Pat Taylor Memorial -Jolly Brewer 26th Sept 2009 Lincoln UK [Part 1]

Diamond el Fonsbrook and the Dead Baby Parade

Last Saturday 26th September my good friend Gaz Top leaded and organized a memorial for Pat Taylor in The Jolly Brewer in Lincoln. Not an easy thing to do. He did an sterling job and everything was perfectly organized. All the bands were on time and everybody had a fantastic time. There were 9 bands lined up all day from 12 pm until midnight curfew. It was just a gathering of friends on the memory for the loss of our friend Pat Taylor.

Defnation Lincoln. 'More Metal than your mums Kettal!'

I took this photo of Dave Fielding and Pat Taylor sometime in 2005

The memorial event included the following bands :

-Dead Baby Parade [British Folk]
-DefNation [Metal]
-Helium 3 [Gaz Top Band]
-Shanarchy
-Martin Jackson
-The Soul Granade
-Coconut DF [Feat Dave Fielding of The Chameleons/The Reegs]

amongst other acts like Djs, etc... and a great BBQ! It was a fantastic sunny day and the atmosphere was great.
All for you Pat!

Diamond el Fonsbrook and the Dead Baby Parade soundcheck

I was very impressed by the quality with the local bands playing although they came from very different styles but they all were quite good. I liked Defnation Lincoln with their combination of new metal on the line of Pantera of the good days.

Diamond el Fonsbrook and the Dead Baby Parade

Gaztop introducing the bands

Diamond el Fonsbrook and the Dead Baby Parade [who used to be called Lipstick Entourage before] played a brilliant set of Folk. Rock Two blokes playing the guitar and two lasses playing the flute. I really enjoyed that. They are very talented.
Also Josh Jackson deserves a special mention as he was playing the drums in that set and he also joined Gaz Band Helium 3 with the guitars and Dave Fielding's Coconut Dog Fuck with the drumming at the end of the night too. Nice one lad..not everybody can say that he joined the stage with a legend like Dave Fielding. A privilege indeed!

Josh Jackson [Helium 3 Dave Jackson son] joined with the guitars

Our Gaz drumming.' and the tap drips drip drip drip drip.......'

Also Shanarchy and Martin Jackson performed a few songs along the day. It was a fantastic relaxed event. The Jolly Brewer has the best back garden with a fairly big stage and some tables where you can sit around and relax outdoors. The church is got right behind the stage gives also a very special and haunting atmosphere too.

Helium 3 bassist Dave Jackson. Top job!

On the late afternoon after Dead Baby Parade more people was gathering on the garden. It was the time for Gaztop Helium 3 to play their set. They were quiet good,. I think they are getting better and better every time I see them live.

Helium 3 also dared with a cover of an old The Cure tune from the '3 Imaginary Boys' album [0:15 Saturday Night].. I used to like some of the old Cure songs of the first and second album and although they are not my thingy nowadays I have to say I enjoyed very much!
Nice one.

Mark Jones-Helium 3 vocals and electric guitars.

There are rumors that they might support Dave Fielding Coconut DF on a couple of upcoming shows in the near future, perhaps a date in Manchester. and why not a gig abroad! I
really hope this happens lads.

Dead Baby Parade

So after 10 pm it was about time for Dave Fielding to join the stage. It was a very special night as Pat Taylor was a close friend of him, so I had the feeling he was going to give everything of himself on the stage.

Dave Fielding Coconut Dog Fuck soundcheck

The ebow master

And indeed he did! he didn't disappoint a bit.
Dave was wild and very emotional. Wild! The real thing. Probably the best show I have seen of Dave since the reunion of The Chameleons in 2000.

Will continue on part 2

Antonio Blanco Rodriguez -Tony R.I.P. 1965-2009

My best friend and brother Antonio Blanco [Tony] got murdered in El Salvador last Friday 11th September 2009. I'm still in shock. He got shot seven times on the chest by 3 people when he was driving his motorbike on his way home.
El Salvador Police (PNC) is investigating. they said that the incident occurred in the village of San Antonio Abad of Los Indios, in the jurisdiction of Maple City-Ciudad Arce, 40 miles west of San Salvador.

He wasn’t only my friend, he was my brother.
I spoke with him the very same morning as he was visiting Spain for a few weeks and also coming to see me in Madrid this very Wednesday he did send me this photo. Probably the last photo of him

Antonio Blanco Rodriguez R.I.P. 1965-2009

Toni was a very special person, unique, one in a million and he also literally saved my life years ago. We lived loads of intense experiences together since our teenage days on the 80s.. So many memories.....
He was a single parent and leaves a 4 year old beautiful girl called 'Maya Blanco'.

But nobody dies if you keep his memory alive. And I will make sure this is gonna happen.

Love you mate and will never forget you, because to me you are not gone.

R.I.P. brother

We have created a group for Antonio Blanco Rodriguez [Tony] in Facebook [See link below]. This is an open group for everyone to share memories and keep his flame alive. If you have photos or you crossed paths with him in the past, please share your story with us all:

Antonio Blanco Facebook group

Here is a video I recorded with Tony in our skyjet trip in rio Dulce Guatemala on the way to Belize in August 2006.

Antonio Blanco Rodriguez&Pedro Vila in Izabal Lake [Rio Dulce]

Pedro Vila

If you want to read more about Toni click on the links on the right LABELS

News link english:

http://www.barcelonareporter.com/index.php?/news/comments/spanish_citizen_antonio_blanco_rodriguez_43_shot_dead_in_el_salvador/

Noticia prensa en Español:

http://www.lavanguardia.es/sucesos/noticias/20090913/53784663627/asesinan-a-un-ciudadano-espanol-en-el-salvador.html

USA Trip

After the summer hiatus I will have a bit more time to update the blog, so apologizes for the lack of content and updates. To be honest I always saw summer the right time to spent as much as you can outdoors so didn't have or wanted time for computers.

Fires in Yosemite National Park August 09

I had a fantastic time this summer on the US.I stayed a some days in Chicago and also I drove some of the west coast, Big Sur and also to Yosemite National Park. One of the things I found more shocking were the fires. They were huge, in San Gabriel Mountains I think and also in Yosemite. Mount Wilson was on flames too.

Spooky skies Los Angeles 2009

On the way to Mojave desert

Fires near the Highway

I was told the fires can burn for weeks. The view at night was very sad, hundreds of years gone within minutes
.
I'll report back soon when I get a bit of time off, and also to review an exciting flight with a glider over the Mojave desert!


Ta

Pedro Vila

Years 7" vinyl copies for sale!

Cris Seddon&D. Fielding and Reg Smithies in 1979!

I have few copies of the YEARS single I was given the other day. For all The Chameleons UK/ The Reegs fans this needs no introduction. They are in mint condition [amazing considering they are 30 years old!] and autographed by Reg Smithies and Dave Fielding.

Vinyl back cover photo

I believe they are the last copies around and were stored for years in a band members mums place.

Price is 50 GBP plus postage.

A unique opportunity [and most probably the last] to get this rare item!

If you are interested you can write me on the address below and we set the delivery:

pedro_spaceout@yahoo.com

Needless to say money raised will go to the band.

Note: Bear in mind this summer dates I' ll be here and there due to the holiday season, so you might not get a immediate reply, but one time or another I will contact you for sure, no worries.

Years single

Featuring members of The Chameleons UK - recorded in Cargo Studios in 1979.

Side 1
-Come Dancing

Side 2
-Red Chevi'
-Don't Leave

Reg Smithies-Bass
Dave Fielding-Guitar, Vocals
Christopher John Seddon-Drums, Vocals

Ta

Pedro Vila

The Reegs release from 29th June via Blue Apple Music and iTunes

The Reegs New album on sale from the 29th June

For the first time, a definitive collection of The Reegs back catalogue, featuring all of the tracks from their two out of print albums 'Return of the Sea Monkeys' and 'Rock The Magic Rock' plus b-sides and alternative versions, including a brand new recording of Bosnia, with Dave Fielding on lead vocals. Also featured are two tracks co-written and performed by Manchester street poet Reckless Robbie..

The Reegs were formed in 1988 following the break-up of The Chameleons, when guitarists Dave Fielding and Reg Smithies joined up with vocalist Gary Lavery to create a new band. With their smoldering guitar lines and haunting melodies, The Reegs picked-up where The Chameleons left off; dreamlike and ethereal but still packing an almighty punch.

This is a must have release for all fans of The Reegs, The Chameleons - or indeed, any of the many bands they inspired..

The 2-cd set is presented in a super-jewel box with brand new artwork by Reg Smithies. Booklet includes song lyrics. Full track-listing is as follows:

Disc One: See My Friends / Is There A Mother-in-Law In The Club / Savage Garden / Chorus Of The Lost / Pond Life / Start To See / These Days / Turn It Up / All Tomorrows Parties / Jesus Came To Manchester / Snooker Hooligan / In Disbelief / Oil And Water / As You Leave / Out Of Body Experience.

Disc Two: JJ180 / Blind Denial / Goodbye World / The Dream Police / The Nasty Side / The Dolphins Enemy / In Disbelief (radio session) / Oil And Water (radio session) / Running To A Standstill / The Nasty Side (instrumental) / You Told Me Before / Bosnia 2009 / Subject To Status / The Last Time .

Available via Blue Apple Music and iTunes from June 29th 2009.

As with all Blue Apple products, this is an official release, with the full support and input of all band members.

Buy The Album:

http://www.blueapplemusic.co.uk

Myspace with songs:

http://www.myspace.com/thereegsdefinitivecdset

Here is a fantastic video with an excellent sound of The Reegs last performance in The Duchess of York in Leeds 2nd May 1998

The Reegs double cd compilation release summer 2009

Reg Smithies&Dave Fielding&Gary Lavery

For the first time, all of The Reegs recordings available on a 2 cd set. All the tracks from the band’s two out of print albums ‘Return of the Sea Monkeys’ and ‘Rock The Magic Rock’ plus b-sides and alternative versions.

The collection also features a brand new version of BOSNIA, recorded in Spring 2009, with Dave Fielding on lead vocals. And sadly missed Manchester street poet and pool champion, Reckless Robbie, joins the band for a raucous rendition of ‘Snooker Hooligan’ and the previously unreleased ‘JESUS CAME TO MANCHESTER’ [I' ve heard the song and its ace!]

A rare pic of the sadly missed Robbie Malone, Manchester poet and pool champion.

Artwork is by Reg Smithies.
I don't think there will be many copies printed so if you are a Chameleons fan I will suggest you to be fast. I've also been told the packaging is great!

The compilation is due for release Summer 2009, via BLUE APPLE MUSIC. To join the mailing list for advance details, just click on the link below to go to the Blue Apple Music mailing list page and then enter your email:

http://www.blueapplemusic.co.uk/maillist.html

New The Reegs Myspace with songs:

http://www.myspace.com/thereegsdefinitivecdset

The Reegs - JJ180 (Lilistar Mix) from. Rich

Here is a slide photo show made by our friend Richard of the song JJ 180 from 'Rock The Magic Rock' Thanks Richard

Exit Calm live Polish Club -Barnsley Yorkshire England 1st May 2009

Rob Marshall taking off [Photo courtesy of Cath Aubergine]

And yet another fantastic performance of EXIT CALM on their hometown in Barnsley. Without a doubt probably the best I ever seen from the lads. The show was sold out and ' The Glavins' and 'Mourning Becomes Electra ' were the supporting acts.

Simon Lindley

There was a fantastic atmosphere and loads of people turned up from all over England: Southampton, Lincoln, London, Manchester and me coming from Spain of course!

Nicky Smith-Exit Calm

Here is the set list:

Hearts&Minds [Amazing intro!]
We're on our own
Reference
Forgiveness [new song ace!]
Higher Learning
You've got it all wrong [Immense]
Atone
All on you
Don't look down

It was also great to meet loads of friends, mostly from the Exit Calm message board, Sean, The Wigan Kebab, Cath&Nick, Cath&RobS, Tuggers, Jolly, Alex-Big Clive, Tone [Lefty], Gaz, Nicko and a long etc....nobody wanted to miss it.


There was a special atmosphere on the air before the show, like if something immense and very special was gonna happen......like being in Manchester ready to watch Joy Division on their very early days....something like 'I was there!!'
Legendary night. Nothing less. Shame the photos didn't come up very well, mainly because there wasn't much light on the stage so not many chances really to experiment with the crap pocket camera I've got. I also managed to talk with the band before and after the show and they were highly motivated for this gig.


The only bad news is that seems the album release is being postponed until the end of the summer or probably early Autumn. We will have to wait then!
They are currently touring in England with the Sunshine underground and hopefully there will be more shows added for the summer.

Here is a quiet good audio recording of the show [I even got mentioned!]

Download :

Exit Calm live Polish Club -Barnsley England 1st May 2009

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=PIVYTWTN

Exit Calm myspace: http://www.myspace.com/exitcalm
Spanish Fansite: http://www.myspace.com/exitcalmfansiteespana
Exit Calm message board: http://www.exitcalm.net/forum

All photos by Pedro Vila

Rainbow-Spring 09

I took this photos last weekend after a storm in Barcelona in the Maresme area just 4 miles from the beach. Top rainbow!


I hope next week to upload photos from the Exit Calm gig in the Polish Club in Barnsley-Yorkshire. Cant bloody wait

Dave Fielding THE REEGS new double cd release!

Dave Fielding Loch Ness 1982!

Some exciting news!
For the first time, all of The Reegs recordings available on a 2 cd set. All the tracks from the band’s two out of print albums ‘Return of the Sea Monkeys’ and ‘Rock The Magic Rock’ plus b-sides and alternative versions. Its been a long wait, but its finally here!

Dave Fielding&Reg Smithies The Reegs

The collection also features a brand new version of Bosnia, [Cant wait to hear that!] recorded in Spring 2009, with Dave Fielding on lead vocals. And sadly missed street poet and pool champ, Reckless Robbie, joins the band for a raucous rendition of ‘Snooker Hooligan’ and the previously unreleased ‘Jesus Came To Manchester’.
Artwork is by a genius called Reg Smithies.

The compilation is due for release Summer 2009, via Blue Apple Music. To join the mailing list for advance details, just click on the link below to go to the Blue Apple Music mailing list page and then enter your email.

http://www.blueapplemusic.co.uk/maillist.html

The Reegs new myspace with songs:

http://www.myspace.com/thereegsdefinitivecdset

Reg Smithies and Gary Lavery

Im hoping to see Dave next week and get more details on the release .
Go and get it before its sold out!!

EXIT CALM on tour May 2009

Exit Calm will play a full tour in England supporting The Sunshine Underground next May.
They will be also playing in Barnsley Yorkshire the 1st of May at the Polish Club as a warm up. gig for the release of their new debut album this year. I'll be there to full report about it with loads of photos I hope to upload on here.
Mourning Becomes Electra is the opening act, they are very good too!

Here are the dates:

12 Apr 2009 20:00	NEWCASTLE - Cluny	NEWCASTLE
22 Apr 2009 20:00	LONDON - AC30 5TH BIRTHDAY - wilmington arms - clerkenwell	LONDON
1 May 2009 20:00	BARNSLEY - The Polish Club	BARNSLEY
2 May 2009 20:00	BRIGHTON - Coalition - 16+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	BRIGHTON
3 May 2009 20:00	PORTSMOUTH - Wedgewood Rooms - 14+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	PORTSMOUTH
4 May 2009 20:00	GLOUCESTER - Guild Hall - 14+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	GLOUCESTER
5 May 2009 20:00	OXFORD - Academy 2 - 14+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	OXFORD
7 May 2009 20:00	STOKE - Sugarmill - 14+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	STOKE
8 May 2009 20:00	YORK - Duchess - 16+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	YORK
9 May 2009 20:00	BARROW - The Canteen - 16+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	BARROW
10 May 2009 20:00	DUNDEE - Dexters - 14+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	DUNDEE
12 May 2009 20:00	DUNFERMILINE - Velocity - 14+ - w/ Sunshine Underground	DUNFERMILINE
15 May 2009 20:00	MANCHESTER - THIS FEELING - MOHO	MANCHESTER
16 May 2009 20:00	COVENTRY - The Warehouse - 14+ - THIS IS NU-GAZE	COVENTRY
21 May 2009 20:00	LONDON - Scala - w/ Sunshine Underground	LONDON

King kong, in cannes, on a date with spiderman,
dan dare's sitting there, scared by the killerteddy bears,
down town, mini mouse is slippin micky's in the famous grouse,
while big bird spreads the word,
anybody with a heart votes love.

judge dredd, found dead, face down in snoopy's bed,
outside, tweetie pie's, getting itchy on more supplies,
meanwhile, snow white getting ready for work tonight,
turning tricks with crystal tips,
trying to make the best of its absurd.

puppy dogs and pussy cats in suspect suicide attacks,
captain kirk from planet earth, fights it out with papa smurf,
some phony little ponies, preying on the old and lonely,
making friends, robbing them, the x men taught them everything.
betty boop, tired of life, took vows, became a bride of christ,
while tin tin's been playing him at caesar's palace live on ice,
babar kumbayahs with the mighty morphin' movie stars,
as big bird spreads the word,
anybody with a heart votes Love