AIMEE GARCIA
Aimee Garcia is an actress best known for her roles in television as Veronica on George Lopez and Alma on the series Off the Map. She has also had memorable roles on All About the Anderson's, Dexter, Lucifer, Greeting From Tucson, American Family, and the medical drama Trauma by Peter Berg. Garcia has appeared briefly as well on such iconic shows as Family Guy, Supernatural, ER, and Bones among many others.
Aimee also works in film. She appeared alongside Jessica Simpson in Major Movie Star and narrated Adam Sandler's Spanglish, Robocop, Convincing Clooney. She is also an avid supporter of higher education with degrees from Northwestern in French, journalism, and international-relations. Hollywoodisation's own Mary interviews the one and only, Aimee Garcia.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I grew up in Chicago. I'm Mexirican (half Mexican, half Puerto Rican). I started dancing when I was 3 and dancing professionally when I was 7 in Chicago. I went to a high school that used to be all boys so my freshman year, there was 800 boys and 100 girls; all the seniors, juniors and sophomores were boys. But, they hated us. They were like, "Ugh now that girls are here, we have to shower and can't burp in class." That experience showed me how to deal with guys. I was a tomboy in high school and loved playing pick-up basketball with my buddies. I'm a late bloomer so I'm just now starting to come into my girliness...Now, I love putting on my heels and going out for drinks with my girls.
What inspired you to pursue your degrees at Northwestern? Why do you think higher education is a must for all people?
I chose Economics because I always knew I was going to be a freelancer, meaning you might make a lot of money one month and then no money the next four so you had to learn how to invest your money, save and make the dollar stretch. It's come in handy, as acting is a freelance career.
I chose Journalism because I think it's important to communicate well. Whether you're writing an email, giving a speech or doing a presentation, you have to learn how to communicate and convince people. Last year, I blogged for NBC from the set of Trauma and this year, I blogged for ESPN. And, right now, I'm writing this interview for you so I'm having to express myself through writing.
I majored in French because I think it's important to speak different languages. I already speak Spanish, so French was easier to learn. I use French in interviews to promote whatever I'm doing and it's the language of love so I had to learn it!
I think higher education is a must for all people because it gives them choices. I don't like people telling me what to do, and if all I had is a high school degree, people would tell me, "You can't get this job because you don't have a degree"..."You can't do that because you're not qualified." I mean, you can always choose to do nothing, but at least you have a choice. I don't like people telling me what to do, so I made sure to set myself up for freedom in life by getting a college degree.
Aimee also works in film. She appeared alongside Jessica Simpson in Major Movie Star and narrated Adam Sandler's Spanglish, Robocop, Convincing Clooney. She is also an avid supporter of higher education with degrees from Northwestern in French, journalism, and international-relations. Hollywoodisation's own Mary interviews the one and only, Aimee Garcia.
Can you tell us a little bit about your background?
I grew up in Chicago. I'm Mexirican (half Mexican, half Puerto Rican). I started dancing when I was 3 and dancing professionally when I was 7 in Chicago. I went to a high school that used to be all boys so my freshman year, there was 800 boys and 100 girls; all the seniors, juniors and sophomores were boys. But, they hated us. They were like, "Ugh now that girls are here, we have to shower and can't burp in class." That experience showed me how to deal with guys. I was a tomboy in high school and loved playing pick-up basketball with my buddies. I'm a late bloomer so I'm just now starting to come into my girliness...Now, I love putting on my heels and going out for drinks with my girls.
What inspired you to pursue your degrees at Northwestern? Why do you think higher education is a must for all people?
I chose Economics because I always knew I was going to be a freelancer, meaning you might make a lot of money one month and then no money the next four so you had to learn how to invest your money, save and make the dollar stretch. It's come in handy, as acting is a freelance career.
I chose Journalism because I think it's important to communicate well. Whether you're writing an email, giving a speech or doing a presentation, you have to learn how to communicate and convince people. Last year, I blogged for NBC from the set of Trauma and this year, I blogged for ESPN. And, right now, I'm writing this interview for you so I'm having to express myself through writing.
I majored in French because I think it's important to speak different languages. I already speak Spanish, so French was easier to learn. I use French in interviews to promote whatever I'm doing and it's the language of love so I had to learn it!
I think higher education is a must for all people because it gives them choices. I don't like people telling me what to do, and if all I had is a high school degree, people would tell me, "You can't get this job because you don't have a degree"..."You can't do that because you're not qualified." I mean, you can always choose to do nothing, but at least you have a choice. I don't like people telling me what to do, so I made sure to set myself up for freedom in life by getting a college degree.
How did you first become involved in acting? I started acting as a kid in Chicago. I did commercials with Michael Jordan, Sammy Sosa and Charles Barkley and danced professionally to help pay for college. Then in high school, I did professional Chicago theater. At Northwestern, even though I didn't major in acting, I performed in plays and musicals. I even played Diana Morales in Northwestern University's production of "A Chorus Line," where I got to dance and sing as well. When I graduated Northwestern University, I moved to New York and worked in finance because I wanted a job that used my Journalism and Economics degrees. But, after 6 months of being a mutual fund analyst, I realized acting was my one true love. Up until that time, I had been acting to pay for college tuition and it was so fun that I thought of it as my hobby. But, after graduation, I decided to turn my hobby into a career. So, I packed up my bags, moved to Los Angeles, and now here I am.Who do you consider to be some of the greatest living actresses of our time, and why?
Well, obviously Meryl Streep. Not only can she do comedy and drama seamlessly, but she received her B.A. in Drama from Vassar College and her M.F.A. from Yale University and she seems to lead a healthy, balanced life. She doesn't seem to be a tortured artist, which is refreshing. I also love Reese Witherspoon because she has great comedic timing and, yet, won an Oscar for her dramatic performance. I love Angelina Jolie too because she's an incredible actress. (Anyone who has seen Gia can instantly sees she's a star). She embodies and exudes sexuality in such an intriguing way...best vixen ever! But, I think the world will remember her as an advocate for people and children who are less fortunate. She uses her fame, money and influence as a platform to champion for those who don't have a voice. She is using her notoriety to leave the world a better place, and that's very inspiring to me.What did you learn from working on George Lopez? What was it like to be part of the first prime time comedy ever to feature an all Hispanic family? Do you ever miss it?
I learned to have fun! George set such a fun tone while we were shooting that it didn't even feel like work. But, he also taught me to work hard. I always say he's the hardest working guy I know. I feel so proud to be part of the first prime time comedy ever to feature an all-Hispanic family. No one on TV looked like me when I was young, so I'm glad that the next generation can see themselves representing on the screen. Yes. I totally miss it! It was so much fun! But, nothing lasts forever so we made history and now we're all doing cool, new things.
You also narrated Spanglish. Did you enjoy that?
Yes. I got to work very closely with Jim Brooks (who co-created The Simpsons). He is such a genius! I remember recording at Sony when Adam (Sandler) rode up in his scooter. He said hi and I was like, "Ummmm...." I felt like such an idiot! That was the first time I was speechless in front of a celebrity.
You are also very active when it comes to charity. Do you feel it is important for those who are in a position to do so, give back to those who have less?
Definitely. I think that any one who is in the limelight should use that platform for good. When I go to school and talk to kids, they listen because they know me from The George Lopez Show. I don't care why, I just care that they listen to me when I tell them they need to get a college degree. So, yes, I think it's important for celebrities to use their influence to raise awareness for things they're passionate about.
What one aspect of charity and activism do you feel most passionately about?
I'm most passionate about education. I'm a true believer that education = choices. I think the more prepared you are and the more you know, the easier it will be to navigate through life. You never know where education will lead you. And, when I say, "education," people usually think of the classroom, tests and homework, but what I mean by "education" is making good choices; choosing good friends who will support you, taking trips that might give you a great business idea, cultivating a relationship with a teacher who might become your lifelong mentor...
What is it like to work alongside other fellow Hispanic celebrities to raise awareness on policy issues in Washington?
This spring, I went to D.C to promote the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's American Graduate initiative with America Ferrera and it was amazing to see how much influence you can have. I was like, "Why are these White House people listening to me? I'm just an actor." But, then I realized I'm an educated actor and that my college degree gave me leverage for my ideas on education to be heard. So, again, because I went to college, I was able to go to D.C. and give national leaders my opinion on how to make positive changes for students.
What advice would you offer the women of tomorrow?
To not limit themselves and to prepare themselves in order to be able to compete. How do you prepare yourself? By getting a college degree and doing internships. I really think woman make excellent bosses; they communicate well, they mutli-task well and they have great social skills - qualities of good CEOs and successful business owners. So, I would say to not be limited by what's around them. If you want to do something do it. Life's too short. The worst feeling in the world is regret. I'd rather regret what I did, than what I didn't do. You never know if you don't try. And, even if you "fail," you'll learn from that experience and that "failure" might even lead you to another successful path.
What is something about yourself that your fans might not know?
That I'm starting to become a girl and just now getting into fashion. I'm a late bloomer, but better late than never I guess.
How do you think your life has changed most since your early days?
I definitely meet more influential people now and get to have cool experiences, but other than that not much has changed. I have a lot of the same friends I had back in Chicago and at Northwestern and I bet if you asked my grade school friends if I've changed, they'd say I'm the same... or at least I hope they would!
What is the most insane thing you have ever done? What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?
The most insane thing I've ever done is jump out of a plane while doing 6 summersaults 15,000 feet in the air. I don't know what I was thinking but I was dared by one of my friends...and I never back down from a dare. I also traveled by myself through Turkey, Greece and Israel and would sleep at random locals' houses. I could have gotten kidnapped or robbed. But, I guess I was so naïve that nothing happened to me and I made it back home.
In my spare time, I travel. I just went to the Cook Islands and went deep-sea fishing. I caught a 20-pound Mahi-Mahi so I was stoked. It took me 20 minutes to reel her in...she was feisty. I also play golf, which is a very mental sport. I play poker with my buddies and, of course, hang out with my friends.
Are you excited about your new role on Dexter? Can you tell us a little about that?
Yes! I love Dexter. It's actually my favorite show. And, my role is so fun. Jamie is fearless, fun and smart. She moves to Miami for grad school and is Dexter's nanny. I like her because she's feisty but fair. She's also Batista's little sister so like any little sister she has her bratty moments, but she's really comfortable in her skin - literally. In the first episode, Jamie's wearing a bikini and walking around totally comfortable. She's a Florida girl so being in her bikini is like being in her pajamas.
You are also star in the film Go For It? What exactly is the movie about? Do you know when it will be released yet?
Go For It is like Step Up meets Flashdance. I play the title role and do all my own dancing. There's no guy with a wig or body double (like there is in most dance movies). It's a coming-of-age story about a Chicago dancer named Carmen, who dreams of becoming a professional dancer. But, her brothers want her to grow up and find a job, her parents want her to go to college, and her best friend keeps dating horrible guys. So, she's being stretched a million different ways. Go For It! also features the Beat Freaks and Gwen Stafani's Harajuku Girls. We shot the movie in 18 days and Lionsgate picked it up for national distribution so it was pretty cool. It hit theaters in the spring and will be out on DVD Sept. 27.
Anything you would like to say in closing?
I just want to tell anyone who's reading this to never give up. I know it sounds so cliché, but I always say there are two types of people; the people who quit when things get rough and the people who get back up when they fall down. The choices you make determine which one you are. If I were you, I'd say be the latter, life's too short.
WARWICK DAVIS
Welcome to the Fantasy World of Warwick Davies
It isn't everyday you find an actor that can transport you into realms of fantasy as completely as Warwick Davis. Warwick has appeared in some of the best films in fantasy. From leading roles in Willow and Leprechaun to his role as Wicket in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Filius Flitwick and Griphook in several of the Harry Potter films, Nibarik in the Walden Media version of Prince Caspian, and Marvin the Paranoid Android in the cult classic The Hitchhiker's Quide to the Galaxy he has delighted fans of all ages. Davis has also worked in television appearing as Reepicheep in the BBC's Voyage of the Dawn Treader and in 10th Kingdom as Acron the Dwarf to name a few.
A man of many talents his life story is told in pages of his autobiography, Size Matters Not, which gained him praise from Ron Howard. He also is slated to star in Life's Too Short, created and written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.
What were you like as a child growing up?
I was just like any other child I suppose really. Although I didn't grow up quiet as much as I might of done, which was an advantage in my case cause that was the reason I got into movies.
Do you think your career would have taken you all the places it has if not for your Grandmother? Were you close?
Well of course I was as close as anyone would be to their grandmother, but I really dont think I would have the career I have without her having heard the commercial she did on the London radio station and then my mother put me forward for the part in Star Wars. It really was an opportunity although you know I was quiet the performer, being a small person you sort of make up for your lack of inches by being a bit larger than life so it did lend itself to the world of entertainment.
It isn't everyday you find an actor that can transport you into realms of fantasy as completely as Warwick Davis. Warwick has appeared in some of the best films in fantasy. From leading roles in Willow and Leprechaun to his role as Wicket in Star Wars Episode VI: Return of the Jedi, Filius Flitwick and Griphook in several of the Harry Potter films, Nibarik in the Walden Media version of Prince Caspian, and Marvin the Paranoid Android in the cult classic The Hitchhiker's Quide to the Galaxy he has delighted fans of all ages. Davis has also worked in television appearing as Reepicheep in the BBC's Voyage of the Dawn Treader and in 10th Kingdom as Acron the Dwarf to name a few.
A man of many talents his life story is told in pages of his autobiography, Size Matters Not, which gained him praise from Ron Howard. He also is slated to star in Life's Too Short, created and written by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant.
What were you like as a child growing up?
I was just like any other child I suppose really. Although I didn't grow up quiet as much as I might of done, which was an advantage in my case cause that was the reason I got into movies.
Do you think your career would have taken you all the places it has if not for your Grandmother? Were you close?
Well of course I was as close as anyone would be to their grandmother, but I really dont think I would have the career I have without her having heard the commercial she did on the London radio station and then my mother put me forward for the part in Star Wars. It really was an opportunity although you know I was quiet the performer, being a small person you sort of make up for your lack of inches by being a bit larger than life so it did lend itself to the world of entertainment.
Being a fan of the films yourself what did it feel like to get the role of Wicket in Star Wars?
Yea, I was a huge star wars fan so to actually be working on the set of a Star Wars movie was the most exciting, the most fun experience I could have ever had. And you know children nowadays play on a gaming console to battle with stormtroopers whereas I was able to do it in real life in the redwood forests dressed as an Ewok. It was terrific fun, a great opportunity, and one that will always stay with me.
You had the chance to play Wicket in the Ewok films as well. What are your feelings on the whole Ewok culture? Why do you think people responded to the characters as well as they did? Do you have a certain fondness for the Wicket character?
I mean I am very found of the character Wicket of course, he is my first film role. He is the reason I am now an actor and have a wonderful career and have had all the opportunities that I've had. And he is still a character that is very popular wherever I go, people remember that character and have a fondness for him. Feelings for the Ewok culture, I mean there was a kind of whole merchandising culture surrounding the Ewoks and it divided fans, as a Star Wars fan you either loved them or you hated them. But of course I'm on the side of the lovers.
You also got to work with Ron Howard in Willow. What did you learn from that experience?
Willow was a great opportunity for me as well. Ron Howard is the most terrific director you could ask for. He taught me a lot. He comes at the role of directing really from an actor's perspective. Because you know he himself used to be an actor. He was brilliant in getting me through that film. It was very tough experience for me it was six months of very hard work, traveling all over the world. It could of been quiet daunting but he was always very supportive and really helped me give the performance that I did so I do owe a lot to that guy.
You have appeared in some of the best fantasy films of all time. Do you consider yourself lucky to have had the chance to play characters to delight viewers of all ages? Do you enjoy hearing from people who have been fans of your work since childhood?
Thank you very much. Yeah, I mean my films are generational, so I do get messages often from people who have grown up with the films that I've been involved with. Every day someone says I grew up with Willow or Star Wars was the movie of my childhood and what have you so that's really nice. I do enjoy appearing in films that are suitable for people of all ages. You know grandparents can enjoy with grandchildren etc. I am very lucky if I look back there are so many great films that really will sort of stand the test of time and be passed on as they say to generation to generation.
Do you ever hear from children who are fans of your work?
As I said every day. People who write to me are from age five or six up to eighty six maybe older.
Did you enjoy the lead role in the Leprechaun films? Do you consider yourself a fan of horror flicks? Did you ever have a favourite movie monster?
I am not a fan of horror anymore. I used to be growing up, but as soon as I became a father myself you sort of start seeing the world through your children's eyes and then horror movies become sort of rather unpleasant things to watch. So I wouldn't say I watch horror movies anymore, but yea as a kid I loved Halloween and Out Running on the Street they where the films that I grew up watching and dare I say enjoying. Playing the Leprechuan was fun. It was my first sort of villianous character and every actor will tell you they are by far the most fun characters to play. It is the one that is remembered and its the most enjoyable to actually portray as well and the Leprechaun was really a character that I was given free reign in developing. It was a real joy to play him in six movies and there is such demand for a seventh, but no plans to do that at the moment.
One of those films found you in space. Do you believe there could be other lifeforms in space? What are you feelings on aliens, ufos and such?
I mean yeah there could be other stuff out there. I don't see why not, there are so many stars and so many viable planets around stars that we don't even know about. So the chances are pretty high I suppose. So I'm kind of open to that kind of thing
Why do you think people like to believe impossible things possible?
I guess I think people want to thing anything is possible because sometimes the world feels quiet restrictive and we are all quiet restrained in what we do in our every day lives so it is nice to think for a minute that something impossible could be possible. It helps take us out of the monotony of our daily lives I suppose. And that is why movies are such great escapisms, especially fantasy and science fiction films, you can go into a movie theater and be transported somewhere else. You know you can at least for the time you are in there believe that the impossible is possible. It is the people that come out still believing the impossible is possible that I worry about. (laughs)
What are your feelings on leprechauns? Do you think such things are possible?
I mean these things come from myths and legends and they all have a source. Whether that was a little man wearing a little green hat, dancing, counting gold and what have you, I don't know. It's from very, very distance periods in history and I like all that sort of thing. But yea I mean I'm not going to say whether I believe in Leprehauns or but...
Is it true people come up to you and touching you for luck? Do you find that annoying and rude?
Yes people do. Different cultures have different beliefs and some cultures do believe it is indeed lucky to touch a little person. And I fit into that category by being a little person. I don't think it is rude, it is just what they believe, it's just kind of rather fun to try and avoid such touchings, cause you know when you are touched as a little person the luck does drain away. So I have a certain level of luck and I lose some of that every time somebody touches me. Which you know if that was to be depleted completely my career would be over so I do try to avoid those touchings whenever possible.
Aside from the health issues what would you say is the most challenging thing in regards to your...size?:) How do you cope with the joint pain and other things associated with it?
Oh my word. I mean it is challenging being short, but it is what I’ve grown up with. I’ve never known anything else so it’s a challenge but it’s one that you always overcome and then you just deal with stuff on a daily basis and it’s not really a problem.
What do you think is the most important thing to remember when dealing with ailments at any age?
Alright Dr. Davis says this: Just drink lots of water, eat sensibly and get plenty of sleep...and fresh air.
How do you think you have changed most as an individual since your early days?
My hair has gotten a little bit grayer, I’m a little bit taller, I am wiser.
What advice would you offer people the world over who might be dealing with image issues of whatever sort? Do you think the world in general places far too much emphasis on looks?
Be who you are really, at the end of the day. You know I’m different, there are lots of people out who are different. Some people who aren’t different pierce their nose and spike up their hair to be different. So it’s kind of ok to be different. That’s what I say. It sets you apart and people remember you.
I’ve just realized there are more questions. I thought I was at the end? This is madness but I’ll keep going....
What would you say is the craziest thing you have ever done?
This interview.
Are there any little known things about you that most people would be surprised to learn?
That I have indeed done this interview.
How did becoming a father change your life? What do you feel is the most important thing to pass on to your children? What do you love most about being a parent?
It’s brilliant. If you have kids it does change your life, you see the world in a different way. Watching them grow up and hearing the things they come out with. It is challenging but at the same time very rewarding and I think it is fantastic, I love it.
As a native to the UK, what do you think about the current state of the nation?What do you think is the most pressing matter at hand in today's political environment?
What is the pressing?...I don’t care about politics. I don’t even know who the Prime Minister is. Absolutely doesn’t bother me.
What do you love most about living in England?
I love the seasons.
Do you consider yourself religious? What are you feelings on the afterlife? Do you believe it possible for the soul to live on in some fashion after death?
I’m not particularly religious but I would like to think that death isn’t death and we’re dead and that’s it. The End. Could be. But let’s just think about life while we’re doing it.
What has it been like to work with Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant on Life Is Too Short?
It’s been an amazing experience. It has been hard work but we’re at this point when I talk to you almost finished filming the show.I’m very proud of what we’ve done and hope the world out there also is thrilled with it, enjoys it and embraces it, and gets it.
How do you hope to be remembered over all when your life is done?
Now that’s depressing. That’s not even the last question either, there is still another one after that? How do you hope to be remembered when your life is done? Bloody hell..I’m speechless.
What would you like to say to all of your fans in closing?
Is that before I’m dead? Or have they got to come and read my headstone? Thanks for watching.
We caught up with legendary rocker, no-nonsense frontman and ‘Coronation Street’ fan Francis Rossi OBE, for a chat about life, the universe and everything.
Speaking of ‘Corrie’, you know you’re etched indelibly onto the minds of the public, when your fans can lop several syllables off your name, and everybody still knows exactly who you mean. Perhaps the most famous ‘Quo fan is ‘Coronation Street’ character Les Batters by, played by real-life fan Bruce Jones. Francis Rossi and band-mate Rick Parfitt had a memorable cameo on the long-running show in 2005.
Best known as the guitarist & frontman from Status Quo, prolific songwriter Rossi has also enjoyed success with a number of side projects and collaborations. The band’s latest studio album ‘Quid Pro Quo’ was released on May 27th 2011. This double album features 14 brand new tracks, plus an ‘official bootleg’ of the quintessential British rock band’s greatest hits.
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?
Neither.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
Bullshit propaganda. Same old, same old.
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future?
We haven’t got that long to live
Tell us a little about your kind of music please! Yeah, Rock right…But seriously, don’t you ever just want to rap or smile nicely at the camera like a boy band and sing lame songs?
No, I don’t want to rap. However I have no problem smiling at the camera, and I don’t have a downer on a boy band just because they’re a boy band.
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
Go back.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Getting to 64.
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
You’d get the best or truest answer from someone who wasn’t of mankind.
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
Live and let live. There is no judgement. There is no punishment.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
Done it. (Status Quo had a cameo in the longest-running British soap opera ‘Coronation Street’, and are ‘Corrie’ character Les Battersby’s favourite band)
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Doh!
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
I don’t necessarily think that what Quo sing affects society.
What advice would you give to musicians today? And what’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
Leave it. It is the logical course and progression for pop music, within the capitalist system that we live in.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
I don’t believe the combination of music and words is any more or less potent than words alone. Music does however have a stimulatory effect on the senses, and is therefore more emotive.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
No particular type or reason.
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
It’s powerful!
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
No, I do not think man is created in the image of God or vice-versa.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
Good. However, any research or report usually has a bias towards the body that commissioned it.
Is ‘free will’ the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
It’s man himself that creates his own restraints.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
I don’t have enough knowledge concerning nuclear power to make a valid comment regarding this matter.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s i.e. aliens visiting planet earth? God?
Yes, believe in ghosts, UFO’s , aliens and God but not the one popularised by most religions.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why, and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
Been drunk a few times.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Pass.
What would you still like to achieve?
More.
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
You mean to endear myself to millions of young people around the world? When?
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
Natural and cyclical, but being accelerated by man.
And last of all, please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers, and tell us all about what you’re up to these days. Plug an album, website or carboot sale.
Goodbye, and thank you.
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No Fear of Tears – the Curt Smith InterviewCurt Smith from the super pop band, Tears for Fears, speaks to Serpent Films.
Q. My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?
A. I’d like to be remembered as a devoted husband, father and friend. If my work happens to outlive me in a meaningful way, that would be very nice too of course.
Q. We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
A: Politicians aren’t inherently evil. Too many of them do seem to succumb to the financial pressures of large donors and to the media pressures of small groups with loud voices. On the other hand, the “social media” revolutions we’ve been seeing worldwide this past year show that the citizenry can and will make its voice heard.
Q: Tell us a little about your kind of music please!
A: My solo music is pop music, albeit more quiet and introspective than the music I make with Roland as Tears For Fears. Most of my songs are semi-autobiographical (hence the often cryptic lyrics) and I use the writing process as a way to exorcise feelings of anger, regret and sadness. When I’m happy I don’t feel the need to write.
Q: If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
A: That would entirely depend on the planet I’d left behind.
Q: What has been your greatest achievement so far?
A: My daughters Diva and Wilder
Q: If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
A: Play nicely.
Q: If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
A: I’m afraid I’m not familiar enough with soap operas to answer that question. My daughters want me to be a contestant on Dancing With The Stars (the US version of Strictly Come Dancing). That might be amusing.
Q: If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
A: Yes.
Q: Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
A: I don’t know that I agree that what I sing about “affects society.” If people respond to my music, that’s fantastic. If they don’t, no problem.
Q: What advice would you give to musicians today? And what’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
A: My advice to musicians today is hone your craft, authentically engage your fan base, and make music because you love to do so, not because you’re hoping to get rich and/or famous. Should that happen, great, but recognize that the odds are slim (and even so, fame is highly overrated). There has always been highly-engineered and marketed music. The good stuff stands the test of time and will continue to do so.
Q: Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
A: A few thoughts: first, music is a universal language that can cut across cultures, age groups, ethnicities, etc. Second, music in general has a much broader audience than a given speech, op-ed, or polemic.
Q: What kind of movies do you watch and why?
A: It depends on who I’m with. My daughters have slightly different taste in films than I do .
Q: What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
A: I’m a big fan, obviously. With specific respect to the music industry, it’s certainly eliminated the barrier to entry. Anyone now can make a song, make a video, get it out there. It used to be that without a label you couldn’t afford studio time, couldn’t tour, couldn’t get airplay. No more. The challenge now, though, is getting your music heard when everyone on earth can put something up on YouTube or iTunes.
Q: Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
A: The other way around.
Q: A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
A: If people find comfort and support in their religious beliefs, that’s fine with me. It’s when they try to impose those beliefs on others that I have a problem.
Q: Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
A: Things happen to us and to those we love over which we have little or no control. But we can always choose how we respond to those things. In that we have free will.
Q: Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
A: That’s a question above my pay grade. Although of course, recent happenings in Japan do make me question it.
Q: Do you believe in aliens visiting planet earth?
A: I’m not arrogant enough to believe that we’re the only beings in the universe. Not that I can define who or what else might be out there!
A: I live in a constant state of altered consciousness. I absolutely recommend it.
Q: What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
A: I tried to climb a rope hanging from a helicopter – from a boat. I didn’t make it; I landed in the water. It was for an extreme sports game show in Holland.
Q: What would you still like to achieve?
A: Immortality.
Q: Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
A: If offered, the chance, I would indeed. My daughters would never forgive me otherwise .
Q: Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
A: I believe that what we do and create on our planet affects the environment, yes.
Q: And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re up to these days, plug an album, website or carboot sale.
A: If anyone wants to know what I’m getting up to, my website curtsmithoffcial.com pulls in all my various feeds (I’m usually quite active on Twitter, for example). I’m still touring with Tears For Fears and still making solo music. I’ll be re-releasing my solo album Mayfield later this year, and hopefully a few more tracks from my ongoing Social Media Project. I’m also doing more work in film and television now, as I really like the challenge of matching music and visual imagery.
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Broken Wings, Kyrie and Is it Love: just three of the instantly recognisable Mr Mister hits from the 1980’s. With two Grammy’s under their belts, platinum selling albums and world tours, Mr Mister eventually broke up leaving their final album unreleased. This album was finally released in 2010, twenty years after its conception.
Lead singer Richard Page has penned hits for artists such as Madonna, Josh Groban, Donna Summer and Leona Lewis. Here, Page speaks to Serpent Films.
What would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?
I'd like to be remembered for my stunning good looks only. Kidding. Actually, Pat Mastelotto says, the music IS the meaning.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
Same as it's always been.
‘Kyrie Eleison’ means Lord have mercy in Greek, was there a religious meaning to this song?
Actually, it's “Carry a Laser.” No, seriously, it comes from the Greek mass. We had no intention of representing a religion; we just liked the way it sounded.
What’s your favourite Monty Python film and why?
‘Life of Brian’. The sermon on the mount scene where the two guys in the back can't hear well, and think Jesus is saying, "Blessed are the cheese makers".
Are your wings fixed yet?
Working on them.
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
Probably have a good cry and then turn back...but not until I grabbed a Starbucks.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Haven't done it yet.
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
Mayonnaise
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
Grow up.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
I don't know of any...I mean, ‘General Hospital’ definitely.
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Who cares?
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
I figure that what we've said in our tunes probably has little effect on anything. But if someone benefits from them, then great.
What advice would you give to musicians today? And what’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
Music is always evolving, yet borrowing from what's come before. There is always good music if you look for it. Advice: Sing it from your heart.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Music isn't as literal as words are. The reference point isn't so defined.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
Comedies. I need to laugh more.
What are your opinions about the power of the Internet?
There's no going back now.
Do you think man is created in the image of God or the other way around?
Who's God? Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Scientology?
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
Religions may die out, but the corruption of the self probably never will.
Is ‘free will’ the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
As long as man thinks he's the most important thing in the universe, he'll never be free.
As a pop star, it’s a given that you’re obviously deeply involved in the occult, child sacrifice, Satanism and taking the virginity of young ladies. Why is this?
Oh, great, now you've exposed our little secret.
You are one of the giants from a period full of giants. Who, from that revolutionary period, do you admire and why, apart from Human League, which goes without saying!
I always thought Thomas Dolby was a clever dude. But there are so many others.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
No. Japan.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
Does anyone really care what I believe in?
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
Absolutely, now you're talking!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Got into the music business.
What would you still like to achieve?
Enlightenment.
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Only if I could get my hair to look like his.
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
Both.
And lastly. Please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re up to these days, plug an album, website or carboot sale.
We just released the 4th Mr. Mister album, “Pull”, which was recorded in 1989-90 and had been unreleased for 20 plus years, along with my new solo album “Peculiar Life.” They can both be found at littledumerecordings.com. In addition, I'll be releasing a live, solo DVD/CD set titled “Richard Page, Solo Acoustic” also found at the Little Dume site. This summer I'll be touring Europe with Ringo Starr and his All-Starr Band. Info at RichardPageMusic.com
Pat Mastelotto has a ton of new projects going with Stick Men, Tuner, Naked Truth, Cock Robin...too many to list! Info can be found at PatMastelotto.com.
Thanks.
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Serpent Films Interviews Dennis the MenaceNo introduction needed for this megastar.
Dear Dennis, thanks so much for answering my questions and taking time out of your busy schedule of terrorising the local community.
No worries, but make it quick, I’ve got a busy day’s menacing ahead of me. I’m down to splat Walter with a tomato in fifteen minutes then it’s jelly in Sergeant Slipper’s shoes at half past.
My first question is, have you ever been served with an ASBO? (Anti Social Behaviour Order).
No, but I’ve been served with burger and chips.
Could you tell us why, in 60 years, you have not aged?
The Beano keeps everybody young. Except my parents – they look older every day, Hyuk-hyuk!
Do you use hair dye?
Do you want a biff on the conk?
What breed of dog is Gnasher? And have you ever thought of getting the Dog Whisperer involved to sort him out?
Gnasher’s an Abyssinian Wire-Haired Tripehound. The dog whisperer stopped whispering and started screaming when Gnasher took a bite out of the seat of his trousers.
Have you ever had a girlfriend? And if not, why? Something we should know? We hear that there may have been something between you and Minnie the Minx? Can you confirm or deny these rumours?
Girls? Are you daft in the noggin? Minnie’s my mate – and if you ask her this daft question she’ll belt you up the hooter.
What do you think of Justin Bieber?
Shouldn’t you be asking Justin what he thinks of me? I’m the real star, mate.
Is it true that you once auditioned for Disney but they thought you were a little too wild?
I’m not a little too wild for anything – I’m a LOT too wild for EVERYTHING!
What’s your favourite song? Film? Book?
Loud. Scary. Funny. In that order.
When will we see you in 3d?
3d’s not big enough for me – I need 4d at least!
Would you mind if we introduced you to a fashion expert to sort out your clothes? Only you look a bit like a poor rugby player.
Listen, sunshine, don’t diss the stripes, ok? This is a fashion classic. The punk rocker’s nicked this look back in the 70s.
What do you think is the meaning of existence?
A whippet in a bowler hat. Work that out if you can, Mr Smarty-pants.
Do you believe aliens visit planet earth?
I’ve met Plug from the Bash Street Kids. After you see him you’ll believe in anything.
Do you believe in ghosts?
Yeah. They’re scared of me.
Are you still the World’s Naughtiest Boy? Or is Nasty Norman worse?
Of course I’m the World’s Naughtiest! I’ve seen off every challenger over the years! Bring ‘em on and I’ll send ‘em packing!
What happened to Walter?
What? Today? Well, I custard-pied him at 9… swapped his homework for my baby sister’s old nappy at 10…
I have a spare pea-shooter, would you like it?
I already have an Inter-Continental Ballistic Peashooter, why would I want another one?
Are you a vegetarian? Or would you make bacon sandwiches out of Rasher?
Are you trying to get on my wick? Ask a sensible question… or else!
Unlike other stars and celebrities, you don’t seem to have had any plastic surgery and we almost never see you in the gutter press getting out of stretch limos. What’s the secret of keeping such a low profile?
I’m too busy having fun and menacing to get involved in any of that celebrity rubbish.
And finally, do you have a message for all the big boys and girls out there who have followed your exploits for decades?
Carry On Menacing!
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It’s a Ballroom Blitz! Andy Scott of The Sweet Talks to Serpent Films
Glamrocker of the 1970’s was the ultimate in fashion meets music. Painted faces and sparkling jumpsuits were the order of the day. Several big bands appeared and hit the world with their catchy rock songs. Bands such as T-Rex, Roxy Music and of course, The Sweet. With memorable songs such as Ballroom Blitz, Wig Wam Bam and Block Buster, anybody who remembers the decade will remember the songs.
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?
My role in the band was taking care of the music so the answer is fairly obvious. I was the one who arranged the songs, vocal harmonies etc and in the end was the guy sitting behind the mixing desk until the early hours as producer [unpaid]. The recordings have stood the test of time.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
In the late sixties when I was first able to vote I'm afraid I didn't, believing that my vote didn't really matter and politics was for others not musicians. However by the seventies we had become successful with money coming in and the taxman was helping himself to great big chunks of it so I certainly voted to try and change things. Now 40 years later, it seems any one of us could have made the kind of mess the politicians have made so it's back full circle for me, keeping my head down.
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future?
My past rears it's head from time to time, mostly good and I do realise that I am extremely privileged to have grown up with and also participated in the most definitive music eras ever - the 50s, 60s and 70s. I am still completely blown away by the quality of the recordings back then on such primitive equipment by today's standards - "God Only Knows" and "Sgt. Pepper" et al - we used what we had, lots of talent.
The present finds me still touring after 41 years with The Sweet, seeing and meeting all the other artists back on the road since their record royalties dried up.
I was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in 2009 and my treatment and ongoing tests are pretty damn good but I now believe in the mantra "Take each day and live it as if it is the last" - oh and keep taking the tablets! My future? - Touring until I drop!
Tell us a little about your kind of music please!
I am on the road so much and playing on stage that I don't really listen to much these days, however we've just returned from Australia where we were on the same bill as the Doobie Brothers and naturally I have reacquainted myself with their material. Opera has become a passion and I go whenever I can, Vienna is a favourite place, but recently I saw Madame Butterfly at the Albert Hall and was completely blown away.
Is 70’s music still cool?
It must be in Europe - we're still filling the halls
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
Aliens? Seen too many sci-fi movies I think.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
I haven't quite finished yet but reaching 60 is pretty good. My Ivor Novello for "Love is Like Oxygen". Meeting and getting on stage with Spinal Tap at Wembley on my 60th Birthday.
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
Man has made many huge strides until someone suggested Digital!
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
Why? Why? Why?
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
Not a fan but I do have a mate in Eastenders.
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Of course it does but with so many people on earth someone's bound to hear it - the real answer is "who cares?'
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
Some of our lyrics were decidedly dodgy in the early years, then they became rather verbose but I guess it's the profanity that is most cringe worthy. A nice boy turned into an angry young man and miraculously turned back into a nice old geezer.
What advice would you give to musicians today? And what’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
I think musicians are playing gigs again which is a start as long as governmental regulation keeps its distance. I am afraid we're in the Digital Age, which leaves me fairly cold. I like to hear a band play absolutely live not half playback with most of the vocals mimed. The Sweet are 100% live.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Poetry has its place obviously but add music and you naturally reach a wider audience. If both art forms have symmetry then that is perfection.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
My age precludes me from so many modern films but the odd one gets through. I take my solace in the classic tour bus comedies starting with Spinal Tap.
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
The internet is a monster that has become impossible to control. For every good site there is a hundred bad ones but life can be like that so why not cyberspace. Of course we all use it to send emails, well I do (no facebook chat for me) and use it for buying/selling, air travel check in and information etc but there is a darker side that will have to be addressed sooner than later.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
I think that Gods were created to appease man's imagination but as we have developed as a species we can think outside the box more and more, thus making it more difficult to accept certain beliefs.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
A bit of both - let people believe what they want to as long as they don't go to war over it.
Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
I loved "The Prisoner". "I am not a number I am a free man". I suggest compulsory viewing for all who believe in freedom.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
We are witnessing so many World disasters right now that for most of us the big question has to be "is it natural phenomena or man's intervention" - until we get the answer everything must be under the microscope.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
Not really but I have had some odd things happen - when we recorded the album "Level Headed" at Chateau d'Herouville in France, I stayed in the tower that Chopin occupied when he was there and on a few occasions I woke in the night to see someone writing at the desk in the corner. I put it down to late nights, good wine etc but the owners told me others had experienced this kind of vision and they believed Chopin was still there passing on his creative know-how. Mind you, I did write some good songs there.
What would you still like to achieve?
When I was 18 I knew another musician who had turned 30 which to me seemed ancient but now of course I would like to live longer and spend some time with my partner and my ever diminishing family especially granddaughter Samantha (born on my 60th birthday).
I will need to keep touring to afford the life style to which we have all become accustomed.
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Who is he? If you asked him he would probably say the same.
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
I love to drive my cars so I'm probably biased.
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re upto these days, plug an album, website or car boot sale.
I said in a BBC Documentary in the seventies that The Sweet would probably be around for 10 years, well we broke the 40 year barrier last year so here's to another 40 (I wish...)
I come from an era when good manners were the norm, you had respect for your elders and if you behaved badly you got a clip round the ear, sadly missing in today's society. You didn't need ASBOS when the threat of your misdemeanors being brought to the attention of your parents was all that was necessary.
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Serpent Films interviews Mark Ryan, the man who plays an Autobot
Mark Ryan has done many things. From playing Nasir in the British series, Robin of Sherwood, to the big movie series Transformers. He’s been in music videos by Madonna, starred in the SAS movie, Who Dares Wins and trained actors such as Richard Gere on how to sword fight for the movie, First Knight. An accomplished stuntman and actor, Mark Ryan has seen a lot. What makes him tick? We find out.
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for?
For always asking questions and learning from my mistakes, having the nerve to push myself beyond my own boundaries and perceived limitations and being a loyal and stoical friend.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
We don’t have enough room here, as I have a slightly jaundiced and particular view of world politics but mostly disgust, frustration and sadness.
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
Scratch my head (if I had one) and find a quiet bar.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
I could say simply staying employed for thirty odd years in the entertainment industry but I’ve been very lucky with an eclectic and varied career in film, theatre, TV and writing but I’d like to be remembered for giving everything I’ve tried 110%.
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
The Hubble Space Telescope.
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
Live and let live.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
I’ve done four cameos in Soaps so far! Does that mean I get four more lives?
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Absolutely.
What advice would you give to folk wanting to get into your industry today?
Give everything you try 110% effort and you cannot fail. Even if it doesn’t work out at the time, you will learn something that you can apply to another job or aspect of the industry when the opportunity finally arises.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Music reverberates in the heart and words are processed in the mind. Best of both stimuli.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
I have a very diverse library of movies from classics like The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, Once Upon A Time in the West and Get Carter, to intelligent thrillers based on true stories, like Munich, JFK and Syriana. My favourites are probably Gladiator, Doctor Strangelove, Blade Runner, Big Fish, Black Hawk Down, The Rock and Transformers!
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
I first got into the concept of the net in the late 80s and never looked back. I think it’s changed the whole way humanity now receives and shares information and communicates. I think this is great! Although, because of the perceived anonymity of the net, I also think folks sometimes think they can say anything and throw out there what they like without being called out on it. Therefore good manners and common respect has pretty much gone down the pan on blogs and message boards. I see this a lot on Transformers boards, although the majority see the films for what they are: Entertainment! Highly polished, beautifully crafted and skilfully delivered entertainment. But just that.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
Neither.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
Humanity will always retain a spiritual connection to the universe. We are the ghost in our own biological machine and created from the waste sub-atomic product and leftover bright matter of The Big Bang. Human, organised “Religions” may die out, but the subtle spiritual connection between us, and the divinity of the conscious universe cannot be broken.
Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
To quote Thomas Jefferson: "Question with boldness even the existence of a god; because if there be one he must approve of the homage of reason more than that of blindfolded fear." That’s freedom.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
I believe we already have viable and revolutionary alternatives to Nuclear Power that have not been revealed to the public, for various reasons. I believe it’s time to have a serious, open scientific debate about what we know about these energy fields and theories, dark and otherwise and how we might develop them for the future welfare of mankind.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
We’re not alone, either in this universe or the others we cannot perceive. I believe that ghosts or Exomorphic Sentient Entities exist and can sometimes be detected and communicated with in our reality. I do however also believe most UFOs reported are secret black US programs mistaken for UFOs. Although I’m also convinced some aren’t, and that access to this information has been relentlessly and ruthlessly repressed regarding our full interaction and knowledge of extraterrestrial intelligence visiting Earth.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
I’ve never done any drugs, if that’s what you’re asking so I don’t know how it would help our politicians, etc. But I do meditate and enjoy a glass of wine and the odd vodka tonic! But I’ve found I dream very clearly, vividly and sometimes insightfully camping in Iron Age Hills Forts, forests and by waterfalls…
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Jumped out of a perfectly good aircraft while it’s still in the air.
What would you still like to achieve?
I set myself three lifetime ambitions about every decade or so. I have one left of the last 3 to achieve and then I’ll pick three more. I can say one is to write a screenplay that actually gets made into a movie!
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
I think to deny that humanity’s presence and industrial growth has not effected the global environment is pretty absurd. And I’d really like to know much more about HAARP.
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re up to these days, plug something, a website or car boot sale.
I’d like to thank everyone for all the support and favourable reviews for The Wildwood Tarot, which has been at the #1 spot on three of Amazon’s best-seller lists for about six weeks. It was a real labour of love and John Matthews, Will Worthington and I are deeply humbled and amazed by the response from Tarot aficionados around the globe! I’m also hoping to direct a beautiful little film called “Mermaids” on the Isle of Man, based on the Robert Edric book later in the year. And of course; Transformers: Dark of the Moon is released on July 1st. Michael Bay has seriously outdone himself on this one and it will be groundbreaking for 3D and CGI technical expertise in filmmaking and a fitting blockbuster finale to the whole franchise. Go get ‘em Autobots…
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By the Rivers of Babylon, Daddy Cool, Brown Girl in the Ring, Mary’s Boy Child, Ma Baker. All these massive hits and more tell a tale of success that is the Boney M story. Compared with Abba, The Beatles and Bee Gees, Boney M are one of the all-time legends of pop.
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?
Both of course, but more the meaning.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
It is a mess but there are some good ones who are trying to make a difference.
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future?
My past was truly blessed thank god, in more ways than I could ever have imagined.
Tell us a little about your kind of music please!
If you are asking about the Boney M music, then obviously it is a type of music that stays throughout the years. Mainly because what it represents - a very melodic music, lyrics that are easy to sing along to and enjoy, for all age groups. But if you mean what kind of music I personally like, then it would be all types of music from times way back, like blues, soul, jazz, classical and gospel.
Which decade was best for music, 70’s, 80’s or 90’s or the 00’s?
The 70’s of course!
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
I think it is such a mess but, if I thought that I could make a difference, then I think I would stay - but that’s a big IF!
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
That would be to have been fortunate to be a member of a world famous group - Boney M
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
Satellite communication.
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
My message would be about salvation. If we don’t have God in our life then we would have nothing.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
I hope my life wouldn’t have to depend on it – but if I was asked it would be East Enders.
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Yes, it definitely makes a sound! The eye does not have to see it fall for it to make a sound.
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
I have always thought that I am doing the right thing and to do it well and leaving a good impression to society. For me – that’s important.
What advice would you give to musicians today? And what’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
There is some good stuff out there talent wise and music wise, but also some not too good, of course. My advice would be to follow through with your dream and do the best you can, to leave a good impression on society.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Because the music delivers what the words are saying.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
Movies with a good story lines, and all classical ones. And a good comedy. I do love a good laugh!
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
I personally think it is a great invention, but it also has some bad sides when viewed inappropriately.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
God.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
The word of God will never die.
Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
Free will is not the law, but to love God with all your heart, soul and mind and to love your neighbour as yourself. THAT is the fulfilment of the law.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
I do not back Nuclear power, it is a completely evil invention.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
God.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Running the marathon!
What would you still like to achieve?
That’s hard to say because there is still a lot I would like to do, not just for myself, but for others I would like to say that I have run the race.
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Who knows????
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
It is a little of both.
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re up to these days, plug an album, website or carboot sale.
At the moment I am busy working in the studio on a few new projects that will see the light hopefully later on this year. I also have completed a remix fitness dvd called Box It, which is available on my website www.maiziewilliams.com. For other news and update about I can be joined on my official Facebook page Boney M Maizie Williams.
Best wishes
Maizie Williams
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The New Seekers
In 1969 The Seekers became The New Seekers and in 1970 they had international success with the song, What Have They Done to My Song Ma? In 1971 they released what has become one of their most popular hits, Never Ending Song of Love. At the end of that same year they recorded an adaptation of the Cocal Cola song, I’d Like to Buy the World a Coke into I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing. This song is still in the top 100 best-selling British pop songs. In 1972 they entered the Eurovision Song Contest and came 2nd. A string of hits followed and The New Seekers still tour on and off to this day. Here, Serpent Films speaks to two of the original members of The New Seekers, Paul Layton and Marty Kristian.
Paul Layton
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?
Definitely the music, sometimes, as with books, the meaning is fictional.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
Well, I do believe in a democratic system of one sort or another. It's never going to be perfect but it sure beats living in a dictatorship!
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future? We hear there’s something really exciting on the horizon!
In New Seekers terms, the past has been a great experience. To have been able to perform to so many people through all mediums has been a joy and I have particularly enjoyed the opportunity to travel and see such a variety of cultures.
Tell us a little about your kind of music please!
My kind of music is very varied. I like almost everything as long as it's good.! The New Seekers music has always had a very wide appeal and that has been evident in the cross section and age range we see in our audiences.
Which decade was best for music, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s or 90’s or the 00’s?
The 60's? It still has to win hands down - for originality, creativity and raw talent.
Would you still like to teach the world to sing?
We do, every time we sing the song!
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
I guess it depends on how it compares to where I'd come from but before I went back, I'd have a curry!
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
In musical terms - getting to the top of the charts all over the world and in personal terms - finding my wife and bringing up two great kids.
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
Walking around on the moon!
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
Make love not war and always remember to listen before speaking.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
Pretty boring answer - Eastenders.... cockney is the only accent I can do.
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Just Good Vibrations!
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
I've never felt pressured, I always felt we were doing the right thing just by seeing the smile on peoples faces.
What advice would you give to musicians today? And what’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
Be honest with your music and if possible try and write it. There's nothing wrong with technical development but sometimes it's best to get back to your roots.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Music is universal, you don't need to be literate to enjoy it and if you enjoy it, the message is absorbed.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
Again I have very varied taste. I don't like violence in films unless it's treated with real sensitivity. I like comedies 'cos like most people I love a good laugh.
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
I think it's incredible but can be very dangerous if misused.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
I believe Man creates God so I guess that's the other way around.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
Probably on balance a good thing. There's too much dogma attached to most religions.
Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
Man can always be free in his own mind.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
I don't think we have much choice but to follow that route but to build in as many safeguards as is possible. In Japan, I think they knew how to legislate for an earthquake but not a tsunami. I do believe in developing alternative green power but I think, on it's own, it wont meet our future requirements.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
No, but I do believe in goodness if that's your God.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
Only as a result of alcohol or other substances, It can be beneficial creatively for some people but not for me, so no, I wouldn't recommend it.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
You've got me there ... maybe abseiling off the top of a shopping centre in Watford.
What would you still like to achieve?
I'd like to write a great song!
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
No, he'd make me look too ugly :-)
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
I think it's a fact that it's manmade or at least man has contributed towards it.
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re up to these days, plug an album, website or carboot sale.
Thank you for reading this and good luck in all you do. The New Seekers are still performing but after 4 years of touring we're taking a bit of a break. You can catch up on all aspects of the group at our website which is: www.thenewseekers.com
Marty Kristian
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?
Our hits in the 70’s gave me great joy as being part of a successful act. However on the stage of life it is just a snapshot in time and mostly will be of little significance in the bigger picture after we have departed.
Music, as with everything else is in a constant state of change and popular music especially reflects the mood and echoes the sentiments of the people that were attracted to it at the time. – Some tunes will stay in the memory longer than others and that goes for all genres of music.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
Politics on the world stage appears to be a difficult juggling act. – continually trying to balance the competing interests of countries, states, tribes and individuals. Selfishness is endemic in the human race and whilst we retain the “this is mine” consciousness , it will always be a juggling act between the “haves and the have nots”. But every era has some shining lights that have humanity’s interests at heart and hopefully they can have an influence in changing the world’s consciousness.
Bill Gates appears to have set a nice example.
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future? We hear there’s something really exciting on the horizon!
How far would you like to go back?
I consider myself very fortunate. I grew up in Australia and my widowed mother gave me the freedom and encouragement to explore and follow my ambitions.
I studied Architecture at Melbourne University for a couple of years before dropping out to pursue a singing career, which eventually brought me to England and the New Seekers.
The New Seekers have had several changes in line up since the definitive group split up in 1974. I continued to sing with them till almost a decade ago when I decided it was time to hang up my guitar as I was starting to sound more like a New Squeaker than a New Seeker. – Currently I have an interest in a small surveying firm but much of my time is spent in Wales where my wife and I own some holiday cottages.
I enjoy drawing and painting and in the process of writing and illustrating a children’s book about two Koalas called “Walt ‘n Matilda” – being a song writer I thought they were good names to give them.
Tell us a little about your kind of music please!
I enjoy all kinds of music from Classical, Country, Pop and Rock.
I don’t spend a lot of time listening to albums these days, although I do enjoy hearing my son Oliver’s compositions. His writing is a cross between Ray Davies, Bowie and Bob Dylan. He’s in the process of forming a band called “MOONS” – so we’ll have to see what happens.
I still enjoy the Eagles and some Country Rock music.
Which decade was best for music, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s or 90’s or the 00’s?
In my book there is no such thing as the best decade for music. – Popular music is all about the fashion and mood of the time. It’s like everything else - in a constant state of flux being re invented and regurgitated. – The 60’s and 70’s was my era and so I suppose I’m more in tune with those decades. – Hey -Whatever floats your boat.
Would you still like to teach the world to sing?
“I’d like to teach the world to sing” was our biggest hit selling 7.5 million copies world wide. It was light relief with a positive message that struck a global chord after the horrors of the Vietnam war
The song was a simple ditty with a simple message crafted from a jingle.
It is what it says on the tin and I hear that it has become an anthem today for primary kids at school. – Often the most simple words can have e a subliminal impact.
I think the message that “we are all part of the one” is a worthwhile concept to ponder.
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
Depends on what my motive was for coming to earth and what powers I possessed to be able to influence the planet.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Every hurdle and every so called problem solved is an achievement of sorts for all of us . – Musically I guess having had the world-wide success with the New Seekers. And on the personal side having a happy long-term marriage and a wonderful family.
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
Where do we start?
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
You are responsible for your thoughts and actions and only you can change them - As you think – so you are …. Strive to understand what your life is about. It is only when you stop …and look deeply, that you will begin to realise that we are all part of the Oneness …..Read some uplifting books and spiritual teachings, which can motivate us and take us out of our mundane lethargy. Learn to love life.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
As an Aussie … It’s gotta be Neighbours.
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
What is sound but a vibration – What is a vibration but a part of the Oneness – The Universal Mind hears feels and touches all.
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
As a performer, I never gave it much thought, but when I look back perhaps we said what we had to at the time. – What was right then is not necessarily right for now or vice versa.
What advice would you give to musicians today? And what’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
Keep being creative and do it with enjoyment. The technological advancement of today means that many more of us have the facility to become musicians and writers in our home environment. Music and the Music industry will continue to change and reflect the fashions of the day. – Can’t really comment on the marketing – you probably need to speak to my son Ollie who is more up with what is happening on the music scene today.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Rhythms and melody combined with lyrics can provide a subliminal and often hypnotic message. The fusion makes the package more memorable than words by themselves.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
Depends on my mood and point of interest. – I like documentaries
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
A fabulous communications tool – but a double-edged sword –As you ask so shall you receive – As you think so you are! – The choice is always ours.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
Yea… right ! – The time old question of “What’s it all about and why are we here…”
It depends on what one’s concept of God is.
Is he or she a so called benevolent entity sitting somewhere on high, in judgement on us like a strict tyrant?
Or a selective deity who has his favourite “chosen people” and bugger the rest.
Or a god , who’s prophet is his mouthpiece and is not to be maligned, questioned or contradicted in any way for fear of death by his followers.
For many, those are the concepts that have become part of their reality.
For me, it would appear that there is a Universal Intelligent Energy, which pervades everything and is everything in various manifestations – call it God, Universal Consciousness, Nature or whatever you like but its all the same. There is an underlying intelligence and energy that pervades everything and everything is inextricably linked to everything else – we are all part of the “Oneness.” We could get into quite deep territory here but for now I’ll keep it brief.
Look at nature, this planet – the universe. Nothing is random – There is an order to everything in the Universe and everything exists within the parameters of this universal energy. The physical world as we see it is just condensed energy at it’s source. Take a glass of water. – It appears as liquid. Change the vibration of the atoms by cooling it and it becomes a solid … a block of ice… Change the vibration by heating the water and it disappears as mist – So you see, things are not always as they appear. but the atoms and energy are never lost to the universe – they just take on a different form. – The spirit or Universal Intelligent Energy or God if you like pervades all, and as such everything is in the image of “God”…..- we could talk about reincarnation as linked with evolution next if you like….
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
In this new technological age of communication the interchange of ideas philosophies and understanding have been raised on a global scale to a height never seen on this planet before. This, in my view will ultimately raise the level of consciousness of humanity and with it will eventually come a new understanding in all things including a fusion of spiritual awareness.
Whilst human nature is as it is, there will always be dogmatic and radical views, however everything eventually changes and my hope is that it will be for the benefit of humanity.
Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
We have to define what we mean by “free will”. We are governed by natural forces and universal constraints on this planet. We, as a society are also compelled to comply with community laws that have evolved over a period of time and which continue to evolve with new circumstances. Under those parameters we are free only to a point. Where so called “Free Will transgresses against humanity, a price must be paid.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
Don’t know too much about Nuclear Power but if there was a viable choice I would be pleased if we could harness the energy in a potentially less dangerous way.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
I believe that we are not the only life in this Universe and as such the possibilities are endless. – I think we’ve touched on “God” before don’t you?
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
A change in consciousness can happen in numerous ways. One can have a profound “religious experience”, a” near death experience”, an” out of the body experience” a” drug induced experience” or any other mental or emotional changes causing trauma, anxiety, elation or other such feelings. All of us in some way have embraced some of these experiences, but it depends on the circumstances and to what degree they affected us as to whether we experienced a permanent shift in consciousness.
I’m sure many of the world’s pre-eminent individuals have had altered states of consciousness. Let’s hope some of them have made positive contributions to society as a result.
What would you still like to achieve?
Get a children’s book published … and some other things…
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Don’t think it would benefit his career much.
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
Haven’t pondered on this too much. – Would like to see more of both sides of the argument. However I am sure that we do harm the environment by the consumer society waste disposal, cutting down of rain forests and many other things we do that disrupt the balance of nature.
And lastly please feel free to say or plug anything at all you want to
For anyone that might be interested, I have recently released an album of demo recordings of songs I have written or co written in the 70’s & 80’s
The Album is called “Echoes” and is available through the New Seekers web site www.thenewseekers.com
Last but not least – please have a look at our holiday cottages in Wales.
Just put GEUFRON into Google and it will come up or type www.geufronholidaycottages.com
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Kagagoogoo was a UK
band in the early 1980’s with the best known hit being ‘Too Shy’
which reached No 1 all around the world. The lead Vocalist Limahl
eventually left for a solo career where he released the song ‘Never
Ending Story’ to the film of the same name. Limahl released a new
single and we met up with him to talk Music, Ghosts, Politics and
more.
What would you most
like to be remembered for?
The Choice is really
out of my hands, most people would remember me for the hair and that
song, or those two songs.
We know most
politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as a spawn of Satan,
What are your opinions of the politics of the world today?
If I’m brutally
honest I think they get a bad rap, I think it’s too easy to knock
politicians and think it’s a thankless task and I think there are
some genially hard working politicians. You get the odd prat but if
you look at the politics around the world, ours ain’t that bad,
it’s not perfect but it’s a lot better than Afghanistan or some
dreadful parts of Africa.
What’s your Favourite
Monty Python Film and Why?
I’m not a big fan of
Monty Python so couldn’t tell you really, I have seen Star Wars
about 200 times so if the question was on that I could answer it a
lot better.
If you were an Alien
visiting Earth for the first time, what would you do? Turn away and
go back, Help or Conquer?
What a great
question..... I would turn away and go back without a doubt!
What is your greatest
achievement so far?
Well it really has to
be having a number 1 record in the whole of the world, simply because
the odds were firmly stacked against me, I was just a boy from Wigan
raised on a council estate with no central heating or double glazing,
3 boys had to share the same bedroom and my Dad was a miner, all us
boys were expected to go in the mines too. In those day’s no-one
really got into show businesses so I think that alone is a fairly big
achievement.
If you could speak to
every human being on Earth right now, what would your message be?
Don’t forget to eat
your crust!
If your life depended
on it which soap opera would you do a Cameo in?
Oh god, could of been
Sex and the City but that has finished, so would have to be Desperate
Housewives, love it to bits, camp as Christmas!
Have you ever felt
pressured that what you are singing about effects society?
No, I think Too Shy
just has a feel good factor about it, unlike a movie that has a 2
hour commitment to it, you can just be doing your choirs or driving a
long in the car and a really good pop song can just make you feel
great.
Which brings us nicely
onto ‘Too Shy’.... what’s all that about then?
We were in the living
room of the bass players flat in Leighton Buzzard, I was living with
him and his girlfriend after leaving London, we were just sat writing
songs and one of the ideas was this song Too Shy, we were just
jamming around, I still have the cassette actually, 30 years ago!!
You can hear Stuart in the back ground working on the bridge “DONG
DONG DONG” then we eventually put in “Hey Girl, Move a little
closer” The phone rings and you can hear the whole 1980ness of it
all. There was no deep meaning to it, no we will save the world with
it, there were actually 2 demos before the recording and we changed
things, moves bits about, we were like movie directors really
shooting alternative endings.
You’re also brining a
new single out called ‘1983’, what’s the story about this
single?
Well before I forget
can I remind you there is an App, a 1983 App which you can get free
from ITunes, with stories about the music, the lyrics, videos also a
twitter feed that runs along the bottom plus the Facebook page, it’s
really cool.
I did a gig in Norway
with Pat Sharp at the beginning of 2011, when we got back he sent me
an email saying a couple of guys in Norway are interested in working
with me, I contacted them and said, as I do in these situations, send
me over 32 bars of music and I’ll play around with it. They sent me
a piece with a very retro style to it, I don’t know why but I just
started thinking about the early 80’s and then I was singing “I
wanna go back in time”. I needed a year and it was so easy to pick
a year as 1983 was the year ‘Too Shy’ came out. It was really
just another great accident, sent the chorus back to them and they
really liked it, I then worked on the verse and sent 2 to 3 ideas
back before they really liked it. We sent ideas back and forth, back
and forth all using technology, even my vocals recorded here was sent
as a downloadable link to their end, very different to 1983!
In 1984 when I was
recording the Never Ending Story I had to physically fly to Munich to
meet Giorgio Moroder at the studio. It would be nice even today to
work with people in the same room but if someone is on the other side
of the world and we just throwing ideas around it would take forever.
Do you think Man was
created by God or God created Man?
I don’t believe in
God, I can’t really say a Yes to either of those really, I just
believe in the big bang theory really. One big fat accident! The more
problems in the world that are caused by Religion the more I do
despise Religion.
A Recent Scientific
report stated that Religion would eventually die out completely, what
are your thoughts on that, although you may have just answered it,
good or bad thing?
WOOHOOOO!!!! Get rid of
it!!!
I was on the anti Pope
March back in 2010... I love Churches and the Architecture but it is
just one big head ache!
You are one of the
Giants from a period of Giants, who from that revolutionary period do
you most admire?
Oh, I admire lots, Lots
and lots..I’m just totally passionate about music, I was a kid in
London with my Sony Walkman and all sorts of dreams running through
my head, just as kids do today with their IPods and IPhones, I just
had my music on but there was a lot less people doing it then so I
felt really different, I had wild hair so I go a lot of looks, I
loved it! I had come from the constrains of a small town, I knew I
was certainly interested in other things, I don’t know if I had
decided I was gay at that point, I had had a lot of girl friends,
some nice girl friends and just really into having fun. When you
arrive in London it’s like you can be who you wanna be and no-one
peering from behind the lace curtain and whispering, you can have
more freedom to express yourself.
So back to your
question, I was walking round with Don’t Go by Yazoo, the 12” mix
of Soft Cells ‘Bedsitter’ which just felt like my life, Human
League, Japan... I loved Japan, I walked passed one of their gigs in
Hammersmith and thought who are all these weird people outside this
place, I was intrigued and wanted to be part of them! I thought they
were all weirdo’s but they were just expressing their own art and
getting into it.
Duran Duran of course
and their first album planet earth was amazing, that was spooky
because it was Duran Duran’s keyboard player that took our first
cassette into EMI records and produced our first record.
Also Motown stuff, I
love the Big Black American, Barry White, I was mad on Barry White!
Do you believe in
Ghosts, Ufo’s, Aliens or God?
Obviously I don’t
believe in God, I’d like to think there was some all powerful
seeing being but I am very sceptical, when I look at the Universe
knowing what we now know, I find it hard to believe that there is no
other life form out there, what form it takes I don’t know, I doubt
we will stumble over another set of humans, I think it would be like
Star Trek, there would be mammals with two sets of legs and a brain
but a different look, they may breath through a whole in their back!
Who knows!
I am not sure that
other life forms have been here, I think it is weird that if they
came they would want to communicate with us.
Ghosts, never really
believed in ghosts but when my Dad died about 9-10 years ago I went
home for the funeral to Wigan, it was all very upsetting for my mum
as she had been with him for 57 years, I stayed around for 3 days to
offer support but then had to go back to London, I was dreading the
moment and was slowly putting my bags in my car and felt bad for
leaving her on her own. I eventually filled the car up and went into
the house to say by to my mum, I was quite tearful as I didn’t want
to leave her although she had my brothers with her. I gave her a hug
and as I was hugging her I was overwhelmed with a sense of smell, So
I was crying, holding my mother and also trying to figure out why I
was smelling the same smell as the room Dad had died in! There was
just a smell of death or a smell of a spirit; it’s not something
you forgot. I said to my mum can you smell that, but she couldn’t.
It was just the smell of the hospital room.
What would you still
like to achieve?
The is a continuing
sense of achievement, Every year poses new challenges, spiritually or
mentally you have to deal with these from a new prospective and that
in itself is a challenge, keeping a focus and keeping positive is a
challenge as I get older. When you have achieved so much, and I have,
you talk about a lot in the past sense you wonder what is ahead of
you, I’m 53 and my next big birthday I will be 60, I have had a few
small health issues and so you do have to dig a little dipper to keep
positive, so that is the challenge to me. I seem to know so many
people that are on some medication for depression or whatever,
alcohol or drugs or therapy and so it’s easy to think, look at the
cup half empty rather than half full, the bands not happening or my
career is over and I will never have another hit record and no label
interested in signing me and not do as may gigs, It’s not like it
used to be, I am not 23 anymore and I’m not incredibly young and
vibrant and quite good looking. And one of the biggest pressures for
me is because I’ve not grown up in the public eye and I have been
away a while so there is a pressure in not to look like an old man,
so I’m at the gym, and swimming and doing the hair. The guy from
Flock of seagulls goes out and is now fat and bald, I’m Limahl and
if I went out fat and bald people wouldn’t want that. There is
genuine affection and I do keep getting calls luckily, there is a
temptation just to do nothing and just visit national trust
buildings.
That is a very long
answer to your question, the challenges are very personal and keeping
my head and shit together, looking forward and not looking back to
much.
So, Looking Forward
then, what is next for Limahl?
When you get to the
stage I’m at you try not to look forward to much, It’s like if
you meet someone who is single they will say I’m not the
relationship type as a defence mechanism and I won’t put my
expectations to high, the main thing is I will maintain quality and
enjoy what I do, I am loving the new song and the lyric and melody
and think there is a feeling in the song. I am talking about all the
things that mean a lot for me when I was 21. We are looking at a
follow up; I have been sent an Idea but not started working on it
yet.
I am doing Rewind in
Perth Scotland in July, and a 30 minute slot doing some of the
original stuff, I’ve hired four dancers and new costumes and have
just done a show in Warsaw and it was FABULOUS!! So sexy, 2 hot girls
and 2 hot guys, I really enjoyed it. I don’t dance, I can wiggle a
little bit but that’s it.
I have done all this on
my own, I have no manager as it were, and I have been looking for a
manager for the past 25 years! I have met a lot of bull shitting
wankers but yeah...
Julie Newmar (born August 16, 1933) is an American actress, dancer and singer, known for a variety of stage, screen, and television roles. She won the Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Play for her role as Katrin Sveg in the 1958 Broadway production of The Marriage-Go-Round, and reprised the role in the 1961 film version. In the 1960s, she starred for two seasons as Catwoman in the television series Batman (1966–67). Her other stage credits include the Ziegfeld Follies in 1956, and playing Lola in Damn Yankees! (1961) and Irma in Irma la Douce (1965) in regional productions. She appeared in the music video for George Michael's 1992 single "Too Funky", and had a cameo as herself in the 1995 film To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar.
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for?
My grace.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what's your opinion of the politics of the world today?
If half the politicians were women our future would be safer.
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
I'd be fascinated.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Being the mother of a special needs child.
What has been mankind's greatest achievement?
Language.
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
I love you too.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
Upstairs Downstairs
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Yes, it sends out vibrations in the air.
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you do affects society?
Yes.
Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
What's your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
Instead I would listen to : Bottom of Form. Orchestral Suite No. 4 in D Major, BWV 1069, Réjouissance - J. S. Bach
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Because words appeal to the left brain and music appeals to the right side of the brain, that's why.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
Masterpiece theater. I prefer characterization over noise.
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
It saved my life. I do most of my work on the internet.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
Even if you don't have the capacity to see great things, it's still true; man is created in the image and likeness of God.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What's your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
In our quest to understand all that is, the higher aspects of religion comes in handy.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
Yes. It's cleaner, done like the French.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness?
Yes.
How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
Yes, The anatomy of consciousness is explained in Dr. David Hawkins book Power Vs. Force.
What would you still like to achieve?
I'm doing it now.
Do you believe in manmade global warming?
Yes. The strongest evidence is carbon dioxide in the air.
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re up to these days, plug an album, website or carboot sale.
My new book: “The Conscious Catwoman Explains Life on Earth” is available on Amazon.com and at www.JulieNewmar.com
It's a how-to book.
On DVD: The Official Collection – “My Living Doll”. Julie Newmar as the perfect woman - Rhoda the Robot, AF709.
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Claudia Christian Speaks to Serpent Films Claudia Ann Christian is an American actress, writer, singer, musician and director, known for her role as Commander Susan Ivanova on the science fiction television series Babylon 5.
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for?
Helping people across the street
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what's your opinion of the politics of the world today?
It's stupendously depressing
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future?
I was born in a circus tent in 1985….Oh you mean the truth? Don't you have IMDB or can't you go to claudiachristian.info?
You have a wonderful voice and you've actually done a lot of voice-over work. Can you tell us about this? What in, how hard was it, is there a special skill?
It's a very special skill and no one should ever try it (this will hopefully leave more jobs for me)
I know you've spent a lot of your time with aliens, but if you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
Try and help with what? The dishes? World peace? Traffic problems? I would most likely get a really good burger and call it a day….
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Not having children.
What has been mankind's greatest achievement?
Cotton buds.
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
Think before you open your pie-hole.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
I have never seen one in my life but I suppose General Hospital or Emmerdale (is that a soap?) those are the only names I know…Oh and 'All my Children'.
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Hell yes, what are you daft?
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you do in the public eye or when you're acting it may affect society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
I am doing the right thing. I'm on a mission from God!
What advice would you give to actors today?
Give it up, the Kardashians are famous, enough said
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Because people are mostly pretty dumb so they need a melody to follow
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
Sexy movies, do I need to explain why?
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
It's pretty darned scary but it sure has made life easier. Then again I haven't seen nature or daylight in a decade so I guess it's not all good.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
Women rule, we can give birth so we are the rulers of the world, get used to it. Men were created to provide the seed and mow the lawn
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What's your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
Good Lord…how would television evangelists survive? How would priests get their rocks off? People would have to take responsibility for their own actions and not blame it on "God"…now what kind of world would that be?
Is "free will" the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
Not as long as he owes taxes and has a credit card
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
I have no vested interest in it and I think they've done WAY too much "testing." A lot of cancer floating around the world…Wonder why…
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO's (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
Are those 3 things the same to you guys? Ghosts? I've seen one so yes, Aliens and UFO's …never seen one but I did see some crazy ass lights in the sky in Puerto Vallarta one night back in the 90's….God? Saw Him too…So yes.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
I had a weird trip once on tequila and I could swear I could talk to trees. I think I ate the worm. It was pretty cool. I also took mushrooms accidentally when I was a teenager (they were in a milkshake a naughty boy gave me) and that was really freaky. Gargoyles came out of the walls and I ended up naked on the roof of the house not knowing why I was naked or how I got up there. I don't like drugs for all of the aforementioned experiences.
It was not beneficial except for opportunities like this where I can recount a silly drug story. As far as politicians experiencing altered states of consciousness - aren't all politicians aliens? So aren't they already in an altered state? Hello! Are you guys for real? Don't you know this already?
What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
This interview.
What would you still like to achieve?
Financial freedom, so I can bugger off and live on my private Island with a small but respectful and trustworthy staff to attend my every whim and need.
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Justin who? The kid with the ridiculous hair? Of course I would. It could lead to the aforementioned financial freedom. I ain't dumb ya know.
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
It's all because of hair products, especially hair spray…that stuff has totally violated our ozone layer and I for one have boycotted it for ages!
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you're up to these days, plug something, a website or carboot sale.
You could come to Claudia Con and show your love: www.claudiaconuk.com or you can visit me on my facebook fan page http://www.facebook.com/ClaudiaChristianFanPage
or you can visit my blog (which isn't terribly interesting nor do I keep it up to date) claudiachristian.net or you can go to claudiachristian.info or you can write to me….12400 ventura blvd #520, Studio City, CA 91604 USA
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Valerie Leon appeared in several of the Carry On films and has been a Bond girl twice: in The Spy Who Loved Me (1977) and Never Say Never Again (1983). Other supporting appearances include Revenge of the Pink Panther, The Rise and Rise of Michael Rimmer (as the secretary Tanya), a hotel receptionist in The Italian Job, and a callgirl in No Sex Please, We're British, alongside fellow Carry On actress Margaret Nolan. The 1971 Hammer horror film Blood from the Mummy's Tomb offered Leon a rare lead role, as a reincarnated Egyptian queen.
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for?
I would love to be remembered for having added a little fun and pleasure to people's lives.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what's your opinion of the politics of the world today?
Politics are beyond me. The one rule I live by is Do not harm and if we all followed that rule the world would be a better place.
So, how does it really feel to be fancied by millions of blokes (and probably some women)?
When I was young I thought it was scary but now I love it.
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
I would just marvel at the beauty of nature (which I presumably would not have experienced on the planet where I come from).
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Producing two decent, caring and hardworking children.
What has been mankind's greatest achievement?
To survive.
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
Live and let live and recognise how privileged you are to be alive.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
Without my life depending on it I would love to be in Coronation Street, whatever the cameo!
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Yes.
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you do in the public eye or when you're acting it may affect society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
No. So far I have not had that problem. My parts have been too insignificant. But I do believe in the copycat factor, which truly scares me.
What advice would you give to actors today?
Develop your imagination as much as you can.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Music stays in your head longer than words on their own. I love singing and when you sing with your whole being the words become part of you.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
I love good old-fashioned romantic comedies
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
It is amazing. The benefits far outweigh the dangers.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
I think God is created in the image of Man/woman.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What's your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
In my opinion religion in its literal sense is intended to re connect us to the greater whole from which we come, I think that feeling part of a greater whole is a human necessity which will never die out. Organised religions who use their power to limit people's freedom may well die out.
Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
I think absolute free will does not exist. We are always conditioned by something.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
No. I think the risk is too great. We should cut back our needs.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO's (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
I believe, but am not sure in what.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
Personally I have not but I have friends who have and I am open minded about it.
What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
Turning down a personal invitation to meet Federico Fellini to discuss the possibility of a part. because I was breastfeeding and embarrassed about leakage! I was too green/ ignorant/barmy to realise that that is precisely what would have inspired him to give me the job!
What would you still like to achieve?
I would love to become a professional cabaret singer or work on Coronation Street.
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
I would love to.
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
Some natural but I am in no doubts predominantly man made.
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you're up to these days, plug something, a website or carboot sale.
Just that it is truly flattering to think that people still want to read about me and that you can visit my website for all up to date details. Also that I have put together a presentation about my life and work www.valerieleon.co.uk
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Kellerman's acting career spans nearly 60 years, and her role as Major Margaret "Hot Lips" O'Houlihan in Robert Altman's film M*A*S*H (1970) earned her an Oscar nomination for Best Actress in a Supporting Role. AfterMASH, she appeared in a number of the director's projects: the films Brewster McCloud (1970), Welcome to L.A. (1976), The Player (1992) and Prêt-à-Porter (1994), and the short-lived anthology TV series Gun (1997). In addition to her work with Altman, Kellerman has appeared in The Outer Limits (1965), Star Trek (1966), Bonanza (1966, 1970) Last of the Red Hot Lovers (1972), Back to School (1986), The Minor Accomplishments of Jackie Woodman (2006), 90210 (2008), Chemistry (2011) and Maron (2013).
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for?
-INTERAL OPTIMISM
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what's your opinion of the politics of the world today?
-NEED HELP!
So, how does it really feel to be fancied by millions of blokes (and probably some women)?
-REALLY GREAT, WONDER IF ITS TRUE.
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
-CONQUER
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
-STILL STANDING
What has been mankind's greatest achievement?
-WE'RE STILL STANDING
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
-LOVE LOVE LOVE
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
-CORONATION STREET
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
-NO
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you do in the public eye or when you're acting it may affect society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
-I DIDN'T REALISE I WAS THAT POWERFUL
What advice would you give to actors today?
-DON'T DO IT UNLESS YOU ABSOLUTELY HAVE TO
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
-YAY! BECAUSE THERE IS MUSIC
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
-GOOD ONES, WHY NOT?
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
-WISH I KNEW
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
-WE ARE ALL REFLECTIONS OF GOD
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What's your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
-FAITH AND SPIRITUALITY WILL NEVER DIE, BUT IT SEEMS RELIGION CAUSES TOO MANY CONFLICTS
Is "free will" the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
-YES!....IN THE WORDS OF RODNEY DANGERFIELD
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
-WHAT DO YOU THINK I'M SMART??
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO's (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
-GOD
-I'M NOT TELLING
What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
-IM DEFINITELY NOT TELLING
What would you still like to achieve?
-PLAY THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
-ONLY IF HE ASKS ME, I'M EASY, ANYTHING FOR VISIBILITY
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
-DUH! MANMADE
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you're up to these days, plug something, a website or carboot sale.
-PLEASE CHECK OUT MY CD CALLED "SALLY" IF YOU LIKE IT…BUY IT!
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The 1980’s teen-idol is wearing well. Collaborations with Elton John and Bonnie Tyler amongst others, and varying degrees of critical & commercial success with the release of every new album push this creative songwriter periodically back into the limelight. He never really went anywhere of course, and it’s easy to forget how much of Nik’s music is woven into the fabric our lives. Whether it’s the iconic Live Aid performance of mega-hit ‘The Riddle’, or the entire summer where it was impossible to walk from one street to another without hearing ‘I am the one & only’ blaring from a car radio, this is one artist that has truly stood the test of time.
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?
Not sure I give a toss. When you’re dead, you’re dead.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
I’m sure David Cameron actually believes the sanctimonious, self righteous shite that comes out of his gob when he talks about bombing Libya but, at the end of the day, it’s all about the money. He knows it and we know it. Mind you, somebody has to be in charge. Being a politician is a thankless job and I have no idea why anybody would want to do it. I admire their courage, confidence and work ethic. That doesn’t mean they’re not all smug, self-aggrandizing, patronising scumbags.
Before I embark on a career in the music industry, is it true that pop stars like yourself get laid at least twice daily? Or is this a myth? And if not, what’s the point?
Not twice and not daily, but you do get to hang out with Roland Rat.
What’s your favourite Monty Python film and why?
“Life of Brian”, without a doubt. Not least because it pissed so many people off. It gets quoted more than Spinal Tap in this house. “Wolf nipple chips, get ‘em while they’re ‘ot”.
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
I’d turn around and go back, were it not for the fact that I wouldn’t be able to afford to fill up my spaceship with diesel. I might have to get a Saturday job with my comrades in Games Workshop.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
I think my crème brulee takes a bit of beating.
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
I’m torn between landing on the moon, sequencing DNA and ‘Cheeky song (touch my bum)’ by the Cheeky Girls.
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
New album, coming sometime in 2011 www.nikkershaw.net
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
Eastenders. I am, by nature, a miserable git. I’d fit right in.
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
We weren’t around when the big bang happened but I’m pretty sure that would’ve been quite loud. Anyway, if a squirrel or woodlouse heard it, it made a sound.
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
Christ, I’m not Bono. I just write and sing about stuff that interests me. If anyone’s dumb enough to think I’m some kind of oracle, that’s their problem. My songs are an NCP car park, anyone parking in it do so at their own risk.
What on earth was The Riddle all about?
Nothing on Earth. It was a guide lyric that never got changed. Bollocks from start to finish.
What advice would you give to musicians today? And what’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
Do it ‘cos you love it and play to anyone who’ll listen. I’m hoping that people will tire of the whole X Factor thing. Far too much attention being lavished on far too few people. Everything goes in cycles. The revolution is coming. Today Mubarak, tomorrow – Cowell.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
“The music is the missile and the words are the payload”, I think somebody who knows stuff said that once. If they didn’t, they should’ve done. It’s bloody genius.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
I love a good, intelligent Sci-Fi. Also clever, “out there” movies like “Being John Malkovich and “Memento”. Nothing annoys me more than a glossy, star studded, high-budget pile of crap.
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
I don’t think there’s much point in having an opinion. It’s here and we have to deal with it. The music business spent years trying to stem the waters with sandbags before it figured out it was better off bunging on a pair of Speedos and going for a splash (I do love a good metaphor – songwriter, you know).
I’m pretty sure we created God but, if we didn’t and Ed Milliband was created in his image, we’re all screwed.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
As an atheist, that’s fine with me. Too many people are still dying in the name of some God or other. Paradoxically, I find myself envious of those with an unshakeable belief system. My mum lived the last five years of her life totally convinced that one day she would be reunited with my dad in Heaven. It sustained her through each day and I wasn’t about to argue otherwise. Must be great to have that kind of faith in something. And think on this, without religion there would be no Sistine Chapel, no Mozart Requiem…..And no Aled Jones!
Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
I’m free between 18:00 and 07:00. The rest of the time I’m £17.50 per hour.
As a pop star, it’s a given that you’re obviously deeply involved in the occult, child sacrifice, Satanism and taking the virginity of young ladies. Why is this?
There’s nothing on the telly.
Have you ever heard of Howard Jones?
Very funny. Howard is a worthy adversary and a true friend.
You are one of the giants from a period full of giants. Who, from that revolutionary period, do you admire and why, apart from Human League, which goes without saying!
I love Scritti Polliti. Green’s voice is something special, Dave Gamson’s arrangements were groundbreaking back in the 80s and the songs continue to be strong. Tears for Fears made some great records. There’s always Talk Talk and, if we’re talking of giants, fish is 6’7”.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
I did until a few weeks ago. Not wise to build a reactor on a fault line. Still think it’s better than burning an ever dwindling supply of fossil fuels.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
I’ve seen a ghost, seen a UFO (it was unidentified, it was flying and it was an object), have yet to see a God of any description. I’m not holding my breath. I believe in Our Lord Richard Dawkins (Ironic or what?)
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
I’m partial to a cheeky merlot but, fortunately, drugs either put me to sleep or kept me awake so I never really got a taste for them. I’d love to see prime minister’s questions on crack, most business leaders are off their face most of the time and religious leaders are permanently in an altered state.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
I worked in an Unemployment Benefit Office for three years.
What would you still like to achieve?
I’d still like to score the winning goal in the FA cup final and win the Monaco Grand Prix but I’m beginning to come to terms with the fact that these two achievements will ultimately elude me. I’d settle for writing the perfect song. Haven’t even come close yet.
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Although I can’t conceive of the series of events that would have to conspire to make such a liaison likely or possible, I cannot say for certain that it would never happen any more than I could say that I would never have Pope Benedict’s baby.
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
I’d love to believe that the whole global warming thing was a big corporate conspiracy but most of the science tells us otherwise. I take solace in the fact that this planet will do fine without us; and that, in Universal terms, we’re completely insignificant.
And lastly. Please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re up to these days, plug an album, website or carboot sale.
Already have.
Thanks Nik, a truly entertaining interview, can I have my pen back?
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Dennis Locorriere with Dr. Hook received more than sixty platinum and gold albums and had number one chart success in over forty-two countries. His songs have been recorded by Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Helen Reddy, Crystal Gale and Jerry Lee Lewis to name a few. Today, Dennis still tours, writes books and is still a popular recording artist. We interview Dennis and gets to grips with the real Dr. Hook.
Hi Dennis, my first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning? Or the gold suit?
I’m gonna do the best I can to accurately represent who I am and let it go where it’s gonna go. The people who really know me will remember me for who I really was. The rest will read something written by someone who read it somewhere else.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
I hear what they say and wonder what they really mean. The more they tell us, the more I assume we don’t know.
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future? And especially your solo work!
I was a long-haired kid who loved The Beatles and just wanted to sing.
I would have handed my young life over to the devil for that opportunity and in many respects, I did (think I’m kidding?).
I’m grateful that Hook had the success it did but I don’t choose to relive the same brief period of my life over and over again. There’s something very sad and desperate about doing that. My present is whatever’s burning now (which also happens to be the title of my new book of poetry and cartoons).
My future? Talk to me tomorrow.
Tell us a little about your kind of music please!
These days I write everything I record and much of what I perform in concert. I’m at an age where expressing what I think is more important to me than trying to calculate what will bring commercial success. I can tell you exactly what inspired every song on my latest album, Post Cool, and what it means to me. It’s autobiographical but not to the exclusion of the listener. If a song or story makes someone else say ‘Yeah! Me too!’ then it’s done it’s job.
Which decade was best for music, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s or 90’s or the 00’s?
The 60s, hands down. The rest would not have happened the way it did without them.
How have you coped with being a sex symbol? I can offer advice if you need it.
That’s a question that obviously must have wound up in my pile by mistake. Honestly, there were a few years there, when I was singing all the love songs, that some of that sort of attention came my way. Celebrity of any kind was never really what I was striving for. I’m always taken by surprise when someone just starts talking to me as if they’ve known me all their lives.
I wouldn’t dream of stealing any of your ‘secrets’.
Have you ever heard of a band called Dr Hook and how is Sylvia’s mother these days?
Yes, and much of what I’ve heard is fiction. The poor dear is very old and has to rest for long, long periods of time .
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
I’d probably take a look around and stretch my legs (or whatever I got around on) after all those light years spent just sitting in the saucer. How long I stayed would depend on what I found. I’m not the conquering type.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Maintaining my sense of humour.
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
Continually extending the life expectancy so we can all die of new things.
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
We didn’t book passage on this trip. We all woke up onboard.
Do the best you can .
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
I don’t really know much about them but a wordless walk-on in one of those Mexican soaps might be fun.
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
That’s where even a cheap tape recorder would come in handy.
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
I don’t have that much sway over society and would never want to have.I ponder whether I’m doing the right thing for part of each and every day.
What advice would you give to musicians today? And what’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
I can’t imagine what it would be like to just be starting out today. I doubt it would appeal to me at all.The charts are not relevant to what I do these days. I just do what I do and let water seek it’s own level.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
These days I’m not sure that’s true. Too many exotic dancers and not enough philosophers.
I write more poetry than I do songs lately.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
I find myself drawn to documentaries more than any other genre. I also like character and dialogue driven films. I’m fascinated by the way people speak to each other. Realistic verbal exchanges are the hardest to write and act.
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
It’s called the ‘information highway’ and there are bodies strewn all along the way. Social networking will eventually bring about the end of civilization. It proves we’ve never had more ways to communicate and less to say.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
I’m convinced that God was created because we’re so afraid to be responsible for ourselves.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
I’m antitheist. I believe religion is the most dangerous and destructive of all of mankind’s contrivances. I’ve heard it said that the best argument against religion is all the other religions.
Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
Not as long as we live in such a competitive, commercial world. There are people who live in the remotest parts of Australia who don’t even know there is a Sydney. That’s probably about as close to ‘freedom’ as is possible.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
I own a microwave, if that’s what you mean.
That reminds me, I must clean it. It’s disgusting!
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
As cool as I think it would be to discover there is something besides us, I don’t believe there is.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
Everything doesn’t work for everybody.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
I constantly struggle to make sense of the randomness of life.
What would you still like to achieve?
I’d like to leave just enough blank space to be able to fill in as and when I see fit.
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
I can’t imagine what the point of that exercise would be, but it would be interesting to just have a chat with the boy and see what makes him run.
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
The planet is going to do a certain amount of evolving on it’s own, but I think we can all agree that humans are the only species that threaten the environment and that we are making things harder in the long run by attempting to make them easier in the short term. As the late, great Bill Hicks said ‘We’re just a virus with shoes!’
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re upto these days, plug an album, website or carboot sale.
BOOK – Whatever’s Burning Now. CD – Post Cool... DVD – Post Cool Live! And, if you go to
https://www.dennislocorriere.com, you will find out more than you could possibly want to know about me and what I’m doing these days.
All pictures cour tesy of and copyright to Judy Totton. Thanks Judy!
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Davy Jones is the lead singer in the popular 60's band, The Monkees. Generations of humans have watched his exploits on the Monkees television show and sung along to I'm a Believer and Pleasant Valley Sunday. Here,
Davy spoke to Serpent Films just before his untimely death.
Hi Davy. My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?
The music gave meaning and enjoyment all around the world.Can you tell us all about your past, present and future? What's been done has been done... what's been said has been said... what will be will be... but tomorrow ah tomorrow.
Have you ever heard of a period known as the 60's? And do you agree with me that music just went downhill after that? Or am I way too old and stupid?
There is an audience for everything. And the music we hear is the music people are buying. Music mingles souls.
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
I am doing the best I can and one day I will return to my planet.
What has been mankind's greatest achievement?
Survival so far ...watch this space!
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
Give peace a chance.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
Man looks to God in a time of need.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
Any service that could change the world for the better should not be overlooked. However, who is to determine that.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO's (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God? Or anything weird at all?
Don't believe in anything I can not see or touch.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
One or two Budweisers doesn't do anyone harm!
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
He stole my haircut! Axel Rose stole my dance. Maybe they should do a duet together.
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you're upto these days, plug an album, website or carboot sale.
www.davyjones.net. SHE... new album with classic songs.
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I would normally start by asking a little about you, but if AWESOME readers don't know who Donovan is then they ought to go and by Bella or go back to watching Tweenies.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
Democracy is better than Tyranny. Pericles Speech to The Athenians set the model. It has been modified of course. I was brought up by a Socialist Father who showed me the great strides for freedom that The Unions achieved. Communism has proved to be flawed . The Brother and Sisterhood of Mankind is only to be realized through Transcendental Awareness .
What's your favourite Monty Python film and why?
Satire is healthy for a Society. The Celtic British are masters of Satire. Satire is good if it is not ridicule. That's why all Monty Python Work I love .
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
I am an alien visiting Planet Earth. I see the situation as I meditate. The source of suffering is ignorance. Knowledge of the inner world of Bliss Consciousness is the answer. I tell the Earthlings to visit the David Lynch Foundation Website, as soon as possible.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Announcing The Bohemian Manifesto in 1966 with my album Sunshine Superman. An act which unfolds and is not historical
What has been mankind's greatest achievement?
The invention of lipstick.
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
SAVE THE WORLD !
Is it really true that you started the rumour about banana skins and LSD? And if so, kudos, very funny! No ..it was not me. It was Country Joe ( and the Fish ). For 40 years the story confounded me. Then one day I was signing The Psychedelic Exhibition Book at the Cleveland Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum. Country Joe sat beside me signing also. A long line of fans snaked off into the distance. At one point Joe whispered to me, "It was me man." I turned to Joe, he still wore his khaki 'Flack Jacket' but short hair. " The Mellow Yellow shit Man, it was me". I suddenly knew that the tale that had followed the song Mellow Yellow about smoking dried banana skins would now be revealed. I said, "Joe after we break , you are coming with me".
The signing stopped and I took Joe to a dark and quiet corridor in the museum, and Joe began.
"It was 1966 Man and me an the band needed to advertise our gig, so we put the whole band on a truck and we went down to a spare lot where some old Carnival Shit was dumped, we found a giant banana and put that on the truck too..then we drove through The Haight , playin our stuff really loud!" I stood listening with baited ears . "Then ma girlfriend who was into PR said lets call the radio station an tell them you can get high smoking dried banana skins"Joe paused for effect.
" That prank would have lasted a couple days but that Friday Donovan. You released your single Mellow Yellow!" Joe is a radical and he has done so much to raise consciousness with his work.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
Are you ill?
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
* No its only you.
The 60's and 70's were a great transitional period in human history aided very much by folk music like your own, is it time for another revolution in the spirit of man?
There is only now, it’s an illusion we call the future past and present. The complete instructions to save the planet are announced in the sixties, Buckminster Fuller wrote the book 'Operating Manual for Spaceship Earth' and I write a song with the same name for 'Bucky'. Don't be foolish and think there is need for another revolution. We in the sixties gave it all to you, use it well and see that even those who questioned the knowledge revealed , now see they need it to survive.
Be cool and prosper. I was the herald with Sunshine Superman album , and soon the Bohemian Manifesto was let loose and invaded popular culture. It is clear is it not?
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
We Poets are in service to the tribes of man .We release the obscure emotions of the heart and lead the way within to The Unified Field.
A good friend of mine, Wes Dolan, is a singer/songwriter that we discovered busking in the streets of a local town. I'm personally paying to get him recorded because of his folk music message and skill as a musician. Apart from the obvious question, how about a duet!, what advice would you give to musicians today? And what's your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
Forget the industry. Without the singer in the club or street or bedroom of their dreams, no future music can be made. It's all made by beginners. there is no music business with the makers of music .forget that you see the industry as powerful. They are powerless without us.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Poetry and Music are one. They were separated by those who wish to control dreams. Poetry is now returned to the world through the sixties revolution of thought and heart and mind. be cool and prosper.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
Only classic masterworks and that includes David Lynch.
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
We imagined the internet in the sixties and it manifested.
Do you think man is created in the image of God or the other way around?
We create ourselves, and for the first 3 weeks we are all female. Gnosis is knowledge. Knowledge is revealed when you transcend. Why are you asking what you already know ?
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What's your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
Religion is a description. Faith is a comfort. Awareness is discovery of the Self. Meditation of a technique lost for millennia in the west, now re-introduced. There is no need for organised faith when all are one.
Is "free will" the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
Free Choice is when you realise what you want and know it will manifest.
I understand you once sang backing vocals on an Alice Cooper track. Who else have you worked with, why and who was the biggest pain in the ass?
Kate Bush was brilliant.
You are one of the giants from a period full of giants. Who, from that revolutionary period, do you admire and why, apart from The Monkees, which goes without saying!
Ray Davies for his humour and Music Hall, and Leonard Cohen for his pretended seriousness and famous blue raincoat, Buddy Holly for his 3 chord symphonies and Neil Young for his True Americana.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
Split Wood Not Atoms!
Dimensions exist and other planes. Mushrooms reveal The Matrix which is the whole universe within our consciousness and flowing through our cellular chemistry. From the invisible world to the diamond crystal , all kinds of ghosts and UFO's appear.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
The altering is in fact the wrong word. We are mostly fixated in a complex and brainwashed by school , fear and dogma. When the sacred plants are taken as a sacrament, the real universe reveals itself to us. The only thing that's altered is the conditioning is broken, for often brief periods only, then its back to what we laughingly call reality. This so called reality is a paltry portion of the great and luminous being that we are.
What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
Haven't done it yet.
What would you still like to achieve?
Living in the Evernow
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Never heard of him.
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
Lighting a cigarette then pulling a plastic bag over you head is probably going to heat things up a bit.
And lastly. Please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers.
Sit quietly on your own soon after you wake each day. Breathe easy and slow.
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'The house of the Rising Sun', 'We gotta get out of this place' and 'Don't let me be misunderstood' are just three of the mega-hits from the British 60's band, The Animals. Under the name 'Eric Burden and the Animals', they moved to California, and have gone down in history as one of the greatest pop-rock bands ever. Here, Eric Burden unleashes his animal instincts.
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?
I feel that the music IS the meaning.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what's your opinion of the politics of the world today?
In New York City recently, I saw the congregation of a black church departing after Sunday morning service. Next to the doorway, inside a glass case, was the prayer of the week. It read: “Show respect to your enemies, after all, you helped create them.”
That's my feeling toward today's democratic process and the so-called regimes we feel don't fit “our ideals,” but you can't force democracy on anyone. People must come to it.
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future?
The past is past, nothing you can do about it. Lord knows I have made my share of trouble, but I'm grateful to all of the people who remember the better things. The present has me involved in continuing basically the same endeavours. Only I can now use my experience from the past to do it better than previous works. As for the future, we're all going to have to be stronger than before as the challenges are greater than ever, but everyone should try to live in the 'now'.
Tell us a little about your kind of music please!
The music I love must be from the centre of the soul. I listen and feel anything that has reached my heart. I decided, years ago (age 15 or so) that the human voice was the first instrument ever, and words and stories needed to be conveyed. I believed and still do, that I am an instrument.
Have you ever heard of a band called The Animals? Any good?
We started out young and strong. We had a collective belief in music: music from another land, the music that was stronger outside the land that gave birth to it. America tried its best to crush the sounds of black music and rock and roll, and so we reached into the collective trash and we found the Blues, which gave birth to Rock n' Roll. Yeah, we were good, until money got in between us.
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
I have an open mind. Out here in the Mojave desert I've seen some unexplained things in the night sky, but after all these years, I now believe that people have been deluded by a great cover up put into action by the military, since 1947, as a means to cover up their need to spend trillions of dollars on experimental aircraft and keep the fear level up in the world. This is all based on the fact that people see and believe what they want to see and believe.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
A thought… It's 201 Jazz music's dawn was around 1911, which morphed into blues. R&B, which became rock and roll. It's still alive today, so one could say that this form of music has lasted almost a century. I'm proud to have been a part of that cultural expression. Rock On!
What has been mankind's greatest achievement?
The printed word comes close, but I am still waiting and watching. I hope I won't be disappointed.
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
Save the oceans! It's our last chance! We should be ashamed of ourselves. Reduce plastic use, and wherever possible, “revolt” against atomic energy use.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
I would love to be with Joan Collins in a Mexican daytime soap opera, killing all of her lovers with an ice pick.
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
About as much as a teardrop. You don't need to hear it, when you can feel it.
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
Chaos is the foundation to life itself.
Stay in the garage until the whole street knows who you are, then find a good manager. Don't trust anyone, but when you do need to, pray you used your own gut feelings. If things go wrong, you only have yourself to blame.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Charles Dickens didn't play Harmonica. I believe that words by themselves can be just as effective.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
American and French gangster films circa 1947-1958 (Jean Pierre Melville).
My favourite directors are Stanley Kuberick, John Ford, the Cohen Brothers, David Lean, Guy Richie, Sergio Leone and many more.
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
I think we've yet to find out.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
God created woman, then the silence was broken forever. I tend to lean toward the belief that God is a woman and that she is black.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What's your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
So that means that Science will be the new religion? As long as there is a human element, there will be religion. Science has also recommended that atomic power s the cleanest, most efficient form of power for the people on our planet, so who can we trust?
Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
A good, healthy night of sexual activity will “free” you up for a few hours, but death does a better job. Amen!
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
I'd like to back Nuclear Power all the way back into the ground. But the genie is out of the bottle. We all know it's too late. There's been so much big money in 'clean-ups' and security. If we want to stop it we can, but man would even put a reactor in the rear of a Volks Wagon.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO's i.e. aliens visiting planet earth? God?
I live in the land of astronomical events. A large meteor strike could wipe us all out, that's for sure. None of us can confidently say he or she will still be living the next day. Now it's known that there are fingerprints embedded into asteroids that the space program has found and may be the key to human space exploration. But no little green men in UFOs are going to find us. We have to find them, their traces, and clone what we find. Then we could have our choice of colour when it comes to little space creatures.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
During a session in 1964, I consumed mescaline and was embraced by Karli, the Indian goddess of death and destruction. It was a frightening experience. I survived to be stronger and lived to tell the tale. Could you imagine Carl Rove doing the same thing?
What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
I am crazy! It's the best defence mechanism in this crazy world.
What would you still like to achieve?
Peace of mind. And more regular sleeping habits as I get older. This is becoming more difficult as time races by.
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Sure! I've got a cool song for the dude, the title is '27 Forever'
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
I knew it was coming, so I moved to the desert where the summer temperatures can get up to 120 and nights in the winters are freezing cold. But the air is clean and the night skies are beautiful so it's an even trade.
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you're up to these days, plug an album, website or car-boot sale.
I've been hitting the studio getting my new album ready for release. It'll have all new tracks and a short video to accompany a song about the late, great, Bo Diddley. The album has been taking up most of my time, writing lyrics, recording, designing album art, etc., but as usual, I'm reading constantly and I'm thinking about material for a new book.
We're also leaving again soon for a few shows here in the U.S. We've got some shows in Canada and Europe later in the year. Check out the dates on my website www.Ericburdon.com
Helen Maxine Lamond Reddy is an Australian singer, actress, and activist. In the 1970s, she enjoyed international success, especially in the United States, where she placed 15 singles in the Top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for?
BEING KIND
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
IT DOESN'T MATTER WHO YOU VOTE FOR, YOU STILL END UP ELECTING A POLITICIAN.
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future?
PAST IS GONE, PRESENT IS ENJOYABLE AND FUTURE IS YET TO COME.
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
WHAT MAKES YOU THINK I'M NOT AN ALIEN? ;)
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
LIVING TO BE 70.
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
WOMAN'S GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT HAS BEEN MAN.
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
LOVE.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
I HAVE NEVER WATCHED A SOAP OPERA.
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
IT MAKES A VIBRATION BECAUSE IT IS ENERGY (AS IS EVERYTHING).
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you do affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
NO.
What’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
I PREFER MUSICIANS TO COMPUTERS.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
STUDIES HAVE PROVED THAT WORDS SET TO MUSIC ARE MORE EASILY REMEMBERED.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
I PREFER NON-VIOLENT FILMS PREFERABLY COMEDIES AND CLEVER PLOTS (HEIST FILMS, ETC.)
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
IT HAS THE CAPACITY TO REACH BILLIONS AROUND THE WORLD SIMULTANEOUSLY.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
ASK ANY MICROBIOLOGIST, THEY WILL TELL YOU THAT MAN IS A MUTATION. WOMAN IS THE ORIGINAL GENDER.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
I BELIEVE SPIRITUALITY WILL OVERTAKE AND UNITE ALL FAITHS.
Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
HUMANS ARE THE ONLY BEINGS IN THE UNIVERSE WITH FREE WILL. ANGELS, ACCORDING TO UNIVERSAL LAW, CANNOT INTERFERE WITH HUMANS UNLESS HUMANS ASK FOR HELP THAT IS NOT SELF-SERVING. IN WHICH CASE THE ANGELS ARE FREE TO ASSIST BUT IT IS MOST IMPORTANT THAT WE THANK THEM FOR THAT ASSISTANCE. THEY LOVE GRATITUDE.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
ONLY IF USED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
SPIRITS, YES. UFO's, I'VE NEVER SEEN ONE THOUGH I DON'T DOUBT THAT THEY EXIST. GOD IS THAT WHICH IS.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
YES. POLITICIANS, BUSINESS, AND RELIGIOUS LEADERS ARE LINEAL THINKERS AND FIND IT VERY DIFFICULT TO EXPERIENCE AN ALTERED STATE.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
I'LL KEEP THAT ANSWER TO MYSELF.
What would you still like to achieve?
A LONG, HEALTHY LIFE.
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
ONLY IF MY GRANDDAUGHTER INSISTED.
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
COMBINATION OF THE TWO. MAN CERTAINLY IS A PRIME FACTOR.
Hi Suzi and thanks for being Awesome!
Now, getting down to serious stuff, will you marry me and have my children?
A LITTLE TOO LATE.. WHERE WERE YOU WHEN I NEEDED YOU!!!
Whose idea were the leathers?
ABSOLUTELY 100% MINE.. ELVIS FAN FROM AGE OF 6.. ALL IN THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY...I WAS BITTEN BY ROCK ANROLL.. AND LEATHER.. IN THAT ORDER.
Do you wear them to bed or just on stage?
NOT TO BED.. ON STAGE MOST OF THE TIME.. AND ALSO.. A LOT OF STAGE ESPECIALLY JACKETS.
Your music is timeless, Devil Gate Drive still rocks. We'd love to know what you think about the music today? Is it all really bad, or is there some you like?
TODAY 'S MUSIC.. THERE IS SOME GOOD STUFF..
RHIANNA...LOVE ADELE.. SOME GOOD BANDS COMING UP...BUT.. MUST BE SAID.. WHAT I FOUGHT FOR AND ACHIEVED , AT LEAST FOR AWHILE WAS FOR WOMEN TO HAVE A 'SERIOUS' PLACE IN REAL ROCK AND ROLL.. I DON'T LIKE THE WAY GIRLS ARE SEXUALLIZING THEM SELVES ALL
OVER AGAIN... SOFT PORN VIDEO'S.. WHERE DO THEY GO FROM HERE.. THAT IS MY ONLY COMPLAINT.. ITS NOT WHAT I FOUGHT FOR.. ...................TALENT WISE.. LOTS OF GOOD PEOPLE.
Having achieved so much in your funky life, is there anything left you want to do? And can you please take a bunch of bikers on to the X Factor and take over!
I WOULD LOVE TO TAKE OVER THE X FACTOR.. AND AT LEAST BRING SOME REALITY INTO IT...SOOOO BORING. Who was best, Elvis or Cliff? NO CONTEST.. SEE ABOVE WASN'T RAISED IN UK.. SO NEVER GOT INTO THE CLIFF THING.. BUT , VERY NICE MAN
What's your absolute favourite film? No choosing more than one. Your absolute fave...
GONE WITH THE WIND
Who is the sexiest rocker now or in the past?
ELVIS
If I was God and I said you had one day of super power that would allow you to help life on earth, what would you want to do?
PLAY MY PIANO
Which is best, Batman or Superman?
SUPERMAN
And finally, what every reader really wants to know, what do you wear under those leathers?
NOTHING
Jefferson Airplane Enter Our AirspaceAn exclusive interview with rock legend, Jorma Kaukonen
Jorma is a legend in his own lifetime. He is best known for being part of the super bands, Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, scoring up such hits as Somebody to Love and White Rabbit in the 1960’s.
Hi Jorma, thanks for taking time out to answer my questions. My first is, what would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?
I guess I would first like to be remembered as a good husband to my wife and father to my two wonderful children. After that we get to the music. Music to me these days is nothing without meaning so I guess I'd have to go for the meaning.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
Good one! It seems as if there is really nothing new under the sun. Politicians seem to have been around since recorded history and probably before... sort of like a virus. Thanks to modern technology, they can do more damage with less effort.
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future?
Well... I see myself as an average American Joe who found himself blessed to be able to communicate through music and words. Thanks to the Jefferson Airplane and my pals therein, I have been able to spend my adult life supporting myself doing what I love. Right now I am
running a music school in Ohio called the Fur Peace Ranch (check it out) as well as touring extensively both with my mandolin playing buddy, Barry Mitterhoff, and with Hot Tuna... which is Jack Casady, Me, Barry Mitterhoff and Skoota Warner. In 2003 I received a Grammy
nomination for a solo project of mine called Blue Country Heart. Jack and my Tuna buddies and I just recorded our first studio album in 20 years for Red House Records. It's call, 'Steady As She Goes,' which sort of reflects our life's mantra. Larry Campbell produced it. As for the future, I would to live long enough to see my thirteen year old son and my five year old daughter graduate from college. Considering I'm seventy years old, this may be asking a lot, but I'm going for it.
Tell us a little about your kind of music please!
I guess blues and spiritual music started out as my muse... but I got infected by Rock and Roll which is certainly seductive. Thanks to the plethora of categories these days, it would seem that what I do now is Americana... whatever that is.
Have you ever heard of a band called Jefferson Airplane? Any good?
No band with a name like Jefferson Airplane is ever going to go anywhere. That said, when I go back and listen to our stuff from back 'in the day,' I have to remark, 'We weren't bad!'
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
Who would want to conquer these barbarians? We humans (and I use the term loosely) are a nasty lot. I think I'd pick up as much good music as I could and head back to the home planet.
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Boring answer, but I'd have to go with being a good father.
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
Music and art.
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
Doesn't it make sense to get along better with each other? How hard could that be... really?
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
General Hospital
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
If a man is alone in the forest without a woman, is he still wrong?
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
I'm not sure 'pressured' is the word I would use... When I was younger I wouldn't have cared. Now, it concerns me. As for question two... 'yes.'
What advice would you give to musicians today? And what’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
Never mind the marketed music. One has to be true to one's self. There will always be people waiting to share honesty.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Somehow music seems to bypass the brain and go directly to the heart.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
Every now and then I actually watch a 'good' movies... more often than not it's 'forensic dramas,' and the like. Yeah, I know... pure escapism.
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
Of course, we really have no idea how powerful the internet is going to be. There is now question that it is in my life every day!
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
If indeed we are all children of a higher power why should that power look like us and not a jellyfish?
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
I consider myself a spiritual person. I have heard it said that religion is for those afraid of hell, and spirituality is for those of us who have been there. Who knows?
Is "free will" the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
Aleister Crowley had something to say on this subject.... 'Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law,' or some such nonsense. Of course, depending on where we live, we have many choices to make. If we didn't care about consequences, we could choose any path. If we do
care about consequences, the choices are by definition, limited.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
In the wake of the tsunami in Japan, Nuclear Power seems like a dangerous way to boil water. There must be a better way. We do not have nuclear power in the part of Ohio in which I live. I would oppose it if they tried it here.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
Just because I have never experienced a ghost doesn't mean they don't exist. Same for aliens. Why should we be the only sentient life in universe. Lastly, I believe in a higher power I choose to call G_d.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
Of course. I grew up in the Sixties. Now this is just my opinion today. I didn't work out so well for me and I wouldn't recommend it to my children. As for politicians, business and religious leaders... if they could just take a good look at themselves in the mirror and start practicing rigorous honesty, this would certainly solve their problems in my opinion.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Gotten into and stayed in the music business.
What would you still like to achieve?
Play some more good music... record some more good music... keep on smiling.
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Good grief. Tough to imagine.
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
Beyond my expertise.
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re upto these days, plug an album, website or carboot sale.
Thanks for being interested in anything this old guitar picker has to say. Check out:
www.jormakaukonen.com see what I've been up to.... I write stuff too.
www.furpeaceranch.com see our cool little world where peace and music actually reigns full time.
www.hottuna.com see what the old rockers are still pulling off
The man needs no introduction, but here’s one anyway. A massive international star. There, nuff said. Now read on.
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for?
I really hate that question but probably for being an amazing lover? I dunno, my musical legacy is very important. I still have work to do to cement that! I'm on it like a far bonnet!
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
You cannot lead successfully without compassion. I believe in leaders but most have zero compassion. I think greed and commerce have always been more important than fairness & compassion. I joke that 'democracy sells you your life back at a premium rate'. I don't think you can just blame the politicians we all have to look at our role in things. Culpability is the new black!
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future?
My past has been colourful and complicated but fun at times. My future is as uncertain as yours but my presence is very present. I am here and I love my life.
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
I would hope to have a wealth of wisdom to impart but I might have my own questions to answer!
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Keeping my sense of humour and my friends! All the rest is just drama and while it's important in its own way it does not define me!
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
The safety pin? Bread, eyeliner!
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
Be the light!
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
Coronation St or Emmerdale. Is the league of gentleman a soap?
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
It would sound like Armageddon to a slug!
Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
To be honest I have only started considering this as an older and hopefully wiser man. Yes, now I think constantly about what I do. I consider myself to be much more Conscious these days!
What’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
There is always great and inspiring music being made. Of course it's all objective and just because something sells bucket lads that doesn't make it sacred in my opinion. I love honesty and sometimes really trashy pop songs have a certain honesty that other bombastic and revered things don't. I like what I like and that's the end of it!
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
A song about something is always better than vacuous drivel. Even instrumental music can be seriously lyrical. Words are everything!
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
I love Pedro Almodovar who is a quirky Latin genius. Again, honestly, profundity and style are things that set great movies apart. I thought 'The Artist' was a visual Masterpiece but wondered why they didn't do more dancing. The dancing at the end was stunning and worth the ticket.
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
It's a cesspit but it can be a great way to promote and share ideas! I love and hate it in equal measure!
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
I see God mostly in nature. Those places and things that take your breath away. The creatures that inhabit the ocean are mind blowing and put Gaga to shame when it comes to style and freakishness. God is in the trees.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
Religion or faith can provide us with boundaries and that's a good thing. The intention of faith is to unite but sadly many human beings miss the opportunity to use faith as a warm blanket. As I said earlier 'be the light!
Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
Once you understand that you have choices, especially emotionally then you can approach life from a better perspective. They say if you want to know how to live watch a flower grow. Also, look at people who live with disabilities and you Will learn humility. Be grateful for what you have and know that you are lucky if life provides you with luxuries. You are not special if you are rich and successful. You are lucky.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
After Japan it's hard to support it. We need to invest in less harmful energy ideas.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
I believe in my friend Amanda Ghost!
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
Only on drugs and I would not recommend it to anyone. I no longer believe chopping off your ear leads to enlightenment!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
There are so many things. I try to keep those moments to a minimum.
What would you still like to achieve?
Complete & utter personal happiness!
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
I don't think we could agree on a song!
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
We are certainly not helping. I think man has and is continuing to damage the earth.
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re upto these days, plug an album, website or carboot sale.
Support our label VG records and pick up 'Kalino Mome' Marc Vedo & Boy George ft ' Desi Slava'on Beatport. It's the cut!
Sharon Corr Talks to Serpent Films
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future?
Started learning violin at 6yrs old, taught myself the piano, went to school- wasn't nuts about it! Ran a record shop at 18. Gigged with Jim as a duet. Corrs as a band formed 1990 to audition for commitments film and it grew from there, wrote songs, recorded, worked our ....s off! Sold 35 Million Albums. Got married, had 2 babies - Cal and Flori .. awwwwwwww. Started writing and recording solo album Dream Of You and here I am! (Of course a shed load of stuff happened in between but that's it in a nutshell)
Tell us a little about your kind of music please!
I have two voices - vocal and violin. I love writing, sometime it's a pop song, sometimes it a classical, sometimes it's trad, sometimes it's a mix of all three that's me! Who knows where it comes from I just let it out!
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
Considering the state we've got ourselves into - I'd probably - if I were an alien - put the UFO in reverse!
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what's your opinion of the politics of the world today?
Run by humans unfortunately. We could learn a lot by putting more women in positions of power - less ego - more nurture!
So come on, how does it really feel to be desired by millions of blokes around the globe?
No idea! Sounds fab tho!
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
My kids, my music.
What has been mankind's greatest achievement?
Johnny Depp
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
Don't hurt each other
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
Dallas, I need me some shoulder pads! Oh and Johnny Depp has to play JR!
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Of course it does, funnily enough - it makes the sound a tree makes when it falling. Duh!
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
Never - that's the beauty of doing what you love and loving what you do. Music has always been my best friend.
What advice would you give to musicians today? And what's your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
Find your own unique voice, never follow the pack. Learn your craft, know it, own it and never make excuses for who you are. "The industry" - seeks out what its heard before, but the public wants what touches them. If it comes from your heart - it will touch people.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Music makes language complete, really it's two languages merging to create a deeper- truer expression of ourselves and our world. Words on their own speak to the mind, music and words combined speak to the spirit and the soul.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
Love old black and white movies and period films, like- All about Eve/ Remains Of The Day and Dangerous Liaisons. I suppose because they are so removed from today that I can truly escape and experience without prejudice.
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
It's incredible -I love it and I hate it. The access to information is fantastic. But in away I feel it's too fast for us, that really we now have too many options - too many things we can be doing at the one time and therefore to little time to focus on who we are and who we love and what we should be focused on. I wonder also does it ultimately- rather than bring us together - bring us an imagined world of togetherness but lose the actual physical community around us?
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
I believe man is an animal that has evolved.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What's your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
Good. Then hopefully we can get back to understanding how similar we are and how similar our needs are without the barriers of religion to tear us apart.
Is "free will" the whole of the law?
Can man ever be truly free? We are preconditioned by our genes, we are also evolving - there's the freedom.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
I feel it is a power beyond our control, it frightens me, our time would be better spent developing natural sources of sustainable energy, like wind and wave.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO's (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
I believe in people, truth, love and hope. The rest I am open to but I'd much rather rely on what I see and know in my heart.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
I would recommend that politicians re-introduce themselves to the truth of peoples' lives. Music enhances my consciousness and takes me to a place nothing else can.
What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
Went sailing with my husband round the Whitsunday Islands for a week in a 35ft sloop yacht when neither of us had any sailing experience, which one is port?
What would you still like to achieve?
More!
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Absolutely no idea........
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
I honestly believe it has become a ridiculous "either/ or" debate when it is highly likely to be both.
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you're up to these days, plug an album, website or carboot sale.
Album - Dream Of You. Tour Imminent. www.sharoncor.com for all news
The Rainbow Interview - Graham Bonnet Talks to Serpent Films
Graham Bonnet is a hard rock singer who has had an extremely colourful and successful career. He first came to prominence in 1968 as one half of the duo The Marbles, who had a huge and enduring hit with the song 'Only One Woman', which was written by Barry and Robin Gibb of the Bee Gees. In 1978, he was invited by Ritchie Blackmore to join Rainbow, where his soulful and incredibly powerful vocal style made an immediate impression. Rainbow entered the singles charts with 'Since You Been Gone' and 'All Night Long' from the Down To Earth album, while they headlined the first ever Monsters of Rock festival at Castle Donington in 1980.
After leaving Rainbow, Graham Bonnet had another hit with the single 'Night Games' from his solo Line Up album, where he was joined by musicians from Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Rainbow and Status Quo. After this, he sang with Michael Schenker of UFO fame, then formed another band named Alcatrazz with yet another guitar giant in the form of Yngwie Malmsteen, then Steve Vai, but his prolific touring and recording output continues to the present day.
We interview the rock legend.
What would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?
I think I would like to be remembered for the meaning of the music because I put a lot of work into telling stories, but of course I would also like the melodies to be remembered. If its a serious question I would like all of it to be remembered... As I said I put a lot of work on the songs and it can take me weeks to work on one. I just have to be inspired.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
Nothing, because nothing ever changes. All the guys who work within the government are all the same anyway. Basically it's a very well paying job and they get a very nice house to go with it.
Is it true that rock stars like yourself get laid at least twice daily? Or is this a myth?
Of course we get laid twice daily. Everybody does don't they?
What’s your favourite Monty Python film and why?
The Life or Brian because it took the piss out of religion. I'm very anti religious as everybody knows. I also don't believe in Santa Clause anymore I'm afraid...
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
I would just go home!
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Being born I think...
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
Having me!
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
To get rid off money and get rid off guns. There would never be a war. Money, religion and guns are the biggest cause of wars on this damn earth. If we didn't have them I think we'd be still alive and not blow each other up and poor little innocent children. All is big business... but if we didn't have guns or money the world would be totally different but of course that's never going to happen because we are the way we are, a bunch of idiots.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
I have no idea because I don't watch any!
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Yes...
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
I think I always did the right thing and I always try to make comments on the way society is. What I think about good songs is that they are observations about the way people live and the truth about the world. Real stuff. Not your heavy metal dungeons and dragons... Probably it's still kind of political in a way but its only my opinion and my opinion doesn't really count because it doesn't really affect anyone. I'm just saying what I think. But some people do really listen and think "where do those words come from?" Well just look around...
What advice would you give to musicians today? And what’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
To musicians today I would say don't do it... get a real job.... and my opinion about the engineered music well I don't call that music anyway, it's just electronic bullshit with auto tuning and all that stuff. To me it just sounds like elevator music. There is no soul, there is no rhythm, there is no real emotion as everything is just too perfectly processed. So I would like to make an album, which I will eventually, with no effects, it will be basically as you will hear it, raw. And the music that comes out I have already heard ten million times before. Also now you don't have to be a real performer, you just need to have the right kind of haircut.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
I think people remember melodies more than they do phone numbers. I can never remember a phone number but if I put a melody to it then I will remember it, and I think people remember words because they like the tune, if they like the tune then they remember the words. That's why I forget all the words to all my songs...
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
I like horror movies, adventure movies... I like a lot of movies. I don't particularly have one real special genre so I would watch anything as I'm basically mindless... I would watch a movie until the end and then I decide why the hell did I watch it in the first place. But I like loads of loads of different kind of movies, anything with a good story telling and good pretenders, you know the people who get paid to pretend to be people they are not. They call them actors I believe.
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
The internet has become something I try not to use too much. I had several Facebook pages and all that kind of things and eventually I had my identity stolen and my bank account was cleared so I think the internet has become ridiculously like something like big brother and we are all going to die and sit in front of the screen and go nowhere, have all our food, all our everything delivered and never go out and meet real people. We'd all become just fat, lazy, blind people with very thick glasses...
Do you think man is created in the image of God or the other way around?
No comment...
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
Well obviously a good thing. It will die out. How come people all around the world have a different God? Which is the real one? "Pick your God! door number 1, door number 3..." Which is the real God? There isn't one. We invented God because people are scared of dying. And if you are told that if you don't listen to God's "rules & regulations" the whole place would burn to death or something stupid, or you would be turned into a worm... Religion is based on fear of death, that's why I don't agree with it. It's a lot of bullshit. So there, I have spoken, for I am God.
Is "free will" the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
Not as long as we are govern by people and having to follow other people's rules, I don't think so.
There were the hippie times though..., one of which I was part of, but then of course you suddenly realised you didn't have a job and you couldn't eat or do this or that or whatever.
But I don't think we will ever be free as long as there are guns around and things like that to kill each other with.
As a rock star, it’s a given that you’re obviously deeply involved in the occult, child sacrifice, Satanism and taking the virginity of young ladies. Why is this?
Because it's in the rule book...
Have you ever heard of David Coverdale?
No...
You are one of the giants from a period full of giants. Who, from that revolutionary period, do you admire and why, apart from Abba, which goes without saying!
I like Abba very much. I also like the Japanese version of Abba, which is called Jabba. They actually opened up for Rainbow when we first played in that wonderful country of Japan and they were great.
And well, before everybody else there was the Beatles. Every band had an element from them as we all "stole" from the Beatles as they covered every kind of music that there was and is. People now are still trying to be as good as the Beatles as they were the greatest songwriters ever. They changed the whole world of fashion. We all had long hair until the Beatles came along with all those funny clothes and everybody changed. They also changed loads of opinions. I remember because I was there when it happened back in the 1960s.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
No because is damn dangerous. Look at the tsunami in Japan... do I need to say any more? We could all die from it thank you very much.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
No... I'd like to. I'd like to believe in ghosts and about aliens visiting planet earth well maybe they did... why are we all so different? why are we so different in our colours, why are there different animals in different countries which are so different. Do all these different creatures and different looking people come from different planets? To me it feels as though possibly, I mean I don't really know... but its like we were all planted here and we all came from different worlds. That's why we are all so different. And do I believe in God? Of course not.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
No, I think they need to be as straight as possible. I think they get drunk too much. I think they are always in a state of unconsciousness rather than consciousness.
Have I experienced it? yes, back in the 60s when I was a hippie type. Of course I did, like everybody else. It's something I would never do again though. I don't miss it for the love of the sun.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
I exposed myself onstage...
What would you still like to achieve?
Greatness (laughs) and to write music forever, to sing better and to keep on singing.
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Only if he sung the bass parts...
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
I think its natural.
And lastly. Please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re up to these days, plug an album, website or car boot sale.
I don't give a shit about the world leaders basically. They don't interest me, they bore me. I'm bored of world leaders. And there is the world of actors too... and bitter musicians but I maybe one of them...
At the moment I'm doing some sessions for an album, a rock opera, for some friends of mine who I recorded a CD with last year. Its called Lyraka. I will also be collaborating on it with Veronica Freeman as se is doing a duet with me in one of the tracks so we are working on it right now. We are both trying to figure out what we are supposed to be singing because it's all a backwards and forwards conversation between two singers, a girl and a guy.
With my band Alcatrazz we are getting ready to record a new album with the new line-up. We have already written some material but have not started the recordings yet as we have been busy doing other work like writing songs for other people and recording for other people's albums and we have also been out on the road but we have material ready to go.
I want to try something different with the band. But it will still be the same kind of format. There will be elements from the old Alcatrazz and some "sing alongy" kind of songs possible, I'm not quite sure yet. So we have some material, we have weapons, we can rebuild, and redecorate as well. Alcatrazz is probably the only band in the world that when they go to their hotel rooms they don't smash them up, they look at the room and say "yes, I think that wall should be blue..." "this one should be black" We "redecorate". So if you want us at your hotel we will help you out to make the place look even better.
Also I have a brand new website launched early this year on www.grahambonnet.com along with all my new networks like Facebook, Twitter and MySpace so I can be connected to my fans more than ever.
Screen Legend, Maggie Nolan
From the Carry On films to "Dink" in Goldfinger, Maggie Nolan is a British screen legend.
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for?
For being a good parent and a joyful and radical individual
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what's your opinion of the politics of the world today?
Mostly it seems to be that politics is concerned with the extremely rich and powerful keeping it all to themselves - despite the fact that we all played a part in creating this wealth in the first place!
How does it feel to be fancied by millions of blokes (and probably some women)
Frustrating! I'm not in a relationship at present.
How many times have you been painted gold since Goldfinger and what on earth does it feel like?
Never.It felt a little clamy and greasy but not too bad - had to have part of skin exposed to air ie under bikini and it wasn't easy to remove, lots of soap. I still have a tube of the original Liechner gold make up
I wore, but I haven't tried it - yet!
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
It's such a shambles, I'd stay and try to help
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Managing to bring up two young men I'm really proud of
What has been mankind's greatest achievement?
Probably our ability to know more about ourselves and the world around us
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
It's a wonderful world, and we need to know we have the capability to share and enjoy it without diminishing anyone else's opportunity to do likewise
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
Probably something like 'Frazier'. I like witty American comedy.
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Yes
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you do in the public eye or when you're acting it may affect society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
Yes, although there wasn't the celebrity culture around when I was young, so it wasn't such an issue regarding one's private life. I did really enjoy working in productions that said something important
about society - I remember working at places like The Ambience and feeling I was 'where it's at', and touring the provinces with socially relevant theatre; on the other hand, getting a whole audience to laugh is a good feeling, especially if it's at ourselves.
What advice would you give to actors today?
Don't do anything that perpetuates lies
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Music set's the emotional scene so brilliantly
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
I seem to watch more foreign films than American or English - I'm off to see Wim Wender's 'Pina' this week. Although I love Mike Newell's 'Dance with a Stranger' and Mike Leigh's 'Topsy Turvy'
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
Amazing! But like all technological and scientific advances, it's what's it's used for that matters
.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
The 'other way around' I've got the T shirt (I designed it)!
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What's your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
A good thing - wow! all that energy re-directed to the 'here and now'!
Is "free will" the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
Freedom to me means making choices without prejudice and fear. In fact, I don't think one can be free in the sense of not belonging because we are part of the universe and this we can't control - not yet anyway!
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
It's just stupid to imagine we have to go this far to get our needs met!
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO's (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
I think we can conjure up the most incredible images with the power of our mind; images that we can convince ourselves are material and can even become so !. We are really 'magical' beings - God doesn't come into it!
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
Yes, I have and not only with the help of drugs. I think we all do it in order to get in touch with that greater consciousness that is both within us and outside of us. I would recommend it to everyone.
The safest way to do it is through your own mental capacity by emptying your mind and going back to square one, only this time with awareness (keeping your inner eye open!)
What's the craziest thing you've ever done?
Being with Spike Milligan comes to mind -we went on some crazy jaunts.
What would you still like to achieve?
I feel I still haven't made my mark in quite the way I want. I'm known and loved for only a part of me and I'm grateful for this; but there's another part to me which I like also and it's a part I have more control over so in that sense it's more 'me'.
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Absolutely - I love to sing!
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
Yes, I do and it isn't either/or - there is natural global warming - we can do something about the man-made part of it!
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you're up to these days, plug something, a website or carboot sale.
Check out how I am now -I was asked (quite out of the blue) to be in a film last year -I hadn't acted for about twenty years - it's a cameo role playing a fictionalized version of myself! It pre-supposes that I hadn't gone to Spain but had hung around acting and became a 'Dame' ! Go to YouTube and enter 'The Power of Three' and scroll down to 'maggie's scenes.'
Also check out my Artwork - there's a link from my website www.margaretnolan.co.uk
I'm having some of them screen-printed and I've been asked to show in three East London galleries! - so I feel I'm 'where it's at' again!
Signed, limited editions will be for sale soon - so I won't have to do any more car-boot sales!
The Catherine Mary Stewart Interview
From The Outer Limits, Knight Rider and Hollywood Wives to The Last Starfighter and Night of the Comet, Catherine Mary Stewart was part of the film and TV world for most of the 1980’s. Whilst drooling like teenagers we interviewed the woman who hasn’t aged.
My first question is, what would you most like to be remembered for?
Perhaps being a decent parent. I LOVE being a mom more than anything I’ve ever done. There is so much that I would still like to do in my life, some of which I hope might be memorable.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
I find the greed, self-gratification, short sightedness and lack of a sense of community in our culture in general depressing. Politicians certainly tend to possess these qualities, and if an elected official does strive for something better, they are squashed. But I don’t think it’s restricted to politicians, certainly. We are all responsible for allowing it to be this way.
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future?
I was born into an academic family with few academic tendencies (at least by my families standards), but I found my calling as a performer thanks to my enlightened mother.
I am the mom of two teenagers who amaze me every day. They are my life, my pride and my joy.
I am also working hard to move forward in my career and beyond.
There is so much to do, so little time. I look forward to my life’s potential and fulfilling more of my dreams.
Do you prefer television work or theatre?
I don’t know that I prefer one over the other. They are so different and challenging in different ways. I have done much more TV and film than theatre, but I’m looking forward to a live theatre run this fall and winter. Now THAT will be challenging! I love it.
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
Hmmm, very interesting questions… With any luck I would be a highly evolved, all knowing, benevolent alien, and if that were the case I would have to say it would be my instinct to help and inform. But knowing human nature, no one would listen so I would probably have to conquer, then help and inform. If that didn’t work, hopefully my planet is tropical and I’d have a nice warm place to return to…
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
I hate to be redundant, but my kids are pretty cool people.
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
I like green tea a lot right now. Ooh, and dark chocolate in the morning with a nice hot cup a’ Joe, or in the evening with a nice glass of Bordeaux. Prosciutto with fresh figs or a nice stinky cheese is a pretty darn good mankind achievement too.
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
Stop! Do yoga, breathe and then really look around. We can do better for ourselves, each other and our planet. I promise you will feel much better.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
I was on Days of Our Lives for a couple of years in the ‘80’s, so that would kind fun.
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
I believe it produces sound waves… but if there are no ears to absorb and interpret those waves, then they are just waves.
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you do in the public eye or when you’re acting it may affect society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
I think of those things more as I grow older, but I was never intuitively attracted to projects that had a negative, destructive message. I think in general I’m a pretty positive person and try to exude that in every area in my life (my kids and husband may argue that…), but I do wonder whether or not I’m doing the right thing everyday on so many levels.
What advice would you give to actors today?
Train so you have a foundation, know the business inside and out, learn the business part of the business, learn self promotion, surround yourself with people who are supportive of you, have integrity, be honest, be generous, don’t be shy and know your worth.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Music creates a mood in a way that is more dimensional than just the tone of a speaking voice. Human beings have a visceral reaction to music. It’s an amazing thing.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
I love all kinds of movies. Recent rentals include; “The Sound of Music”, “The Last Station”, “This is Spinal Tap”
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
I’m a little fearful about the fact that it has grown so fast in such a short period of time. It has become an integral part of the world culture in less than a generation. I think the positive effects outweigh the negative at this point, but I don’t think we are prepared for or can even predict the unknown negatives. What are the potential consequences as we unyieldingly share ourselves with the world via Facebook or You Tube or Twitter, and we trustingly give out all sorts of personal information into cyberspace and on and on? I think the potential for positive and negative
repercussions are beyond our imagination.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
Throughout mankind’s existence there have been many different God’s in many different images. I think we create those images.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
I don’t believe that. Perhaps religion may change and become something that we don’t recognise as we know it today, but I believe many human beings need to believe in something “higher than themselves”. I think religion in general can bring comfort and structure to people’s lives and I think that is what it is meant to do. Hopefully in a benevolent way.
Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
Freedom is a state of mind. Free will is something different all together. “Free will” has so many connotations that it cannot be deciphered distinctly enough to be the “whole of the law”.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not?
Can’t say I’m convinced about nuclear power. It’s clean and cheap until there is a disaster. In my life there have only been three nuclear plant accidents that I can think of, but the catastrophic after effects don’t appear to worth it.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
I believe in the right to believe.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
I don’t believe that altered states of consciousness go hand in hand with clear thought. Let’s keep our politicians and religious leaders as clear thinking as possible.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
I may have done some things that others might consider crazy, but if I thought they were “crazy”, I probably wouldn’t have done them. That’s not to say I haven’t had a very eclectic life and taken many chances. I believe in conquering things that scare me the most, and that’s how I try to live my life. I scare myself as often as possible. To me, that’s what makes life interesting and worth living.
What would you still like to achieve?
Sky’s the limit. SO much. I can’t wait to tackle it all!
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Hey, if Justin Bieber asked me to record a duet with him, sure! What fun that would be!
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
I believe it’s a combination of both, but I do believe that man has accelerated the rate of global warming immeasurably. I am so saddened by how Mother Earth is taken for granted.
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re up to these days, plug something, a website or car boot sale.
Thank you for asking me to do this very interesting and unusual interview. It’s quite refreshing! It’s been a very busy year for me professionally and personally. I have two teenagers. They are fantastic and challenging! So totally cool. Professionally, I’ve been doing a lot of travelling for various projects; I just finished shooting a movie called “Ghoul” with the young actor Nolan Gould from “Modern Family” and Barry Corbin. I also completed the narration for a documentary film called “Century of Light”. I’m preparing for a musical stage production of a film I did last year called “A Christmas Snow”.
Please “Like” me on my Facebook Fan Page! https://www.facebook.com/catherinemarystewart?ref=ts All the latest and greatest is posted there and I spend a lot of time talking to you all! Really…
It’s been fun!
CMS
In the Summertime - The Mungo Jerry Interview
Mungo Jerry experienced huge popularity during the 1970’s with their hit, In The Summertime. It became their most successful song, topping the British charts for seven weeks, making number one in 26 countries and selling a massive 30 million records. Since then, the song has been covered by Shaggy and been featured in copious movies and television commercials. But what about the man behind all of this? We interviewed Ray Dorset.
Firstly I’d like to thank you for taking the time to answer my questions and for helping to make the crazy world of man brighter with your music. I promise to try and not ask you all the banal stupid questions you’re probably sick of answering.
It's always a pleasure to do an interview and I'm grateful that some folks are still interested in my activities, even though yes, I do sometimes get asked some pretty banal questions.
My first question, what would you most like to be remembered for? Is it the music or the meaning?
I guess that when I am long gone, In the Summertime will still be being played and sung all around the world even though I will probably be forgotten. The sentiment of the song is about celebration of life, regardless of the fact that some people think that the lyrics are in part politically incorrect, maybe so if taken at face value.
I just hope that my surviving family have some good thoughts about me. I do a lot of thinking “out of the box” so I'm sometimes thought to have a few strange ideas.
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
I haven't done a lot of historical study, but from what I can make out is that politics haven't changed much over the years, it's just that the balance of power and corruption has moved around a bit.
As in all walks of life and business, there are good and bad guys, you reap what you sow.
It's pretty strange, normally, when you pay someone to do a job for you, you call the shots. We pay these guys, and they tell us what to do, the more you work, the more you pay, taxes appear to be a penalty that you pay for the privilege of working, if you don't work, then you get paid, in the Western World any way.
What we need from politicians is to improve the educational curriculum and get kids more prepared for life outside school, there should be more accent on entrepreneurial skills and the fact that everything changes and you can't get something for nothing.
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future?
Everything would take far too long, there should be a book out about me co-authored with Stephen Pitts, one of his books is 39 Days With Gazza.
But in a nutshell, I was born in the dormitory town of Ashford, Middlesex. I have no brothers or sisters but a lot of great cousins and most of them lived nearby. We had a lot of fun as kids and were always in and out of each others houses, we all had pianos and loads of music stuff, wind up gramophones and there was always lots of music at the family parties. My mother used to play the piano and sing, so did my dad, he also played a bit of harmonica, my mum did most of the piano playing though.
I got my first proper guitar when I was ten, it was a Christmas present, I've still got it, it wasn't before I had a skiffle group.
The next Christmas I got my first tape recorder, this got me into being interested in the recording process, my grandmother bought me a crystal set, this got me interested in electronics.
By the time I was fourteen I had an electric guitar and was gigging regularly and I began writing songs. I was a big Buddy Holly fan as well as being into Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Little Richard, Gene Vincent and all of the rock n rollers. I was also a big Lonnie Donnegan fan and got to realise that the Skiffle and rock n roll stuff all came from the blues. More than anything else, I consider myself to be a blues artist.I'm playing blues and jazz festivals all over the place and enjoying it too.
Having written three UK No 1's and had lots of successful records around the world I discovered that things were not what I consider to be financially correct, so I have been in litigation for the past five years, this has slowed down my creativity to a degree.
I could write a whole lot of stuff about the music business, I'm a consultant for a small German music company, helping them with motivation, strategy etc.
The future is to keep moving with the times, find new angles and have fun, but the most important thing is good health and happiness for myself and all those around me.
Tell us a little about your kind of music please!
My music comes mainly from spontaneity, and it's got a lot of blues and soul in it. When I do it my way, it usually works. I made a few mistakes in the past like getting mixed up with the record company guys that thought I should work in another way, so I ended doing stuff with session guys and a couple of producers that tried to contrive popular music, so it all ended up sounding good, with good playing and everything but lost the feel, that’s one of the reasons that in the early eighties I decided to take the independent route.
Music radio wise, I listen mainly to Kiss, Fire, and Radio One, but I listen to a lot of talk radio too, mainly Talk Sport, Radio Four and Seven.
I got into a lot of world music in the early eighties, Southern African music, Arab music, Middle Eastern music etc.
When me, Peter Green, Vincent Crane, Jeff Whittaker and the other guys were recording in my studio we got into listening to some of the records that I brought back from a few of my trips over there. Peter was into King Sunny Ardea, I actually got to meet him at a studio in London.
What exactly is “in the groove?”
To me, most music is about the “groove “and the “vibe.” That is, regardless of technical quality or musicianship, its got that factor that moves you in one way or another. In the Summertime is a classic example of this, as is Lou Reed's Walk on the Wild Side, Sexual Healing, Marvin Gaye, Mannish Man, Muddy Waters.
Do you think sideburns will return?
Mine will probably not but I guess some bright spark will bring them back into fashion, not for sometime though, it seems to be more cool to have a shaven head at the moment.
If you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would you turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
In Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein, John Smith came to Earth with a lot of Martian power, he ended up being killed!
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
In some ways, surviving the rock n roll lifestyle, I got into health and fitness training, food supplements etc. long before it was fashionable.
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
We are all insignificant creatures and are here for breeding, i.e. the survival of the human race. We are physical beings on a spiritual journey. So, although there have been many wonderful discoveries and inventions, I am not prepared to state that mankind has made a great achievement, mainly because I believe that we should all be living as close to, and in harmony, as far as possible, with nature. It appears to be getting worse, owing to the fact that the Western World is driven by material gain. If you fuck up with nature, you will fuck up the world, everything in life is plus and minus, positive, negative, love and hate, that's the balance, when the balance is disturbed, things go wrong.
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
I just said some of it, be kind to children, old people and animals, try and treat everybody the way that you want to be treated yourself.
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
Coronation Street
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Yes.
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you sing about affects society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
My songs don't tell people what to do, some of the lyrics have story lines, some have little meaning, and some are food for thought, I try and keep it to the point, no arty farty stuff. I think that I'm doing the right thing.
What advice would you give to musicians today? And what’s your opinion of the highly engineered and marketed music we see in the charts today?
My advice is get a really good honest and creative team around you, the team should include a good lawyer and a good accountant, they must know how the music business operates.
If you want a complete run down I will answer any questions that you care to ask about the business, on a one to one basis – five hundred pounds per hour!
I think that the music that is around at the moment is the best that it has been for quite a few years.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Normally it's repetition of a particular word or phrase, and if it gets into the listeners head it will find its way into the subconscious mind like a kind of mantra.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
I like good comedy, off the wall type things, action, gangster movies, historical epics, I get ideas for lyrics and also it gets me away from thinking about things that I don't feel like doing.
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
I think that it is terrific, more people have power over themselves and you can cut out the middleman.
Do you think man is created in the image of God (or Goddess) or the other way around?
Think of God as being nature, one is all and all is one.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
Religion will never die out, it's a guide for living.
Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
Love is the law, free from what?
Misuse of the education system has brainwashed most people into believing that there is only one way to live. Most people that make loads of money do so that they can lay back and chill out in a nice place. Society has led people to believe that they must be successful, trouble is, they think that success is the accumulation of material wealth, being successful is being happy and content.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
I don't know much about it, but from what I do know, I don't back it, look at the problems that Japan is now facing.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
I've seen Aliens, and I’ve seen UFO's, and I believe in God too.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
I'm sorry but I don't understand the question, that is unless you are referring to getting drunk or stoned.
If so, it is recommended, occasionally, the best high is getting really fit and eating healthy.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
One lunchtime, not being able to find a taxi or a bus, I decided to buy an old Mini that I spotted across the road from where I was standing, to drive myself home
What would you still like to achieve?
I want to get all my outstanding projects completed, especially the In the Summertime musical.
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
If I was asked, probably yes.
Do you believe in man made global warming? Or is it natural?
Everything that we do has an effect on the environment, but I think that all this hype about global warming and being “green” is more a case of manufacturers and services using it as an excuse to get more money out of the public.
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re up to these days, plug an album, website or car boot sale.
Thanks for keeping In the Summertime so popular around the world for the past forty one years, check out all my latest recordings, Naked From The Heart, Cool Jesus, Adults Only, When She Comes, She Runs All Over Me, Kicking Back, Mungo Jerry In A Jam With Peter Green, Vincent Crane, Jeff Whittaker and Friends, albums.
Take Care and Have Fun in the Sun.
The Virginia Hey Interview
Bond girl to Timothy Dalton, Warrior Woman in Mad Max 2, Zhaan in Farscape. Just a few of the roles this amazing actress has undertaken. But there is another side to Virginia Hey and we found out.
My first question is: what would you most like to be remembered for?
My cheeky smile and cheekbones! My artistic achievements definitely. I inherited a good eye and artistic skill from Mum and Dad. I’m proud of my product packaging design, my drawings, my perfume design, fashion styling and of course my acting artistry!
We know most politicians were born in the fiery pit of hell as the spawn of Satan, but what’s your opinion of the politics of the world today?
In my opinion politics these days is ruled by commercial interests only. The mighty dollar rules, not true values. It saddens me. Long-gone is the need to provide the best quality of life and wellbeing to a nation, now its just a big Monopoly game. But I do believe this USA president is trying hard to provide the best future and quality of life in the long run.
Can you tell us all about your past, present and future? And about your spiritual work with meditation and your candles!
Oh boy, that will take a book, or 3! But here goes: as briefly as possible, I’m Australian but was educated in both the UK and in Sydney Australia. I began modelling when approached by a fashion magazine editor at a bus stop outside the Sydney Fine Art College I was attending.
Modelling led me to a career of acting that took me around the world many times. I eventually landed in the USA in 2002 after feeling I was my best as an actor and ready for the big-guns.
I arrived in my late 40s only to be told at the time, when ageism was at its worst in Hollywood, that I was too young to play the “elderly” roles, and too old to play the young roles, and at the time there was nothing for the healthy fit baby boomer type of attractive woman. So instead of fighting the ageism, I simply decided to wait out the ageism and try again later when I was old enough to play the “elderly” roles. Not that would EVER look elderly with my Scandinavian genes that keep my family ridiculously youthful! I set off to attend personal appearances all over the world, and began my own line of perfumed products that I used my art background to design myself.
From the age of 12 I had developed an interest for Meditation and continued that interest to this day. I am now a meditation teacher.
From modelling through my 20's I developed an interest in natural therapies. I modelled all the latest natural beauty and lifestyle products in the 70's. At that time, following the flower power generation, there was a giant wave to go the natural medicine route. Having a curiosity for science, physiology, anatomy, and coupled with the natural healing interest that was triggered via Meditation, plus a father who had a love of the human physiology, it was irresistible for me to study to be a natural doctor. I enrolled in Naturopayhy, Homeopathy, Herbal Medicine and Reiki. Then I furthered my studies in natural healing by studying Reiki and a 2 year course in Highest Guidance connection. Sounds like hippy fodder but was very useful in conjunction with all the other modules of medicine I was studying.
I did not complete my studies in Naturopathy, Homeopathy and Herbal Medicine, I was lured back into acting. But I will complete my studies on day when I grow up!
The ageism in Hollywood has dissolved and parts are beginning to flow for babyboomers at last, so, the big news is that I am back in the saddle in my USA debut, a Morphius Films independent production “Alien Armageddon”, directed and written by Neil Johnson. My role is a small cameo written especially for me. The film will be released in mid November.
It is the beginning of the second phase in my life as a kick-arse regal warrior woman who has a wealth of life and love and experience and soul on the lines on her face!
Phase two for me. ELDERLY? If I’m elderly then chickens have lips!
Now, I know you’ve played an alien, but what if you were an alien visiting planet earth, what would you do? Would turn around and go back? Or stay and try and help? Or maybe conquer?
Ha ha…I’d shake my head, giggle and leave the earth some cryptic message or symbol I know they will never solve, then leave!
What has been your greatest achievement so far?
Zhaan in Farscape, and trying to understand men…The greatest mystery on Earth!
What has been mankind’s greatest achievement?
Flight. And Enlightenment, a work in progress..
If you had the chance to speak to every human being on earth, what would your message be?
“41!”
No, ‘Id say “Please, banish these three things from your lives: sugar, aggression and cruelty. Love, not war. Be kind and helpful to one person every day and watch the domino effect.”
If your life depended on it, which Soap Opera would you do a cameo in?
Eastenders in the UK. Or an Indian soap opera.
If a tree falls in a forest, and nobody is around to see or hear it, does it make a sound?
Phillip…You’re nuts! But that’s why your readers love you! Hee hee.
Have you ever felt pressured by the fact that what you do in the public eye or when you’re acting it, that it may affect society? Have you ever wondered whether you were doing the right thing?
Yes of course.
What advice would you give to actors today?
There are so many actors who saturate themselves with booze and drugs. For goodness sakes, pick yourselves up, live cleanly, have pride in yourself and that will give you pride in your life and pride in your craft…And study study study! Know your lines. Do what the director tells you to do. AND...Never give up on your craft.
Why do you think music and words seems to work so much better than just words as a means to get a message across?
Silence is more powerful behind a scene actually. But of course, films have become accustomed to being accompanied by music. A hangover from the silent movie era. Its not a bad thing. Music evokes any emotion the director wishes to layer on top of the scene.
What kind of movies do you watch and why?
Anything I feel like at the time. Why? Because I’m totally open to being enthralled and I have no parameters of trend to prevent me. I love the art, so whatever I feel like watching, l'll watch.
What are your opinions about the power of the internet?
I’m still in awe of its power for good and great potential, but also confused and outraged by its power and ability to pervert in so many evil ways. I don’t understand the potential good, and the potential damage of the Internet across civilisation for generations to come.
A recent scientific report stated that religion will eventually die out completely. What’s your opinion on that? A good thing or a bad thing?
As long as there is life there will be souls and prayer in many forms. Maybe structured, man-made religious sects will die. That’s good, but God made beauty, and the healing power of prayer will live for eternity.
Is “free will” the whole of the law? Can man ever be truly free?
No. Yes.
Do you back Nuclear Power? If not, why not.
Not in its present form. Why? Look at the Japanese plants and what happened. Nuclear Power plants are too dangerous in their present manufacturing processes.
Do you believe in Ghosts? UFO’s (i.e. aliens visiting planet earth)? God?
Yes.
Have you ever experienced altered states of consciousness? How, why and was it beneficial? And would you recommend it to all politicians, business and religious leaders?
Yes! In Meditation. And YES I would recommend it to all. It’s an incredible stress beater.
What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever done?
Answer your questions! (laughs & winks).
What would you still like to achieve?
Personally or globally?
Personally I would like to achieve a personal peace and satisfaction whilst being able to make a great living, and afford the comfort my parents raised me to enjoy. I would love to marry. Love to play challenging roles in film. Would love to produce a film one day. Would love to be appreciated for my craft and my art when I do well at it. I’d love to educate, entertain and Enlighten myself.! Would love an investor for my line of perfumed products…
Globally? I Would love to be able to have the funds to help others achieve their dreams, their health, their wellbeing. To educate, entertain and enlighten!
Would you ever record a duet with Justin Bieber?
Sure, if I could sing!
Do you believe in manmade global warming? Or is it natural?
Both. Manmade leading to a natural domino effect. Stupid humans we are. Do you know we are the only species on Earth who destroys its own environment? Humans can sometimes seem to be like a cancer to Mother Earth.
And lastly please feel free to say anything at all you want to the world of readers and tell us all about what you’re up to these days, plug something, a website or car boot sale.
Ha ha, no car to sell just yet. But maybe I'll sell my classic 1976 beauty one day. Just want to say cheers to you all for appreciating my work and lending me an ear. Please watch out for my cameo role in Alien Armageddon. www.morphiusfilm.com . And for those of you who can’t live without beautiful candles lighting your life, please explore my exquisite candles created by me with all the love I have in my heart. www.virginiaheycouture.com And if you’re an investor and would love to help me build my signature brand of products please contact me at my website. Thanks all!
Photographer Credits: Kim Marra, Maurice Rinaldi. Pictures provided by Virginia Hey.