40 years ago today

On the evening of May 18, 1980, Ian Curtis, lead singer and lyricist of the British group Joy Division, hangs himself in his Cheshire kitchen. He was only 23 years old.

RIP Phil May of the Pretty Things

A band that was punk before punk the Pretty Things were great. News
The Pretty Things played Frome in the 60s at the Easybeat club at the Grand Cinema and a Frome youth punched the singer. Anyone know any more abut that story?

Let the Good Times Roll (1973)

I saw this at the cinema - I think it was with Bolan's Born to Boogie as a double bill. Anyway it's really good - part rockumentary and part concert footage of people like Little Richard, Chuck, Bo Fats and Bill Haley. Wiki

Little Richard "Bama Lama Bama Loo" 1964

Sad to hear of the passing of this giant of music. I was a fan in my teens - first music I investigated myself as opposed from my big sister or parents. 

Funeral notice for Malcolm Wells

Malcolm is the littlest boy here with his brother Vic - in India with his Mum and dad. His father was a professional soldier.

The funeral went well. Only allowed up to 10 people to be present but we had it transmitted live on the internet for those who couldn't come. This is the funeral notice which has a brief biography - he lived an interesting life. 

Butler & Tanner Frome

From a book "The West Country" published in 1914 by The Homeland Association Ltd and Frederick Warne.We
Where me my father and Uncle Arthur worked.

Malcolm Wells

So on Sunday we lost Sue's father Malcolm. Today we found out it was coronavirus. He was 87 and in a care home with Alzheimer's. Apparently there is the virus in the home. Funeral will be a muted affair.

Alfred the Great (1969) | Full Movie | w/ David Hemmings, Michael York, Prunella Ransome, Ian McKellen

https://ok.ru/video/343296183032
I am happy as I have found an online site for the film Alfred the Great (1969) starting David Hemmings. It's great. I saw it at the flicks when about 10 years old and the Vikings scared me to death. I remember the feeling that this took place here in the West Country and enjoying that but it's filmed in Ireland. Also stars Michael York.

Lord Bath dies

From Conronavirus. BBC News item. A real shame. He was quite a character as you know. Website

The Best (And The Rest) Of The Bad Detectives 2CD Album

This double album is coming out soon. Check out the tracklisting for this here

40 years ago Animals and men supporting Essential Bop at Corsham Art College.

Strange Days the Doors

Appropriate verses.
Strange days have found us
Strange days have tracked us down
They're going to destroy
Our casual joys
We shall go on playing
Or find a new town

Radstock museum

So the museum is temporarily closed. Shame as I have recently been accepted as a volunteer and was going to learn the stewarding ropes soon. Hopefully not too long before it reopens.

Clip from Lion of the Desert (1980)

This is a great movie. Watch the whole thing here.
Wiki

De Gaulle (2020) - Trailer (English Subs)

May 1940. France is facing a disastrous military situation against the German army. Charles de Gaulle, newly appointed General, joins the Government in Paris while Yvonne, his wife, and their three children stay in the East. Facing the defeatist attitude of Pétain ready to negotiate with Hitler, de Gaulle has one purpose: continue fighting. Alongside thousands of French families, Yvonne and the children are soon forced to flee the advancing German troops. Without contact from one another, the doubt arises: will the de Gaulle family be sacrificed for the sake of France? An outstanding destiny that will change the course of World War II and French History.

Animals & men support Toyah 7/3/80

So our next date on our 40 years ago cycle is March 7. Supporting Toyah at Bath pavilion. Our biggest gig with about 3000 people. Sue got us the gig. Didn't start too well - Toyah told us we would have to pay them £50 or we wouldn't be able to use their PA. We were being paid £40 for the gig. So we coughed up. I wondered whether to wear my spectacles and decided to wear them and when we walked onstage someone shouted Joe 90! We went down pretty well although the sound was pretty bad. First gig with Puddle. Geoff was in the audience and came backstage after. It was a bit like a party in the dressing room. Toyah went and did her set but midway through the performance the electricity went out - no sound or lights. They blamed us. It wasn't any of us but it kind of ruined the joy of doing the gig. Well that was it. Covered by Bath fanzine Spuno

McDonald and Dodds trailer

Watched this detective programme last night. Don't usually watch TV but this was set in Bath so made an effort. We liked it. It was quite novel being set in Bath with all the BBC Somerset accents. Have a look on the catch up if you like whodunnits and local themes. It even had a scene at an allotment!

Families of Fairley Terrace

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Families-Fairley-Terrace-Book/dp/B076KPFPY4
This series of romantic fiction books by local author Janet Tanner/Jennie Felton are set in a fictionalised version of Radstock. She also is famous for the Black Mountains the first in the Hillsbridge saga. 

Gone: Jack Caffery series 5 Mo Hayder

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Gone-Jack-Caffery-Mo-Hayder/dp/0553824333
Apparently this thriller is set in Radstock Midsomer-Norton and Frome. Haven't read it but looks OK.

The Reaping

My son has been reading this 80s horror novel but was very taken aback by the fact it's set near Clandown.