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holy baloney
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Sunday, May 21, 2006 |
So this is Lindisfarne - or actually the view from - the outer limits of this tiny claustrophobic chunk of land which is almost sinking under its impossible load of trippers / pilgrims, cream teas, fudge, meade, st cuthbert fridge magnets and worst of all, the burden of hostility that the local inhabitants seem to have towards anybody who is not a resident. It was a wicker man experience. I had a narrow escape really - just an unpleasant encounter with a vicious elderly couple because I had parked improperly (no sign to tell me that) - then a smashed windscreen which Mr Autoglass tells me was definiteley an act of vandalism. That's Christianity for you. So territorial, so violent. Sad really - I had been seeking at least a little spiritual calm but it was impossible to find it there. Although listening to some beautiful new work from my poetry friends was as near to spiritual as I'm ever likely to get. Suits me. Most poets I know don't go in for violence - unless it's absolutely necessary of course. |
| 12:42 PM
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Mozza misunderstood
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Saturday, May 13, 2006 |
But of course what did I expect? Seeing Moz at the Sage with a load of what appeared to be gay Lindisfarne fans (didn't know they existed), wrapped in england flags to keep off the fog from the Tyne - like national front afficionados - why would I be surprised that he was greeted with a chilly reception - booed, even after failing to do an encore? And who could blame him - they wanted Shoplifters not the new stuff - which he did, mercilessly, ignoring the shouted requests from the back catalogue - making them hear if not listen to every track from the new album - ringleader of the tormentors indeed. It must be a pain to be constantly asked to do old stuff when you want your fans to understand where you are at now - to come with you to the next stage.
He's arrogant, maybe - if he had thrown in just two or three more favourites - the crowd would have been more accepting of the new material? maybe? But no, not him - no compromises - apart from Girlfriend in A Coma and a couple off You are the Quarry.
He looked great, mind - I even like the slight paunch, corseted in a smart suit with a wonderful purple shirt that made me think he was dressed in honour of Angel Readman whose favourite colour it is. And who, like me, adores Moz and would like to be the lady who made his cocoa/polished his shoes/did up his cufflinks. The band were amazing, tight, youthfully energetic and respectful in equal measure. They were having fun for a while. But the atmosphere felt strange, from the beginning. They love him like a man loves his unfaithful wife. They want things to be back the way they were, when they could really trust her. They're scared she's taking the mick. They're angry.
He can do whatever he likes as far as I'm concerned. I just enjoyed being in the same room as him. And I'm supporting Italy this year. |
| 8:15 AM
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