Monday 25 July 2011

in Lincoln's green and pleasant land



I woke up at home this morning and I had absolutely no idea where I was. Images of several different rooms passed through my mind as I slowly regained my senses. Although slightly disorientating the experience is pleasant once I get my bearings. As you might guess it is not the first time this has happened. I will gladly undergo such minor altered states to have more of the same good experiences I’ve had playing the FDPFAFDW gigs.The most recent version was no exception. I stayed with Tony and Monika Smith for four days and I enjoyed every minute. The weather was strange as it has been. I don’t remember a summer where the wind changed direction so many times in a day.
On the day of the gig a mad man went on the rampage in Oslo, Norway. The wind blew cold and cooled the sun but life goes on.

 sound check with nick
Nick showed up as promised with one of the tiniest pa systems ever. We discussed how micro technology has released us from the burden of carrying largely inefficient and heavy equipment around, especially for a show like the one to take place in the garden that evening. I cannot tell you how marvellous it is when a sound check only takes fifteen minutes. Thanks Nick for top service.
I‘ve known Tony and Nick for some time now. We last met up at the benefit concert I played in Wales last September for Mickey Jones who was the lead guitar and founder member of MAN. Tony and Nick are both involved with the post production of the video of the benefit shows and I got to see some rushes. It brought back happy memories of a great night in South Wales. I had a good feeling watching this video and reflecting on what I had heard about the cottage industry around merchandising and promotion, that these guys have put together as fans. So much can be achieved by honest and committed folk who do what they do out of a genuine respect for musicians and their music. The music industry is changing. The old style record companies and other middle men are destined for total redundancy.

james with son jake - the future

I’d watched the preparations for the show throughout the day. Watching the guys fix a waterproof sheet over my little “paved stage” was fascinating. Though the wind tried to rob them of their plastic sheet these guys were not to be trifled with and the wind lost out. I think as time wore on any trepidations people might have had in the early planning days had receded. It was now fun. Monika who told me she had expected to be nervous and stressed but was very relaxed. Soon the barbecue was underway and Monika’s fabulous German potato salad and other sundry goodies were laid out. I’d been a house guest for a couple of days by now and was totally chilled. I didn’t feel a trace of nervousness that usually signposts an imminent performance and for the next couple of hours I enjoyed meeting and chatting with new people and with some I have known for years.

my hosts tony and monika
The gig went well and as usual it was interesting for me to chat with people who have not seen me before and don’t know my music. The conversations went on long into the night and a small gathering stayed up chatting until very late. This is one of my favourite parts of the evening. It was especially interesting for me to get some perspectives on a variety of topics, including some feed back re my set, from James, son of Tony and Monika and his young friends. When I finally emerged from my bed on Sunday morning every one had left after camping in the garden and utilising all available space. Tony made me a pack up lunch along the lines of the German style breakfasts I had enjoyed in the mornings.
Tony had made T-Shirts for the occasion and I have one. I have collected some cool souvenirs on my recent travels. The shirt is a very nice souvenir of a very happy stay in Lincolnshire. Time was running and so I said my goodbyes, which is always a little sad and Tony drove me to the station. We thought we were short of time but the train was late and so all was well. Thanks to all for happy memories and special thanks to Tony, Monika and James for looking after me and making my visit so enjoyable. I had a ball.


Tony has a couple of shirts left over and has very kindly donated one for a caption contest. So the person who comes up with the best caption for the photo of Nick below gets the shirt. Usual rules – as many entries as you like as comments on this post and when Tony chooses the best caption I’ll send you this unique collectors item.
                                 your caption to win the shirt



peace

33 comments:

Anonymous said...

"Tune in, Turn on and Drop off with Asprin"

Anonymous said...

"The things I do for an Edgar Broughton T-Shirt"

Anonymous said...

'Oh man I've squashed my Tic Tac'

PK

Anonymous said...

'NEW BEER FLAVOUR MANADIN TOUGH ON MAN FLU'

PK

Anonymous said...

Keep taking the tablets!

Gerry

mike from Albuquerque said...

It takes me back a bit and then a bit more.

purple73 said...

"Oops!I think i just swallowed a fly"

Anonymous said...

this ketamine made me feel a little horse and now the rspca have arrived.

purple73 said...

"Try before you die!"

purple73 said...

"Should i be taking this Viagra"

Anonymous said...

Just like to say , how much we enjoyed the show ,your company ,and the time we spent together putting the world to rights, to have the one person share my home, whos music has been a constant companion for me through my life journey was a absolut delight my family, friends and guests enjoyed every second.. thank you thank you
cheers
tony

Anonymous said...

the button was supposed to go on my shirt




mick

Anonymous said...

"I'd love to stop and chat, but I'm about to embark on a journey to the center of my mind" - "Boom, Shanka, wah, wah, wah - gulp!"

ramblinofmad

Anonymous said...

Will this REALLY make me look like Johnny Depp?!

Code name J

purple73 said...

"Should i be taking this laxative after last nights curry"

Anonymous said...

Got my 5 minutes of fame then Andy!

purple73 said...

"Will this pill make my hair grow back"

Anonymous said...

I will swallow if you put Eastenders on!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Who said Nick was too old for ecstacy ?

Anonymous said...

are you sure? if i swallow this im going to turn into a beautiful swan!

Anonymous said...

Anybody seen my plectrum?

Bruce from Bradford

purple73 said...

"is this a pill for eternal life"

Anonymous said...

So that's how to smuggle the pearls.

Anonymous said...

if Tony plays any more country and western music i'm taking this damn pill!

Peter Pool said...

One pill makes you larger. And one pill makes you small. And the ones that mother gives you makes you dig Edgar's tunes ...

Smiling Monkey said...

Thith ith a new tpyth oth tongue pierthing, ith sthick on, but you havth to keith your tongue outh until the gluth dry.

purple73 said...

"By golly this mint is hot just like Edgars music,but i will have to cool down and have a ice cool drink after his concert.

Michael Heatley said...

Button it Nick - Edgar's on!

Anonymous said...

and the winner is..........................................." who said Nick was to old for ecstacy" !,
name and address to Edgar Broughton please and tee shirt will be forwarded !
thanks for a great comp your all winners but there was only one shirt!
cheers
tony

Anonymous said...

its better now to know that Edgars objectives are clear and obtainable for us all.We dont need tablets to see clearly anymore,just compassion.

edgar broughton said...

If the persom wh0 wrote "Who said Nick was too old for ecstacy ?emails me at
edgar.broughton1@btinternet.com
with your postal details the shirt is yours.
Nice one!!!!!

Dean Butler said...

Tonight there is going to be a party with the EBB

Dean Butler said...

Tonight im going to party to the EBB