Tag Archive for "Crisis" tag

Yep, the final and surely only important remaining topic of 2009: the best and worst Christmas songs. Obviously. You are surrounded by them everywhere you go, after all, and probably have been since the Hallowe’en paraphernalia was hidden away for another year. How limp and lifeless would Christmas be without them?

However clichéd they may be, whether you like them or despise them, I’m especially interested in different versions of the same piece for comparison’s sake. The Drifters’ version of ‘White Christmas’, for example. Frank Sinatra’s ‘Jingle Bells’. Celine Dion’s attempt at ‘Happy Xmas (War is Over)’. And so on and so forth.

By the way, in my view, which is flagrantly biased, never mind downloading ‘Killing in the Name’ to spite Cowell and Co.; people in the UK should be trying to make this Christmas Number One – and supporting Crisis at the same time. What do you think? (Proceeds will also be donated to Feeding America and the United Nations’ World Food Programme. Good for you, Bob.)

OK, I’ll get straight to the songs that I find most irritating at this (most wonderful) time of the year. I have a fairly high tolerance level when it comes to Christmas tunes, surprisingly, but draw the line at these. I’m really sorry if mentioning them causes anyone’s blood pressure to rise. You might want to hold your breath?

- Burl Ives, ‘Holly Jolly Christmas’
- Jona Lewie, ‘Stop the Cavalry’
- Mike Oldfield, ‘In Dulci Jubilo’

And breathe out through your mouth slowly…

As always, thank you very much for your company throughout the year, both here and in the chatroom; I continue to value your honesty and humour greatly. Enjoy the Christmas holiday, however you choose to spend it, and may the New Year bring all that you hope for, particularly good health.

At the risk of sounding like Shakin’ Stevens: Merry Christmas, everyone.

That’s ‘inspirational’ due to their work ever-so-slightly beyond the realms of their most successful musical output; for example, in raising awareness of social and political causes, campaigning for charity, lending their voices – for singing or speaking – to help bolster major, televised, worldwide benefits and what not.

The obvious one has to be Saint/Sir (delete as you see fit) Bob Geldof, whose birthday is today. The Live Aid legend is now better known in some parts for his no-nonsense style of campaigning rather than for his music.

But there are so many others. There’s David Crosby and Graham Nash, Annie Lennox, Peter Gabriel, Roger Daltrey, Bruce Springsteen, Bonnie Raitt (whose website has a broad section covering her activist leanings and lists innumerable noble causes), Bono, Coldplay’s Chris Martin, Yusuf Islam (better known as Cat Stevens), Elton John… They’ve defended the rights of humans and animals, they’ve set up their own foundations to assist orphans, veterans, sufferers of AIDS and cancer. They’ve dramatically pinned their colours to rival masts at election time.

How do you feel about celebrities sharing their beliefs, not necessarily exclusively through their music, and making you aware of which causes they endorse?

David, obviously, has supported his fair share down the years, but in the genteel manner that we have come to expect of him. His recent support of Gary McKinnon, I know, has ruffled the odd feather in certain quarters.

Paul McCartney singing (with Wings) about giving Ireland back to the Irish, which his record company didn’t want to release and was promptly blacklisted, is another controversial example. And what of the controversy surrounding Cat Stevens’ religious conversion? A prejudiced, selfish over-reaction if ever there was one.

I’m thinking also of the backlash to Neil Young’s Living With War album and Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s 2006 Freedom of Speech tour (as documented in the Déjà Vu film). Is such a determined focus at all off-putting? Could you, or have you, turned your back on a musician’s work because his beliefs conflicted unforgivably with your own? Or is it just music, just an opinion; something for the musician to get out of his or her system and the listener to get over?

I’d like to hear your views and which moments stand out as being most effective or memorable, maybe even embarrassing. And do tell us something we might not know about the musicians you enjoy, but the rest of us perhaps know little about. Which causes are closest to their hearts and how have they used their privileged position to advance them? Which have you cheered and which have you cursed?

Favourite Protest Songs coming soon, so please keep them in mind ready for a future post. That should be a good one…

Lastly, thank you very much for the kind birthday greetings; I had a lovely day… or three, as it turned out.

The magnificent Louis Armstrong was born on this day in 1901, in New Orleans.

His well-known hit, ‘What a Wonderful World’, always makes me stop momentarily and think about the song’s simple message (as does, to a lesser extent, ‘We Have All the Time in the World’). Isn’t it a beautiful song?

A few examples of similarly thought-provoking lines:

“Hurricane Annie ripped the ceiling off a church and killed everyone inside
You turn on the telly and every other story is tellin’ you somebody died
A sister killed her baby ’cause she couldn’t afford to feed it
And yet we’re sending people to the moon” — Prince, ‘Sign o’ the Times’

“On the quilted battlefields of soldiers dazzling made of toy tin
The big bomb like a child’s hand could sweep them dead just so to win
For seagull, I don’t want your wings
I don’t want your freedom in a lie” — Donovan, ‘Ballad of a Crystal Man’

There are so many others that propel themselves to the forefront of my memory without requiring me to fumble for them: the Eagles’ ‘Long Road out of Eden’, the Verve’s ‘Bittersweet Symphony’, Neil Young’s ‘Southern Man’, Marvin Gaye’s ‘Mercy Mercy Me’, a good two dozen (at least) by Bob Dylan…

Yet the one that graces the page today through the gift of YouTube is Michael Jackson’s ‘Man In the Mirror’. Whether or not you care for the Man or his Mirror, and I suspect that much of the world’s media-saturated population is by now sick to the back teeth of following, or trying to avoid following the vile, desperate frenzy that continues to surround his sad death, the line “If you want to make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and make a change” is a powerful one.

Anything that makes you think, please – from any artist you care to mention, but I’d like in addition an example from David’s and Pink Floyd’s considerable back catalogue. I’m thinking of ‘The Fletcher Memorial Home’ from 1983’s often over-looked and, in my opinion, under-rated ‘Final Cut’ album.

Oh, and if you’d rather keep the lyrics owner-less, I’m sure it would be an interesting experiment not to reveal who they were recorded, if not written, by. As well as a welcome test of memory for some of us, there’s a lot of snobbery in music and perhaps it would create surprised appreciation toward those acts that fans of a certain genre are, in ignorance, not expected to like. Would you agree?

A new video compilation featuring David with Amadou & Mariam, at the ‘hidden’ Crisis gig in May, is now on the site, by the way. Hope you enjoy it.

As you know, David has been one of many to speak out against Gary McKinnon’s planned extradition to the US to stand trial for computer hacking charges, agreeing to produce a new recording of the Graham Nash protest song, ‘Chicago’.

If extradited, Gary could face a prison stretch of up to 70 years in a high-security penitentiary, which seems a very harsh punishment for looking for evidence of alien life and is hardly appropriate for someone with an autistic condition.

Gary was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in August 2008. His late diagnosis meant that his form of autism was not considered in previous legal hearings.

If this campaign, which asks that the decision to extradite be over-turned and culminates next month in a judicial review, fails, he could be sent to the US to stand trial immediately.

Gary’s supporters want to make sure that Gary isn’t extradited and that any further legal proceedings – and a prison sentence, if need be – be served in the UK, where a conviction under the UK’s Computer Misuse Act carries a maximum penalty of five years imprisonment.

UK readers, you can e-mail your MP to ask for his or her support and let the Prime Minister know your feelings by signing this petition.

It takes barely a minute to show your support, it’s a thoroughly professional (Number 10) appeal which asks only for a name and address. As of now, there are more than three thousand signatories. Please tell your friends and family about it.

The chatroom is open until 17:00 (UK), so come and talk about this, Monday’s Crisis gig (some photographs of Polly’s from the concert can be found here, by the way), or anything else that takes your fancy. Registration is a doddle.

As ticket holders have known since Friday evening (and kept secret, as per the charity’s wishes, with varying degrees of success – thanks for that), Islington’s Union Chapel is the venue for tonight’s ‘hidden’ Crisis gig, where David will soon join Amadou & Mariam for a special one-off performance (click here for details).

The concert is a sell-out, which is very good news for Crisis, as the UK’s national charity for single homeless people will benefit from all proceeds.

If you’re in attendance (you should be enjoying the support right about now), first and foremost, thank you very much for supporting Crisis; I hope you are enjoying the show and look forward to hearing all about it.

If you’re not there, I’d like to know your thoughts as to the idea of a ‘hidden’ gig.

The venue was kept hidden, as you may know, to draw attention to the hidden homeless, most obviously the rough sleepers and squatters, so many of whom do not know where they will be spending the night until the day is nearing an end.

However, there are also the many millions all around the world who fit the legal definition of ‘homeless’, either because they have no legal right to stay in their (often inadequate) accommodation and are at threat of eviction, or because they’re taking temporary refuge in hostels and shelters, sleeping on friends’ sofas or in their vehicles. You don’t see them in shop doorways, so they’re out of sight and out of mind, but their plight is similarly challenging.

Here are some suggestions for things we all can do to help make it easier.

Some good news for some of you.

David will be performing as a special guest of Amadou & Mariam, a well-known duo from Mali, at a one-off show at a secret venue somewhere in central London on Monday 25 May – all proceeds going to Crisis, the charity for the homeless.

The venue will be revealed to ticket holders by text or e-mail the day before the show. The venue is to be kept ‘hidden’ until this time for good reason: to draw attention to the uncertain reality of the UK’s hidden homeless.

Tickets are now on sale, available online from See Tickets or by telephoning +44 (0)871 2200260.

Tickets are priced at £25 (plus a booking/delivery fee of £2.75).

The first two rows are designated ‘VIP Seats’. These will also go on sale tomorrow, priced at £75 per ticket (plus the relevant fees). There are just 10 seats in each row, so that’s 20 tickets in total. If you want one, you’ll have to be quick.

VIP tickets come with a goody bag, the contents of which are still being decided, but should include a commemorative Crisis T-shirt, a copy of the four-disc version of ‘Live in GdaÅ„sk’, as well as Amadou & Mariam’s latest CD, ‘Welcome to Mali’.

Have a listen to their “Afro-pop blues” at MySpace.

Said David: “I met Amadou and Mariam at the Mojo Awards, where we expressed mutual respect for each others’ music, so it was a wonderful surprise when they called recently, inviting me to collaborate with them on this special one-off occasion for Crisis. I’m looking forward to breaking down a few musical boundaries in the cause of helping the homeless.”

More of Crisis’ ‘hidden’ gigs will take place across London until 17 June.

Do tell us what you’re buying your nearest and dearest for Christmas, particularly if your ideas are eco-friendly, ethical and socially-responsible.

The best things I’ve seen are flip-flops made from recycled tyres, drinks coasters made of vinyl inserts (definitely something to google) and a fruit-powered clock (no, really). Not to mention the myriad alternative gifts – truly gifts for life.

Which leads me to an important note.

David’s Management would like it to be known that the sending of cards and gifts is to be politely discouraged this year. Many of you have been kind enough to send these in the past. However, please note that they will no longer be passed on, so please don’t go to the trouble or expense of arranging anything.

On behalf of David and Polly, thank you for everything you’ve given previously, and thank you especially for the extremely generous donations made to Crisis on more than one occasion. Please don’t be put off from supporting this worthy charity in David’s name, as you have done.

Thank you.

Bidding on the one-of-a-kind guitar that the famed cartoonist, Gerald Scarfe, recently hand-painted, and the members of Pink Floyd signed, ended on Friday evening.

It went for £16,000, an amount very much appreciated by the UK charity for the homeless, Crisis.

The successful bidder also won the first edition of a strictly limited box set containing eight 16″ x 20″ signed prints from ‘The Wall’, as well as a signed book.

Congratulations – and sincere thanks – to you.

There are 300 such box sets available, should you want one. All are numbered and have been signed. See Gerald’s website for details.

The chatroom is open late tomorrow: between 17:00 and 19:00 (UK). If you’d like to drop in, whether it be your first visit or the latest of many, you’re most welcome.

After thinking of all those striking, thought-provoking and inspiring album covers, I couldn’t resist setting aside some space for the very worst ones. Thanks for twisting my arm, Jeremy.

But before you send in lists of your most loathed cover art (no more than ten true shockers, please), here’s Sander’s beautiful dog, Einstein.

Glad to see that he likes your backstage pass from Gdańsk, Sander. It looks really good on him.

More photos of your pets to follow this week, so, if you have one to share, please do get it online and let us know where we can find it.

Bidding on the (Mexican) Fender Stratocaster – hand-painted by Gerald Scarfe and signed by David, Nick Mason, Roger Waters and Richard Wright – currently stands at £16,000.

The auction closes on Friday at the new time of 17:00 (UK). Proceeds will benefit the UK charity for the homeless, Crisis.

Here’s the first of our bloggers to own the David Gilmour Stratocaster.

Thanks, Johnnie. Your comments after the best part of a week spent getting a feel for your new guitar are very welcome.

If you’ve ordered one, we’d love to hear from you (not least to find out if your book was autographed, as it should have been). If you’ve played one in-store, how was it?

If you haven’t visited Fender’s microsite yet, it tells you everything you could possibly wish to know about this guitar, including its history in timeline form and, of course, where you can get your hands on one.

The Mexican Strat, painted by Gerald Scarfe, signed by Pink Floyd and being auctioned in aid of Crisis, by the way, is currently at £15,500. Bidding ends on 31 October at 11:00 (UK).

The chatroom is open today from 15:00 (UK). Everyone is welcome. There’s another chat on Wednesday, this time from 13:00 (UK), if that suits you better.

Today is Blog Action Day, an annual event with the aim of uniting bloggers, podcasters and videocasters all over the world to get everyone talking about the same issue.

This year’s theme – Poverty – is one we’ve touched upon before, not least in discussing Crisis, the charity for the homeless, which has David as its vice president.

We’ve talked about the environment and the banking crisis recently, as well as Live 8. They’re all connected to this all-encompassing issue of poverty, an issue we could see solved.

However, although the eight wealthiest nations promised, in 2001, to halve world poverty by 2015, targets are not being met. Some three billion people are still, in the year 2008, living on less than $2.50 a day.

I’d like to hear your reaction to this, about any thoughts you may have, experiences you can share, and especially tips on how everyone can play their small part in spreading wealth around; most crucially, directing it to where it’s most desperately needed.

Send in links to campaigns, petitions, photos, poems, even list your favourite poverty-related songs, books or films… Whatever it is, send it in.

The guitar mentioned a few months back – a Mexican Strat, painted by Gerald Scarfe and signed by all members of Pink Floyd – is being auctioned online from Wednesday 15 October. That’s next week.

If you’re interested in bidding, you will need to register first.

The winning bidder will also acquire the first edition of a limited box set containing eight prints from ‘The Wall’, each of which has been signed by Gerald, as well as a signed book.

A portion of the sale will go to a charity close to David’s heart, Crisis.

Don’t forget ‘Remember a Day: Richard Wright in His Own Words’ tomorrow night, BBC Radio 2 at 19:00 (UK). You can all listen live online, or for a full week later at your convenience, courtesy of the BBC’s Listen Again feature.

Have a good weekend, everyone.

News of another upcoming guitar auction for you, this one courtesy of the lovely ladies at Buy Once Give Twice.

And this time it will benefit Crisis, the homelessness charity that’s close to David’s heart.

Again, it’s a Fender Stratocaster, but this Fender Stratocaster – get ready for this, folks – has been individually painted by the legendary Gerald Scarfe, best known among Floyd fans for his artwork for ‘The Wall’ album, film and live shows.

It’s also been signed by David and Pink Floyd members past and present.

More details than those given here will follow in due course, but the winning bidder will also become the proud owner of the first edition of a limited edition box set containing eight ‘Wall’ prints, each of which has been signed by Gerald, as well as a signed book.

You have to register your interest in bidding, which you can do by sending an e-mail here. Serious bidders only, please. The closing date has yet to be decided, so do sign up to be kept up-to-date on developments. Of course, I’ll keep any casual observers updated here.

If the cream Strat auctioned in New York last month went for $60,000, what would you expect the winning bidder to pay for this truly unique instrument?

It’s a real shame to hear that Crisis lack the support needed to build their Urban Village in London.

The plan, you may recall, is to create affordable housing for the city’s low-paid key workers, as well as the homeless, who would benefit from on-site training and counselling.

Such a model has worked well in New York; so well, in fact, that their fourth Common Ground project is soon to open.

The Observer today reported that opposition to the scheme from local councillors, following a less than enthusiastic response from residents, has scuppered plans for development at the latest potential site.

Locals don’t seem to like the idea of having so many people with mental health problems moving into their neighbourhood.

Crisis estimate that there are some 40,000 people living on the streets of London, in squats or B&Bs. There is also a great need for affordable housing, with 60,000 public sector workers expected to leave London, due to the capital’s high living costs, within the next decade.

Five years after David gave such strong support for this integrated community, why can’t they get it off the ground?

What do you think?

The Blu-ray version of ‘Remember That Night’ is now out in the US. If you have a copy, do let us know what you think of it.

It will be out in many parts of Europe next week: on Monday 26 November.

As it’s only being released in Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Latvia, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, Sweden, the UK and the Ukraine, we’d like to remind you that there are only three regions on Planet Blu-ray (click here for a helpfully-coloured map):

Region A covers North, Central and South America; North and South Korea; Japan and South East Asia.
Region B covers Europe, Africa, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.
Region C covers China, Russia, India… and pretty much everywhere else.

So, just because there’s no local release in, say, France or Italy, this does not mean that French and Italian fans cannot play a disc from neighbouring Austria or Germany. It’s still Region B.

Likewise, just because there’s no local release in Brazil or Canada, this does not mean that the discs on sale in the US are of no use. They’re still Region A.

With your help, I’d like to compile a list of shops and sites where you can get a copy of ‘Remember That Night’ for your region, albeit through the post. If you can recommend any retailers, please do.

Anthill, providers of David’s official merchandise, say they will be stocking both Region A and Region B Blu-ray discs soon, but consumer choice is never a bad thing.

Here’s more from Phil Taylor, whose book you shall be able to purchase in the larger UK Borders stores from next week. Please contact your local branch to check that they stock it before venturing out.

Don’t forget that the items donated by David for Crisis to auction off on eBay will be sold to the highest bidder on Saturday from 5PM (UK).

Good luck if you’re hopeful of winning and thank you very, very much for all your bids.

Has there ever been a major catastrophe that you have been blamed for when, in actual fact, it was human error? (Ripper)

Are you suggesting that I am not human?

Has David ever gotten/been given, the ‘wrong’ guitar during a gig? (Penny)

Not that I recall, but I have gone on stage to give him the correct guitar for the next song and he has decided to keep using the one he already has.

Thinking along the lines of outdoor concerts such as Knebworth ‘90, has the rain ever caused any serious damage to any of David’s guitars? (IMcK)

No, I dry them off immediately before putting them away. The only one I can think of is a Baby Taylor acoustic that David left out in his garden overnight in the damp after a campfire party that rather changed shape.

A reminder, as promised.

The items donated by David to Crisis, the leading UK charity for the homeless, will all be here, on eBay, by 9PM (UK) tonight.

If you haven’t seen all the items yet, please click here to have a look.

We’d greatly appreciate any effort you can make to help bump up the final price.

All items have been added to eBay at 15-minute intervals, so that they end at staggered times.

The items run for five days, so all auctions will close on Saturday 24 November.

Please note: it is clearly stated that these items will only be posted within the European Union. This was not my decision, so please don’t ask why this is so, or if there are any ways to get around it. It’s (disappointing) news to me, too.

Here’s a little more from Phil Taylor to finish with.

David bends his strings further than any other guitarist I have seen. Do you do anything special to them to keep them from snapping? (Mat)

Just change them for every show.

What do you do to David’s guitars so that they don’t go out of tune easily, considering David’s liberal use of the tremolo arm? (Bryan)

Stretch the new string properly and check all the relevant parts are secured and lubricated as necessary.

Do you use any type of lubricant on David’s guitars to help them stay in tune? (Paul Sexton)

Yes, KY Jelly! Just kidding. Sometimes I sparingly use oil (too much deadens the sound) or graphite powder.

As I mentioned a few weeks back, David has very kindly donated some rather interesting tour paraphernalia to Crisis, the homelessness charity of which he is vice-president, to auction off on eBay.

Bidding starts next Monday at 5PM (UK time). Of course, I’ll remind you before then.

Items include signed proofs of the ‘Remember That Night’ DVD artwork, as well as a signed photograph of David with David Bowie.

If you’d like to see these items (minus the photo, that is), and perhaps contemplate placing a bid for any of them, please click the (slightly fuzzy) scan above. We would all greatly appreciate any effort you can make to help boost the final price.

It goes without saying that these items, unlike much of what you see on eBay, are completely authentic – not to mention original and highly collectible. Whilst we hope that they go to a good home, our main hope is that their sale will help those unfortunates who have no home.

Here’s a little more from Phil Taylor to finish with.

David used many different types of guitar on his last tour – more than previously, I think, and more songs with guitar changes. Is this a headache or a pleasure? (Kieran)

There is always a challenge in both putting together everything that I am responsible for on stage, and making it all work perfectly, every time that David and/or Pink Floyd do anything. It is just normal for me; it is what I like to do. So, in short, a pleasure.

David and Phil Manzanera have been playing some interesting Gibson Jumbo acoustics on this tour. Can you tell us more about the models and vintages? (EchoesBob)

They are both Gibson Country and Western models. One is 1958, the other is 1959.

Can you tell us a bit about David’s “new” blonde Telecaster (the one he started playing during the US leg of the ‘On an Island’ tour)? (Henning)

We were in Oakland and, during sound check, David decided he wanted to play ‘Astronomy Domine’. I was not carrying a Tele on the road. A quick call to Billy Siegel at Fender, who responded magnificently and instantly (he made the FedEx man wait until he had found a suitable guitar, it was late Friday afternoon). It arrived the next day and it required a little work to be at its best. David then used it during the rest of the tour. He later gave it to Charlie, his son, for Christmas.

You asked, Phil answered.

Thank you to everyone for sending in a question (or three) for consideration. Special thanks to the names listed below and, of course, to Phil for taking the time to give such honest, insightful answers.

There’s plenty more to follow over the next week or so.

Phil’s book, ‘The Black Strat: A History of David Gilmour’s Black Fender Stratocaster’ is released very soon. More on that as the week progresses, including your chance to win a copy.

The winners of our latest contest were Tom from NE Scotland, Simon J and Rick Strang.

Congratulations to you. You each win a PBS exclusive live CD from Abbey Road. Please let me know where you’d like it sent.

If you’re interested, our chatroom will be open tomorrow between 1PM and 3PM (UK time).

I’ll also have details of the Crisis charity auctions tomorrow, so do come back for those.

You have one of the best jobs in the world. What do you enjoy the most about working with David? (Mat)

Being there when he plays, particularly standing on the stage three foot behind him during a sound check and hearing/feeling the power, sound and control. Very few people can ever experience how good this can be.

How did you meet David and land this prestigious gig? (Buffalo Phil)

I was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and they made me an offer that I could not understand.

When not touring, what are you supposed to do? Maintaining all Mr Gilmour’s rigs in working condition? Looking at new gear? (Frédéric)

I am kept busy. I wear a selection of different hats: I run the Astoria recording studio, David’s equipment warehouse, maintain and find new equipment, look after David’s home studio, be a guitar tech when David makes an appearance, sometimes production director for live shows, and a few other duties besides.

I’ve happily given away some programmes commemorating the two cinema events at the Odeon and Ritzy. Now I’d like to give away some more, and David has very kindly signed some of them.

If you’d like one, all you have to do is tell me why you want one, using no more than five short sentences.

Only trusted regular contributors will be considered eligible recipients of such a rare, signed item.

Runners-up will receive an identical, non-signed programme.

These were only available in the UK, don’t forget: at the two London premieres, as well as the 14 participating cinemas.

If you attended either Odeon or Ritzy premiere, we know that, chances are, you already have a programme (or two, three, four, five…). And I know who attended, of course. The same goes for anyone who attended any participating UK cinema on Thursday 6 September.

Therefore, I’ll only send the non-signed ones to addresses outside the UK, due to the fact that these are still being auctioned at ridiculous prices by UK fans. I have no desire whatsoever to assist anyone with their shameless profiteering.

Furthermore, David has given some signed items to Crisis, the homelessness charity, to auction on eBay. Unlike the people trying to make a quick buck, any money raised from these auctions will assist Crisis with their work. I’ll let you know when they’re up and running, should you wish to place a bid.

So, tell me why you think you should have one, include the name of your country, and please do so by 12 midday (UK) tomorrow.

You have exactly 24-hours, so please put some thought into it. Don’t be boring. Sincerity is good, honesty is always a delight (believe me, I know) and it’s also good to laugh. Your entry has to stand out to stand a chance of winning.

Only one entry per person, please. Good luck to all of you.

The chatroom has just opened, should you wish to call in. Closing time today is at 2PM (UK time).

Before we get back to business with the latest rainy day blog for the weekend, here’s a photograph of Guy Pratt, Marc Brickman and Ian Pearson, in Glasgow, with Ian’s beautiful glass sculpture – or Glassman as he’s affectionately known.

Ian, as well as being a blog regular since our early days, is a professional glass-blower of some talent and made this fantastic sculpture himself, based on sculptor David MacIlwaine’s original wireman.

This stunning piece was presented to me backstage at the Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday evening, along with several other lovely gifts and a £100 donation to David and Polly to pass on to Crisis, the homelessness charity.

It was such a wonderful surprise and I’m incredibly touched by your kindness, so another big thank you to all involved.

Now, as promised, I’ve got another poll for you, courtesy of Ripper.

Which were your three favourite live tunes from David’s tour?

It’s not easy picking just three, I know, but please don’t list more than five. It would be interesting to see which tracks you feel were presented well in a live environment.

Thanks again for the goodies. Have a great weekend, everyone.