Steelso V6.0

It’s been a while but I’ve been rushed. Went to Disneyland Paris with the kids and my ex last week for a few days which was hilarious. It quickly became about me rather than the kids. I met the main man above and could obnly say, “I love you”. Danny gave me kudos for this saying that I was the only Dad that got his pic taken with his new friends. Damn straight.

Various rides taken, many queues stood in but altogether a fantastic time. I hate the feckin dumbo ride that said 30 min wait but actually was 1hr 15min. And the kids loved it. Whatever. Pics on my Flickr.

Got back to Glasgow and went to see the Hold Steady at the Cathouse. Went with Sean, Sally and Sam. Way, way too many ’s’s to deal with and some considered it the worst Valemtines evah. I rocked out anyway. Which was odd. Then Bier Halle for poshness.

Friday and Gareth, Julia, Sam and I went to some fantastic Morrocan restaurant. Awwwwww. Then to Steph’s (not the Steph, another Steph) leaving party. I had never met her before but I think I left an impression.

Saturday was cool, watched a week’s worth of TV inc the brilliant Life on Mars. Happy that’s back.

Sunday went for sushi then cooked a fucking incredible carbonara that went down very well. I was like a real world fucking tv chef!

Today Sam and I went to see Hot Fuzz which is just so, so, so, so much fun. I implore you all to see it, it’s hilarious. Timothy Dalton is amazing and the action sequences… well. Kick arse. This shit got real. See it.

Then we went for the noodles, Sam went home (rubbish) and I met up with the lovely Neil McKinven for a quick chat then I headed home.

We also launched a website today. Sexual health website no less. With Miss Hoolie doing the voice over for the books. I was sick in Miss Hoolie’s bath once after drinking the classic combo of Blue label vodka and pineapple juice. Swish!

Since Saturday I have left in taxis my wallet, camera and ipod. I have also got them back. That luck will run out soon enough…

steelso :: Feb.20.2007 :: Creative, Gigs, Glasgow, Kids, People, Pictures, Web Launches :: 11 Comments »

All started off well, I went for some tea at the Hallion with Debs, Brian, Topher and Johnny. I had a great slab of meat with some lovely creamed spinach that Brian kindly shared. It was lovely and a great start to the evening. And a lovely bottle of wine there too. Sweet.

Then off to see C-90 at the Arches. I as surprised as I thought this was a stand up but it was a little bit of theatre. And it was beautiful. I can’t really go into what it was about, I can’t really remember. I laughed and felt sad and felt happy and felt that I had no idea what had happened at the end but I was elated that I had seen it. I want to see it again. I loved the fact that one of the characters decided to be a lollipop lady rather than a lawyer as she could then save the lives of thirty children a day. A thoughful, moving, funny, wonderfully performed show.

Couple of G&T’s after the show then it was time to take the five minute stroll to Barfly to see Beecake. Earlier in the evening I had a chat with Topher about the fear of seeing a friend’s band. What if it’s pish? What if you hate the music? What if? And then you have to see them and have to give the honest answer to the question,”What do you think?”.

I needn’t have worried. The guys we’re great, for me they really kicked in around the song “I’m Sorry”. It was brilliant to be there. I jumped along with the best of them. Also got to see some people I haven’t seen in a while which was great too, esp. the lovley Mark. What a surprise, what a treat.

After the boys finished I spent some time talking to people, went “backstage” (silly little room) and passed on my congratulations to the guys and talked about me being a roadie in LA for them. Which would be hilarious. Have to learn to tune guitars though…

Talked to some peeps, esp the people who came from Japan for the gig. They were lovely and very sweet. I wasn’t sure who was more excited about being there, them or me. It was good to meet fans that are fans rather than hiding in fucking forums being nasty and cruel about people that they haven’t met and don’t know. Scared, sorry little fuckers. Anyway…..

Then off back to the Hallion to drink and laugh. Billy, Mark, Aude and Ali came up after and we had a right good chat about the gig, the importance of stories and how you tune guitars. I’m also getting my Garage Band lesson soon too. Turns out my camera works just fine when I’m pissed too. Good camera, good.

I got a bus home. At 3.15am. That was weird, I don’t usually get a bus home at 3.15am. All good.

S

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steelso :: Jan.28.2007 :: Gigs, Glasgow, People, Pictures, Social :: 16 Comments »

Ali and I saw Joanna Newsom last night at Glasgow’s City Halls. It was a great concert though Ms Newsom did seem quite nervous as it was the first time that she had played with an orchestra before and it was amazing. She has such an incredible, powerful voice and the harp playing!!!! Wow, just stunning, her fingers went over the harp at such a rate and out came music. I know that’s how it works but it’s difficult to describe just how inpressive she was.

She also played a Scottish folk song that I listened to a lot growing up which was beautiful.

All in all it was an inspiring night. I hadn’t been at a concert for such a long time and it was great to see a 20 piece orchestra in full flow especially with such good, emotional music. My highlight though came at the end. When she sings “And I am watching you, And you are starry, starry, starry, And I’m tumbling down” it gave me chills. A great night, one to remember and looking forward to seeing her again.

Thanks to Ali for being a great friend last night and for being my backup to annoying ticket women. Ali would’ve killed her in one blow!

Next off to Manchester for the 29 Swedes!

Oh and Ms Newsom is very cute too. Well done!

Edit: Scotsman and the Herald review. I like the way she kind of splits reviewers.

steelso :: Jan.15.2007 :: Gigs, Thoughts, YouTube :: 3 Comments »

Another thing in 2007 is about being more creative, something that I kick start myself on every New Year. Creativity takes many forms of course which is why it’s so much fun.

Today I was lucky to be involved in an internal pitch meeting for a client that we’re presenting to soon. I loved it, we looked over a whole load of really thoughtful, interesting and, of course, creative ideas. It was great being involved in that process. It’s a process that I’ve been involved since my theatre days, that collaborative discussion to find the best solution for a client’s needs. I adore it and I always find it very exciting. Your comments in the Welcome to Scotland post have been really helpful in the process too so I thank you for that. I love my work.

Creativity again. This time in other people and experimenting. I’ve found the BuddyPing site and I’ll be interested in how it works and how it plays. You can see where I am below:

It seems cool, I’ll play and report. Send me a message if you’re bored.

Today I am mostly listening to The Hold Steady. I am hoping to see them with some people next month. In Glasgow even. In the fecking Cathouse. Such is the cost of experiencing new things.

It’s all good!
S
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steelso :: Jan.11.2007 :: Cool, Creative, GRP, Gigs :: 2 Comments »

With 2007 came a list of things that I want to do. One of them is to go to more gigs and ope myself to more new stuff. It’s going full speed! Last night Big Al and I went to see Ricky Gervais live. He was good, though not as “raw” as I thought he’d be. And not enough about Karl. Still a good night. If you can I would recommend downloading the Podcasts.

This Sunday Ali and I are off to see Joanna Newsom. I love Joanna Newsom. She makes me go funny in my head. I can’t wait, this promises to be a very memorable night. I’ll let you know.

The 25th takes me to Manchester to see my favourite band of the moment, I’m From Barcelona. I am so excited about this, words fail me. 29 Swedes singing on stage? Count this boy in! Claire is looking after me in Manchester for which I’m most grateful. I just hope she doesn’t throw a mental strop like last time.

Then on the 26th Debby and I are off to see Daniel Kitson in his show, C-90. Debby swears he’s brilliant and I’ve heard nothing but good things. it’ll be a great night as after the gig I have to dash to Barfly to catch the Beecake in hot, music action. And possibly a few beers too.

If you’re at any of the gigs and you see me, say hello!

S

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steelso :: Jan.10.2007 :: Everyday Stuff, Gigs :: 6 Comments »