Steve Harley

& Cockney Rebel

DIARY 19/11/12

  • Read: 9434 Times

Rehearsal notes:

Steve Norman is impressive. He’s a London Grammar school boy, and likes to talk to a man who likes talking, so, as you can imagine, we get on well and easy. But there’s more: he plays fabulous, passionate saxophone and strikes percussion as though his life depended on the very expression of the thing itself. The crash of tambourines, the bang of timbales, the sizzle of the cabassa, all sounds seem to ignite fire in this musician. He plays with fire in his belly, trust me. He may be from north of the river Thames (socially infra dig to a Deptford boy, you know), but he’s all right with me. And he sings too, anything he wants to sing! He goes for it. He believes. I love it. So, rehearsals are good. I am full of respect for these players. They learn some complicated stuff and bring great talent to the room. They all want it to be right on the night. And so it shall be. When you go to war, you want to know you are surrounded by good guys who can get you out of trouble if you should falter. That’s how it is with us: nine musicians, all-singing, all-playing, all-caring all through. Andrew Powell was with us on Saturday, and it brought a special pleasure to the rock band to have our classical bod aboard at last. There is much more to do, even at this relatively late stage, but nobody panics. We’re close to getting it down and right. It’s now almost only a question of what to wear! Boy, have I left all that late! But, hey, how much does it really matter? Steve Norman suggests I should dig out the old Bowler hat. Until that point, over dinner, I really respected him. Now, I’m not sure he is a man of sound mind …..

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Comments (6)

  • Excellent!<br />Absolutely have no doubts what so ever! You are that War Horse Mr Harley. You know that. Always the leader. <br /> Your chosen cavalry will be I’m sure second to none. (Good luck to all who grace that stage) <br /> I know this will be some show on parade! <br />Regardless to <br /> NO Bowler Hats! NO no no ! <br /> A line from Rock n Roll Parade comes to mind! <br />“Oh I said I never wanna go back, to where I’ve been – e- eeeeeen ! <br /> There’s a whole new world that I’m with in! <br /><br />And then we hear that immortal Violin! And there’s the magic key!<br /> Musicians can open up a whole new world! <br /><br />The Emperor does not need be stood in them old clothes!<br /> Why! You could be stood in the Emperor’s new clothes! For what it’s worth! It matters not.<br />Not really. <br /> We'll just be happy with the gold that you’ll bring.<br /><br />The Young feisty and fearless have all come a long way to get to this place, I have no doubt’s what so ever ! that within a wink of an eye, and a raise of a baton, we’ll all be taken on an emotional ride on that carousel back to the beginning of time. Such a Dream come true, for so so many out here in the wilderness.<br />So! All comes, to he/ she who waits after all <br /><br />I’m sure I speak for many if not all the fans who will flock to Birmingham this week end from far and wide, some as far as the other side of the world, that it’s been an amazing journey through time for us fans The Man’s come a long way from Bowler hats and swaying on canes , he’s guided us through some of the best years of our lives, with his words of wonder ,his wisdom and reasons to believe , touched so many with such magical moments , with his unique musical gifts that have stood the test of time. Timeless. <br />The war Horse in a musical mine field has indeed come a long way.<br /><br />UN immeasurable heartfelt thanks and good luck to Steve and all involved behind the scenes that will have helped deliver this special night. <br />So excited! I could burst!<br /> Only one more night! Albeit sleepless! Safe journey’s every one<br /><br />Just a thought!<br />Still got my Bowler hat by the way, and got the T shirt!but yeah ! Been there! Done that! <br />(Actually I will be wearing the T shirt over the week end at some point! And the scarf ) <br />So! Some of us may well be deemed as not of sound mind! But! Is it any wonder? <br /> Someone’s responsible!<br />I rather think <br />That Steve Harley has a lot to answer for! Lol<br />ha! <br />I blame the parents!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
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  • Cannot wait for Saturday - fan and avid follower since November 1973 so this will be my own personal 39th 'anniversary'. First concert was the Victoria Apollo in Summer of 1974 with Bebop Deluxe as support. Staying over at Jury's Inn Saturday night - from one New Cross Boy (Pepys Road) to another - it will be AMAZING (as always).
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  • Sorry I meant Victoria Palace! Old age..........
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  • Can't wait for Saturday.Seen so many S.H & C.R gigs but this should be something very special
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  • The one we've all been waiting for is just around the corner - 4 more sleeps to go . . .
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  • Soo excited I think I'll burst... as I've said before, I think for Sebastian you must dig out that haunting cape..even with the orchestra behind you...it would create such an amazing reaction to those fans who haven't had the experience of it!<br />Such a weekend ahead, I've followed your concerts - large and small - since '76 and every year you've toured since then and always with my brother... it's something we still do together and I cherish these times.<br />But this one is a new experience...can not wait.x.x
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