in the coming week, the rumours on a few internet (hardly the place of hard facts though) websites suggest that April 26th will be the 'on sale' day...we'll see. Or rather i'll believe it when I really see it!

In the meantime I have yet to purchase my tickets for Motörhead here in Blighty this November, have to wait until pay-day and that is soon! Motörhead and Saxon on the same billing it really will be like old times!

Friday............................

Hello, Earth, can you read me?
This is Starship Captain Warlock, on the planet Freakout, broadcasting to you on the inter-electric galactic airwaves....................

Support Tibet

I made a promise to keep the Tibet situation on my blog agenda, here's my latest comment or rather request....


Since 14 March horrifying news has been coming out of Tibet about the crackdown by Chinese authorities on Tibetan people holding demonstrations or marches following the 49th anniversary of the 10th March Tibetan peoples’ uprising against Chinese occupation. From information and reports coming out of Lhasa and other Tibetan regions (publicised by the Free Tibet Campaign and others, it appears at least 100 people have been killed, with many more injured. From 18 March foreign journalists were expelled from the area and there is now a very real danger that the authorities are carrying out systematic repression and torture to quash any form of dissension in Tibet. Chinese police are already rounding up and arresting Tibetans in Lhasa.
China must be held to account for its brutal response to Tibetan demonstrations.
It is imperative that actions are taken to support the Tibetan struggle for justice in their own country.

The UK Tibet groups are working hard to see the following action happen. For readers in the UK, You can help by publicising these, contacting your MPs, MEPs, local councils, papers, the International Olympics Committee, the UN Human Rights Council.
Calls to Action: from Tibet Society, Free Tibet Campaign, Tibetan Youth UK, Tibetan Community in Britain, Students for a Free Tibet..................
To call on the Chinese government to allow immediate access to the Tibet Autonomous Region and other areas of Tibet by the UN, Red Cross or other independent bodies in order to produce an objective and true account of the situation, to report on casualties, ascertain the medical care and treatment of those casualties, verify the number of deaths and to visit those who have been arrested to ensure they have access to recognised legal processes.
To call on the Chinese government to re-open the Tibet Autonomous Region and other areas of Tibet to foreign journalists and ensure open access to the media in line with the pledges given as part of the conditions to hosting the Olympic Games in Beijing.
As the Dalai Lama has repeatedly and publicly renounced violence and is committed to autonomy not independence for Tibet, to call on Premier Wen Jibao to act on the assurance given to Gordon Brown that he will enter into meaningful dialogue, without preconditions, with the Dalai Lama, and set a date for a meeting under the auspices of an agreed objective mediator and held in a neutral country in order to find a legitimate and negotiated solution of the Tibetan and Chinese people.
To call on UK government officials and dignitaries to withdraw from attending the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games in Beijing, in order to demonstrate their condemnation, abhorrence and concern at the Chinese authorities’ overreaction and hostile repression of the Tibetan people’s right to freedom of expression in the Tibet Autonomous Region and other Tibetan areas.
To call on the International Olympic Committee and the Chinese government to review and amend the route of the Olympic torch to ensure that out of respect for Tibetan people it does not go to Lhasa, Mount Everest or through any regions of Tibet.

Pleaase don’t let the world forget … act now to show your support for Tibetans inside Tibet and solidarity with Tibetans in exile.

Tibet Is An International Issue