Tag Archive for "Richard Wright" tag

Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames were at the top of the singles chart in the UK with ‘Yeh Yeh’ on this day in 1965.

The song was originally recorded by legendary Afro-Cuban jazz percussionist and band leader Ramón “Mongo” Santamaria in 1963, and later that year, at the Newport Jazz Festival, with lyrics by Jon Hendricks of American jazz vocal trio Lambert, Hendricks & Ross (by now Lambert, Hendricks & Bavan).

Georgie Fame & The Blue Flames were one of the most popular, and most jazz-influenced, R&B bands on the London club circuit in the Sixties. They had two other UK chart-topping singles: ‘Get Away’, in June 1966, and ‘The Ballad of Bonnie and Clyde’, in December 1967. The latter was also a Top Ten hit stateside.

Singer, pianist and organist Georgie, a founder member of Bill Wyman’s Rhythm Kings, also enjoyed a successful solo career and became a much sought-after hired-hand; indeed, he can be heard on On an Island, played and acted as musical director on all of Van Morrison’s albums between 1989 and 1997, and has also worked with the likes of Count Basie, Eric Clapton, Gene Vincent and Muddy Waters.

Here’s the song, anyway. Get a load of the front row. And you thought only the youth of today has a tendency to appear empty-headed and expressionless.

Just kidding, kids.

The topic today, then, as I hear you scratching your puzzled brows: recommended, possibly jazz-influenced, tracks from your favourite keyboardists and organists (as opposed to pianists, as we’ve already covered them).

I can’t decide if it would be best to spend an hour or so listening to the glorious music that Richard Wright composed before or after I attempt this exercise. The one thing I can be sure of is that I will not be the only one likely to question whether there has ever been anyone I have enjoyed listening to more.

Wikipedia has a list of Hammond organ players, which of course includes Richard, and has reminded me of a few talented others. For example, Dave “Baby” Cortez, who also recorded ‘Yeh Yeh’ in 1965 and apparently gave us the first pop/rock hit to feature the organ as the lead instrument (‘The Happy Organ’ in 1959, which was also Billboard’s first instrumental Hot 100 No. 1, fact fans).

It’s B.B. King’s birthday today. He was born in 1925 in Itta Bena, Mississippi.

Here he is back in 1968, performing on Ralph J. Gleason’s Jazz Casual. Enjoy.

Also on this day, in 1977, Marc Bolan from T-Rex was killed in a car crash.

What do you think of these two? Both very different; one the Pixie Prince of Glam Rock, the other King of the Blues. I’d be interested in your song favourites, concert memories and thoughts on everything, from Bolan’s uncanny likeness to Syd Barrett to B.B.’s relentless tour schedule. (They used to call James Brown the Hardest Working Man in Show Business, but has B.B. ever taken time off?)

I’m sure you’d like to join me in wishing B.B. a very Happy 84th Birthday.

Last, but by no means least, thank you all for thinking of Richard, his family and friends yesterday. Your fond reminiscences were a pleasure to read and I’m glad that Polly’s charming Venice memento put a smile on your faces once again.

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Although released in the first week of August, Pink Floyd’s debut album, ‘The Piper at the Gates of Dawn’, entered the UK album charts in this week of 1967. It would spend seven just outside the Top Five.

So, why not turn off whatever you’re listening to and give it a spin? Take some time to remember with a smile the beautiful talents of the late Syd Barrett and Richard Wright (as well as producer Norman ‘Hurricane’ Smith, who passed away last year) and share whatever you feel like sharing about this fine piece of work; be it your favourite track, most whimsical lyric, memories of acquiring the original LP, or thoughts on the 30th and 40th anniversary CDs (both of which were re-mastered by James Guthrie, the latter includes two rare takes of ‘Interstellar Overdrive’, rescued from EMI’s archives, plus a previously unavailable version of ‘Matilda Mother’ – click here if you need to learn more).

I’d also care to know how you like the first three Pink Floyd singles, all released in 1967 (‘Arnold Layne’, ‘See Emily Play’, ‘Apples and Oranges’) and their respective B-sides (‘Candy and a Currant Bun’, ‘The Scarecrow’, ‘Paintbox’).

Add to that a fourth single, 1968’s ‘It Would Be So Nice’, only officially available as part of the 1992 ‘Shine On’ box set and the less well-known budget releases, put out in selected parts of the world in 1970 and 1974 to capitalise on the band’s growing popularity, entitled ‘The Best of The Pink Floyd’ and ‘Masters of Rock’.

The B-side to ‘It Would Be So Nice’ was ‘Julia Dream’, David’s first recorded Pink Floyd vocal.

Interestingly, if not somewhat worryingly, the UK’s most popular albums of 1967 were (in order of sales, no surprise about the biggest-seller):

- The Beatles, Sgt Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
- ‘Sound of Music’ soundtrack
- ‘The Best of The Beach Boys’
- ‘The Monkees’
- ‘Doctor Zhivago’ soundtrack
- ‘More of The Monkees’
- ‘Fiddler On the Roof’ (Original London Cast)
- Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, ‘Going Places’
- Seekers, ‘Come the Day’
- Tom Jones, ‘Green, Green Grass of Home’

How many of those will you still admit to having in your collection, then?

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.

David will still be appearing on Later… with Jools Holland tomorrow night (and also on Friday night). He has changed his songs and will now perform ‘Remember a Day’ and ‘The Blue’ instead. He will also be talking with Jools.

Please see the calendar for times.

‘Remember a Day’ was written and sung by Richard Wright, who died last week. The song features on Pink Floyd’s second album, ‘A Saucerful of Secrets’.

Thank you, Liz, for the lovely portrait.

‘Live in Gdań„sk’ is out today across Europe, and also in Brazil, Israel, Mexico and New Zealand.

Tickets are still available for cinemas in the States tonight, if you want to see the Gdań„sk concert. Go to The Bigger Picture website and click the graphic at the foot of the page. When you see that image full-screen, you should also notice a link for THEATERS AND SHOWTIMES on the left, which will tell you everything you need to know about where this one-night-only event is taking place.

‘Live in Gdań„sk’ is out tomorrow in Argentina, Canada, Uruguay and the US.

I’m so sorry to break the sad news that Richard has passed away after a battle with cancer.

I really don’t know what to say other than that he was such a lovely, gentle, genuine man and will be missed terribly by so many who loved him.

And that’s a lot of people. Did he not get the loudest, longest round of applause at the end of every show in 2006?

If you wish to add anything, feel free.

Here’s Mrs Taki, getting wet, two years ago today.

You’ll be able to fondly remember one song from the wet and wonderful Munich concert – ‘Take a Breath’ – when David’s new live album, ‘Live in GdaÅ„sk’, is released in September. It’s included, along with 11 other bonus live tracks, on CD. It will also be possible to download it.

If you’ve been living under a rock these past few months, let me remind you of the (unfortunately, now delayed) release date: Monday 22 September for Europe, Tuesday 23 September for North America.

If you were at this gig, do let us know.

Thanks to Taki, and his wife, for sharing a memory of the night with us here.

And thank you all for the birthday greetings for Richard Wright, whose birthday was yesterday.

The chatroom is open tomorrow from 10:00 (UK).

Thank you all for the lovely comments about Syd.

And thank you, Ikkar, for sharing your artwork with us.

Which of Syd’s songs can you imagine David singing?

On the last tour, David covered ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Dark Globe’ and ‘Dominoes’, and on his previous solo outing in 2002, ‘Terrapin’.

Not to mention ‘Arnold Layne’, which was released as a single and is a highlight of the ‘Remember That Night’ DVD (sung by Richard Wright and David Bowie).

You’ll be able to hear ‘Dominoes’ (from Paris) on the forthcoming ‘Live in GdaÅ„sk’ album – unless you opt for either the two-disc or vinyl set, that is – as it’s one of 12 live tracks included on a bonus CD, and will also be available for download.

‘Astronomy Domine’ (from GdaÅ„sk, naturally) is also included on a bonus DVD, as well as featuring on the album itself.

Both ‘Dominoes’ and ‘Terrapin’ are included on David’s 2002 ‘In Concert’ DVD.

Do you have a favourite of those tracks already covered?

There’s no chat today, but the chatroom will be open tomorrow: between 11:00 and 13:00 (UK).

Release date: 15 22 September 2008 (Europe), 16 23 September 2008 (North America).

Available formats (for the basics in table form, please click here):

- Two-disc version: Two CDs. Packaged in a gatefold card sleeve with 12-page booklet.

Disc One: ‘Speak To Me’, ‘Breathe’, ‘Time’, ‘Breathe (Reprise)’, ‘Castellorizon’, ‘On an Island’, ‘The Blue’, ‘Red Sky at Night’, ‘This Heaven’, ‘Then I Close My Eyes’, ‘Smile’, ‘Take a Breath’, ‘A Pocketful of Stones’, ‘Where We Start’. Disc Two: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Fat Old Sun’, ‘High Hopes’, ‘Echoes’, ‘Wish You Were Here’, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Comfortably Numb’. Recorded live in GdaÅ„sk, 26 August 2006.

- Three-disc version: Two CDs, one DVD. Packaged in a gatefold card sleeve with 12-page booklet.

Disc One: ‘Speak To Me’, ‘Breathe’, ‘Time’, ‘Breathe (Reprise)’, ‘Castellorizon’, ‘On an Island’, ‘The Blue’, ‘Red Sky at Night’, ‘This Heaven’, ‘Then I Close My Eyes’, ‘Smile’, ‘Take a Breath’, ‘A Pocketful of Stones’, ‘Where We Start’. Disc Two: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Fat Old Sun’, ‘High Hopes’, ‘Echoes’, ‘Wish You Were Here’, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Comfortably Numb’. Recorded live in GdaÅ„sk, 26 August 2006.

DVD includes 114 minutes of concert footage, plus a 36-minute documentary. Tracks on the DVD are: the complete ‘On an Island’ album, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Comfortably Numb’, ‘Echoes’ and ‘High Hopes’. Recorded live in GdaÅ„sk, 26 August 2006.

This DVD also includes a web pass to download 12 bonus live tracks from other concerts from the ‘On an Island’ tour – free: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ (Venice, 12 August 2006), ‘Dominoes’ (Paris, 15 March 2006), ‘The Blue’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘Take a Breath’ (Munich, 29 July 2006), ‘Wish You Were Here’ (Glasgow, 27 May 2006), ‘Coming Back To Life’ (Florence, 2 August 2006), ‘Find The Cost of Freedom’ (Manchester, 26 May 2006), ‘This Heaven’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘On The Turning Away’ (Venice, 12 August 2006), ‘Wearing The Inside Out’ (Milan, 25 March 2006), ‘A Pocketful of Stones’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘Where We Start’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006).

- Four-disc version: Two CDs, two DVDs. Packaged in a gatefold card sleeve with 12-page booklet.

Disc One: ‘Speak To Me’, ‘Breathe’, ‘Time’, ‘Breathe (Reprise)’, ‘Castellorizon’, ‘On an Island’, ‘The Blue’, ‘Red Sky at Night’, ‘This Heaven’, ‘Then I Close My Eyes’, ‘Smile’, ‘Take a Breath’, ‘A Pocketful of Stones’, ‘Where We Start’. Disc Two:
‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Fat Old Sun’, ‘High Hopes’, ‘Echoes’, ‘Wish You Were Here’, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Comfortably Numb’. Recorded live in GdaÅ„sk, 26 August 2006.

DVD includes 114 minutes of concert footage, plus a 36-minute documentary. Tracks on the DVD are: the complete ‘On an Island’ album, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Comfortably Numb’, ‘Echoes’ and ‘High Hopes’. Recorded live in GdaÅ„sk, 26 August 2006.

This DVD also includes a web pass to download 12 bonus live tracks from other concerts from the ‘On an Island’ tour – free: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ (Venice, 12 August 2006), ‘Dominoes’ (Paris, 15 March 2006), ‘The Blue’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘Take a Breath’ (Munich, 29 July 2006), ‘Wish You Were Here’ (Glasgow, 27 May 2006), ‘Coming Back To Life’ (Florence, 2 August 2006), ‘Find The Cost of Freedom’ (Manchester, 26 May 2006), ‘This Heaven’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘On The Turning Away’ (Venice, 12 August 2006), ‘Wearing The Inside Out’ (Milan, 25 March 2006), ‘A Pocketful of Stones’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘Where We Start’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006).

The second DVD includes a 5.1 surround-sound mix of the ‘On an Island’ album, three new Barn jams (recorded January 2007) and the following audio-visual tracks: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, ‘Wearing The Inside Out’ and ‘Comfortably Numb’ (from the Mermaid Theatre, 7 March 2006), ‘On an Island’ and ‘High Hopes’ (from the AOL Sessions, April 2006) and ‘The Blue’, ‘Take a Breath’ and ‘Echoes’ (from ‘Live from Abbey Road’, August 2006).

- Five-disc version/Deluxe: Three CDs, two DVDs. Boxed, with 20-page booklet and tour memorabilia.

Disc One: ‘Speak To Me’, ‘Breathe’, ‘Time’, ‘Breathe (Reprise)’, ‘Castellorizon’, ‘On an Island’, ‘The Blue’, ‘Red Sky at Night’, ‘This Heaven’, ‘Then I Close My Eyes’, ‘Smile’, ‘Take a Breath’, ‘A Pocketful of Stones’, ‘Where We Start’. Disc Two:
‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Fat Old Sun’, ‘High Hopes’, ‘Echoes’, ‘Wish You Were Here’, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Comfortably Numb’. Recorded live in GdaÅ„sk, 26 August 2006.

Bonus CD has 12 live tracks from other concerts from the ‘On an Island’ tour: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ (Venice, 12 August 2006), ‘Dominoes’ (Paris, 15 March 2006), ‘The Blue’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘Take a Breath’ (Munich, 29 July 2006), ‘Wish You Were Here’ (Glasgow, 27 May 2006), ‘Coming Back To Life’ (Florence, 2 August 2006), ‘Find The Cost of Freedom’ (Manchester, 26 May 2006), ‘This Heaven’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘On The Turning Away’ (Venice, 12 August 2006), ‘Wearing The Inside Out’ (Milan, 25 March 2006), ‘A Pocketful of Stones’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006), ‘Where We Start’ (Vienne, 31 July 2006).

DVD includes 114 minutes of concert footage, plus a 36-minute documentary. Tracks on the DVD are: the complete ‘On an Island’ album, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Comfortably Numb’, ‘Echoes’ and ‘High Hopes’. Recorded live in GdaÅ„sk, 26 August 2006.

The second DVD includes a 5.1 surround-sound mix of the ‘On an Island’ album, three new Barn jams and the following audio-visual tracks: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, ‘Wearing The Inside Out’ and ‘Comfortably Numb’ (from the Mermaid Theatre, 7 March 2006), ‘On an Island’ and ‘High Hopes’ (from the AOL Sessions, April 2006) and ‘The Blue’, ‘Take a Breath’ and ‘Echoes’ (from ‘Live from Abbey Road’, August 2006).

Memorabilia consists of: a reproduction postcard, ticket, backstage pass and artist’s pass; a large double-sided poster, a guitar pick/plectrum and seven photographs.

- Five-disc vinyl version: Five LPs. Boxed, with a 20-page booklet and web pass to download concert.

LP #1: ‘Speak To Me’, ‘Breathe’, ‘Time’, ‘Breathe (Reprise)’, ‘Castellorizon’, ‘On an Island’, ‘The Blue’, ‘Red Sky at Night’, ‘This Heaven’. LP #2: ‘Then I Close My Eyes’, ‘Smile’, ‘Take a Breath’, ‘A Pocketful of Stones’, ‘Where We Start’. LP #3: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’, ‘Wot’s… Uh The Deal’, ‘Astronomy Domine’, ‘Fat Old Sun’, ‘High Hopes’. LP #4: ‘Echoes’, ‘Wish You Were Here’, ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Comfortably Numb’.

Fifth LP includes ‘On The Turning Away’ (Venice, 12 August 2006), ‘The Blue’ and ‘Echoes’ (from ‘Live from Abbey Road’, August 2006), plus two Barn jams (recorded January 2007).

Performing at Gdańsk were: David Gilmour (Guitars, Vocals, Saxophone), Phil Manzanera (Guitar), Richard Wright (Keyboard, Hammond Organ), Guy Pratt (Bass), Jon Carin (Keyboard, Lap Steel), Steve DiStanislao (Drums), Dick Parry (Saxophone), Leszek Możdżer (Piano) and The Symphony Orchestra of the Polish Baltic Philharmonic, conducted by Zbigniew Preisner.

Facts about the concert and what it commemorated:

GdaÅ„sk was the final show of the ‘On an Island’ tour: 26 August 2006. It was also David’s first ever performance in Poland.

It marked the 26th anniversary of the founding of Solidarity, the inspirational trade union.

Solidarity was founded in the GdaÅ„sk shipyard in September 1980, after strikes the previous month by shipyard workers – the first successful strike behind the Iron Curtain.

David was invited to perform in GdaÅ„sk by Poland’s former President and Solidarity leader, Lech WaÅ‚Ä™sa, and the Mayor of GdaÅ„sk, PaweÅ‚ Adamowicz.

GdaÅ„sk is the sixth-largest city in Poland, as well as the country’s maritime capital.

The Polish Baltic Philharmonic Orchestra was conducted by Polish composer, Zbigniew Preisner.

Renowned Polish pianist, Leszek Możdżer, also joined David and the band on-stage.

All of the songs from David’s ‘On an Island’ album featured orchestral accompaniment, as well as ‘A Great Day For Freedom’, ‘Comfortably Numb’ and ‘High Hopes’.

The arrangements on the Pink Floyd tracks are by the late Michael Kamen.

‘A Great Day For Freedom’, a song about the optimism which followed the collapse of the Berlin Wall (from Pink Floyd’s 1994 album, ‘The Division Bell’), was only performed once during the 2006 tour – in GdaÅ„sk.

Well, thanks to your votes, we won the BT Digital Music Awards’, er, award for Best Music Blog.

Guy Pratt and Richard Wright collected the award for us at tonight’s ceremony at the Roundhouse in Camden, highlights of which are televised on Channel 4 on Friday night/Saturday morning. Please see the calendar for details, although it’s not yet known whether this part of the event was covered by the TV cameras.

Thanks to Guy for doing the honours and, no doubt, for giving a typically-witty acceptance speech. Thanks to Richard for accompanying him. Thanks to the BT DMA folk, of course.

But, above all, thank you all very much for voting. We wouldn’t have won without your votes.

In the unlikely event of any Brazilian fans needing reminding, David’s ‘Remember That Night’ DVD is released in Brazil tomorrow. Please tell us what you think of it.

‘Remember That Night’ has just reached the top of the Music DVD charts in New Zealand, meaning that it has now reached the top spot in the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, Sweden, the UK and the US.

The original Name That Tune was a television quiz show where contestants had to name the song title after hearing just a few bars of music.

That would be too easy for you lot. That’s why we’re doing it with pictures instead.

Any idea which song Richard is playing above? If nobody guesses correctly, we’ll have another screenshot from the same song tomorrow.

Please click on the image for a closer look.

Congratulations to all those who guessed ‘The Blue’ yesterday.

I’ll be announcing the 54 Canadian cinemas involved in the fantastic forthcoming (interactive and High Definition, don’t forget) event, ‘Remember That Night: David Gilmour Live at The Royal Albert Hall’, tomorrow night.

Thank you all for your patience. I hope that the list will please you.

The chatroom will also be open tomorrow, between the hours of 11AM and 1PM (UK time). I hope to see lots of you there.

Here are some of Phil Manzanera’s answers to your questions.

Why do you think there are so few ‘emerging’ guitarists – unlike your good self and David, to name two personal favourites – who capture the public’s attention? (You may disagree, of course!) (Martin D)

There are lots of very good guitarists around, but because the way the media industry is now, it’s difficult for them to get noticed. Also, the guitar solo became unfashionable, so restricting the guitarist’s creative development. However, if you listen to my new radio series on Planet Rock, ‘A is for Axe: The A-Z of Great Guitarists’, starting on 5 August for 12 weeks, you will hear some great young ones, as well as the vintage players… two of which are your ‘personal favourites’.

How much of an album is experimentation and how much is instinct? (Lucia)

Instinct combines with experimentation in the creative process, but inspiration is the key factor.

So, I’ve finally told you just about all there is to know.

Here’s a summary of ‘Remember That Night’:

- It’s released on Monday 17 September in Europe, Tuesday 18 September in North America.

- There will be two discs (DVD-9 dual layer discs, in fact, which allow a greater playing time).

- There will be high-resolution versions in both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD to follow the standard release. I’ll let you know the release date as soon as I can.

- Disc one is the concert, containing 23 songs from the Royal Albert Hall gigs of May 2006. If you played Blotto, you’ll know them by now. Click here if you don’t.

- Disc two is full of extras.

- For starters, there are five bonus songs from the Royal Albert Hall: ‘Wot’s… Uh The Deal, ‘Dominoes’, ‘Wearing The Inside Out’, ‘Arnold Layne’ and ‘Comfortably Numb’.

- There will be three documentaries. The main one, ‘Breaking Bread, Drinking Wine’, contains behind-the-scenes tour footage from the rehearsals in Bray right through to the final show in GdaÅ„sk.

- There’s also a short film from America’s West Coast. Richard Wright is to blame for shooting some of the backstage footage.

- The third is a documentary on the making of the ‘On an Island’ album. This is an edited version of the Electronic Press Kit (EPK), but with some extra songs from the recording sessions.

- The tracks ‘Castellorizon’, ‘On An Island’, ‘The Blue’, ‘Take A Breath’ and ‘High Hopes’, from London’s Mermaid Theatre (March 2006), will be included.

- ‘Astronomy Domine’, as recorded for the ‘Live From Abbey Road’ television series, is on there…

- As is ‘This Heaven’ from the AOL Sessions. (This has been re-edited, by the way, so is an improvement on the version that can be found on the ‘Live And In Session’ disc.)

- The ‘Dark Globe’ video that we’ve been showing on the website is included.

- The promo videos for ‘On an Island’ and ‘Smile’ are also on there.

- There’s a new version of ‘Island Jam’, featuring David, Richard, Stevie and Guy.

- There is also a fine photo gallery.

How does that sound?

Please hold on to your answer for the time being, because you’ll notice that there’s no comment form. That’s because the blog is closed for the weekend. I do, however, have a new poll for you. You can let us know how you rate this DVD by casting your vote.

Thank you all for your comments about the DVD. I think we’ve all enjoyed reading them.

Now, that’s your lot for this week. Back on Monday.

Have a good weekend… and please find time to play some of Syd Barrett’s songs on this, the first anniversary, of his death.

As if you didn’t already have enough to look forward to from the ‘Remember That Night’ DVD, here’s something else. (Don’t say that David isn’t good to you.)

In January, David recorded a new version of ‘Island Jam’, with Richard, Stevie and Guy.

I’m sure that you’ll love it. So sure, in fact, that it will be on disc two.

‘Remember That Night’ is released worldwide in September. Disc one contains 23 songs from the Royal Albert Hall, London. If you still don’t know which songs are on there, please click here.

By the way, for those who were confused: ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ is plain old ‘Shine On You Crazy Diamond’ on this DVD. End of story.

A summary of what’s on disc two will follow tomorrow.

Today’s scheduled chat has been cancelled, sorry, but the chatroom will be open for business again next week. Please see the calendar for details of future sessions, and accept my apologies for any disappointment caused.

Oh, how I chuckled at the premature grumbling about certain songs being left off Disc One.

As Ray Davies sings (on his ‘Other People’s Lives’ album), “We are such creatures of little faith…”

23 songs is the most you can possibly cram onto Disc One, but I’m delightfully happy to announce that Disc Two will include the following five bonus tracks from the Royal Albert Hall shows of May 2006:

‘Wot’s… Uh The Deal’, ‘Dominoes’, ‘Wearing The Inside Out’, ‘Arnold Layne’ and ‘Comfortably Numb’.

So, that does mean Richard Wright singing ‘Arnold Layne’.

However, it does not mean Nick Mason playing drums on ‘Comfortably Numb’. Nick’s appearance is not included.

The above is another image from ‘Remember That Night’, which will be out in September. Please click it for a closer look.

There’s no chat today, but there is one on Wednesday from 12PM (UK). Everyone’s welcome to drop by, so don’t be shy.

As reported on the Latest News page, David surprised everyone by taking to the stage with Richard Wright and Nick Mason last night to celebrate the life and music of the late, great, Syd Barrett.

The concert, at London’s Barbican Hall, was organised by Pink Floyd’s first producer, Joe Boyd, and David’s good friend, Nick Laird-Clowes (of Dream Academy fame).

They performed ‘Arnold Layne’, accompanied by Jon Carin on keyboards and Oasis’ Andy Bell on bass, as well as returning to the stage for an all-star finale of ‘Bike’.

The above photo, taken by Polly, is of the only rehearsal. Note the time on the clock: a little after half past eight.

You can see the picture in all its glory in the Galleries.

The evening was a fitting tribute to Syd, who passed away in July.

The chatroom will open between 3PM and 5PM (UK) today.

That’s all for another week. Have a good weekend, everyone.

Another first for you…

Available for a limited period over the Christmas holidays – and dedicated to the memory of Syd Barrett, who passed away in July – will be an ‘Arnold Layne’ single featuring two live versions of the song: one with David Bowie on vocals, the other with Richard Wright (both from the Royal Albert Hall).

Poignantly, it will also include a live acoustic cover of ‘Dark Globe’, from Syd’s debut album, ‘The Madcap Laughs’.

There will be a limited press of 7″ singles in Europe and 10″ singles in North America.

These will be available in all good record shops (and probably some rubbish ones as well) from 26 December.

The tracks will also be available for download from Christmas Day.

I’ll give you more details a bit closer to the time.

There was no chat today, but the chatroom will be open from 3PM (UK time) tomorrow.

We’ve reached the end of Guy’s Q&A, but thank you all for your questions and comments. I’ll leave you with Guy’s answers to some of your sillier ones and wish our competition winners, Tony K and Martin S, a fabulous time at Guy’s stand-up show tonight.

Last, but certainly not least, the winner of David’s very own ‘On an Island’ T-shirt is… Susan.

Many congratulations, Susan. I hope you’ll like it and trust that it’s going to a good home.

Did you ever play any of the original Tomb Raider games? (George Maciver)

No, but I know someone who found a way to make her repeatedly bang into the wall and moan in a way that was supposedly erotic.

Margaritas. Frozen or Iced? (Rudders)

Iced.

Have you ever been sideswiped by any pigs on the wing onstage? (Beau)

Now you’re being silly.

Holidays. Beach or Adventure? (Rudders)

Adventure with the missus, Beach with child. Although we did drag him around Cambodia, which was fairly adventurous.

Did you know for an extra 50p your trainers come in a deluxe edition with shoe laces? (Gary Hurley)

Actually Converse John Varvates are a deluxe edition, as they are elasticated and the holes are ornamental. Ner ner ne ner ner…

Blogs. Yours or DG’s? (Rudders)

DG’s every time.

What do you want to be when you grow up? (George Maciver)

A Lion Tamer!

Well, this is it: David and Richard in Venice.

This polled 21% in our recent ‘Which of Polly’s photos is your favourite?’ poll, making it your favourite of all Polly’s photographs.

You can see the picture in its full glory by clicking here.

Let us know what you think of the result.

Don’t forget that there’s a chat today from 3PM (UK time), but you will need to know the usual password to enter, as this one’s for ‘Blog Irregulars’ only.

There’ll be a chat for everyone on Wednesday. Please keep an eye on the calendar for details of latest chat sessions.

I’m going to make the ladies wait until the end of the week for details of our latest competition (yes, I know, I’m so cruel…), so please be patient.

Thanks for all your questions for Steve. There have been some really good ones and there’s still time to submit yours, if you haven’t already done so.

There are more answers from Guy to come throughout the week, too.

You’re well known for playing with a number of established bands and artists. Have you ever had the desire to start your very own band and take the world of music by storm, or are you happy enough with your solo show as it stands now? (Neil Pudney)

I was about to start a band with Johnny Marr, as The Smiths had just imploded, when I first got the call from David back in ‘87. Now I’m too lazy and old and don’t have a manifesto.

Will there be more dates of your one man show, maybe in Europe? (Bas Swanenberg)

Yes.

Is it possible to bring your show to North America? (Bill S.)

I hope so.

Where else are you touring your ‘My Bass and Other Animals’ in the new year? (KenF)

- Everywhere hopefully. Check my site: www.guypratt.com.

I’ve heard lots of great things about ‘My Bass and Other Animals’ but living in Canada I will not have an opportunity to catch one of the shows. Just wondering if there is any chance you will record any of the performances for a DVD release? (Christopher Martin)

Probably, but I hope to get to Canada.

What made you decide to try the trial by silence that is stand-up? (Kieran Fleck)

I’ve always wanted to do something comedic, and realised I had a rich seam of material to mine, i.e. my life, but if I’d thought about how terrifying standing up on your own actually is, I would never have done it. I get absolutely terrified every time I do it still.

You mentioned the other day that you have a book coming up next year. What will it be about? Is it like a memoir or something not as personal? (Ayako)

It’s like a memoir, although it’s like the show, in that it’s basically just the amusing bits of my life.

Steve DiStanislao was thrilled at being invited to answer some fan questions, so please make them good ones.

Again, I won’t consider long lists of questions. I only want a maximum of three questions per person, so please don’t abuse Stevie’s kindness by taking advantage of this unique opportunity.

I’d much prefer it if everyone gets an equal chance of getting a question answered, so long lists of questions will be deleted immediately, even if they contain some really good questions.

All questions (well, almost) will be published here for everyone to see, so please read what’s already been asked before submitting questions of your own. The prevention of unnecessary repetition is always a good thing.

Not all questions will be answered, of course, so please try and make them as interesting as possible.

The latest answers from Guy about his career might help give you an idea of what makes it through my blog sieve.

There’s a chat going on right now, if you can make it. Everyone’s welcome.

On Lemon Jelly’s remarkable album ‘Lost Horizons’ I spotted your name in the credits of the wonderful track entitled ‘Nice Weather for Ducks’. What was your role on this track? Did you play bass? (Julie Gunn Davies)

Yes, isn’t that what I usually do? My duck call isn’t up to much.

Being somewhat of an Icehouse fan, I have to ask how that experience compares with working with David and the Floyd? (Erik)

I haven’t got the first idea of how to answer that. But before the first show of this tour, Jon Carin and Steve DiStanislao got to be in Icehouse for a day, as I’d been asked to do a TV show with Iva in Germany, and he asked if I could put a band together. So we went to Munchen and mimed ‘Hey Little Girl’.

Who was the one person that influenced you the most? (Renee B.)

My father.

Do you plan to do a little more on the singing side? I would love to hear more of your distinctive voice. I know it’s more yelling than singing that you do, but I love it. (Karen)

Why, thank you, Karen. I’m only really happy as a backing singer, to be honest. Unless it’s shouting, of course.

What was your most musically challenging session gig? (EchoesBob)

I remember doing something for Jeff Beck a few years back that kept me on my toes. When I played on the score of ‘The Last Action Hero’, Michael Kamen did actually ask me to play something that, after a few tries, I had to confess I just couldn’t.

What is your most memorable gig and why? (Tim C)

Venice with Pink Floyd. Because we were on a bloody great oil rig in the lagoon.

Are you involved with your father-in-law’s next album? (KenF)

I hope so.

Alas, we’ve sadly come to the last pair of shoes…

Do you know who they belong to? For the very last time, let us know whose shoes you think they are – and include an interesting fact about this person, if you can.

The last pair belonged to Steve DiStanislao. Congratulations to those who guessed correctly.

Stevie has very kindly agreed to answer some of your questions, as Guy did recently. So, if there’s anything you’re itching to find out, please jot your thoughts down - but don’t send them just yet.

Details to follow later in the week, so please hold on to your questions until then.

In the meantime, here’s more from Guy.

What did you get Rick for Father’s Day? (Matt Parish)

Nothing, seeing as he’s not my father. It’s not a big day ’round our house, to be honest.

Do you get along with your father-in-law and have you ever purchased any of his solo efforts? (John NFF)

It is extraordinary that anyone thinks I would actually say I didn’t get on with Rick on a public forum. So, yes, I do. I have been around the world with him four times, and even sailed the Atlantic with him; I truly love the man… I did actually buy ‘Wet Dream’, but by the time ‘Broken China’ came out I was with Gala, so we got given one.

How did you happen to meet David? (Gian Luca)

Through Dream Academy and then Bryan Ferry.

Were you a Pink Floyd fan during your teenage years? (IMcK)

I went to ‘The Wall’ shows at Earl’s Court: front row, every night, both years, once on Acid. I knew then it was the best show I would ever see… and it’s quite sad that, 26 years later, I was right.

What’s your absolute favourite Pink Floyd or David Gilmour song? (Bas Swanenberg)

‘Comfortably Numb’, ‘I Can’t Breathe Anymore’.

What did you think about Roger playing with Pink Floyd at Live8? (Beau)

I was all for it, it was high time they sorted things out, although sadly David asked me to play on ‘Wish You Were Here’ and I had to say no as I was booked to play in Berlin with Roxy Music. That wasn’t easy, I tell you. We’d finished and were having dinner by the time Floyd went on, but there was no telly, so I was getting running commentary text messages from practically everyone I know every 10 seconds. I didn’t get to see it ’til about two weeks later.

Is it true that Roger Waters asked you to play bass on his ‘Amused To Death’ album? (Werner)

Good question! Roger didn’t, but his producer, my dear friend Pat Leonard, did. I asked David if it would be OK, and of course he said yes, but I think Pat bottled out of asking Roger… Probably for the best, as I live over here, if you know what I mean.