MUSICMIKEY

Great news!!

2008-01-18T13:48:00.000Z

Hey bloggers, hope your all really well. Rene and I are doing great, our little baby in Rene's belly is super healthy and now only two months from arrival. Rene is blooming, and doing all the right things, she is brilliant and beautiful.
I have been working on two new song's at the moment. One is about my sister L'rain, my only sister I haven't written a song about already, so I think she's glad about that, and the other is about my present predicament, and it's called 'Whole'. It is a lovely song, but still needs some work.
Great news, my CD INVISIBLE has been repressed and is back up on the eelpie site for sale, the link is on this page, please spread the word, it's been sold out for so long, I need some help to get things back up to speed, I would truly appreciate any help given, thanks bloggers.
It is great to know that you guy's are still out there, thanks for all the shouts here.
Take care and Give me a shout, please.
mikey

HAPPY NEW YEAR BLOGGERS..

2008-01-04T19:12:00.000Z

I hope everyone had a great Christmas, thankyou for all the great shout's here. I have been very busy, but hope to get back in the swing of things before too long. Everything is going very well, Rene is well, the new house is slowly transforming and I am writing music.
I've played a few small gig's lately, but am going to try and play more than ever this year. They have gone well, and it's been good for me to perform hour show's, I'm finding some older material of mine that seems to work well now.
Well this is just a shout out to say I will continue this blog, sorry for the slack blogging. 2008 is going to be a good year.
Hope you are doing good, please let me know if you are still about?
I think I mean, GMaS (give me a shout).
mikey

Hear me on the FAB show ( www.linkfm.net ) Wednesday 26 Sept 7-9pm UK...

2007-09-25T20:27:00.000Z

Thanks for all the shouts here, I know I haven't blogged much lately, but I have been very busy. I have completed most of the renovations around the house, and we have a moving date, which is at the end of the week. So packing is in full effect. Once we've settled in the new house, I'll blog again and give you all the latest.
Sorry to everyone who tuned into the radio show, that was the recording, but I wasn't sure at the time whether it was live or not. You can hear me perform and speak candidly about my musical journey, I also give away a little secret, so tune in, the 'folk accoustic and blues' show on Link fm ( www.linkfm.net ) on wednesday 26th September from 7 to 9pm UK time. I think there is another musican in the first hour, but I'm not sure how it's going to work. Please try and tune in if you can.
I played a gig at the Grey Goose (formerly the Smoke Rooms) on Sunday evening, and had a brilliant time. The other act's were good, I opened and played five songs, Plasticine, We will fix it, Sound as a pound, Greenhouse and Misery. The crowd responded to me well, and I feel I played well.
I've posted a photo of the radio show as well as the live gig, hope everyone is good, thanks for your shouts, I'll be back soon, so please do give me a shout or as I usually write.. GMaS
mikey

2007-09-19T19:01:00.000Z

The Gig.

2007-08-08T18:49:00.000Z

The gig last week went really well, many thanks to all who attended and all who wished me well. I played four songs, starting with Plasticine, then Tourist, Misery and then Greenhouse, my new one. They all went down really well, and Rene said that she really enjoyed Greenhouse, it's hard playing new stuff, although I really enjoyed performing it. Friends and family attended, but me and Rene left shortly after my slot. There were three other acts performing, which I heard briefly during the sound check, and all sounded brilliant, but it was already late and we were both tired. Many thanks to Mark T, who took this picture.
Thankyou to everyone who wished me a happy birthday, I am 35. I spent my birthday on Southend pier fishing, Rene came too, and we had a lovely packed lunch of whole lobsters and potato salad, washed down with a flask of tea, it was the best, I caught a few fish as well. I got loads of lovely presents and bought myself a guitar, it's a sixties Yamaha G-180 A, if that mean's anything to anyone, I'd love to get some feedback from the great blogger knowledge out there. It has a pick up already fitted, and sounds lovely, I decided to use it for the gig, because it's so much lighter than my JS 200, and the perfect sound for Greenhouse.
I am realing the new Harry Potter book at the moment, and think it's great, but then I'm a fan, apart from that, I am still doing the renovation work on the flat which is coming along nicely, visiting my lovely nephew Jed, who is amazing, and genarally being busy. Well, it doesn't seem right to end without a , Give me a Shout, so...

GMaS
mikey

2007-07-28T09:42:00.000Z

Hey bloggers, sorry for my absence. I've tried a thousand times to sit and write something here, but couldn't manage it, don't know why.
Firstly, I would like to send out all my love to Suesjoy, and wish her a speedy recovery, she is a lovely women that I had the fortune to meet in LA last year whilst attending one of Rachel's B&N gig's. So get well soon Sue.
On a completely different note, far less important, I really miss ITA, and when I found out from Rachel that the show was ending, back at the begining of June, I was very upset, I thought it was my fault, but these things happen and I must move on.
My newest song GREENHOUSE is complete, and I hope to record it soon.
I have a gig on the 1st August in Clapham, please check out my myspace for detail's, or the ITA site. There are a few things in the pipe line and I shall do my best to keep you informed.
My life has been very busy lately, Rene and I have bought a new house, and I am renovating our flat at the moment. I am not a builder but have grown up surrounded by them, my father can do absolutely everything, my brother is a great carpenter and all round clever fella, uncle's were electricians, friends are brick layers and so on. I come from a working class family, so it was hard for them to understand my career choice of artist and writer. Although, having my family and friends has helped a great deal.
All is fine in my world, sorry again for the slack blogging, I'm constantly checking my pages, but have felt quite remote, I hope you can understand. Hope to see some of you guy's at the gig, and I'm sure I'll feel the rest of you, thank's for all your support. Once again, my heart goes out to Sue, brave girl, be strong.
Hope all you bloggers are ok, take care.
mikey

ITA Southampton

2007-06-02T09:24:00.000Z

Hey bloggers

Thanks for all the great shouts here, I had a great time on Tuesday's In The Attic, it was just like old times.
I'm glad to hear some of you liked my new song Greenhouse, and since the show I've been inspired to write more, getting close now.

Was on the train at 7 this morning which is pretty early for me, but looking forward to a great show today from Southampton Rosebowl - Please tune in, we're on at 5pm In The Attic.

Anyway, will blog again soon with today's stories. Hope everyone in blogland is good.
Take care all and GMAS
mikey

IN THE ATTIC'S...

2007-05-18T15:48:00.000Z

Hi bloggers, been back from France for a week now, me and Rene had a wonderful time, lovely food, fine weather and great fishing. As for the flood gates opening, well, I think I spoke to soon, because the gates have closed up again, but I did get a good portion of the words for my current song GREENHOUSE, but it's not finished yet, so I'm stilling working on it.
I haven't done anymore gig's yet, but I'm working on it, and I haven't seen my mate Lee since getting back from Normandy, but I'm sure we'll hook up soon and get back to work on that stuff.
Can't wait for the IN THE ATTIC'S to start up again, and I hope everyone's downloaded the first IN THE ATTIC in full from longliverock. org. Thanks Tom. I also hope everyone has downloaded the IN THE ATTIC ALBUM from itunes, which features tracks from all the attic gang and the coolest new bands and artists around. It's a great album, and I'm privelidged and honoured to feature on it. If your a Mikey fan and haven't already purchased my debut album, there's a link on this blog that takes you staight to it at eelpie.com. Well, that was some pitch wasn't it.
Thankyou very much to everyone that supports me and IN THE ATTIC, you are very much appreciated.
So, thanks for all my great shout's here, take care all, I can't seem to post a picture for some unknown reason, anyway, thankyou again and of course, please, please, give me a shoout!
mikey

FLOOD GATES...

2007-05-02T17:49:00.000Z

Hey bloggers, the weather has been lovely here for the last couple of weeks, and last friday, I performed at a small music club in Southend-on-sea. I only played two songs to around forty people, but they went well, and I think I gave a good showing of myself. I'm still working with my friend Lee on some stuff, but his father was taken ill last week, which has meant Lee has other things to do, but when we do get together, it sounds really good.
My mother hasn't been very well just lately either, she has an abcess, and the week before last, unfortunately her cat had to be put down. She rescued that cat just after it was born and left in her garden, before she had moved onto the boat. She is very upset, so me and the family are doing our best to keep her spirits up, I shall be going to see her tomorrow. Last weekend Rene and I went up to her boat for the weekend, I did a bit of fishing and caught a nice Bream, which was nice.
As for this weekend, me and Rene are driving down to Normandy in France, where we will be staying at a lovely campsite next to a lake, it's not the same as the last place, and it's a bit further to drive, but Rene assures me that she'll be fine.
I've also made some progress with my new song Greenhouse, which didn't have any solid words until today, but today the flood gates opened, much to my relief, as it's been many months without a word, so happy days. Also, I spoke to Rachel yesterday about the European upcoming In the Attic's, which are set to kick off in about a month, I can't wait, and it was really nice to chat with her.
Anyway, so that's what I've been up to, hope all of you lot are good, thankyou very much for all the lovely shout's here, take care all and GMaS...
mikey

FRANCE FOR THE WEEKEND...

2007-04-12T13:19:00.000Z

Hey bloggers, thanks for all the great shouts here, they are much appreciated. Although we just came back from Goa, we drove down to France for the Easter weekend, where we camped by a lake. It was a bit chilly during the night, but both me and Rene had a wonderful time. I caught a Sturgeon, which looked almost pre-historic. I was over the moon though, I've never caught one of those before. That's were caviar comes from, but apparently they are know as pretty stupid fish, and can be caught over and over again. I had thought I had caught two Sturgeon of similar size, but on returning home and loading my pictures onto the computer, I realized that it was the same fish, caught some three hours after the first time I caught it. Rene also caught her very first fish, and she was very happy.
At the moment I am working with an old friend of mine Lee, he is a singer\songwriter and has agreed to play a set of my songs with me, I'm hoping the extra voice and guitar will help my live performances. I'm trying to arrange some gig's at the moment, if anyone can think of a good venue for me to play, let me know.
Anyway, thankyou again everyone, and a big thankyou to Sue, that was really sweet darlin, I'm back! So, give me a shout.
mikey

SLACKER'S BACK...

2007-03-29T14:50:00.000Z

Hey all you lovely bloggers, sorry, I have been a slacker, everythings ok with me and Rene. We have just returned from a lovely holiday in Goa, India. I have also had my hair cut short, I'll post a picture and you can let me know if you think it was a success. I've been working on the same song for ages now, I really like it, but nothings coming easy or fast and I'm not really used to that, but it's forming.
I'm trying to arrange some gig's at the moment, I need to be playing more, although I'm really looking forward to this summers IN THE ATTIC's.
I would like to thank all the bloggers that left me messages, and I appoligize again for my slack blogging, please forgive me.
So here are some pic's of Goa, I hope everyones well and happy, thanks again for the shout's, take care and I will be back soon.
mikey

BACK ON A MAC...

2007-02-09T18:21:00.000Z

Hi all, thanks for all the great shouts here. It was also brilliant so many of you guy's got to watch the show, I'm really glad you all injoyed it, thankyou very much indeed. Hope everyone has been good, my spirits are lifting, and I've been working on a new song, I think it will be called Greenhouse. Making music helps my mood alot, and I am feeling really good. I've been out on the beach getting some lovely pictures with my cool new camera, which I've put up here, let me know what you think?
I won't be going to America on the next leg of the Who tour, sorry to everyone that I will miss, but I'm sure I'll see you again, but IN THE ATTIC will tour the festivals of the UK and Europe in the airstream again, back to live transmission's and great guest's. I really enjoy touring, although I get homesick, or actually it's more missing Rene more than anything, it's a double edged sword, like most things really. It's really good to be home, and visiting Jed my little nephew, he is amazing.
Also, nearly forgot, this is my first blog on my new Mac, our last computer died a couple of week's ago, and I hadn't backed up any photo's, but luckily the photo's were retrieved and I can continue with the American Tour photo's.
Anyway, this is just a quick blog to say hi all, and thanks, hope all is well, take care and give me a shout.
mikey

PICTURES OF AMERICA (PALM SPRINGS)...

2007-01-23T13:45:00.000Z

PICTURES OF AMERICA (LA)...

2007-01-19T14:31:00.000Z

MARTYRS IN CHIGAGO THEN HOME...

2007-01-12T17:40:00.000Z

Firstly, I would like to appologize for super slack blogging here. I've taken some time off and should have kept you all informed, but I'm back in the saddle and fully recouperated. Thankyou to everyone who has left me lovely holiday and new year wishes, you are all lovely.
The gig at Martyrs in Chicargo went really well, Rachel opened the show, then I was brought on and performed 'We will fix it','Tourist' and 'Misery' accompanied by Rachel and Simon, I was very happy with my performance and it wizzed by in a second. Then came Simon, who performed brilliantly, then Alexi Murdoch who was great, then Joe Purdy who was equally great, they performed some stuff together and then with Pete and Rachel, then Pete performed an incredible set, finished by a stunning performance by Rachel. It was truly a pleasure to play there, and to meet loads of bloggers in the meet and greet that took place before the show.
After the show, I jumped back on the bus and headed back into Chicago centre, where there was a party being held for all the crew. It was a great night, and gave me the opportunity to say goodbye to the crew.
The next day, I checked out of the hotel and went to the airport, where I boarded the lovely plane that took me home. Being home felt very strange, and I felt weird being in one place, I slept alot, spent all my time with Rene, visited my family and had a lovely Christmas and New Year, all very low key and relaxed.
Rene is back at work now, and the holidays are over, I'm getting back to work, slowly but surely.
Thanks to everyone that helped and supported me, big thanks to my fellow bus members, Justin Kreutzman, Sean Witt and Andy Welch, and all of the Who crew, thanks to Rachel and Pete for getting me out there, and all the bloggers and fans. I had a fantastic time on the road in America, although I found the last two weeks hard, it was a great experience, and I can't wait to tour again soon.
Once again, sorry for my slack blogging, I hope you guy's are still out there, take care all, hope all is cool in blogland, and thankyou again. Please give me a shout if your still out there.
mikey

GRAND RAPIDS, OMAHA AND MINNEAPOLIS...

2006-12-09T03:20:00.000Z

Thanks for all the great shouts here, you brilliant to me bloggers. Please keep them coming, and if you haven't already, go and buy my cd, it's well worth it, and if you have got it already, please tell me what you think of it here. I know I've said this before, but I'm sure you understand.
Well, from Canada, I woke up in Grand Rapids, and a foot of snow, feeling a little better, I watched the Who show and was blown away by the amazing performance, truly breath taking. Then back to sleep on the bus, waking up in Omaha in Nebraska and a day off, I spent the whole day and night in my room, going out for a walk along the Missouri river, but it was really cold.
I felt massively emotion in my room, it was the day before my Rene's birthday, we spoke on the phone, but saying goodbye was breaking my heart, knowing that I was at the gig on her birthday and wouldn't be able to even talk to her, it was my worst day yet, but I managed to practice alot, which i'm not able to do on the bus at the moment because all the guy's are so busy working. We got to the gig the next day, although I didn't really sleep the previous night, and had a killer headache. Although I was given some great news, that there was a possibility that I could get a flight home just a couple of days early. This gave me strength, and I went out to watch the Who show. I could see that both Pete and Roger had got the dreaded flu, but battled on and performed a killer set, just watching the show tired me out completely, and I have the upmost respect for them, they are incredible, of course I new this before but I am just blown away every time.
Tonight, we are in Minneapolis, and have just returned from Rachel's Barnes & Noble gig, it was great to see Steve there, as well as bloggers, Brina and Elaine. Rachel performed brilliantly, the place was packed out, and Rachel and Pete signed cd's for loads of people. I'm in the bus feeling pretty tired, and want to be feeling my best for the gig tomorrow in Chicago. As for the songs I'm going to play, it's hard to please everybody, because I only have one guitar, and people are choosing songs in different tunings, so I may not please everybody, but am playing the songs I want to play, hope your all ok with that.
So, until tomorrow, hope everyone is good and well, hope to meet loads of you guy's at the gig, hope I play well, and please feel free to give me a shout (GMaS)...Still missing my darlin Rene as much as ever, but I'm going home really soon now, but I've had a great time here in the good old US of A, thanks people.
mikey

UNCASVILLE, BOSTON AND TORONTO...

2006-12-05T19:17:00.000Z

Thanks for all the great shouts I've had here on this blog, you guy's have really picked me up when I was down, still shaking off the last dregs of my cold, still coughing, but I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Just one week now, and soon I'll be home and with my darlin Rene.
So, from NYC and Joe's, to Uncasville, to be truthful, I didn't see much of it, I still felt awful and spent most of my day on the tour bus just recouperating and watching films. I caught a little of the Who gig, and it was brilliant, but it was hard to appreciate as I still felt bad. The day dragged on, then on the bus to Boston. At Boston, the bus was parked around the other side of the building and it took ages to get in the place, I took a little walk, and found the place to be really pretty, I got some good pictures and started to feel a little better, but once again, I done very little apart from try to make myself feel better, taking care of myself and relaxing. There is nothing worse than feeling ill on a bus, but one day at a time, and onwards and upwards.
From Boston, back on the road and across the boarder to Canada, to Toronto. It was absolutely freezing, we had a day off at a hotel, so I had the chance to talk to Rene for a while, which made me feel great. I spent the whole day watching television and sleeping, then left the next day to the gig feeling stronger. I didn't watch any of the Who show, but spent the whole time on the bus, but it was great to see Rachel, who came on to see me, and brought me a lovely gift, which I didn't expect but am massively grateful, Rachel told me the story of her and Pete's nightmarish plane story. Then back across the boarder to the US, having a boarder patrol inspection at 5am, which was nice, but all is well, and I'm feeling alot better, as I said before, I'm still coughing.
I'm really looking forward to Chigago, and have 4 songs this time, so if any of you have any request's, please do let me know. Until then, I'll be watching some Who show's and practicing, trying to be completely well. Also, it will be Rene's birthday on the 7th and I won't be with her, my family are taking her out, but this will be hard, please leave her some great birthday wishes, because she keeps me strong, I would really appreciate this bloggers.
So I hope everyone is doing well, and being good, once again thankyou for all the great shouts here, it works you know, now keep up the good work and give me a shout (GMaS)...
mikey

BRIDGEPORT AND NYC, JOE'S PUB...

2006-12-01T22:42:00.001Z

Leaving Hershey, and I've come down with the same cold as most of the crew, it probably didn't help that I was feeling emotionally low due to missing my Rene, and spending the last month on the road, but anyway, it hit me hard. My throat felt terrible, and all I could think about was how I would perform at the Joe's pub gig.
We arrived at the bridgeport gig, which seemed to be situated next to a power station and a railway line, I felt awful. It was cold and rain fell in a fine mist, I went inside to watch the Who for a short time, and they were outstanding, the venue was huge and completely full, it was an amazing crowd, I wish I had felt better.
From Bridgeport, our bus took on some new members as well as equipment for the gig, and we drove into New York city, we stayed at the same hotel that I had stayed with Rene, back when I joined the tour just after the previous gig at Joe's pub. It was nice to be in a familiar place for once. I jumped in bed, but had trouble sleeping, and felt worse than ever. The next day, was a day off, and much appreciated too, I ventured out of my room and visited a diner that I had been before with Rene, it made me feel better, I also found a pharmacy and bought some medicine, which helped me further. I spent the rest of the day lying in my room, only leaving to get some more food from a deli.
The next day, I got to Joe's pub for the sound check, and met Shaun Lennon, Jimmy Fallon, Martha and Rachel, it was good to see Rachel, but I felt bad that I wasn't very up-beat during my introductions. I sat in the green room concentrating on making myself well, and after Pete arrived, the sound check started, I was the last to check, and was suprised how well it went. It was really good to meet loads of bloggers outside the venue as I smoked, you know who you are, and thankyou for all your kind words.
Pete and Rachel were really kind to me, and made me feel much better, I was nervous and feeling rough, but it was nice to see Roger come backstage and say hello to me. David Bowie came backstage, but stayed the other side of the room chatting to Pete, Rachel and Shaun.
My time came soon enough, and I was up on stage, I started with Misery, and then played Plasticine, it all went well and the time flew by, I sat at a table and watched the other acts, who were all brilliant. Then back on stage for the finale of I'm One, the show was a complete success and I enjoyed every second. I felt much better, and went to the meet and greet and spoke to loads of people, had loads of photo's taken, but had to leave quite quickly, as I was travelling back to the hotel with the crew on the bus. It was a great night, and I feel very lucky and privelidged to play there, in such great company.
All my thanks go to Rachel, Pete and all the crew that made everything work so brilliantly, there is so much work put into these show's, alot of time and effort. Thankyou everyone that attended, it was my pleasure to play.
Then back to the hotel, and an early night, then off on the bus the next ...
Thankyou to everyone giving me a shout on this blog, I really appreciate all the support you all give me. I still am missing my Rene very much, more everyday, but soon I'll be back home for Christmas, and I can't wait.
Please give me a shout, it helps...
mikey

ATLANTIC CITY, PHILIDELPHIA AND HERSHEY...

2006-11-27T21:01:00.000Z

It was a long drive to Atlantic city, and my phone was playing up, eventually I got a signal and was able to talk to my Rene. It is a huge casino complex built on a delta. The day of the show, I went for a long walk beside the water, it was beautiful, the show was the smallest venue the Who have played, and there was no side of stage, so I watched the show from out front, it annoyed me that lots of people were talking during the show.
We got back on the bus and travelled to Phili, which wasn't that far, I could see the city in the distance from the gig, its very pretty. The show was excellent, and I met a few bloggers there. Then back on the bus and up the road to Hershey, a town built around a chocolate factory, it seemed quite a strange place to me, but then I come from Essex I suppose. I was quite expecting to bump into Willy Wonker. The show here is tonight, I'm in the bus, in the car park.
The phone at home is playing up, so me and Rene are having problems talking at the moment, its a nightmare, and I'm feeling very lonely, the time away is starting to really get to me. I am looking forward to the gigs in NYC and Chigago, but its hard to stay up beat, and theres still more than two weeks until I see my darlin again. I know how lucky I am, to be following the Who around America, and sharing a stage with legendary performers, so I appologize for my self pity.
Thankyou to everyone giving me great shouts here on this blog, it does make me feel better, your all lovely. Hope to meet loads of you at Joe's, don't quite know what to play, so any idea's, please let me know. Once again, thanks everyone, take care and give me a shout [GMaS]...
mikey

HOUSTON, FORT LAUDERDALE AND ATLANTA...

2006-11-23T02:11:00.000Z

Fistly, thanks everyone that has given me a shout on this blog, I really appreciate all the encouragement and well wishes. I check my blog as often as I can, so please give me a shout. Thanks also to all the people who have bought my CD Invisible, I hope that you are enjoying it, please tell your friends and family, and anyone that maybe able to spread the word.
So, from Dallas to Houston, where I bought Rene some cowboy boots and hat, and watched The Pretenders and The Who perform from the side of stage, it was incredible, I love The Pretenders, but The Who were just god-like, I was really rocking out, what a night. Then from Houston we flew to Fort Lauderdale, and the next day performed a ITA from backstage at the Who gig there, it was a strange but great show, I played White Stripes and We Will Fix It, Pete, Rachel and Simon all played beautifully, and we spoke about science, art, plumbers and drummers, bogs and blogs. As usual the show zipped by in a flash, I really hope that you get to see it some time.
Then back on the bus, driving through the night to Atlanta. Apparently home to the worlds biggest aquarium, but on the day I wanted to go, it was the first year anniversary and tickets had to have been bought in advance, so I couldn't go, oh well. Back on the road tonight, but quite honestly I don't know where to. I'm looking forward to the gig at Joe's pub, and meeting you guy's and girls that are going.
Apart from that, all I can say is that I have been writing and drawing, taking loads of pictures and most of all, missing my Rene intensely, we talk on the phone often and text each other regularly, but I've still got three weeks left, I am enjoying my time in America, but well, I sure you understand what I'm talking about here.
As ever, thanks for all the support, take care and please do GMaS...
mikey

TODAY DENVER, TOMORROW DALLAS...

2006-11-15T00:18:00.000Z

Arrived in a cold snowy Denver this morning, after a superb ITA and glorious WHO show last night in Salt Lake City. I also got the chance to meet some lovely bloggers, which is always a pleasure, and loads of WHO fans as well. The ITA show was great, with Rachel singing and playing beautiully, Simon delivering an amazing performance, and Pete performing with his usual brilliance. I played Matches and Misery with Rachel, which I was very happy with.
I was overjoyed to receive some photo's from home, e-mailed to me by my Rene. It made me very happy, but also sad, as I miss home, but I am enjoying 'life on the road', and life on the bus. America is so huge, it's hard to comprehend, but day by day I am getting it.
Missing my Rene everyday, as well as my family and friends, hope everyone is doing good out there, thankyou very much for all the great shouts I get on this blog, I'm quite proud of my blogging, thanks to everyone that supports me, take care all, and as usual, please GMaS...
mikey

PALM SPRINGS...

2006-11-11T23:30:00.000Z

Las Vegas was great, I got to meet some great people, including Martin, the drummer from The Pretenders, he is a lovely fella. We drove through the night and arrived in Palm Springs this morning, I've been working on some new music today on the bus and will keep you all informed.
Still missing my Rene everyday, it just doesn't get any easier, but as the days go by, I realise that I'll be home sooner and sooner. It's really great meeting all you bloggers and fans, thankyou for all the great shouts I'm getting on this blog, they are truly appreciated. It was also a great honour to have been praised by Pete, it was a truly awesome gig at the Hotel Cafe, with everyone performing brilliantly, I am a very lucky man.
Hopefully Rene will be updating my Indonesian blog, that's if she has time, but she is a very busy girl, as well as brilliant and beautiful.
Hoping everyone is great, thankyou so much, take care all and please do GMaS...
Hope to blog again soon.
mikey

2006-11-07T02:59:00.000Z

Hey there everyone, I'm here in LA and having a great time. I'm really missing my Rene though, we get to talk on the phone nearly everyday, but the time difference is crazy. Last night I was lucky enough to go to the Hollywood bowl, it was an amazing show with the Rose Hill Drive guys opening with a terrific set, and then the mighty Who delivered a monster of a show. It was great hanging backstage, and meeting some bloggers, I had a great night, and what an amazing venue, I've got some great pictures which I will post when I get home.
I also got to meet loads of great bloggers at the Barnes and Noble gig that Rachel did in LA, its great to meet people that I have spoken to on the blog for the last year, thankyou very much to all those people, it was great to see you.
Sorry to all those that I didn't get to see, and I hope to meet you some other time.
I'm using Andy's computer in the hotel that we are staying, as promised, I'll try and blog as often as possible on this tour, but I haven't got my own computer.
Tomorrow is the first Attic Jam of the tour, at the Hotel Cafe. I'm really looking forward to the show, and hope that I'll get to meet loads more bloggers and fans. I'm opening the show with a few songs, probably Plasticine, You and Misery, it should be good. For all those of you who can't be there, you will be able to watch the show on Intheattic.tv.
Thankyou everyone for all the great shouts here, take care you lot, and as always GMaS.
mikey

CHICAGO IN BRIEF...

2006-11-01T09:18:00.000Z

Just a short blog about Chicago, only because I haven't got long before I have to leave for LA. I love all the great shout's on my blog here, and hope to meet loads of you along the road. Now, you may also remember that my blogging record whilst touring is pretty bad, and I'm afraid I cannot at this time garantee a better service, but I will try.
Chicago was great, met loads of lovely people, watched a great Who show, walked by the lake side, took in some sights, performed a great ITA Live show at the House of Blues, and just had a brilliant time.
Maybe I abbreviated more than I needed there, oh well, I know that I should have done this the other day, but I'm a slack blogger, I've been a slack blogger for over a year now.
Anyway, I've got to leave soon, and I'm really going to miss my Rene, unfortunately Rene won't be comming over with me this time, and I will really miss my Rene, everyday.
So take care of my Rene, see you soon, and please give me a shout.
Take care
mikey

BALTIMORE V FESTIVAL...

2006-10-23T13:22:00.000Z

Great news blogger's, I will be joining Rachel and the Attic gang for the duration of the second leg of the American tour, I can't wait. Hope to meet loads of you on the road, I hope you have all bought my CD, if you have, please tell me what you think of it, also it would also make a great Christmas present for a loved one, ok that's enough of that. Looking forward to meeting you all.
Now back to the story so far...
We left New York and drove to Baltimore, for the V festival there. We set up in a large motorhome, which was similar to the size of the silver airstream which we performed the show's around Europe. The flamming Lip's and The Raconteurs joined Rachel, Pete and I, and they performed some amazing covers of Who song's, it was extremely hot in the motorhome, but the show was awesome. Rachel performed amazingly and I played Tourist and Misery with Rachel. I had a great time, it was lovely to see the Lip's again, and the Raconteurs were a great bunch of lad's. After the show, I was speaking with the Lip's manager and asked if me and Rene could dress up in santa's costumes and dance on stage with the band, now if you haven't seen the Lip's perform, you won't know what I'm talking about, and think that's a little bizarre, but anyway, he spoke to the band, and they agreed.
We had a brilliant time dancing around on stage, and they performed beautifully, and even gave us some t-shirts to remember the evening. We returned to the Who enclosure, which was next to The Chilli Pepper's, and we had some drinks in the hospitality area.
Rene and I had a wonderful evening, then got back on the bus and travelled to Chicago driving through the night...
Hope everyone is good, in answer to shout's on the previous post, I don't know where I will be at the moment, but when I find out, I'll let you know. Please give me a shout and let me know your still about. My post on Chigago will come very soon, so come back soon, take care all.
Also, it was my brother Shaun's and my newest nephew Jed's (1st)birthday the other day, they had a party and it was a wonderful day, Jed is amazing, I'm very proud.
mikey

NEW YORK CITY...

2006-10-14T15:03:00.000Z

I had always dreamt of visiting New York city, and with only a few hours to pack, Rene drove me to the airport. I said goodbye, but knew that Rene was following me out within a few days, which was brilliant. I passed through the security checks, being stopped and searched several times and eventually made it on to the plane, I must look a bit suspect. The journey was smooth and comfortable, and I was met at JFK airport by a driver who took me to my hotel in New York.
Whilst checking into the hotel, I noticed my friend Darren (Pete's studio engineer) at the hotel's internet access. It was great to see a friendly face, and he directed me to Justin. I put my bags in my room and Justin treated me to dinner, because I didn't have any dollars. Pete was working in the room next door, and came in and said hello. The next day I went for a walk with Darren, where he showed me some great places to eat and cash machines that I could use.
That night, I helped transport the equipment for the ITA show to the Who gig at Madison square garden. We set up in Pete's dressing room, where we had more space than we were used to. It was great to see Rachel, and after a few teething problems with the sound, we started filming. Which was pretty weird because we usually work live. William Snyder took some great pictures of me and Rachel together, and one of me having a fag in the toilet.
It was great to be with the team again, Rachel had a chest infection but played and sung beautifully, Pete was in great form, Simon played some great new stuff, and I played Plasticine and You with Rachel. David Bowie walked in mid-show, but only stayed for a short time. It was a great show, which if you haven't already, you should go over to the 'intheattic.TV' website and watch it.
After the show, I went back to the hotel and joined Andy and Justin in the bar, where I met the Third of Never guy's, who asked me to help them with the video that Justin was shooting for them the next day, I sat and chatted to William Snyder and the other guy's, and before we knew it, the bar had closed and we were all asked to leave.
The next day, I met Justin and the actors, and we all headed for Central Park to start shooting. The Third of Never guy's (who are lovely) were running late, but when they arrived, there had been a problem and the bass player couldn't make it, so quick as a flash, I became the newest member of the band, for the video anyway, but it was great fun and I really enjoyed the day.
I left Justin, the actors and the guy's to go and eat, as I waited for Rene to arrive. Rene arrived very tired from her journey, so I went out and got some food which we ate in the room. During the next couple of day's me and Rene went to the zoo, went boating in Central Park, did some shopping and generally ate well and took in the sites and sounds of Manhattan island. We both really enjoyed our stay, then with the ITA crew, travelled to Baltimore for the V festival in the very plush tour bus...

Thanks for all the great shout's here, sorry this took so long, hopefully the next installment will come sooner, hope everyone is doing well and being happy, take care you lot and GMaS...
mikey

CHECKING IN...

2006-10-08T17:38:00.000Z

Got back from America last week, but I've been completely exhausted, and have had trouble sleeping since returning. I've felt more sorry for Rene having to return to her nine to five, even though she has been as tired as me. Anyway, enough of the excuses, I appologize for my slack blogging, but thank's for your patience and great shout's.
Since returning from the US, I have been mostly sleeping, working on music and catching up with my family, but also going over my time spent in America, so much to take in, I can't wait to see more.
Well, this is only a short blog, soon I'll post in detail about my journey to America, but this is just a head's up, thankyou for all the great shout's on my blog, and to say that I really enjoyed my time in the US. Thanks to Rachel and Pete for arranging my journey and making it possible for Rene to join me, it was great to be with the gang again.
Hope everyone is doing good, and enjoying the ITA's, take care and be happy all, I shall return to update the blog very soon I promise, thanks all. GMaS
mikey

Mikey in the USA

2006-09-27T22:26:00.000Z

I've been in the USA for nearly 2 weeks now, and this is my first blog away from home. I'm sitting in a hotel room in Chicago on the eve of the 'ITA' House of Blues gig.
I received a phonecall from Rachel from America asking me to come out after I thought it was all cancelled, and to my surprise flew out the very next day. I flew to JFK New York and Rene followed 3 days later. This is my first time in the US and I love it, it has always been a dream of mine to visit, and once again I feel very lucky.
The first ITA show in the US was filmed in Pete's dressing room at Madison Square Gardens, during the Who gig. It was great to meet Sarah and Charlotte backstage, as well as to meet David Bowie, although it was a shame he didn't appear on the show. It was great to be back with the team, but felt like I'd never been away. The show was excellent.
It was also great to meet the Third of
Never guys, and help with their video shoot, they are real sweethearts.
We then took a bus ride to Baltimore and performed an ITA at the V festival, meeting The Flaming Lips and The Raconteurs, who were both wonderful. Rene and I dressed up in Santas outfits and danced on stage with the Lips, it was great.
We got back on the bus and drove to Chicago. Rene and I got a bit lost when we went out for a walk and I developed some huge blisters, needless to say we found our way back. We went to see Rachel perform at Barnes & Noble, and met bblayla, Roland & Lisa, Jeff and other bloggers, Rachel performed beautifully although she was quite ill, we then went on to watch the Who perform in a huge arena, it was fantastic.
Tomorrow is the House of Blues gig and I am very excited.
Thanks for all the great shouts, and thank you to all the great people I have met here, hope everyone is good, and hope to meet many more bloggers and fans tomorrow at the House of Blues.
Back home on Saturday where I will post pictures and fill in the blanks.
Take care all, this is Mikey in the USA signing off.
Nearly forgot in all the excitement, GMaS, and if you haven't already, go and buy my CD at eelpie.com.
mikey

ULM, BARCELONA, MADRID, ZARAGOZA AND HOME.

2006-09-14T23:32:00.000Z

We set off from the Lovely days festival in St.Polten, and headed out of Austria and back to Germany in convoy, I travelled in the motorhome with the driver, a lovely guy from Manchester called Pete, travelling along with the other airstream's. I had fallen asleep during the journey, and awoke to find myself in Ulm, parked right next to a huge gothic cathedral, half covered in scaffolding. From the rear of the stage it looked like the stage and the cathedral were one structure. In the early afternoon there was a huge storm and the fences were pushed up against the motorhome and the 'In the Attic' airstream, then it disapeared as quickly as it had appeared. It was great to meet blogger's there, Stefan and Charly, then prepared for the show.
I was sported my golfing trousers, but I can't truly remember any of the song's any of us played, but I'm sure we were brilliant, as was The Who, who were amazing. I helped the guy's pack up, and then found my way to one of the tour bus's. I had secured a bunk on the smoking bus, which was lucky, but none of the ATTIC crew were on the smoking bus, but that didn't stop me from joining some great crew members for a little drink as we travelled to Barcelona, which was nearly a full day's journey, but then two day's off there. I crawled into my bunk some hour's after we set off, very drunk, then felt punished for the rest of the drive to Barcelona, that couldn't end to soon, I felt very ill, but once in my room in Barcelona, I went to bed and recouperated.
I found it quite lonely in Barcelona, the first day I left the hotel, I got lost and stumbled upon my hotel by pure chance. Then the second slightly less lonely day, I spent trying to get lost in the labyrinth of walkway's of the old town, knowing that I had a copy of the hotel's name and address in my wallet this time. I had a great time, but it was intensely hot and I had to keep returning to my room for a shower. That evening, the crew and I, got back on the bus's and headed for Madrid, it was a very shakey ride and I did not drink this time, and felt very well for it. I was looking forward to Madrid, because Rene was coming out and meeting me there.
We arrived in Madrid, where quickly I met Rene, we went back to the Sports palace stadium, which was a huge enclosed space, the ATTIC airstream was parked under the rear of the stage with the motorhome beside it, the place was enourmous, and cooler because we were out of the sun. IN THE ATTIC was brilliant, funny and very enjoyable, I felt I played very well. Rachel performed beautifully, and Pete was incredible, then went out and performed a storming set, I left early with Rene to our hotel, and an early night.
We spent the day in Madrid, clothes and shoe shopping, eating lovely food and having a superb time, the next day, we travelled together on the super fast Spainish train to Zaragoza, it was a lovely journey, smooth and very fast. We checked into our room and then went to the Pabellon Principe Felipe stadium, where we were greeted by the sight of the airstream's and the motorhome, a familiar sight amongst the unfamiliar. The show went excellently, me and Rene watched The Who perform from the lighting rig, but had to leave early, because this was our last European show.
I still feel very lucky to have been a part of the IN THE ATTIC and THE WHO, UK & Euro Tour, it has been an amazing experence, the journey was unbelievable, the places and the people that I've met all across Europe, sometimes loney and tired, but what a journey it has been. All my thank's go to Rachel and Pete, Simon, all the crew, The Who and all there crew, and everybody who watched the show's, the driver's and security, management and loved one's.

Rene and I returned home, it felt very strange, like I'd lived another life time, and that was on my birthday. I got home and checked my blog, but couldn't seem to post for a while.

Really hope that everyone has an amazing time at Joe's pub, it's a shame I couldn't make it, but I'm sure that there will be another opportunity in the future. Sorry, that I have not blogged in age's as well, hope everyone is good.

Great news though, it is now possible to buy my EP on the EELPIE website, in collaboration's, it is called INVISIBLE, and has five track's which include Tourist, Plasticine, White stripes, Misery and the title track. Please let me know, what I mean is, Give me a shout! Take care all,
mikey

Vienne, Metz, Paleo and St.Polten.

2006-08-24T14:17:00.000Z

I travelled with the band from Monte Carlo to Antique, which is near Lyon in France. The traffic was terrible and I arrived at the gig late, it was incredibly hot, I had no signal on my phone, and the show had been moved forward by half and hour so that we didn't have to hear the death metal band playing on stage. On a more positive note, the place was gorgeous, apparently built by the Roman's, it was spectacular. IN THE ATTIC only lasted twenty minutes, the heat was to intense, but we all lived to play another day.
I travelled in the motorhome at the end of the night, heading to Metz Amneville arena in France. We were not doing an IN THE ATTIC show there, but The Who were still playing. Justin and I done some filming in a small wood beside the arena, where I played a yet unheard song. The Who's show went well, we packed up and left for the next venue, which was a day's drive away in Switzerland.
We arrived at the Paleo festival, Nyon in Switzerland quite early in the morning, we had travelled through the night, driving through a huge storm where lightning fork's rained down almost constantly, it was quite an experience. I didn't get much sleep and felt terrible, but I managed to get a couple of hour's sleep during the day, showered and had a great massage in the hospitality area, after which I felt re-vitalised and ready for an excellent show. IN THE ATTIC was brilliant, Rachel performed beautifully, so did Pete, all in all a great show again. I didn't watch the Who perform, but I'm sure they were great. We packed up the equipment and set off again toward's Austria.
It was another long drive, but in good time, we arrived at Lovely Days festival, St Polten in Austria. This was a great venue, and where I took the picture of the field of sunflower's. The site was very hot again, but I found a VIP area, with a small stream running through, looked a little harder, and found a very private location, where I had a skinny dip, it was lovely. Apparently, this place was under four inches of snow only a month previous, that seemed even more incredible because it was so hot. IN THE ATTIC went really well, everyone performing excellently. I also got to meet Tom, a photographer and old college friend of Pete. I watched The Who perform a brilliant show beside the Attic bus, where we had a screen showing the live feed going out over the internet. It took some time before everything was packed up, and we hit the road again, still travelling in the motorhome, it was another long drive to Munsterplatz, Ulm, in Germany...
To be continued...

We all had a great time camping, and the weather was kind, Jed loved the horses, and Shaun and I went fishing, but caught nothing, but still had a great time. I love the New Forest, thank's to everyone that shouted, take care all, and I hope your enjoying the journey, by the way, I do check my MYSPACE and I was very relaxed, I'm doing good and looking forward to coming to the US, cheer's all, GMaS.

mikey

Milan, Moon & Stars and Monte Carlo...

2006-08-18T13:36:00.000Z

I flew from Berlin to Milan, then a taxi ride accross town, then joined Pete and Rachel in their swanky hotel suite, it was incredible, but almost topped by accompanying them in a helicopter to the next gig at Locarno in Switzerland the next day.
Locarno Moon & Stars was a show in a town square, very pretty and once dark, was beautifully lit. It rained very hard through. IN THE ATTIC went brilliantly as usual. The Casbah Club had some problem's due to the weather, but it had dried by the time The Who came on, both band's were fantastic, in a great setting.
I joined the crew on the crew bus, and had my own bunk, it was my first time on the crew bus, but I slept nearly all the way to Monte Carlo, where Rene was coming out to see me for the weekend.
I had a lovely day with my Rene, then done IN THE ATTIC, in probably the most glamourous setting ever, it was very hot though, and at one time felt like the magic bus was going to topple into the sea. Everything was fine, and me and Rene enjoyed a beautiful evening in Monte Carlo.
The next day, I had to wave goodbye to Rene, and travelled with the band to Vienne...

To be continued...

Thank's for all the shout's everyone, I hope your enjoying, as I did. I'm off to the New Forest for a long weekend with Rene and brother Shaun, Lisa and Jed. I've just bought a big new tent for the occassion, I'll get picture's for you all, take care all, and give me a shout...
mikey

BERLIN...

2006-08-13T19:13:00.000Z

I flew out to Berlin, jumped in a taxi at the airport and headed straight for the gig, I was dropped off outside a park. I don't really speak any German, but understood the taxi driver's gesture into the park, thanked and paid he drove off. I wandered into the park, thinking that it was very quite, I was at the wrong place, well to cut a long story short, and with the brilliant help of some local people, I jumped into another cab and found my way to the gig.
Right outside where our bus's were parked, there was a man made beach next to the river, where there was a pool in a boat, moored to the beach. It was weird, but really cool, the place was filled with people swimming and sun bathing, completely surrounded by the industrial area of the city.
The IN THE ATTIC show went really well, and then I watched The Cashah Club and The Who from the side of the stage, they where both great, and met some blogger's as well, it was a brilliant begining to the European tour, after The Who came off, I went with the band to an amazing hotel. I had lunch with Simon the following day, just up the road from the hotel. Then travelled to the airport with Gordon, who is one of the management team, and a completely genuine lovely bloke. Our flight was cancelled, but we caught another, and flew to Milan...
To be continued...
GMaS, mikey.

Back from Europe...

2006-08-06T22:44:00.000Z

I'm back from Europe, and I've had a week off. I checked by blog when I could, but lost my connection a bit with blogland. So this blog, is just a head's up, I'm doing good, had a great birthday, and an amazing European tour with the WHO, I've got so much stuff to blog about, and some great pictures.
I really appreciate all the shout's and well wishes, and sometime's I need a kick up the arse, thank's Mark, I love reading the comment's.
Well, as I said, this was just a hello, and thank's to you lot, I will blog again soon, and try and portrait my time on the tour. IN THE ATTIC was amazing, so many show's, and so much travelling, the crew were brilliant, everyone that make's it possible. Rachel was consistently excellent, as were Pete and Si, and we had the most outstanding guest's, it was slightly like a dream...
Anyway's, thank's everyone, I'll blog soon I promiss, take care all, and, I haven't done this in a while....GIVE ME a SHOUT... That felt good.
mikey

END OF UK TOUR...ON TO EUROPE...

2006-07-11T19:34:00.000Z

Wow, what a time I've had, Rene came with me to Hyde Park festival, we got the train and then a black cab to the gates. We made our way to the airstream, and soon began the show. We had the most amazing guest's on, Razorlight and Ed Hardcourt, Rose hill drive came on again, and the show was aired on the huge screen in the Hard Rock tent. Rene had to go home on her own as I was travelling to Beaulieu with the magic bus. We packed up and left, and drove through the night to Beaulieu, which is actually the area where I used to holiday as a child. White stripe's was written very close to where we were playing, whilst camping with Rene. It is a gorgeous area, although the road's very twisty and up and down, but horses and deer run wild. The gig went very well, it was good to see Mark T and his son, who gave me a gorgeous jar of honey from his hol's, thank's mate, Delbut, Kenny and Sarah, and Charlotte and Laura, to whom I owe a great debt of thank's, because Charlotte gave me a lift home, she is such a sweetie, so is Laura.
As I say, I had the next day off, and then travelled to Liverpool by train, I court a black and white cab to the gig, which was being held in a huge blue and yellow fairground tent. I can't remeber what I played, but we had a great band on called Shack, the Who were awesome as ever, and I escorted Charlotte and Laura her friend to the side of the stage, for a great view and thank's. I stayed in a great hotel that night, and walked to the gig the next day. We had another great show with the Casbah club playing, they were fantastic, but there's been so many that I'm forgetting some amazing people, I know I am, please help.... Anyway, from Liverpool, I flew with the band to Dublin, which is a beautiful city, and spent the next day sleeping in my lovely hotel room. The next day, accompanied with Rene, who travelled overnight to meet me in the morning, went to the gig, which seemed to be surrounded by a hurricane, strange, as in Dublin it was fine. It was touch and go, but when we finished the show, it felt good, against the odd's.
Packed up after a hard long great show, and drove with the bus's to T- in the Park, Scotland. I didn't manage an hour's sleep, and when we got to the site, the place was a mud bath. The show went on, although it was a tight one, all the crew deserved medal's. I was very tired and didn't feel I gave enough thank's to the guest's, E from the Eel's was amazing, he bewitched me... and Regina Speckter was incredible and unique, as well as beautiful, it was another amazing show, yet again there were other incredible guest's, it's just I'm going to run out of expleative's soon.
After the show, I was completely wiped out, Rachel sent me home for a rest, so we haven't done the Bonn show with the Who... But I've had some time to recouperate, next is Berlin tomorrow.... I know I'm a nightmare, but I left my camera in Scotland, what a nightmare, but at least I took some on my new phone, hope everyone is watching the show's, we're all working really hard... I'm also having difficulties blogging, or finding time with a computer, so I'm sorry, but it may be some time before you get the next installment, I hope I can get my act together soon, anywho, take care all, thank's for all the great shout's, I really appreaciate them, keep watching the show, and of course GMaS!!!
mikey

BRISTOL, BELGIUM OR BUS...

2006-07-01T21:54:00.000Z

I am having a great time on IN THE ATTIC, and THE WHO World Tour, I feel super lucky, but I've said all this before, so I'll just get on with it.
I walked to the train station with my heavy bag at about 11:30am, going first into London, to catch a train to Bristol, got there and jumped into a cab, and I arrived at the football ground at about 4:30pm. I had just enough time to change and have a cup of tea, and on the show at 5:30pm. Apparently, there were some technical problems, but they were quickly remedied by the brilliant guy's that never appear on the show, they are excellent, and we all have a laugh.
The show started with The Zuton's performing on the show, there was load's of them, so I sat outside, it was the first time that I had watched the show live, and I really enjoyed it, all the Zuton's were really cool fella's and they said that they'd come back on, they version of Mary Anne really rocked the bus out.
Pete played a gorgeous song, and then Si came in and played a beautiful song. I played Plasticine, accompanied by Pete and Rachel, and it lovely. Even if I do say so myself.
Justin's film exert's are brilliant, he have such a skillful eye and can appear from thin air before your very eye's, or so it seem's, but he is so cool, and I really like him. The show was a great success, we finished and then I was able to watch THE WHO perform, from the golden circle at the front, and they were amazing, I felt a real magic and euphoria, everyone clapping in perfect time, it was quite spooky.
It was really cool to meet El Wisty who was at the gig ( not at the previous show gary ) and Paul from Glasgow and Delbut, who I gave badges to, as well as many other viewer's of the show that came up to me during the evening, thankyou everyone, it was great to see you.
Everyone left the venue, I jumped into the motor home with the driver, and we set out in convoy, with the IN THE ATTIC bus, Pete's magic bus, and the infinity motorhome, all travelling through the night to Belgium. It was a long drive, and I didn't sleep, we stopped at Calais for a couple of hour's, but I couldn't sleep then, then we carried on to Belgium, arriving at the gig at about 6pm.
The place was completely packed, the WERCHTER festival is Belgium's largest. We parked the bus's up, and I watched some of the show's from the side of the stage, because I'm an artist, I always get the top AAA pass. I watched THE CHILLI PEPPERS, who were great, and a bit of THE BLACK EYED PEAS, but there bass was dangerously loud, and was shaking the bus. Next day, the rest of the crew arrived, and the bus's were all moved right behind the stage, we basically took over backstage, it was great.
The show was excellent, although the air-con didn't seem to be working completely, and it was very hot, THE EDITORS and THE KOOKS both came on the show, and played song's that had never been played before, live, it was so cool, I loved them both, and look forward to seeing and hearing them all again, it was a real honour for me. I played WE WILL FIX IT accompanied by Rachel and Pete, and had to make up a new middle 8 on the spot because I'd forgotton the one I'd originally written, but it was good, although at the time, I was devastated and went back to the bus feeling awful, later, feeling a little better, I ventured out and spoke to Ashley, and he played me a clip, it was really sweet of him, it is so weird, that memories become a little changed probably by tiredness and sound fatigue. I soon changed my mood, and then watched THE WHO perform from the sound and lighting rig in the middle of the audience, the tower bit, it was how the show should be viewed, I could truly appreciate the enourmity of the visual performance, with the light's and the band and the huge sound, it was crazy. I couldn't get any picture's because my battery had run out, it was a real shame, but I'll take my charger next time. Straight after the band finished, I jumped on a bus with them and went to the airport, and travelled home on a big luxurious private jet, it was so cool, but I was a bit wiped out, before long, I was home, it felt like I'd been away for week's.
I love all the shout's and comment's you give me here, thanks blogger's, I hope your all ok and enjoying this stuff, hope to see you all at the gig, please come and say hello, take care all, and err, GMaS.

mikey

LEEDS WIRELESS FESTIVAL...

2006-06-27T13:02:00.000Z

Since the Brighton gig, I'd spent the week relaxing and working on new music, catching up with my family and spending time with my Rene. The weather was fine, and I had a lovely week. I really appreciated all the great shout's I got on the last blog, thankyou everyone, I'm glad your enjoying it.
On Sunday, I awoke very early for me, got my thing's ready and Rene gave me a lift to the train station. This time I wasn't travelling with the band, because IN THE ATTIC was going on-WIRE much earlier and the show was running for two hours because of all the great guest's we were having on. So, at 11am I caught a train to London, then caught another train from London to Leed's, which got me there at 3:45pm, and from there I jumped into a taxi with a couple going to the festival, the couple in the taxi were big EEL'S fans.
I arrived at the gig at some time after 4pm, I was given an artist's wrist-band, and went staight to the motorhome for a long anticipated cup of tea. Everyone was really excited, the show began, and kicked off with THE FLAMMING LIPS, who were incredible, they done a version of CAN'T EXPLAIN by THE WHO, it was suberb, and we are had a great laugh. Then ROSE HILL DRIVE came on and performed, I really enjoyed there performance, and they were a really lovely bunch of fella's, I look forward to them coming back on the show. Last but by no mean's least was E from the EELS, he was super cool in his flying jacket and goggles.
I played YOU with Rachel, and I thought it sounded cool, Pete was his usual brilliant self, but I missed Simon. The show flashed by, it really seem's to get quicker and quicker. We left the magic bus and I watched THE FLAMMING LIPS perform from the side of the stage, they were superb, and then watched THE WHO perform from the rear of stage right, I got some cool photo's.
It was a shame that I missed the Canadian Grand Prix, and the England game, but I wouldn't want it any other way. After THE WHO came off stage, I jumped in the bus with them, and flew back to London in the private plane. I had had an amazing day, but was very tired. I hope everyone got to enjoy the show, let me know what you thought, I hope everyone is doing good and feeling fine, take care all and GMaS...
mikey

IT BEGINS...

2006-06-22T00:42:00.000Z

So it begin's, just like a dream or fantasy, my very first tour, and it's a world tour with In The Attic and the Who. It has finally dawned on me, exactly how lucky I am, it's behond luck, it's heaven. The test at Bray went really well, but the first gig was at Leeds. At the same historic location of the 'Live at Leeds' Who album.
Rene gave me a lift to the airport, where I met up with the band(the who) and got on the private plane that took us up to Leed's, I've never flown on a private jet before, and rest assured, it's pretty darn cool. I sat and chatted to Rabbit, he has got some amazing stories and is a really lovely bloke, I'd worked with him a few year's ago, and can only hope to work with him again one day. We landed at Leed's and got in a plush van thing, and went staight to the gig.
The airstream(Magic bus) looked amazing with the cartoon's of us all on the side, everything set in place for a great show. I played 'A Better me', and was pleased to see Gary put it up on Attic Radio, cheer's Gaz. Rachel played and sung beautifully, Pete and Si were there usual brilliant selves and it was an absolute honer to meet Sir Peter Blake.
I was also really pleased to meet the radio one DJ Andy Kershaw, he came on the show, and later I gave him a copy of my new EP, let's hope he like's it and play's it. I watched the Who perform from the side of the stage by the door's, it was really hot in there, but sounded amazing. After the gig, we flew back, a driver took me home from the airport, and I was back home. It felt very stange, like it had been a dream.
Next morning, straight up and headed off to Brighton for the next gig, Rene drove down there, but we hit the most terrible traffic going in to Brighton centre, I left Rene in the car to find a parking place, and went on foot to find the venue. The reason for the traffic was that there was a charity bicycle race that day, and it had frozen up all the traffic. Anyway, it was a horrible journey, but all ended well, when I got to the venue in good time, Rene arrived safe and sound a while later but got to watch the show outside the bus with load's of other people.
The show went really well, I performed Torture with Rachel on the piano, it really add's another layer. It was nice to see that Gary had put that on Attic Radio, but there seem's to be a glitch, it's a real shame, because it sound's slightly out of time now, but you still get the idea, unless that is, if Gaz has changed it already, please do Gary, if it's possible.
I was very happy to play the guitar for Rachel, as she sang Pretty Heart, which was one of the first song's that we used to play originally in the attic many year's ago. Chris Difford, Mel and Dori came on the show and were outstanding, I love that music, they are great, and I gave Chris a CD. The very funny and famous Tracy Almond was on the show, being very funny, and signing the board, she had a number one in the UK penned by the beautiful Kirsty Mcall, I think I've spelt her name wrong, I'm sorry. Pete played a great song on the Yuke, which was amazing. Si came in and gave us a song, then went on and played with the Casbah Club, and then again with the Who, he is awsome.
Me and Rene watched what we could of the Who perform from round the side, with Mark and Bruce and Bruce from the Casbah Club, it would be great to see them IN THE ATTIC someday.
It was also really great to see Mark and Jill and Delbut, I hope they all had a brilliant time. Me and Rene headed back home slightly before the Who finished, hoping to beat the rush, we seemed to do it, and got back home safe and sound. It has been super cool, now I'm looking forward to Leeds, the next one's not at the university, but is at a festival. Hope you like the shot's, take care all and give me a shout.
mikey

WHITE OUT....

2006-06-15T12:57:00.000Z

I don't know if anyone will see this blog, as I can't seem to look at it myself, I white page appears.
Has my blog been lost, I hope not, just technical thing. I don't know what I would do without my blog, well it might make me finish my Indonesian blog, which I have really slacked off on, so this is probably Karma.
The first one the road live show went really well I thought, full of great music and laughter, and it was great to be able to see the Who rehearse, there was a huge team of people involved, in this huge film studio out in the country, it was really cool.
This is also probably because I didn't do my shout's this week, I did genuinely forget, and I'm sorry, now can I have my blog back please.
Anyway, I hope everyone is good and enjoyed the show, Foy was superb, although so was Si, and as ever Rachel and Pete, and it was really cool meeting Paul King, 'that's what my heart, yearn's for now, love and pride'. The airstream or magic bus is brilliant, and I'm totally excited about the tour, as I'm sure you all are. Take care all, hope, GMaS...
mikey

BLOG LOCK

2006-06-09T23:33:00.000Z

I would like to start this blog by saying that I completely empathise with the people having problem's with lost comment's, I really appreciate you taking the time, and writing it again, I know how hard it is. I know that I am a pretty slack blogger, but the other day I sat down and done a blog, where I explained what a lovely weekend I had had with Rene and my Father in the country, how the builder's had returned, and all of a sudden are working at a terrific pace, so the end's in sight... But when I posted, it was lost, and I know people will say that I should write it in word first or something else, but I didn't, and I lost the blog. I turned away from the computer in disgust, how funny.
But now I have returned, verve restored. I've spent the last couple of day's soaking up the sun on the beach, and working on some music, I have a new song in the pipeline, but it's early days.
The tour grow's closer and closer, I'm really looking forward to the show on tuesday, it's going to be amazing, my EP is nearly ready, I'm totally excited, I hope people buy it and like it more importantly.
I've posted a picture that I took whilst up at my Mum's boat, it's of canal lock's door's, I thought they looked good.
Thankyou to everyone posting on the last blog, I love reading them, I hope everyone is well and happy, take care you lot and GMaS.
mikey

PORT HOLE...

2006-05-31T22:54:00.000Z

I had a great laugh on the show last night, I felt very lucky to get to watch it on the loop when I got back this afternoon. I was very proud of the submarine port hole that Rene and I had made the previous evening, and blown away by all the clothing, everyone looked great, Rachel done a fantastic job, I love my team zissou clothes, so does Rene, and she's a bit jealous.
It's great to see the live version of 'We will fix it' up on Attic Radio, and I think I agree with Natalie about the tempo. I was pleased with the song's I played, and totally enjoyed everyone else's. I hope everyone had a great time watching.
I've still got decisions to make and thing's to do and listen to, so this is a short one, thank's to everyone who support's me, take care all,

mikey

NO EXCUSES...

2006-05-27T14:49:00.000Z

I've been sorting out stuff for my EP this week, there are so many decision's for me to make, and I want everything to be perfect, already busy people are going out of there way to help me, which I'm amazingly grateful, but time's ticking away, the tour is really soon, I'm really looking forward to the tour, and of course to this week's IN THE ATTIC special 'The Life Aquattic' on Tuesday. I don't know what Rachel's got in store for us all, but I'm sure it will be brilliant. Tune in and see, I think it's the last one before the tour.
I've also been recording and working with drum programming at my home studio, I'm really happy with how the drum's are sounding. I'm starting to write a new song as well at the moment, I'll keep you informed.
I've posted up another drawing from an old sketch book, let me know what you think?
The weather here has been pretty poor throughout the last week, and I think we are in for more of the same to come, the building work has been put on temporary hold, this has allowed me to record at home, but the scaffolding remain's, and my garden look's like a building site.
Thankyou to everyone for posting here, and leaving me such kind words, appologies for the slack blogging, I've no excuses. Hope everyone is well and happy, take care all...
mikey

SWEET JUNE...

2006-05-20T17:03:00.000Z

I had a great time on the show this week, Martha was superb and really sweet. I got to play my new song, 'Sweet June', as well as 'Clever Girl'(because Gary said it was going on Attic Radio), and 'Invisible', which I wrote about a year ago, but only performed it on the last show. They all seemed to go well, I'm really glad that everyone enjoyed them, and can continue to enjoy on Attic Radio, thank's Gary.

Done some voice over's with Rachel for the cartoon for IN THE ATTIC, I can't wait to see them, it was really funny.

I'm getting my EP stuff together, there will be six track's and some of my artwork, and it will be on sale at, the WHO merchandize counter, during the tour. It will be great when people can buy my music, I'm really excited.

The weather here has taken a turn for the worse, rain and strong wind's, definitely not beach weather, so me and Rene are plotting up in front of the tv and watching film's today, I love a film day. Tomorrow, I going to see my newest niece Millie, she's my sister Janine's newest edition to the clan, and she is beautiful. Janine is Ryan and Indy's mum and my youngest sister of three, I don't think I've mentioned much about my sister's before.

Hope everyone's having a good weekend, take care all and GMaS.

mikey

SOAKING UP THE RAY'S...

2006-05-16T18:31:00.000Z

I've been a bit of a slack blogger again haven't I, I've been taking it easy for the last week. I went fishing on the beach, didn't catch anything though. The weather has been brilliant and I managed a few day's on the beach soaking up the ray's. I've been meaning to record my new song, but haven't started yet, I may play the new song on this week's special show. I would also like to play Invisible, which is a song I played at the gig, but have never played on IN THE ATTIC, after many request's to hear it.
Thank's for all the great shout's on my blog everyone, I love reading all your beautiful word's. I've been watching load's of film's as well, I really enjoy immersing myself completely. I spent the day at my brother's house yesterday, working in the garden, the garden is beautiful, and although very strenuous, it give's me a great sence of accomplishment. One day I would like a huge garden, with green house's and lake's, and wood's and, and, and I'm going a bit mental now aren't I?
Really looking forward to the show tomorrow, if you want a shout, or question, or something else, just let me know here...

Thank's again everyone, take care and GMaS.
mikey

THE GIG WENT WELL !

2006-05-10T17:42:00.000Z

Sorry for the slack blogging here, but better late than never. Thankyou very much for all great good luck message's here, I felt all of your power and performed well, I had a great time. It was excellent to see all blogger's that turned up, Mark and Jill, Marietta and her Mum, Charlotte and Cat, Ben and Tom, thankyou very much, I really appreciated the great support you gave me, and for the great review's you've written on your blog's, thankyou again.
I wasn't as nervous as last time I supported the Casbah Club, although I didn't get the chance to reherse very much. I remember Rene saying,'you're playing that gig on Sunday', which I think was on thursday evening, but as I ran through some song's the next day, and it became apparent to me that I remembered all of them no problem, which is probably down to playing them fairly regularly on IN THE ATTIC. So feeling altogether more confident, I think I performed well, trouble occured when I tried to retune my guitar from conventional to DADGAD without the use of a tuner, I thought I'd learnt my lesson from last year, but my tuner broke only recently, and I thought that I could do it, I need to gig more I reckon.
The show was going well, people singing along in place's and dancing down the front, but I was aware of a small group of people talking, which was really off putting, I found myself getting angry and loosing the feel of the song, but as I played my final song, 'Invisible', a song that hasn't been played on IN THE ATTIC, they all shut up and listened, later the very same people appologized to me, which I thought was really nice. Some people asked if I was selling any CD's, I can't wait til I have something that people can buy. I had a great time watching the brilliant Cashah Club after my set, and got a picture with the band, they are all lovely fella's and I can't wait to work with them again.
Feel's a bit weird not doing IN THE ATTIC tonight, but the weather's lovely here at the moment, the building work still continues, more noise than ever, but I think I'm nearly imune now, hope everyone's doing well, take care all and GMaS.
mikey

SUNDAY'S GIG...

2006-05-05T17:57:00.000Z

I'm supporting 'The Casbah Club' on Sunday at Club Riga in Southend-on-sea. I have played the venue before and had a great time. It is a real honour for me to support Simon and the band, they are amazing and really rock out.
I've heard that some blogger's are coming, sorry I never used your 123456 date thing Markt, I had it written down and everything, but it will be great to see you there mate, I think Marietta and her Mum are coming, and Charlotte, so it will be great.
I hope I get the chance to meet all the blogger's, don't be shy.
So, I'm going to get back to getting ready for the gig, glad everyone enjoyed the show last week, this week it's the Life Aquattic special, I can't wait.
I'll blog on monday, and give you all the story, take care all, have a great weekend, wish me luck or just give me a shout...

mikey

BIG FISH...

2006-05-01T17:51:00.000Z

Me and Rene had a great time at my Mum's boat on the weekend, we travelled up on saturday afternoon and spent the night, as well as my brother Shaun and Lisa and Jed. All of us sleeping on the boat, which was a bit of a squeeze, but never the less a great time. It was made even greater when I saw my float go under the water, and I landed this fish, a beautiful male Bream. It is the biggest fish I have ever caught, I think I already explained by bad luck, but not this time. I was stunned, and felt like a small child, it was an amazing experience, am I mental or something.
Anyway, we got home late last night, and had a very lazy day today, Rene inform's me that the gig at Club Riga is under a week away, and I think there's a few of you blogger's coming, you will be in for a great night, I am only supporting the great 'Casbah Club', they are fantastic, so I want to do a great show.
Thankyou everyone for some great shout's and compliment's here, I am very lucky to receive such corespondance, I hope you all had a good weekend, take care all, and GMaS.
mikey

OVER-COOKED PRAWN...

2006-04-27T18:10:00.000Z

I had a great time on the show last night, caught the train, met Rene in central London and had a great coffee, Rene had her lunch, although I wasn't hungry. Then Rene went back off to work and I caught the next train home.
First thing when I got in, was check the blog, really love all the great shout's, thankyou very much, I really appreciate them, and then checked Rachel's blog, and realised there had been some problem with the loop. This show's how one person's misfortune, is another's fortune, as I was able to watch, I don't care if it's sad to watch yourself, I enjoy it, although I do enjoy my music more if I close my eye's. It is hard for me remember everything that goes on in the show as well. Anyway, you get the picture, I'm glad I saw the loop.
I'm going to try and work on my new song tomorrow, it's nearly ready, just a few more word's to come and then I can record a demo. I didn't mention on the show, but Indy my nephew came round for his guitar lesson on Monday evening, and I'm happy to report that he'd definitely been practicing, and had also improved greatly, I was really proud of him. So, I turned up the heat, and showed him some stuff that was a fare bit harder, but he took to it quickly. We'll see what happen's next week.
I don't know if the F1 grande prix is on this weekend, if it is, I would appreciate you letting me know, I think me and Rene are joining Shaun and Lisa and Jed, spending the weekend at my mum's boat. Shaun caught a huge carp there last weekend, and I was hoping to do the same, although truth be known, I used to sit next to my brother and fish just beside him, copy his tackle and bait, and still he would catch all the fish, it's alway's been the way. I truly love fishing, but am not very succuessful at it. It will also be very nice to see my mum of course, and have a relaxing time, but if there's a F1 GP then I don't want to miss it.
Rene's much better now, and the sushi went down a storm, I was very proud of myself, I accompanied the sushi with prawn and udon soup, there the big fat noodles. I do enjoy cooking, but sometime's I'm a little too passonate, and get far to angry about slightly overcooking the prawn's, I am a fool. Rene's got a work thing tonight, so I'm home alone. Anyway, this has been a long blog, thank's all and take care, and you could alway's Give Me a Shout'
mikey

GMAS...

2006-04-23T14:48:00.000Z

So that everyone here get's the chance of a shout on this week's show, and there choice of song I play, here is your chance, don't waste a second.
I'm still feeling a little flakey after our holiday, Rene's on the mend though, I'm cooking dinner tonight, and I'm going to have a go at sushi, we've got all the stuff and I feel confident, I'll let you know how it goes on the show, but if anyone has any word's of wisdom between now and this evening, please share them.
I just watched the San Marino Grand Prix, I loved it, but I must say that it wasn't the best of race's, whether that was to do with the director, or the actual race, I shall never know.
Once again, please let me know if you want a shout on IN THE ATTIC this week, and tell me the particular song's you would like me to play. Also, any useless fact's you have would be appreciated, as I seem to have exhausted my supply. I hope everyone's having a good weekend, take care you lot, and GMaS.

mikey

COOL SHOUT'S...

2006-04-21T13:23:00.000Z

Thank's for all the cool shout's on my blog here everyone, very much appreciated. I was really happy how 'Matches' went, and then 'Misery' with Simon was really cool, and it was great to listen to it on ITA Radio, thank's Gaz. I thought the whole show went really well considering Rachel didn't feel very well.
I've posted some more holiday photo's, I didn't really get to visit the nature reserve, although Rene and I walked down the mountain, that we were staying at the top of, only to find a large fence, it was also getting dark, and I had promised to cook dinner. We made it back up the mountain in good time, but were both exhausted. I did cook dinner though, and it was delicious if I say so myself, we both slept very well that night.
Although I haven't blogged that much recently, I'll try harder in future, thank's again for all the great comment's, you really make me smile.
Rene's home from work early because she doesn't feel very well, so I better get my nurses uniform out and look after her, that is a joke of course, although I will be looking after her, there was so much driving for her to do, I started to feel as though I should learn, just to take the pressure off Rene. Anyway, thank's again, take care all, and if you want to, GMaS.

mikey

Back Home...

2006-04-19T11:50:00.000Z

Hey everyone, we are back home, got back yesterday morning, but have been pretty wiped out. We had a great time, and I've got plenty of photo's. I'll post a few now, and more later. Thankyou for all your great post's about last week's show, and thank's for all your well wishing for me and Rene on our hol's.
I took my song book to Spain with me, although didn't even open it, I spent the whole time relaxing and enjoying myself. Back home now, and back to work.
Really looking forward to tonight's show, I haven't thought of any useless fact's or even considered what I could play, but I'm sure everything will turn out fine on the show.
I hope that everyone had a great Easter holiday, I'll blog later with more stories of our trip.
Well, I've got to get ready now, I hope I'll see you all on the show, thank's again for all the great comment's on my blog, let me know if you want a shout on the show, or if you want me to play a particular song, or just let me know if you enjoyed the show, so take care all, and please GMaS.

mikey

Cool Show...

2006-04-12T16:58:00.000Z

What a cool show last night, firstly Layla was amazing, and very sweet as well. I had a brilliant time, made even better by Rene's appearance. After the show, we all went and got a burger, well actually, I got a chilli dog, which I loved. Then Rene drove us home, and I even got to see the loop, hurray.
Great news, I've got some home recorded demo's up on IAC, I've put up 'We Will Fix It' and 'Matches', I really hope everyone enjoy's them, they are quite basically recorded, but I think they sound ok. So please go and give them a listen, and tell me what you think?
Even more great news, Rene and I are going on holiday tonight for about 5 day's, we are going to Spain, I'm looking forward to good food, good weather and peace and quiet.
Thank's for all the great shout's here on my blog, I really appretiate all the great feed back you have given me, I hope you all have a great week, stay well and happy, take care and GMaS.

mikey

A COLD HOUSE...

2006-04-10T13:16:00.000Z

I really enjoyed last week's show, it's alway's good to meet fellow artist's, and blogging legend's. This week's show will be on Tuesday, I presume at the normal time. You must let me know what you would like me to play. I'm also going to post some more t-shirt idea's, it's harder than I thought, but with all feed back I've been receiving, it's been made easier.
When I returned home last week from the show, I was shocked to walk into a cold house, the boiler had packed up, and it was freezing. Although very romantic, because of all the candles alight trying to raise the temperature. It turned our weekend into an exercise in keeping warm.
My father is a heating engineer, but has just left on holiday for two week's, isn't it alway's the way, but having some of my father's jean's, I gave it ago. After a few attempt's, over a couple of day's, the boiler was fixed, by my own gracious hand, and Rene was over the moon, me too actually.
So once again, please let me know if you want a particicular song played, or if you want a shout out live on the show, or if you have any useless fact's that I could use. I hope your all doing well and staying fit, let me know what you think of the t-shirt idea, take care, enjoy the show and GMaS.

mikey

LET ME KNOW?

2006-04-04T21:59:00.000Z

Thank's for all the great post's everybody, I'm really looking forward to the show tomorrow, IN THE ATTIC episode number 6, can you believe it. I've hardly played my guitar since last week's show. I've got a couple of idea's of song's to play, but please feel free to ask for personal favorite's.
Indy missed his guitar lesson again this week, though thankfully not down to illness. I did miss our time together, he is great to be around.
I've posted up some idea's I've had about putting some of my artwork on ti-shirt's to be sold on the Who merchandizing counter, it was Pete's idea, tell me what you think blogger's, and let me know if you want and shout out on the show, hope your all good and get a good feed tomorrow, take care and GMaS.

mikey

SILVER LINING...

2006-04-03T12:19:00.000Z

Last week's show was really funny, I really enjoyed myself. I returned home across London the next day, and felt a bit wiped out. Friday's building work finished at the normal time, and I looked forward to a quite relaxing weekend with my Rene.
Then it began, some argument between some of our neighber's, and a dreadful noise continued throughout the night, I hate conflict's, and I hate noise.
But there was a silver lining to this grey cloud, my alarm awoke me at 3:30am, it was the live qualifying for the F1 Australian GP, I was only partially awake, but loved it, I prefere to watch the live event where possible, a few hour's later the position's for the race had been sorted and I returned to bed.
Saturday, Rene had bought some dining room chair's off of E-bay, and we set out to go and collect them, the address said Kent, but it was much more like South London, I'd thought we were going for a drive in the country.
We spent Saturday night watching a film and having pizza. Sunday was race day in Australia, Jenson Button was on pole, and it looked like today was the day for his first victory, but the poor bloke blew up just before the finishing line. It was a superb race, the best so far. There's a break for three week's now until the next GP.
Then after the race, I went to visit my brother Shaun, we had a good afternoon in the garden pruning and clearing, the sun was bright in the sky. Jed is as gorgeous as ever, alway's smiling and giggling, and so big and strong.
Building work continued this morning, but every day I become a little more accustomed to it, I'm looking forward to Indy's guitar lesson this evening, he's doing really well.
I haven't done any music this weekend, so my new song is still a way off being finished, and that's about been my week since the show. Thankyou everyone for your shout's here on my blog, and thankyou to Molly for posting up a link to my fan-map on her blog, thankyou everyone.
I've posted up another drawing from an old song book, I like this one, thank's again for all the great shout's, hope your all good, take care all and obviously GMaS.

mikey

Sunday Lunch.

2006-03-28T14:21:00.000Z

Sunday lunch with Rene's folk's was great, then the evening spent with my family was great as well. Monday morning was a welcome suprise, as because of the horrible weather, the builder's didn't show up for work, which meant an extra day of peace, and a chance to work on my new song. At 5pm, Indy turned up for his guitar lesson, he had been ill with the flu last week, but because of this, he hadn't practiced at all, but we had a great lesson, and by the end of the lesson, he was making huge leap's in his ability.
Building has begun again today, but it's not so bad. I'm really looking forward to the show tomorrow, I'm hoping to see the animation thingy, also I'm really sorry to Mark T, who I completely forgot to mention your birthday, even after forgeting the previous week, sorry mate. Thankyou everyone for the shout's, let me know if you want a shout on the show, and what song's would you particularly like me to play this week, if indeed there are any of my song's you would like to hear, I think I'm becoming far too humble here, let me know what I should play, I could also use some useless fact's, couldn't we all.
I've posted up a picture of mine, taken from an old sketch book, the drawing was inspired by a dream I had, well it was actually a nightmare really, I was being chased by some demon thingy, and running so fast that I was smashing through dimension's in time, and the skin was being burnt off my face as I ran faster and faster. Weird dream huh? Anywho, I like the image, tell me what you think? I hope everyone's doing good, take care all, and of course, GMaS.

mikey

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY BLOGGER'S.

2006-03-26T13:00:00.000Z

So, Happy Mother's Day all you mother's out there, I hope you all have a great day. Rene's cooking a special lunch for her Mum, I'll stay and eat with Rene and her parent's and then go over to brother Shaun's later, where my Mum will be.
I've been working on a new song just lately, well actually I started it just after returning from my mum's new boat, last sunday. It's about my mum and her boat, and the way I'm feeling I suppose, it's a bit more folky. Rene say's that's it sound's really beautiful, but Rene alway's know's the right thing to say.
Last night, we watched some film's and had some chinese food, it was lovely. But the whole day was precious because of the quiet, no builder's. Sunday morning was lovely as well, until Rene realised that the clock's here have gone back an hour, I think we are the only country in the world that does it, it just confuses everybody, so she had to speed up cooking.
Anyway, I'm just about to eat now, so, have a great day everyone, and take care, also GMaS.

mikey

IN THE ATTIC, TONIGHT.

2006-03-22T12:51:00.000Z

Thankyou for all the great shout's, you are all brilliant. It's been another very noisey morning, but I'm becoming a little more accustomed to it. I'm really looking forward to tonight's show, although I still haven't decided on my useless fact, maybe I could get some blog help here.
I've chosen the song's I'll play on tonight's IN THE ATTIC, I hope to play a song I wrote many year's ago called 'Love & War' and also, a song I wrote many, many year's ago called 'Misery(need's a friend)', I hope you can all tune in, and get a great feed. Let me know what you think of the song's?
Once again, thankyou everybody, take care, enjoy the show, and GMaS.

mikey

MUM'S HOUSEBOAT.

2006-03-21T13:38:00.000Z

Hey everyone, I'm really sorry that I've worried you, there is nothing to worry about I assure you. My song's on IAC and MYSPACE have come down, but they will be replaced shortly. Thankyou everyone for caring about me so much, it make's me feel very special, I am extremely touched by all your comments, thankyou again.
So, I haven't blogged in age's, I loved the show last week, but because I stayed in a hotel that evening, and returned home the next day, I didn't get to see the show on loop, which was a shame. The train's were running very late and it took me a while longer than usual to get home. Once home, I was greeted by the constant noise of the builder's, banging and scraping, it is horrible, it has made working almost completely impossible.
Then the weekend came, it was beautiful to be greeted in the morning by quiet, I watched the qualifying for the Malaysian grand prix, which was fantastic, and then done some job's, also started on a new song, still early day's. Saturday night, we had some gorgeous Indian take away, and watched a film. Sunday, I got up very early to watch the F1 Malaysian race live, it was spectacular, but once it finished, we left to help my Mum move onto her boat. The day was then spent moving her stuff, from my sister's to her boat. Her boat is beautiful, and situated in a lovely area, the sun shone very brightly and I even took my top off for a while, we all had a lovely day, Jed was on top form as usual, Veronique, my neice and her boyfriend John helped as well as brother Shaun and Lisa and me and Rene. We left quite late in the evening, both me and Shaun were worried leaving her, my Mum is very strong, but it just felt horrible. I am still a bit worried really. We got home quite late, and Rene had to be up early for work.
Yesterday, I searched through my Demo's trying to pick 5 track's, which will be made into an EP that will be sold on the Who merchandise counter during the show's I think, it's great news, and this is really my reason for removing the song's from IAC and MYSPACE, although the Myspace still remain's, although with no music there, the music shall return, but not maybe the same song's. Then at 5pm, I removed my headphone's and waited for Indy to arrive for his weekly guitar lesson. He never appeared, so I hope he's alright, I really missed our couple of hour's together.
Today, has been very noisey again, I can't wait until it's finished.
I really glad that everyone enjoyed Bacteria, and Cover you up, that was one of the first song's that I wrote for Rene. Anyway, sorry again for not blogging, hope everyone is doing good, I'll post a picture from Sunday on my Mum's new houseboat, and yes, that is her new home, take care everyone and GMaS.

mikey

THE TIME WIND...

2006-03-15T11:47:00.000Z

Hey everyone, thankyou for all the great shout's here, I really appreciate your positive feed back. I've been busy again, yesterday I recorded 'Bacteria', well the guitar part's and the vocal, I had worked on the drum track all of monday. I really like the track, but I'm a bit nervous again, about playing a song that I haven't played to anyone before. I will be playing 'Bacteria' this evening on IN THE ATTIC, and hope you all like it, it's a bit punky as I said before.
On monday evening, Indy, my nephew had his guitar lesson, which went really well, he is learning very fast indeed, and he get's really excited when he acheives something, it is inspiring to watch him.
I'm really looking forward to the show tonight, I hope that everyone gets a great feed, or catches the loop. I shall have my new song, and many useless fact's, I'm trying to think of another song to play, you could help me, let me know what you would like me to play?
The first F1 race of the season was amazing, the qualifing was exciting and the race was brilliant, I can't wait for next week, that will be Malaysia. Maybe I sound like a bit of a geek, but who cares eh?
So, I wondered what picture to post, and then I remembered this one, I think that I gave it a title, it is called ' The Time Wind ', and again, it is more of a doodle in an old song book, but I have alway's liked this one. Let me know what you think?
The scaffolding is still going up, it is very noisey and has cut out much of the light through the window's, but it look's quite cool, anyway, now I'm just rambling, hope everyone is doing good, hope you all enjoy the show tonight, thankyou to everyone who have said that they would promote me in there local area, you are star's.
Just a few more thing's, please, please, please go and put your name down on my fan map, there is a link on this blog, I check it daily, as well as my Myspace, thankyou everyone there. Also, great news, my songs on IAC are doing great, 'Plasticine' is up to 5 on the Alternative chart, and 'Feel my heat' and 'Tourist' are not far behind. Thankyou for playing these song's, please continue playing them.
Anyway, I think I've got it all, take care all, and of course, GMaS.

mikey

RACE TOMORROW.

2006-03-11T20:06:00.000Z

Hey, sorry everyone, thankyou so much for all the beautiful shout's here, I've been busy with 'bacteria' and clearing the garden for the scaffolding that's being errected on monday here, for the building work. It's been snowing most off the day, but it didn't settle, and there was more to do than I anticipated. Also, it appears that I can still post image's, thank the lord, I've got so much more to show you all.
It has also been the first day of the 2006 F1, qualifying in Bahrain, race live tomorrow at 10:30am, there's been load's of rule changes, new driver's, new team's and I'm loving it all. I'm really looking forward to the race tomorrow.
I've posted a print of Southend pier after a fire had destroyed the bowling alley on the land end of the world famous site, just recently there has been another fire at the other end, there has been some talk of a charity event, at which I would offer my support. This print is almost identical to the one I gave Rachel for Christmas, and that appeared on the show last week on the 'picture behing the piano' part of In The Attic.
I hope everyone like's the print, thank's again for all the great comment's, sorry to Mark T and Happy Birthday mate, you shall get a belated shout this week mate, thanks all, so, I promise I won't leave it this long again, so take care and GMaS.

mikey

WHAT NO PICTURES...

2006-03-06T19:53:00.000Z

Hey everyone, thanks for the great post's, I've had a wonderful weekend, and got back to work today on the new song 'Bacteria', it's all going well, but I don't know if it will be ready for this week's show, hey, we'll see.
I visited my brother Shaun on the weekend, Jed is amazing as usual, he's really growing fast, he's actually the same weight as a baby twice his age, but he's not fat with it, and he is constantly smiling and laughing. I got some more word's for my song for Jed, that song is growing steadily.
It was Indy's third guitar lesson this evening, he's doing really well, but isn't practicing enough. It's great spending time with him though, he's really funny.
I don't seem to able to post a picture today, that's odd, oh well, I'll try again tomorrow.
About the gig thingy, I will be supporting the Casbah Club, if it's on the 7th, I'll have to check it with Simon, stay posted. I really enjoy doing them gig's, the audience's are brilliant.
So, hope this blog find's you all well, take care, can't wait for the next ITA on Wednesday, have you got any idea's about what song or song's I should play if I don't play my new one?
GMaS.

mikey

Back home now...

2006-03-03T15:43:00.000Z

I had an excellent time on IN THE ATTIC the other night, thankyou everyone for tuning in, and I was really glad that you all liked my new tune 'We will fix it'. I'll work on my new punky tune 'Bacteria' this week, and see if I can get it finished for next week. It is such a pleasure and honour to sit and listen to Rachel, Pete and Simon, they all performed brilliantly.
I am very lucky, I've said it before and I'll probably say many times again.

It's snowing very lightly again here, winter just doesn't seem to want to lift, I can't wait for spring.
Anyway, this is just a short blog to say thanks for all the shout's, and I'm glad you all enjoyed it, hope you all have a great weekend.
I've posted up another drawing from an old songbook, this one's a bit more colourful, looks like felt tip pen's were used. Let me know what you think?

I'm going to get back to work on my new tune now, hope this find's you well, take care all and GMaS.

mikey

IN THE ATTIC 2

2006-02-28T22:14:00.000Z

Great news, the CD burner worked, and I've done some more on my new song, I've wanted to write this song for ages, I've written the title in many of my song book's, but until now, haven't found the song. Well, the song is called 'Bacteria', I won't explain any further, apart from saying it's a bit punky and I'm working on it at the moment, thank's to everyone for giving me great feedback, I really appreciate it.

But, much more importantly, the show is back, you don't have to wait any longer, below I've posted a link, just in case, IN THE ATTIC 2 starts tomorrow at 7pm London time.

To watch the show you will need to click here to view.

Hope everyone gets a great feed, please leave any request's you have of me here, song's you'd like to hear etc...GMaS

mikey

BUSY...

2006-02-27T15:04:00.000Z

I've been very busy, firstly finishing recording my new song, although there was a glitch, my CD burner started playing up so I bought a CD cleaner, and have done it several times, and yet to try and re-burn, as it were, I'll try again later. Also, directly after finishing recording 'We will fix it', I've started writing another tune. It's slightly unusual for me because it's a bit punky, well, we'll see how it goes. I love writing, it doesn't come easy sometimes, but to be working on new material is the best.
Indy's got his second guitar lesson tonight, then me and Rene are off to a family event that I cannot escape.
I'm spending the day working on the new stuff, but will try to burn the CD later, I've posted up another drawing taken from an old song book, it sound's like your really enjoying my little doodles, that's good. It's really nice to see them again, and it's fun trying to remember what I was feeling, although I have a terrible memory.
Hope you are all doing well, I can't believe IN THE ATTIC is nearly upon us again, it's going to be amazing, just two day's to go, well not even that really. Anyway, still at number 4 on IAC, which is great news, thanks you guy's, keep playing them. Take care everyone and GMaS.

mikey

We Will Fix It...

2006-02-23T21:17:00.000Z

I've been really busy today and yesterday recording my new song, I'm not completely sure about the title but I'm going with 'We will fix it' for now. I've done the drum's( in responce to the reason why I don't use a live kit; it's just not feasible within my tiny studio at home, and I probably couldn't record them as well as they have been recorded on the sample, as well as the noise aspect) the main guitar and a bass, as well as the vocal. There is a possibility of some string's in there as well, but they'll be staying small. I've just been over to brother Shaun's and been finishing off the greenhouse, it's like our new den.
I forgot to mention that I've started giving my newphew Indy guitar lesson's, we had our first lesson on monday evening. My sister Lorraine bought it for him for Christmas, but he's a great student and we are steaming ahead, I want to keep it fun for him though. Nothing worse than boring music.
I'll work some more on the song tomorrow, hopefully get the string part down. Hope everyone's doing good, In the Attic 2 will be upon us very soon and I'm very excited, I've got some great new useless fact's, the new song's to play, and some great new stories for you.
I've posted up another drawing from an old song book, hope you like it. Let me know what you think, take care all, and GMaS.

mikey

Endless Drum Loop's...

2006-02-21T21:21:00.000Z

Excellent news everyone, Plasticine has gone up to number 4 on the Alternative chart of IAC. Thankyou everyone playing the song's, I'm not getting caught up I promise, I'm just happy.
I've been helping brother Shaun with his greenhouse, and can say, that the construction has been a complete success and it looks great.

Today, I started on the drum track for my new song. It's not my favourite part of the song making process, only because I have to wade through endless drum fill's trying to find the few that work. But I've mapped out the song now, and the drum's are sounding cool, I'm going to leave it for tonight, just thought I'd blog about it. Back to work tomorrow, I'm sure I'll get the drum's done, and then I can put a guitar down, cool.

I've posted up a drawing that was in an old song book, I spent the other day scanning in more artwork of mine, and thought you'd like to see it. Let me know what you think.
Hope everyone's good, I'm really glad that I got started recording the new song. Really looking forward to IN THE ATTIC 2, take care everyone, and as usual, GMaS.

mikey

LIFE DRAWINGS...

2006-02-18T12:15:00.000Z

Here's some life drawing's that were on display at my first independant exhibition, I didn't have the money to frame these peices, so they were layed on fabric and covered with glass. I have alway's loved life drawing. I hope you like these drawing's, although there not the best photo's, you get the general idea.

Great news, I'm back up to number 5 on the Alternative chart of the IAC, I promise I won't get caught up in it this time, but thankyou for playing my song's everyone. Still haven't started recording the new song, and still writing the song for Jed.

Also, really looking forward to the next season of ITA, I've really missed it, well, not long now! Hope everyone's doing good, and taking care, thanks for all the shout's.

GMaS

mikey

VITRIOL VENTRICLE...

2006-02-15T20:33:00.000Z

As requested, here is some more of my art. This painting entitled 'Vitriol Ventricle' measures 8ft by 4ft and is made of iron oxide, sulphur and carbon on canvas. This is one of my favorite paintings and is currently in our hall way. This painting was shown originally at 'The Institution' Art exhibition in 1996 I think. This painting has several sister paintings in varying sizes.
I won't explain the thinking behind this peice, but ask for your own idea's of the reason's behind this one. What is it, what is it all about, and why? GMaS!

mikey

Flying lesson.

2006-02-13T16:37:00.000Z

Here's some polaroid's Rene took of me before I had a flying lesson, my Dad had bought for me as a Christmas present. It was a couple of years ago, I've got short hair, I quite like it.
I'm nicely colour coded with the plane, as you can see.
When I was a child, I wanted to be a pilot, as well as an astronaut and racing driver(formula one), when I grew up, but now that I have grown up, I can say that although I loved the flying lesson, I haven't taken any more.
I really like these photo's though, I had a great day.
Hope everyone's doing well, thanks for all the shouts, take care people and GMaS.

mikey

Recovered...

2006-02-09T22:25:00.000Z

Hey there people, I've recovered from my upset on the IAC Alternative chart, and I don't mean that my position on the chart has improved. What I mean, is that, through kind words on my blog, and an overview of all of this, I now realise that whatever charts say, they are just charts.
Great news, I was playing my Ukulele yesterday evening, and came up with a little song for Jed, my newest nephew. It is really lovely, and it choke's me up a bit when I play it. I went round my brother's house this evening and played the song so far to Jed, and may I say how well he's doing, and how beautiful he is, and well let's just say, he liked it, but not after I'd been playing it for ten minutes, I must remember to leave my audiences wanting.
So, thanks everyone for lifting my spirits, still no art today, I'll see what I can do...

Take care people, and GMaS.

mikey

What's going on?

2006-02-08T23:14:00.000Z

What's going on? Yesterday, I reached my highest position so far on the IAC, number 3 on the Alternative chart. I was over the moon, as you can imagine, but then last night, whilst Rene was on the computer, I heard her say that I had gone down to 9 on the chart. How could this be possible I thought, dropping six places in only a couple of hours.
Well, I suppose it serves me right, getting all excited like that. It is a shame though, silly or what.
Anyway, no art today folk's.
Hey, but thanks to all of you for still playing the songs, I love knowing that they are being listened to. Stay healthy and happy people and GMaS.

mikey

PS: Put 1st of March in your diary's everybody, IN THE ATTIC is back!
And, I particularly loved the Marvin Gaye song 'What's going on?', an absolute gem....That's all.

Self portrait's...

2006-02-07T20:39:00.000Z

Here's a self portrait that's half way through being painted, but I actually prefere the painting at this stage, to the finished work. I was about 23, I think, but the painting wasn't finished for another couple of years, and took on many more guises. I not completely sure if it is finished yet, this painting sit's in the corner of my studio behind my guitar case. It was shown at 'The Institution' Art exbibition, it measures 17 " by 24" and uses a wide selection of materials. Which do you prefere?

Hey great news, I'm up to number 3 on the Alternative chart IAC with Plasticine, thankyou to everyone who is playing the tunes, keep it up. Let me know which painting you prefere, so take care and GMaS.

mikey

Body and Soul under the waterfall.

2006-02-06T23:06:00.000Z

Here's a painting that I started some time in1991, and finished after returning from Indonesia. The painting show's two self portrait's, one squatting down, one standing, underneath a waterfall. The waterfall scene was taken from a photo montage I made from a series of photograph's taken within the Panandaran Nature Reserve, Java.
Actually, this very painting was the primary reason for my going to Indonesia, I wanted to paint an animal/human like figure in a jungle, I was seeking the primitive. Although when I was intially mapping out the painting, working on the composition, I realised that painting a jungle or rainforest was almost completely imposible from sourced images. I sold my car and raised extra fund's and flew to the cheapest destination along the equator, and within the rainforest belt area.
Within the first few months of my travel's in Indonesia, I had walked in the rainforest, and taken countless photograph's. I stayed on and taught English, but eventually came home and finished the painting.
Although when I eventually completed the painting, it seemed that I had brought my soul home with me. I really like this painting. It measure's 6ft by 4ft, is an oil on canvas, and is owned by my brother Shaun.
I hope you like my painting, let me know what you think, good or bad? Thanks for all the great feedback and comments, hey great news, I'm up to 4 on the IAC{Alt-chart} with Plasticine, Tourist hasn't moved though. It's still great news, thank's to everyone who's listening. Anyway, take care people. GMaS

mikey

THE FACES...

2006-02-03T17:45:00.000Z

Here's some ceramic work I done when I was about 16 I think, it was about the same time I was painting photocopies of my face rolling across the copier, I've already posted up that painting, but I'll post it again here and now.

To make the faces, I first took plaster cast's of my face, but filling a plastic bowl with plaster, then plunging my face into it, it was great fun, although when the plaster goes off, it creates alot of heat, and it got quite toasty in there.

I'm at number 6 on the IAC with Plasticine, and number 7 with Tourist, Come on Ryan is a little further back, on the Alternative chart, and on All genre's, I think I'm at 27 and 30, so nearly on the first page. It's really great, I love it, thankyou so much everyone who's playing my song's. If you haven't played them, why not have a listen, my IAC page is on my LINKS.

Flying along with my new tune, I'll be able to start recording very soon, hurray!

I'm also really looking forward to the new series of 'In the Attic', I hope everyone will be tuning in.

Hope everyone's good, GMaS.

mikey

VIVARIUM

2006-02-01T17:14:00.000Z

Here's a painting I done when I was about 17, it's called 'Vivarium' and it is an oil on board. I was inspired by Frank Auerbach, but wasn't rich enough to buy paint in such large quantities, so I bought a bag of pigment and some linseed oil, and found my own colours, like brick dust, charcoal, earth and some paint. The pigment, which ironically is colourless, added with linseed oil and a colour is what oil paint is. Using paint this heavily was a great experience, I was able to add pebbles and even dead insects. The picture show's a front side view of the aquarium I kept at college, housing my frogs. There was a resevoir of water in the bottom, and plants growing, it's technical term is vivarium.
As I remember, this painting was massively heavy, and I think it still exist's, but I'm sure the colours have faded. Anyway, to answer a question, I don't paint at the moment, and actually I haven't painted in quite a few years. I still draw quite regularly, but music takes up all my time now, I still paint pictures, but hopefully in people's heads.

By the way, you must catch up on the Indonesian blog, I know I've been slack but it's really getting good.
Thanks for all the comments, take care and GMaS.

mikey

Woman and bike.

2006-01-30T18:32:00.000Z

Here is a drawing entitled 'Woman and bike'. I drew this when I was 16, whilst in a life class at college. I think it was this drawing that helped me understand the importance of the eraser, as a tool, creating a clean white line and greater contrast.

This drawing was my very first exhibited work, I had it professionally framed for the exhibition. I attended the opening and was very proud that one of my drawings was being shown. Shame about the photo though.

I appologize for my slack blogging, well said Kevin. This past week, I have been helping brother Shaun clear an overgrown area in his garden, then begin construction of a greenhouse. We moved ton's of soil around the garden and done some hard landscaping. I have let him do all the construction side, but I have enjoyed being outdoor's all week, it's been very cold, actually it's been snowing, but I really enjoyed myself. I stayed at home today and get a blog up, on this one and the Indonesian blog. I've been working on the new song as well, which is flying along, and sounding really cool, I can't wait to record it, although I've got loads to do before I get that far.

Thankyou to everyone that has been playing my track's on IAC, I'm at number 13 and 14 on the Independant Chart, how amazing is that, thank's everyone. If you haven't already, please go and have a listen, it's on my LINKS bit, and the fan map if your a fan that is, it's really good to see where people are.

Had sunday lunch at my sister L'rain's last night, it was lovely, roast lamb with all the trimmings. It really can't be beaten, all the family was there, it was a real treat. I'm going to help brother Shaun again tomorrow, hope everyone's doing good, take care people and GMaS.

mikey

My Frogs...

2006-01-23T20:40:00.000Z

Here's a painting I done when I was seventeen years old, I used oil paint on board, and it measure's around 6ft by 3ft.

I used to keep frogs in a vivarium, and paint and draw them. In the background of the picture, you can see a stylised view of the Art school building.

I am shown here, with my frog friends and a large leaf, from inside of the vivarium, looking out on an ever changing world. The Art school became a department, lost it's name and identity. It was a big thing to me back then.

Anyway, hope you like it, please feel free to critic here.

Going up to the studio tomorrow to work on some more vocals, and maybe a little guitar. I'm really looking forward to it, although not the travelling. Rachel will be there, she's been working on them today with the engineer, she's great to work with, she has great energy.

Work on the new song is going very well, I've got some lyric's and all the guitar parts, I'm still refining everything, but it sounds cool. Hope everyone's good, hey, I'm doing really well in IAC chart, thankyou everyone that's been voting and playing my tunes, I'm doing well on the independant chart. Thankyou for all your support, I really appretiate it. So, take care and GMaS...

mikey

' CHAIR ' on Glass. III.

2006-01-21T17:16:00.000Z

Here's a photograph of three large glass painting's, each was 7ft by 3ft. The paint was applied and then removed, and had a different view from the reverse side of each painting.
They are all painting's of a chair that belonged to my Grandmother. Many people would come and sit in the chair, just because it was so comfortable.
I used to draw and paint it's occupant's, some stayed longer than other's. I painted these images when I was 18 at Southend Art School.
I wish this photograph was better quality, I really liked these paintings, but I'm not sure that they survived. Glass is really nice to paint on.
Hope you like the 'chair' paintings on glass, GMaS.

Whales sighted in Southend...

2006-01-20T19:43:00.000Z

Two Northern Bottlenose whales were spotted in Southend water's last night, far from their home in the depths of the Atlantic. Then one whale was spotted near the London eye, and swam up the Thames towards Chelsea.
Rene reports informed me that there was still a whale in Southend today, and I've been looking out with my binoculars across the water all day, but haven't seen anything, although big waves fooled me at times.
I'm still writing the new song, and you can expect the whale to feature now, as well as Punk boy.
Hope everyone's doing good, thanks for all the comments here, take care and GMaS.

mikey

Developing a groove...

2006-01-18T22:44:00.000Z

Had a great day yesterday at the studio, it's great working with Rachel. She's a brilliant musican, and an amazing singer and writer, and more than that, she is very funny.
We are speeding through the tracks, more recording next week on vocals, they are sounding great.
I can't wait until I've got a CD, I really enjoy listening to recent recordings.
I've been working on the new song today, it's really coming together, and developing a groove, listen to me. Anyway, just a short shout out.
Hope all of you are doing well and happy, take care and GMAS,

mikey

CHECK ME OUT...

2006-01-16T19:38:00.000Z

Firstly, I would like to thank everyone's kind and caring words, I feel very positive now, I was very touched that you all seemed to understand. I've given my fish tank a clean, mourned my Punk boy, and intend to include him in a song in the future. Anyway, thanks everyone.
Great news, I'm going with Rachel on tour with The Who, with In the Attic, and Rachel's band. I'm really looking forward to it. I can support Rachel and her band when they play, I am so lucky. You must make sure you sign my fan map, so that I know where you are, and can let you know when I'm in the area, how cool.
I'm going into the studio with Rachel tomorrow to lay down some vocals, I don't know if this one's going out over the web, I'll see. I'm really looking forward to it, the tracks are sounding amazing.
I've also got a Myspace now, and I'm on IAC, so check me out, Tourist is already up to number 46, on the alternative chart, and Plasticine is at 49 on the alternative pop rock chart. It's only been up a week, how brilliant is that. Thanks to the cool people for putting my stuff up on there Myspace's and every radio station that's playing me, thanks everyone.
I'm still working on the same song that I've been working on for age's, it's evolved then devolved, got words, then lost them, so that's about that for now really.
I have links up to the Myspace and IAC and my Fan Map, please take a look. Thankyou to the people that made these things possible.
Hope everyone is good out there, take care and GMAS.

mikey

GOOD AND BAD...

2006-01-12T13:23:00.000Z

Firstly, I appologize for slacking again with this and my other blog, its just not good enough. Don't worry, I've given myself a real talking too, unfortunately I completely ignored myself.

So, starting with the GOOD, had an amazing time up at the studio recording some songs with Rachel and her band, it is such a pleasure working with such talented people, not only do they have talent and ability, but they are all beautiful human beings. Rachel was on top form, and we managed to record four tracks, two of mine and two of hers, all of them are songs me and Rachel have played together for years.
I hope everyone who saw the session enjoyed it, you got the reality of recording, the joy of creation, I think it was a stroke of genius to put it out on TOWSER TV. Thanks to everyone that made it happen. My return journey home was a good one, and Rene picked me up from the station.
I sat down in the lounge and fed my fish, and watched them eat, then noticed that the largest of my fish, a kissing gourami that we called 'Punk boy' was missing. I hunted around looking for him, growing more and more concerned, and then found him.
I'm finding this hard to write, but he was dead. I had noticed him growing old and skinny, but he was such a character I never expected him to go so fast. I'm really upset, but have realised that all things must die, time moves on.
I took him over to the beach straight away, it was very windy, and the sea was rough, I stood in the surf and let his body wash into the sea and out of my hands. I truly loved 'Punk boy', I will miss him greatly.
All the other fish in the tank are well, and I maintain my love for them.
So, I've been in a foul mood since, although I'm feeling a little better today, and tomorrow will be better.
I hope this blog finds you all well, thankyou for all your kind words.
I'll post a picture of Punk boy, a true friend of mine, bless his infinite soul, may he rest in peace.

mikey

MY FISH TANK.

2006-01-04T21:08:00.000Z

I hope that everyone had a great New year, Rene was upset by her sister and the washing machine's started leeking, then I noticed that one of my fish was dead. He was an Illusous Rainbow, a particularily beautiful one, he looked fine, but obviously wasn't, I felt bad because I hadn't studied my fishtank for a few days, so I wouldn't of seen anything wrong.
I love my fish, maybe I sound like a bit of a nutter, but I do care for them, and they all have very different personalities. I have had my favorite's from time to time, I've also had really horrible fish, but some real character's.

I'm alway's sad when one dies, and take there bodies over to the sea, and put them back in the wild. My fish tank is a tropical freshwater setup, I've always loved Marine but never felt fully qualified or rich enough to start one. Maybe one day.
I'm still working on my new song, I've found some new chords to add, but it's a constant process, that I don't rush or press myself too severely for completion.
I've also been playing with my new violin(which I'm barely playing at the moment, actually making quite an awful sound, like a screaming cat).
And my new Yukalele, which I'm not sure of the proper tuning, I'll have to ask Pete, but in the tuning I have it, it sounds cool.
Other great news, I had Luke and Ryan over the other day, we spent the whole day together playing driving games(Gotham Racing 2) and playing the Bazooki, which Ryan was playing very well. It's so great to see them both, I havent seen Ryan in ages, and he's getting really broard and strong, Luke keeps growing everyday, I think he's my height at the moment, and still growing. They both drive, unlike me, and have got lights and sound system's in there cars, it's what the kid's do here I suppose, I think it's quite funny really.
Anyway, I've posted a photo of my fish tank, thanks for posting on this blog, take care and GMAS.

mikey

HAPPY NEW YEAR BLOGGERS ! ! !

2005-12-31T17:35:00.000Z

Happy New year blogger's, I'll soon get back on track to more regular blogging, but for now, it's great spending time with Rene, and also the family.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of you again, for you warm and gracious words, I hope you all had a great Christmas. It snowed on Boxing day here, and there was even snow on the beach, but it's all gone now.
I have updated my Indonesian blog, about time, I keep slipping, especially around this time, but it's only got a couple of months to go.
I will also start posting up peices of my art work again, I think I've been overtaken by sunset's, but there's a new one everyday, and they are never the same, I love that.
I am also writing a new song, I've just begun, but I'll keep you updated.
Rene's been out today, and bought me a DVD burner, she is so lovely to me, at Christmas she got me a Ukulele and a Voilin, I am constantly spoilt by her, which I love also.
Anywho, this was just a quick blog to give a shout out to everyone on the blogosphere, take care you lot.

Give me a shout bloggers!

mikey x

HAPPY CHRISTMAS BLOGGERS...

2005-12-25T04:20:00.000Z

Thankyou everyone, you have made my year, I feel so grateful to Rachel and Pete for introducing me to you all, I have loved doing 'In the Attic', and am overwhelmed by your responce to me. You are all stars. Thankyou for making me feel very special.
I wish everyone a happy and healthy Christmas and an even better New year. Take care you lot. All my love.

mikey x

LOOKING BACK AT A GREAT SHOW...

2005-12-19T17:02:00.000Z

Really enjoyed the ' In the Attic ' Christmas Special. Rachel, Pete, Simon and me all played a few songs, in fact the show was packed with music. I played some never before heard songs of mine, and also sang a duet with Rachel that went really well.

As always Pete and Simon played amazingly, and Rachel was in superb form.
It was a shame to hear that some people were getting a poor feed, the PPV was supposed to have cured that, but Rachel has said on her blog that she will try and loop the show for those people.

The evening was an experiment to see if the technology worked, it did for many, but not all unfortunately.
After the show ended, me and Rene drove back across London to our home by the sea, it was very late and we were both very tired.
It was great to meet Jerry, and I was really impressed with Rachel and Jerry's impromptu performance of 'Around this table', Jerry has got such a great voice.
I feel very lucky to be part of this great event, thanks to Rachel and Pete for making it happen.

Please go to Rachel's blog and check out the IAC chart, that Rachel and Pete have a number one, with 'Just Breath', a really great song. My congratulations go to Rachel and Pete, they truly deserve it.
Thankyou to everyone that commented on my blog, hope I played most of the songs that I was asked too, if I didn't play the one you wanted, I appologize.

Hope everyone is well, and getting reading for a great Christmas, take care all, and GMAS.

mikey

TOMORROW'S CHRISTMAS 'IN THE ATTIC'.

2005-12-16T19:47:00.000Z

Really looking forward to tomorrow's show, it's crept up really quickly. I've hardly rehearsed enough, but it will have to do. I'm not quite sure what's going to happen, but I know it will be a great show.
I will be playing 'Matches' for the first time, and back by popular request 'Plasticine', I will also play 'Feel My Heat' for everyone that asked especially for it. I will play a few more tunes, but to be honest, I don't know which song's to play, so although I've said it before, I'll say it again, if you have any favorite's that you would like me to play, let me know, and I will consider them.

Thankyou to everyone that has posted on my blog, I hope your still enjoying the sunset's.
I've gone pretty sunset mad just recently, it's because at this time of year, the sun sets over the water, which creates daily stunning scenery.
I also find a lot of inspiration from just being out in the open. I love the constant ebb and flow of the tide, the constant change. The estuary is a beautiful place to live.

Hope everyone really enjoy's the show tomorrow, GMAS.

mikey

MY NEWPHEW LUKE...

2005-12-14T17:34:00.000Z

My newphew Luke visited me today, he's just passed his driving test, and came round in the car he's been working on with his Dad. He's mad about his car, just like my brother was at 17, it never affected me the same way, and I still don't drive to this day. I have always loved car design, and racing, but just driving from A to B doesn't excite me. I've made certain choices in my life, and I am completely happy with them. Luke probably thinks I'm mental, just like my brother Shaun thought I was.
I put the loop on of BASEMENT JAM, and Luke loved it, probably not as much as I did again. I saw the light fading outside the window, and grabbed my coat, and took Luke across to the beach with the camera. Got some lovely shot's, I've posted a few up here, I hope you like them.
So, I meant to practice some more songs for the CHRISTMAS SPECIAL on December 17, but spent the day with Luke instead, and Rene did go to work today, but came home early, feeling under the weather. So she's going to take the day off tomorrow, I told her not to go into work today.

Hope you like the photo's, if anyone's got any special request's for to play at the Christmas Special 'In the Attic', let me know, I'll see what I can do.

mikey

Poorly Rene...

2005-12-14T00:40:00.000Z

Rene didn't feel too good today, and took the day off work. I took care of her, and we had a lovely day together. A friend of mine visited, and asked us to mind his dog for the afternoon, while he got some Christmas shopping done. This is the same dog that I looked after a couple of weeks ago, he's a big Japanese Akita. He is a lovely dog, and always a pleasure, I got some photo's while he was laying down in the kitchen, I'll post them another day.
I ran through a couple of songs that I may play at the Christmas special 'In the Attic', then my friend returned and I showed him BASEMENT JAM on the loop. He loved it, which made me really proud.

Thanks to everyone that left me a comment, I'll try and reply as soon as possible, I really appreciate all of the positive feedback I get on this blog, thankyou. I'm going to post some more photo's of the beach here, I hope you like them.
Give me a shout.

mikey

SEASIDE AND LOOPS...

2005-12-12T19:25:00.000Z

I'm sorry for not posting in a while, no excuses. I keep going to blog, and then watching the BASEMENT JAM LOOP, I have been updating my Indonesian blog, although I've been a bit sloppy with that as well.
I will get things back on track, and post my frequently, well that's my intention.
Since last I posted, me and Rene went shopping at IKEA, it seem's that we havent learnt our lesson yet there, and had our trolley stolen half way round, fully loaded, how annoying. Next day having dinner at Rene's families house, and then trying to watch the loop whenever I get a minute.

I've also been out a few times with the camera at sunset, and caught some amazing shots over on the beach, I've posted up a few of my favorites, and hope you all enjoy them.

Looking forward to the CHRISTMAS SPECIAL 'In the Attic', on the 17 December, go to Rachel's blog if you want to watch, I don't think this event is going to be advertised on Pete's website, so that more blogger's get a chance to watch. It is going to be a great show, I will be playing some never before heard songs, and there will be some special things happening. Hope you can watch, go and sign up on Rachel's blog as soon as possible.

Hope you like the pictures, GMAS.

mikey

SINCE BASEMENT JAM...

2005-12-08T14:31:00.000Z

I apologize for letting this blog slip, since BASEMENT JAM on Sunday night, which I should say, went very well, enjoyed by everyone, and considered a great success.
Me and Rene returned home very late, Rene drove and then had to get up for work really early the next morning. I woke up, feeling like I had the flu or something, and didn't do anything all day, we both had an early night.
The next day, I felt completely fine, so it can't of been the flu, but I must of just been exhaustion. I went out and bought Rene's birthday present's, and actually gave them to her that night, because of our plan's for Rene's birthday evening.
Rene had to work on her birthday, and during the day, I went for a long walk on the beach with the camera, and got some great photo's.

Rene got home from work, and we left almost imeadiately for the cinema to watch the new Harry Potter movie, after the film we went to Rene's favorite resturant and had a great dinner.
Rene had a great birthday, and I was very happy.
Hope everyone enjoyed the show, I've heard that there is a loop going up for everyone that didn't get a good feed, I can't wait.
Anyway, take care bloggers.
Give me a shout.

mikey

TOMORROW'S SHOW!!!

2005-12-03T15:48:00.000Z

Hope everyone gets a good feed for the show tomorrow, it all starts at 7:45pm LONDON TIME, and runs for around two and a half hours.
There will be performances by Rachel and her band, me, Simon Towshend, Foy Vance and Pete Towshend. It is an incredible line up, and I am honoured and privileged to be sharing a stage with such amazing artists.

BASEMENT JAM is completely FREE!

A special page on the Eelpie site has been set up for anyone who wants to see it live, to watch the show you will need to click here to view.

I went for a walk today on the beach, and took some more photo's with the new camera, this one was my favorite of the day, I hope you like it. Hope everyone who can, watches the show, and has a great time.
Give me a shout.

mikey

ONLY 3 DAYS TO GO....

2005-12-01T15:57:00.000Z

Here's another 'Pig head' painting, it has a little more humour, but comes from the same place. Just like the pig images used to sell there flesh.

I used to be a vegan, and said at that time, that if animal's were not treated like products, and given space and a decent life, I probably would eat meat. That has turned out to be the case, I only eat organic and free range animals and vegatables. Although, I'm no saint, and stuff does slip through the net, like take aways and such.

Only 3 days to go until the BASEMENT JAM, and I still haven't committed to a set list, maybe I should. Anyway, I hope everyone who can watch the show, does watch the show, it's going to be amazing.

I'll put the link up again tomorrow, let me know of your favorite songs(that I have written) and I'll consider adding them to my set, give me a shout.

mikey

BASEMENT JAM. HERE IS THE LINK.

2005-11-29T22:14:00.000Z

I have posted a link on this blog, and hope that loads of you will come and watch ' Basement Jam' on Sunday 4th December 2005, it's completely free and bandwidth has been increased to supply demand. View on WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER only.

It's going to be a great night, loads of bloggers are coming to the venue, and there will be performances by Rachel and her band, Pete, Foy Vance, Simon Townshend and me, I'm really looking forward to it. I hope you can all watch, and enjoy the spectacle.

To watch the show you will need to click here to view.

I'm having a relaxing week, I've been running through a few songs, mostly 'Matches' and 'You', but I think that I will definitely play 'Plasticine'. I don't quite know how many songs I'll play, but I know that it is going to be a fantastic night.

Well done to everyone who has already secured a 'live' seat in the venue, but if you couldn't get a flight, just watch on your computer at home. Have a great time everyone. GMAS.

mikey

PLASTICINE.

2005-11-28T17:53:00.000Z

As requested, here are the lyric's for Plasticine (in her pocket).

My girl Rene, well she like's rocket,
She's got a crazy dream,
Ain't tried to block it,
Cause in this mixed up scene,
Well you just can't knock it,
Yeah she wants me to be,
Plasticine in her pocket,

Plasticine in her pocket,
Plasticine in her pocket,
It sounds extreme, but I think I like it,

I'm the plug, yeah I'm the plug,
And she's my socket,
And I'm the chain, I'm the chain,
And she's my locket,
Yeah I'm plasticine in her pocket,

Plasticine in her pocket,
Plasticine in her pocket,
It sounds extreme, but I think I like it,

Plasticine, do you know what that means,
To be plasticine, in her pocket, yeah,
Do you know what that means, to be plasticine,
Plasticine, do you know what that means, to be plasticine,
Plasticine, do you know what that means, to be plasticine.

GMAS.
mikey

BASEMENT JAM - Now FREE!!!!

2005-11-27T19:31:00.000Z

Rene bought a new camera on friday, we've done a little Christmas shopping and bought a new duvet, as well as some ski gloves for us both.

The photo's come out pretty smart, we're impressed with the camera, it is probably that we've had an awfall digital camera for ages, but now, my photo's cannot be blamed on the camera.

It's bitterly cold and windy, but the colours over the estuary still seem to glow on the gloomiest of days, I'm wearing my big old parker, and my french cap, but we didn't stay out there long, back for a cup of tea.

So, I hope everyone's had a good weekend, this week will be strangley empty for me because the ITA show has finished, I will however be practicing for the Basement Jam, on the 4th, I hope to meet many of you there, and hope everyone else gets to see and hear it.

Thanks bloggers. GMAS

mikey

Snow...

2005-11-25T15:42:00.000Z

Got up really early this morning, probably because I went to bed very early last night. I was exhausted yesterday, I stayed round Pete's after the show, and travelled back in the morning.

When I got home, I put the loop on, later my brother Shaun visited, so I put the loop back on as he had not seen it.
I also worked out the song that I couldn't remember on the show, it's called 'Matches', and was written years ago. I have nearly redescovered the whole song, except for a tiny part, I'll keep on with it. It sounds great, but it is quite complicated to play and sing, so I'll have to practise.

Just looked out of the window, and noticed that it is snowing, not to heavily though. I love the snow, I just hope it's not to icey when Rene walks back from the station tonight.
Just a quiet night in for me and Rene tonight, we'll get a film and maybe a take away.

Thankyou for all your lovely comments, I had a great time on the show the other night, and from your comments, I can see you all enjoyed it as much as I did, thanks for watching these last ten weeks, and I hope you can all watch the Basement Jam(which is now free), I'll post the proper note soon, and the Christmas special.
So loads to look forward too, hope to see some of you there, take care bloggers,
and give me a shout.

mikey

Tonights Show...

2005-11-23T14:24:00.000Z

The last show, I can't believe it. Well its not the last, cause we've got the Christmas special, and the Basement Jam, and it's all for free, can't be bad. I hope everyone can watch tonight, and the others of course.
I found some lovely sounding chords with that new tuning, but no words, I'll have another quick go, but don't hold your breath.
Another short blog from me here, I going to leave even earlier this week, and hope I don't get in the same problems as last week.
So, I hope you get a clean feed, and really enjoy the show.

Thanks very much bloggers, give me a shout.

mikey

CGDGBD

2005-11-22T15:06:00.000Z

CGDGBD, is the tuning I was given on last weeks show, I'm going to spend the day today working on this tuning, and see if I can come up with anything.

Looking forward to tomorrow's show, can't believe we are on show number 10 already, the time has really flown by. I've had so much fun, and met so many new people, including bloggers.
Well it's not going to be a big one today, just a note to say thanks to everyone that has posted, and that I hope everyone can watch the show tomorrow.

Now back to work on that new tuning.

If anyone has a favorite that they want me to play on the last show, give me a shout.

mikey

Just a walkin' the dog...

2005-11-21T22:36:00.000Z

I was looking after my friend's dog today, he's a sweat-heart. He's a Japanese Akita, and very big and strong, although totally laid back and relaxed. We get on real fine, and it was good to see how excited he was when he arrived this morning very early.

He sleeps for most of the day, which is fine by me, although I did take him out on the beach for a long walk, and got some pictures, he was far to excited by all the smells to stand still for a second, hence the poor photo.
I cannot afford to let him off the leash, because he is very aggressive to other male dogs, it's only his nature. When he is with me, the conflict never arrises.
I really enjoy our day's together, we don't do it that often, but I enjoy his company. Rene is very sweet about it, although she doesn't appreciate the amount of fur he leaves behind.
Thanks for all your lovely comments, give me a shout.

mikey

mikey.