David on the radio
There was a phenomenal response to our Mermaid Theatre competition. Thanks to all who entered and made us laugh. Rather worryingly, we are still receiving entries, even though the competition has now been closed since midnight Tuesday. If you’re still trying, please, give up.
Could Nick Page and Don Thompson please let us know their full postal addresses immediately? If you cannot get this information to us by midnight tonight (UK time), then I’m afraid these tickets will be offered to someone else. We have people on standby whom we will notify first thing tomorrow morning if we do not hear from you.
As we have been told by many different people, you can still win tickets to see David at the Mermaid Theatre here. The competition closes at 2PM on Monday. The best of luck to those who missed out previously (third time lucky?) and thanks again to all who wrote to tell us about this final opportunity.
We should apologise to anyone outside the UK, for whom this past week’s blog posts must have seemed just a little cruel. We do hope that the extensive US radio play, which we have informed you of over on the Latest News page, goes some small way to compensate.
From tomorrow, Mainstream and AAA stations will be playing a one-hour special (please check with your local station for full details). Do let us know what you hear and where you hear it.
Just to put the Mermaid Theatre issue to bed once and for all (at least, until our lucky competition winners tell us all about it on Wednesday), please be aware that the BBC Radio 2 website will not only be playing, but showing, exclusive footage of the gig, which you can view regardless of where in the world you happen to find yourself.
There will be an hour-long broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on Saturday 11 March at 8:30PM (UK time). You will then be able to listen to this whenever you get the urge thanks to their handy ‘Listen Again’ feature, which allows you to replay any programme a week after it is first broadcast.
Thanks to the wonders of digital television, you can see half an hour of the gig at 9:30PM – and you can keep replaying it until 14 March if you want to.
If half an hour just isn’t enough, then fans all over the world can see a full hour on the BBC Radio 2 website if their internet speed will allow them to.
This will be the first taste of what you can expect from David’s tour, so be sure to tuck in.
More tomorrow, but for now, here’s Phil Manzanera at rehearsals.
Needless to say, there are plenty more of Polly’s photographs to follow, not to mention video clips.
Keep telling us what you think. We love to hear from you.
Hi Fed and co!! Just a massive PLEA!!!! If you’ve already got tickets for the mermaid – please please please give us poor unfortunates who haven’t a chance!!! Polly’s photos are fantastic!! Love ‘em!
Kelly
[There are no spares and I'm not even going, Kelly. But if you see the latest blog entry, you'll notice that three of the competition winners might lose out if they're not quick. - Features Editor]
Hi Features Ed,
Got my e-mail through this evening. I don’t why I was stressing out (weird), but it all seems ‘real’ now! Thanks again for a once in a lifetime experience!
Just a quick question. I know I need ID and stuff but does my guest need to bring some too, and if so, do I need to supply his details to you? I’m pressuming not – but I thought it would be best to clarify things. I can’t let anything screw this up!!!
Cheers!
[Your guest will be fine as long as you're there and your ID matches what you've already told us, John. - Features Editor]
She writes marvellous lyrics, authors novels, she’s the official (and prolific I might add) photographer and official chronicler, plays the piano, she’s a business partner, co-raises the kids (not to mention gave birth to 4 of them) and God only knows what else she manages to fit on her CV. I’m starting to think that Polly ought to get equal billing on the website masthead. Only joking of course.
Many kudos to her, however, for clearly being the battery that energizes this whole operation. I’m guessing we wouldn’t have all of this (new music, albums, web sites, tours etc) without her.
Also, a tip of the hat to the Samson-Gilmours for finding a way to work together so productively and harmoniously. I own a business with my wife, and I can tell you with authority – it ain’t easy.
Days to go now. Well chuffed that this 3 month wait is near over. Thanks to all for keeping me amused and enthused.
3 cheers!
peter
Thanks again for all your hard work.
Now – have an early night. You’ve earned it.
dave
Been listening to the album on Clear channel / sneak peek – brilliant! Love David’s haunting & soulful sax on Red Sky. The Blue is knockout… Great music & lyrics throughout… looking forward to hearing them live.
AND the track video clips that are posted here… maybe they will be available on a DVD of the concert?????
As for the seagul that flies backwards on the “On an Island” link – what’s it been on?
Hi to all of you.
I ve just discovered the whole David’s new album on Sneek Peak website and I have to said that it is just WONDERFUL. I have a tremendous respect and admiration for this man and artist. Unfortunately I cannot see him in concert this year for professionnal reasons… and I have to confess that the idea of not seeing David, Richard, Guy, Jon and the others on stage to perform these songs will certainly drive me to nervous breakdown very soon. It will be a generous and good idea to release a DVD of the hows.
Would you give us the opportunity to watch videos of the rehearsals ?
Congratulations and thanks for this brilliant blog
Laurent – Versailles – France
[Well, you must watch the Mermaid Theatre gig online if you can, Laurent. That promises to give us all a good idea of what can be expected from this tour. - Features Editor]
Another one to support the arctic circle rehearsal rooms. Can we club together to buy a gas heater for the band?
Amazon.com watch…”On An Island” is #4!!
…and climbing! Look out!!!
just a quick and cheeky question – would it be ok to bring a nonflash digital camera?
Thank you *very very very* much for allowing me to go. I will love you forever, as I promised. If nobody minds too much.
[It's not up to me, I'm afraid. The answer is still 'no'. Sorry! - Features Editor]
Video clips… Now I’m really interested!
Any clues as to what the video clips will be, or are we going to have to wait just a tad bit longer to find out?
J
[You'll have to see, but you can expect more on the 'On An Island' page of http://www.davidgilmour.com. - Features Editor]
Cool!
Just been looking at the train times. Cause I have a fair distance to go! It will be worth it.
Does anyone have any idea how long it will take to get from the Mermaid to Kings Cross?
Cheers in advance.
Caption Competition:
“I’d be able get this chord down if I could feel my fingers..couldn’t we have found a warmer rehearsal space?”
–
Okay, it’s not Rudders…but he asked us to keep it going…and, man, are they in school auditorium or something without heat!… They always look bundled up!
:-)
[It does look a bit chilly in there, Angelo. - Features Editor]
Wow, the lead up to this album has been out of this world! Video clip previews of each song, competitions (really good ones as well!), radio specials, exclusive ‘competition winners only’ concerts…just amazing!
I read on the BBC Radio website that David and Phil Manzanera will be appearing on the Jonathan Ross show on Saturday morning on BBC Radio 2! Any hint as to what they will perform?!
With that in mind, will David be appearing on any tv shows such as Parkinson or Later With Jools Holland?
Cant wait to buy the album on Monday!
[No idea, sorry. You'll have to tune in and find out. If David is going to be on television, then we'll let you know. - Features Editor]
(actually posting from work; hence the IPL)
WE love to hear from YOU, too! :O) thanks for the radio tips!
you’ve given us such a nice illusion of intimacy with the news and behind-the-scenes photos. it really jacks up the excitement factor! hey, is it really true that David himself has occasionally read this? (it was too funny to see Rog’s alleged posting… my jaw dropped a bit)
countdown mode begins, as i pack my bag 30+ days in advance…
laurie
[Honestly, he does. - Features Editor]
Very very good evening beautiful people!
If I sound distinctly cheerful today, it might have something to do with something that happened to me yesterday involving some tickets I won… He He He. I just can’t get over it yet!
I’ve never really heard Roxy Music very much and therefore don’t know much about Mr. Manzanera. Well, apart from the fact that he’s a top-noch musician and has collaborated with the Floyd. I’m sure I’ll be delighted by his contribution to David’s awesome band.
I’ve got On an Island melody going on in my head all day long, and I keep starting to sing beautifully… then I realize I can’t really sing at all and I’m just annoying lots of people. Mmm. Laa Laa. Oops! Sorry, there I go again. Listening to such beautiful music does have its downfalls.
In relation to the plural form of “roof” I shall have to stick with our dear Features Editor who, of course, is always right. Not all this nonesence of definitions extracted from clearly totaly unreliable dictionaries. Insubordinate bloggers!
By the way, anyone knows the correct plural of octopus?
night night x
[Good on ya, Carlos! "Insubordinate bloggers!" I like that. - Features Editor]
my full address is…
This info requested by the features editor tonight. Thanks.
[Thanks, David. Enjoy the show. - Features Editor]
Hi,
FeD, I still haven’t recieved my email. What’s going on? I’m concerned!
[You'll just have to trust me until tomorrow, James. I'll e-mail you then, I promise. You have won, honestly. As you say, we have two James Hamiltons, but you'll both get a pair of tickets - I guarantee it. All the details that will be in the e-mail can be found on the previous two blog entries, so you're not missing anything... except an e-mail that you can't reply to, anyway. Sorry to make you panic, but I assure you: you are one of our winners and there will be an e-mail waiting for you tomorrow. - Features Editor]
If the band needs a quite place to rehearse before the show on 5th, I know a quaint town with a stage/playhouse ~1hr from NY that holds about 150 people. It’s also right next to a police station to keep the rabble out.
Out of mere coincedence, it’s near me as well!
More seriously, how about some autograph giveaways for homeless/other charities in the US? You could go with a different local charity group for each show.
Fed u poor thing! All this hard work trying to keep us satisfied and ur not even going yourself!! (BTW i didn’t mean i wanted ur tickets!!) Agree with u Peter, Polly sounds like an absolute star!! And agree 100% with Dave – GET AN EARLY NIGHT FED!!! I’ve been struggling at work myself and i’ve only put a couple of comments in!!!!
FeD, my postal address again is…
[Thanks, James. You can also sleep well. Your tickets are safe... Trust me! - Features Editor]
You would think that between the six of them someone could afford to put a few quid in the old electric meter. Poor Phil looks frozen. Though I expect after a few hours rehearsal, the room warms up nicely.
Congratulations to those who will be at the first gig of Davids tour, courtesy of the BBC (and Fed). I’m not sure if I want to watch the BBCs coverage yet or just wait until May for the concert I’ll be attending. At a guess, I’ll be drawn to the coverage – I’m far too impatient! It’ll also be interesting to see the differences in the performance after a couple of months worth of refinement.
FEd – you’re not going??! Awww shame…was hoping to say thanks in person and put a face to the mysterious FEd…
N
Hi to all of you,
here, in Italy, OAI cd will be on market on 8 of March : waiting two days more…
Congratulations for this blog: it’s just a chain with a little bit of your planet.
Next 6th march it’s sixty.It was just yesterday in London at Camden… I know that PF “it’s over” but ,please ,Dave don’t leave your time of youth without YOUR GREAT MUSIC :it’s the sound of the life!
Good night people
diana
number 3 on amazon.co.uk last night about 3am!!!
all the 3′s!! Daves 3rd solo album, Number 3 on Amazon, my 3rd competition entry and my IQ 93 – is this an indication Dave may chart at number 3 with the single and album? Will Paul Gadd get 3 years? will I win 3 tickets for free via this site and the BBC compo?
not sure about ‘this heaven’ yet, sounds a bit like a jazzy Dogs of war, which incidently I deteste, but it might be a grower
Jack -
Take a look at http://www.tfl.gov.uk – it’s the London Underground website with a journey planner to help. I’ve put in the postcode for the Mermaid and it’s coming back with anything from 15 mins to 30 mins at 11pm, recommending buses or tube. Buses in London can be a pain, and coming from out of town trains might be easier, although it’s definitely not too conventient (blackfriars to farringdon to Kings Cross, changing each time). You may just as easily grab a black cab for the sake of a £5-7 to Kings Cross…
N
Roger Waters has invited Rick Wright to play keyboards on his 2006 Summer tour. Nick Mason will be playing drums on a few dates? Wondering if Roger is trying to reconstruct Pink Floyd without David? Could he even legally do that since he left the band and lost the lawsuit? Would he even dare? Roger could have Eric Clapton on guitar and the music would still not sound right.
Jack
Not an expert on the underground, but I’d estimate at least 30 mins if everything was running well.
From my limited experience, I’d add at least an hour to that. Haven’t been to London that often, but every underground journey I’ve ever taken in the last few years has always taken longer than the estimates I’ve been given.
Chance of a lifetime, give yourself as much time as you can afford to!
Good luck
Jack – Kings cross to the Mermaid is quite easy as the Mermaid is right by Blackfriars station
You can get a Thameslink train – takes about 10 mins. The Circle line also takes you between the 2 but takes nearer 30 mins. There are also a couple of bus’s that go from Kings Cross past Blackfriars but i cant remember the numbers
Hope this is of some help!
For Jack Rodgers:
Blackfriars to Kings Cross, trains every 15 minutes and it takes about 15 minutes to make the journey, includng a 5 minute walk at the end! Thats the Thameslink by the way…
Hope that helps
Neil
Hello,
I am still enjoying just the fact that I did win the tickets for the Mermaid gig, until I actually enjoy the gig itself!!
Thanks again, and I do wish you an earlier night tonite!
Baptiste
I was just going to bed… when I checked out clear channel sneek peek.
Awesome!!!! I will now have to play the entire album before I go to bed!!!!
Can’t wait for for my CD so I can play it LOUD on the Hifi.
dave axe work is awesome. :-))
check it out, unless you would rather wait for the CD and just Listern to the clips on the website.
Ian
Caption….”I have a new one David.I call it “Comfortably Numb”. Wait till you hear the solo!!!”
(post or not, I’m sticking my toes in the water and having a go at this blog thing)
I only just realised that Fed meant Features Editor! I kept reading it as Federal Express – doh!
I hope that more people will jump in and post instead of lurking in the backgound, like I have done since I found this place.
After all, if we can’t express ourselves here, where we all find common ground through the music that moves us, where can we?
Congratulations! to all those who won! believe me guys you are so so so lucky!
Encumbered forever by desire and ambition
There’s an hunger still unsatisfied
I wish I can get one more chance to participate just to see David! Wish I can be there! but…
Hi FEd,
Another busy evening, by the looks of things.
I asked yesterday whether there would be any tickets available on the door i.e. is it worth me coming down to queue up on the off chance that someone doesn’t turn up as I only want 1 ticket, do you know whether there will be or not?
If not, please can I be added to the reserves list, just in case half of the audience suddenly comes down with Bird flu! I’ll split a pair with Kelly, as she seems as desperate as me! ; )
Also, Kelly – you haven’t explained why David was giving your mother fashion advice!?!
I think it’s a shame that you won’t get a chance to see David at this gig, especially after all the work you’ve put in. We’ll have to think of a special prize for you, once this is al over.
Vicky
[Hi Vicky. I certainly will consider you. As you may have noticed, I'm waiting on two of the competition winners to confirm their addresses. Although it does seem very mean to offer something with one hand and take it straight back again with the other, we can't wait much longer for confirmation of address. The BBC need this information soon, as they also have all the winners from the Radio 2 competition and will need to check that the people who win the 6 Music competition - which I hope you've entered - don't already have tickets. So keep reading for more on that. David Haddock very kindly offered one of his tickets on the 'Mermaid Theatre competition' blog earlier. Maybe someone else would do the same for you? - Features Editor]
Just a reminder for folks living near Kingston Ontario Canada.Krock will be airing the interactive premiere of “On An Island” tonight at 10 pm Est.(FM 105.7)
Peace, Love, and David Gilmour.
Thanks for thinking of us US fans Feat. Ed! I’d be lying if I said I’m not envious of the UK folks and would have given my right arm…But at the same time, I have been so excited with everything that has been given to us so far, and all the interaction…I can’t be upset. I actually liked reading the responses and the frenzy of all the UK fans postings. I’d also be lying that regardless of living in the US, that I didn’t still think up my 30 words anyway and wondered if you would have made fun of my comment.
I’m so humored with the modern day of tech; It has made it alot easier for us fans to access the info and “extras” we are craving. We have websites, podcasts, video…I remember the days of my youth–before the days of the home computers and the internet–when I would make my Mom drop me off at the library so I could sneak and rip out articles from all the magazines that wrote anything regarding Pink Floyd. What me, defacing public library materials?!?! Ummmm…never!
I feel EXTREMELY lucky that I was able to get a ticket to opening night at RCMH. I think David and crew (and yes, that includes you too dear Feat. Ed) has made this one incredible ride. I am grateful for the info, the website, the radio/internet broadcasts (and hell yes I will be watching and listening to them all), the CD, the tour in the first place, David, Polly, the fantastic band put together, the music…Ah…just too busy enjoying it all to feel the pain…
[That's what we like to hear! Not the bit about the library, though. That's just terrible. - Features Editor]
Cheers for all the comments guys!! Apreciated!
Well my brother is at the Royal Vet Uni in London anyway. So I think me and my dad will meet him before the gig, and have some food or whatever, like make a day of it. And he knows all about everything on the underground. So he’ll show us how to get to and from it.
Cheers people! It shows Gilmour fans are the best.
Dear FEd,
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to go, I think my wife is chuffed too….I can sulk for England!! (I never managed to get a ticket for the other gigs)
It is 12 years since I last saw David playing at Earls Court. I really didn’t think I was in with a chance!
Are you going to be joining the band on tour or are you going to be slaving away, burning the midnight oil, typing out your witty replies to the fans?
Cheers, Paul
Ps Due to the excitement, my right arm could drop off at any minute!!!
[Well, if it does, you'd better keep it in a safe place ready for us on Tuesday! As for the tour, then I'm going to be hard at work, sharing all your concert stories, with a bit of luck - and I'm very happy to do so. We want lots of fan involvement and can't wait to read your views. - Features Editor]
“We should apologise to anyone outside the UK, for whom this past week’s Fan Fare must have seemed just a little cruel. We do hope that the extensive US radio play, which we have informed you of over on the Latest News page, goes some small way to compensate.”
Dear FEd, you make it sound like David only has fans in the UK and the US…
Consider how cruel life is for Gilmour fans in New Zealand right now. Even the local music retailers are increasing the pain by making us wait until the 13th for “On An Island” to appear on shelves here…
[That's very fair, Warren. My apologies. - Features Editor]
Hi Fed…I have missed out on so much for a couple weeks. Had to lay my Father to rest. He died of brain cancer.
Anyway, I love the new structure of the site at davidgilmour.com It seems to make things easier to get to.
I wish I would have been around to know about the US contests when they were still open but bigger things had to be taken care of.
To all of you UK fans who are getting in on the Mermaid, congratulations! Be sure not to take it for granted because there are many millions of people all over the planet who would sacrifice much to be in your place. (Go away ebay creeps!)
What ever happened to Rachel Fury? Where is she now? Is there any chance of her touring with David Gilmour? Maybe even for just one show (Gibson Amphitheatre April 20th)
Thanks!
[I'm terribly sorry to hear of your loss, Brad. My condolences to your family. As for your question about backing singers, then I'm afraid I cannot answer. There are no plans for any backing singers on this tour as far as I'm aware. - Features Editor]
Hi David , ED, and gang,
I have being playing the album non stop on sneak peak all day in an attempt to have every word and musical note ready for my three night stint at RAH in May. I must say it gets better with every listen very laired indeed. I look forward to Monday when I get the chance to add to my collection. As someone has said already ” The blue” is fantasic and I love the deliberate rawness of ” Smile”, but I think the first big cord in ” Castellorizon” is what I have waited 12 years to hear. It sent all those shivers up my spine yet again. Brilliant . Mind you I did get a fright with the intro to ” Take a Breath” I thought to myself here comes ” Dogs of war pt2″ This did not happen to my happiness it opened up into a nice rocky track that should play well live. I think the title track stands alone on the album as ” STAND CLEAR GENIUS AT WORK” Well done on polished product not that I ever doubted it wouldn’t be.
Still no clues ED as to the setlist for the tour????????, go on give a little.
Rgds Geoff Duffy Ireland
[You can find out more on Tuesday, Geoff. Remember to check out the Mermaid Theatre show on BBC Radio 2. - Features Editor]
Red sky at night is beautiful. As a guitarist myself I can put my talents to a lot of instruments, where I can see the note I`m playing, with wind instruments it is a different kettle of fish, where you can not see which note you are playing, yet David makes the sax sound like he is playing his beloved strat!
This is probably why I`m a good electrician, and why he is a fantastic musician!
p.s. I`ve been talking to my dad tonight in the pub features ed. regarding the rooves debate, and he is the next david bellamy when it comes to wildlife and a stickler for the english language, and he most certainly agrees that you are right! (oh and he would love it if you said hello his name is gordon and since I won last night is a fan of this site now!)
Thanks again,
adrian.
[Gordon, I take my hat off to you, sir. The day I write 'roofs' will be the day hell freezes over. Er, even though I just wrote it. That one doesn't count, of course. I now see where your son inherits his exquisite taste. I wish you both a very good night. - Features Editor]
Oh I have it set on my phone as an alarm ED .
Another question ” God I know i’m annoying ” . Will there be merchandice available at the gigs. I would love a tshirt with the album cover on it. Rgds Geoff Duffy
[There most certainly will be. We'll have details on the site next week, hopefully. - Features Editor]
Ha ha…the vandalous nature of a 9 year-old. Hmmm…Do you think I can pay my penance by going back and taping all the articles back in the mags–I still have them all in an old scrapbook!
(Yes, I just revealed my nerdiness in confessing all this!)
[Nah, that would be stranger than cutting them out in the first place! - Features Editor]
I live in Connecticut in the US and for some reason I can’t get any radio station to play David Gilmours new single. I’ve sent countless e mails and phone calls requesting it since I first heard about it being played. Theres people who mention him going on tour, or how you can go online and hear his new album but I haven’t heard it played once yet. They’ll play Pink Floyd and then talk about David though. I’ve actually choosen not to listen to your daily samples from Davids new album because I would rather listen to the who thing straight through, allthough I would like to hear “on an island” played. I do listen to the samples you hear on the homepage though, the ones that you said arn’t taking directly from his album. I think these are great and I hope they continue after his album comes out.
I can’t wait until April 5th, I’ve never looked forward to anything as much as I’m looking forward to Davids new album and seeing him live at Radio City Music Hall.
[Not long to wait now, Kevin. - Features Editor]
Just to let you know I’m no fly-by-night!! Still here and hoping for something nice to happen.
Hi Kelly and Vicky, let’s hear it for us girlies, cos it looks like the Mermaid do will be a close to all-male affair
Fingers crossed for all of us XX
Hot off the press – interview with DG in The Guardian (UK newspaper, for the non-UK amongst us)
N
[Thanks, Nick. They'll have to look for it themselves, though! - Features Editor]
Then I Close My Eyes sounds absolutely beautiful. Very, very excited about the release and tour. I’ve got tix for the 4th of April in NYC – can’t wait.
RE Carlos not knowing Roxy Music well. Do check them out, they’re fantastic and staggeringly influential. (Would it be too much to hope for Bryan Ferry as a guest vocalist for one of the shows? What about Kate Bush? Or even a little visit from Dick Van Dyke?)
Roger Waters has invited Richard Wright to play this summer? What’s going on here? I was afraid something like this might happen after it was announced that Richard was to be a part of David’s touring band (which was fantastic news)… Have to say, being a Floyd fan is not unlike being a child of divorced parents; you love them both but…
I agree with Features Editor… It most certainly is “rooves” … “roofs” is something my dog does when he’s hungry… He he he ha ha ha!!! Roofs, indeed… ;^’) Congratulations to all those that will be attending the “Mermaid” gig!!! I’m sure you’re in for a wonderful time!!! Good show!!! Tally Ho!!!
The “feeling” for “today” is “Ummagumma!!!” Enjoy!!!
[Looks like I've got another favourite... Features Editor]
ok. first off, since it’s the topic of the day. WCMF in rochester ny will be featuring the David Gilmour On An Island special Sunday morning, the 5 march, day before the birthday and all. 10 am. so there’s that. can’t wait to get a little taste via the bbc site as the tour gets ready to roll next week. another 38 days or so till our show so let’s see some rock. i have my setlist speculations and i don’t want to spoil anything, but there are expectations of course, sure to be fulfilled. thanks for the wonderful music, good luck and be safe on the road. see you in toronto. you’ll be just in time for some great hockey.
Fed,
Can we assume that those of us that read this blog daily will be kept up to date during the tour. I honestly don’t know what I’d do without reading your posts and the comments each day.
[We'll get through it together, Mark. - Features Editor]
Training or practicing in adverse conditions(as per comments made on clothing worn during rehearsals, suggesting frigid temperatures), only makes you bigger,better and stronger when it comes down to performing in ideal conditons.Can’t wait!This is going to be truly, unbelievably, sureally, fantasmigorical!!!!
P.S. Sorry F.E. about the “mush” (as per one of my previous posts) but I just can’t contain myself any longer!
[Gotta have some mush, John. - Features Editor]
I’m glad the site gets updated almost everyday!
Nice work Features Editor!
-Christian
p.s: thanks for the pic
Now I am excited about the Mermaid gig! It’s another pleasant suprise to find out that video will be available over the web. I cannot comprehend the patience of those who say they would rather wait until they see the show for themselves. Is that why you will not be there?
(Tell me FE, should I have been checking the remember me spot, or is that just for those who wish to include a URL? You remember me right?)
[I remember you, mate. I don't know what happens there, actually. Give it a try and let me know. - Features Editor]
Congratulations to all you lucky lucky LUCKY UK peeps who won tickets to see David live. Please post back and tell us all about it.
And Feat. Ed/Edwina! Is this right? – I read on the blog that somone saw the OAI video on VH1 Classics! Heh, I found the answer to my video question second-hand it seems. Too busy with your “rooves” I suppose. ;-)
By the way – anyone out there who is a Gorillaz fan like me and is going to be in NYC for David’s show, they’re playing The Apollo that week. I’m taking up a collection so I can buy a ticket. Please send your contributions to: Old Pink, care of the Funny Farmhouse, Chalfont.
xo
Deborah
Bah humbug…this is driving me mad, I’ve entered more conditions than soft nick (not the real one) and I still don’t get anywhere. All I want is the chance to wear my well worn Gilmour t-shirt and listen to the master one more time. Anyway entered the latest comp. Everything crossed. Just one more comment, why do I get the feeling this is Davids last ever tour…..
I may have not been paying attention to the blogs–But who is the fingers behind the features editor?
[It's a secret, Zach. - Features Editor]
Lovely instrumental today. Very relaxing, I could very well use that when giving massages. Lovely.
So many soul stirring sounds being played on this website. Just when I thought I had hit a peak with my anticipation for hearing this new album on my hifi system, that peak hits a new high.
After reading the most revealing interview yet with Mr Gilmour in Mojo, and then seeing all these lovely candid momets on video clips on the website, I can only pray that all this great stuff will be enshrined on DVD to watch at high quality one day.
Thank you David for giving so much meaning to the world of music.
Dion.
10PM E.S.T.
Live for one hour now interview and On The Island Premiere. Easy to sign up and listen to the stream.
JP ( toronto , ont. )
Is Phil Manzanera playing the same guitar that David used for the meltdown concert in 2002? I thought I read somewhere it (the guitar) was a prototype cutaway developed by Martin &Co. Is this true? (We all know how David enjoys collecting guitars and prototype item…or at least he used to.) I know, I shouldn’t ask the question here I should go to the FAQ page, but it pertains to the picture above.
When did Roger post…did I miss that?
So…
Did anyone else catch VH-1 Classic the other day? Every time they aired the OAI video, they mentioned that WILLIE NELSON is on the new album.
Maybe I missed it, but I don’t recall Willie being listed anywhere on the credits. Could there be a secret hidden track of David and Willie performing “On The Road Again”?
Then again…perhaps not.
Eagerly awaiting the new album and the April 12th Rosemont show.
-Walt L.
BTW- are there any other bloggers out there who are headed to the Chicago shows from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan?
I’ve been listening to the new album every chance I get for the last two days. This album went far beyond my expectations and trust me they were set 100,000 feet up. Some of the songs, espcecially A Pocketful of Stones is has such a timeless feel to it and so powerfully moving that I found my eyes watering.
My attempt at the caption contest: Please G*d, if there is a G*d, please don’t let me mess up again or David will have Guy Pratt put me back in the meatlocker! -I just don’t know if this gig is worth the 2-4 (Canadian reference for a case of beer) that I’m being paid.
I am striving to be understood by the cultural stew of bloggers we have here, sorry I am incapable of translations for our spanish, french and italian companions.
Well, David’s 60th birthday is Monday, so it’s high time we talked about getting his present.
Someone recently suggested a donation to Crisis when buying his album to show our appreciation, which is a great idea. And that made me think, there’s no tangible present we could get him that would blow him away, so really gestures of that nature (showing goodwill towards our fellow man) are the kinds of things he’d appreciate.
So let’s try this:
David is all of our close friend, even if we never actually met him, and he’s got a milestone birthday. So let’s all think of how about much we would normally spend on a present for a close friend or family member on their 60th, but rather than buy him something, take that money and donate it to Crisis on March 6th. And when making the donation, in the comment section (if you are doing it online) say something like “Happy Birthday David”, or if you’re writing a check write that on the memo line. Let’s try to get as many regular posters and regular lurkers we can get to do this. Give what you can, but don’t feel guilty if you can’t give as much as the next guy, because it’s the gesture that’s important.
And keep in mind, this is a birthday present, which means we expect nothing in return for this gesture, except maybe one of his signature smiles. Also, don’t let that stop you from making another donation after buying the album the same day (or the next day in the Americas).
And don’t say anything. It’s a surprise.
[A lovely idea, Michael. - Features Editor]
Hi John from Kingston and son. And Roofer in Florida, don’ they have computers there? Hi to Brockville also. You mentioned Apr. 10th, is that correct?. Doesn,t matter anyway. After the Apr. 9th show with my friends, I’m going home and drive back to Toronto with my wife for her birthday present(Mar.8th two days after David Sir’s)to see the second show. The HRC seems the place to meet. Hope it isn’t crowded that we can get in. I’ll wear the same brown jacket. This is Lesley’s second time seeing DG and my 13th and 14th time.Then I Closed my Eyes, wow, so relaxing. Reminds me of being On An Island. Peace.
For the first time I heard On An Island on the radio today! It was so special and even more beautiful on radio for some reason and the guitar solo was a little longer compared to the one on the video just beautiful…5 more days!
Well done to all those going to the Mer maid, and well done FeatEd for sorting it all out. I missed out on the comp due to work commitments and didn’t really get to check the blog til 10 past midnight, but hey ho life goes on and I still have Manchester to console me.
Mind you with all those one armed people going the applause is going to be a tad muted!
One sad blip on the horizon, when does this blog shut down? When the album is released? At the end of the tour? Never ( hopefully)?
FeatEd, consider my hat well and truely doffed for all your hard work and good humour. Thanks.
[Thanks for that, Tony. You'll have to put up with me for a bit longer yet. - Features Editor]
Dearest FEd,
good morning! First of all!
I’m thinking…for all the poors italian fans who can’t win David’s shows tickets….could you organize a competition for let we win…I don’t know…something like breakfast cups, pens and pensils…or stickers for our cars!
Thinking about this possibility!
Have a great day!
L!
P.S. I say that just to say something…without a real goal….but the 10th of March is my birthday (just 4 days after David – happy birthday David!! …I hope you are going to prepare a great surprise for me!!! ;-)
Hi Features Ed.
I know that I have tickets (‘cos there can’t be too many people out there with a name like mine!) but I never recieved an email. I do know the details about timing etc from your reply to an earlier post so presumably it isn’t too important.
Anyway, just in case I typed it incorrectly I’ll give it to you again along with an alternative.
Many thanks
Ken
[Sorry to hear that, Ken. An e-mail has been sent to the first e-mail you gave us - the longer of the two - but I'll just send one to your alternative address. Any problems, please let me know. - Features Editor]
FAO Brad
Many condolences for your loss, I know what you are going through as my Mother is dying from the same condition.
As for Rachel Fury, as far as I am aware she has given up music as of 1995, and throws herself full time into Animal Rights so I wouldn’t hold your breath for her showing up at one of the shows!
hi Fed, i still have not recieved my email about the mermaid theatre, should i be worried? i am!! please put my mind at rest!
[An e-mail has been sent. Should there be an 's' in your address? I'll send you out another right now. Don't worry, you will go to the ball! - Features Editor]
Re:Photo – 3 captions
“If anyone else asks if thats Al Pacino on guitar I’m going home!”
“Calm down Phil! I only said isnt that scarf ace?”
“What d’ya mean sounds o.k.? I’d like to see you play any better with a cymbal stand stuck in your shoulder”
I dont care if you think theyre rubbish!! – nothing can wipe the smile off my face after winning tickets to the Mermaid.
[My favourite yet, David. Keep them coming. - Features Editor]
Quote: “Hi to all of you,
here, in Italy, OAI cd will be on market on 8 of March : waiting two days more…”
8 of march??? Diana, then this is news for you: in Italy the album is… OUT NOW! In fact I hold it in my hands right now. Later I will listen to it.
Ciao
hi everyone..just want to share my hapiness!!yesterday night I heard the new album in the radio here in Portugal..and I have to say I LOVED IT!!!cant wait to buy the album monday!!
Just to show how big a fan I am of the pink floyd sound I am going today to a concert of the “off the Wall” here in Lisbon
,then i am going to travel with my girlfriend to Manchester on the 26thMay to see the real David Gilmour live!!(cant really wait for that), and afterwards when i get back to lisbon im going to see Roger Waters on the 2nd of June!! The best year of my life!!!
Dear All
I have just been listening to the Radio 4 interview with David that was broadcast last night on the Front Row show. It is very interesting listening to David talking about his new album, Pink Floyd, Live 8 etc.
I thouroughly recommend you all listen to it.
See all you chosen ones on Tuesday.
Richard
Well,
I know it’s not really the day, and it’s not the done thing, but, as I don’t work on Monday, I won’t be able to say it at the time (I’ve no Internet at home):
Dear, so dear David, happy birthday! I wish there will be, oh, let’s say, 100 another birthdays… (not enough?, so, 1000…).
And thank you to be in the world.
Ikkar, with love
Hi all! My mum and dad used to live in a flat owned by either david or his mum (i’m not sure which!, and david was round there one day when my mum had just bought some new jeans and a fancy new ‘tassley’ belt. I don’t think she’d been in london for long bless her and was trying to be all trendy but didn’t know how to wear the belt as it was so long!! So basically she was trying it on and asking the lads what they thought, and david suggested she ‘double it up’ and ‘wrap it round twice’!! Which she did and it looked fab! (Apparently!!) So there you go Vicky, the fascinating story of david’s belt expertise!!
Dear Features Editor (our friend for life!)
Thank you for our winning entry for tickets to the Mermaid Theatre next Tuesday. Perhaps the features editor will make a guest appearance on stage to reveal his/her self to all your loyal bloggers! Or will you will working on the hat/ coat and limb stand in the reception at the concert!
The mermaid Theatre is next door to Blackfriars station on the Circle and District Tube lines and the Thameslink overground trains.
For London main line trains use the tube for
Cannon Street
Victoria
Paddington
Euston Square (for Euston)
Liverpool Street
Tower Hill (for Fenchurch Street)
Embankment (for Charing cross)
Waterloo (take the Waterloo and City line to Bank/monument and change on to the tube.)
For Luton Airport,
Gatwick Airport,
Brighton,
Croydon,
London Bridge,
Kings Cross,
St.Pancras.
Use the Thameslink Service.
Gary
Dear FEd et al,
On the roofs/rooves comments: what about “Poles Apart” from TDB – “The rain fell slow, down on all the rooves of uncertainty”. And there’s me thinking it was roofs of uncertainty
Anyhow, you say tomato, I say tomato…
I’m off to Holland early tomorrow morning, so I won’t be around to post over the weekend. So, have a fab weekend everyone (FEd in particular after a hectic week) and see some of you on Tuesday evening in Blackfriars.
Maybe we should all wear something in our lapels to mark each other?
Otherwise, I’ll see you all, passport and utility bill in hand, on the Dark Side
Best,
N
I have the Album!! it was well worth the wait. David, thanks for a wonderful album and I look foward in seeing you on the 25th in Milan.
Ciao
Shawn
quick caption entry:
What Manzanera Plays When No-one’s Looking
Phil (singing): “It’s cold outside, there’s no kind of atmosphere, I’m all alone, more or less”
N
Mark Schutte wrote:
“Roger Waters has invited Rick Wright to play keyboards on his 2006 Summer tour. Nick Mason will be playing drums on a few dates? Wondering if Roger is trying to reconstruct Pink Floyd without David?”
__________
It’s The Tea Set reunion that we’ve all been waiting for!
Just to confirm in Italy “on an Island” is now on sale!! :-)
It seems that the requets are more than expected.
The atmosfere and the music are absolutely fantastic. I am coming back to listen it. Bye bye!
PS: Thank you David, you could have retired enjoying your family, but you didn’t and are still reserving few times for your fans. we all have appreciated it.
Since the US folks missed out on the ticket giveaway, just few final thoughts on the charity idea
1. Just have a local charity desk for donations in the lobby
2. Promos (as available)could be provided with an easy to manage manage fixed price givewaway with tickets (all ticket $ going to charity) where names go in a hat. Auction ideas could include:
-Normal promo items (posters, hats, shirts, etc.)
-Backstage meet & greet
Here’s some some bigger ones
-Rights to watch (quietly in a corner) band warmups/reheasals on the day of the show
-Signed guitar/other
-Lunch or Dinner w/the band or any members thereof
-Short quiet Drink/Coffee/Tea with David G. and/or others
-Show introduction of the band
It would be interesting to see which city could raise the most!
Good morning to all. There is a difference in choosing “yes-remember me”. After choosing yes for the first time yesterday, now my name, email address and remember me settings have all been filled in. Membership does have it’s privileges!:)
Birthday donation ideas, lapel pin identification(for insubordinate bloggers) and support for Brad (and TonkK). I agree, and please accept my condolences Brad.
[Well in that case, it's something everyone should do... assuming they're not using a public computer, of course. - Features Editor]
David I love you!!!
Today is my birthday and I just received the “On An Island” CD.
[Happy Birthday, Robert! - Features Editor]
David…spring for some heat for rehearsals!!!!
Good Morning
Did the winners who didn’t provide their address get in touch at all? Or will their tickets be reallocated?
Still not giving up hope!
[I'm afraid so. There are not going to be any tickets reallocated. Sorry! - Features Editor]
Hey Guys! (means gals too)
Radio stations in NY are hyping OAI quite a bit now, can’t wait!
Stephen
NY, USA
Fantastic idea Michael!!!!
Just to echo Richards comments – the Radio 4 interview was very interesting and well worth another listen…unless you are harbouring hopes of a Floyd re-union that is…
I think that the suggestion to give a donation to Crisis on David’s birthday by Michael Kelly is a brilliant one. I will certainly follow his idea.
I have just been out to the newsagents & have come back with more than I anticipated. There is an article in today’s Guardian newspaper on David and MoJo has an extensive interview (I have not had time to read it yet), but the Guardian article is well worth a read.
F Ed, will you be able to post them on the blog, so our overseaes friends get a chance to see the articles?
Antcipating Monday for the album & Tuesday to see David play live again.
Richard
[They should be on the site shortly, Richard. - Features Editor]
Hi Features Ed et al
I live in Dublin and a weird thing I’ve noticed over the years is that when albums are due to be released on a Monday in the UK they usually hit the shops in Ireland on the Friday before. I’m not sure why, might be to do with the charts???
I was late for work again this morning. I dropped into my local musicstore to see if the new release was on the shelves yet. Lo and behold to my delight freshly placed copies of David Gilmour’s latest solo release On an Island were there in copious amounts.
I immediately picked up a copy proceeded to pay for it and went to my car….. ooooohhhh the excitement, the anticipation. The wait was finally over. I peeled off the plastic covering carefullly, keeping the small black sticker in tact, ‘The Voice & Guitar of Pink Floyd!’
I did promise to ‘review’ the album after just one listen. But who am I kidding I’ve never reviewed anything in my life…
I had to come to work and do my duty. So here I am blogging …
I don’t think it would be fair to spoil the surprise for eager fans outside Ireland but the snap shots we’ve been tantilised with, courteous of this tantastic website are just drops in the ocean.
The package is very well produced, art work is as on the website – fits wery well with the over feel of the album. You can tell there’s been a lot of effort, care and thought gone into making this product.
After the first listening I just wanted to hear it again but unfortunately work calls..
Highlights for me are On a Island, Where we start, This heaven, Red sky at night oh – they’re all brilliant. I think this is David’s best solo record by a long shot, it is more open and personal than anything he’s done before. It’s very mellow with one or two faster tempo numbers and has some great solos which I’m sure we’ll be feasting on in the live performances.
There’s some nice thank you messages and I get the impression that David really does care not only about the people around him but everybody (well there maybe a few exceptions.
I’m going to drive my wife and kids mad playing this cd all weekend.
I hope you all enjoy the album, I’m going to.
Thanks to all on this site for making it happen and a big thank you to Mr & Mrs Gilmour for letting us share this with you. I’m now looking forward to May 30th. And finally a big Happy Birthday to the birthday boy next Monday!!! ‘Take a breath’
Thanks Features Ed for your daily postings and comments…..
[Glad to hear that you like it! - Features Editor]
There certainly seems to be an exceptional effort to document the life cycle of On an Island. From studio recordings, through tour rehearsals, to (hopefully) the gigs themselves. I’m sure this is all a bit premature to ask, but what are the possibilities that a lot of this material (including the spectacular ‘Island Jam’ footage) is slated to appear on DVD? It sounds as if there’s more than enough to put together a great ‘Making of…’ style presentation somewhat in the vein of what Aerosmith did with their ‘Pump’ album some years ago. At the very least a lot of it could be used as great extra features to be included on a concert DVD. So Fed…what do you say? (I’m anticipating a polite yet inevitably vague “Too soon to speculate”)
[Too soon to speculate, Phil. - Features Editor]
Fedmeitser
You don’t think I’d be able to stay away for four days! Flight was ok, beer was cold, slept like a log….
Caption Competition: Try singing it with a bit of that Bryan Ferry vibrato…
[Rudders! - Features Editor]
Dear Bloggers,
If you are going to the Mermaid Theatre next Tuesday please click my name for a site which has a very good venue seating map.
The Theatre is just a single tier (STALLS ONLY) with just 20 rows of seats long with seat numbers from 1 – 38. The total amount of seats is 610 and the Theatre is air conditioned! This is small.
Gary