The Big 4-0!

Well, I've finally hit the Big 4-0 and I shared the day with my sister Lerlene, who I work with, who was also 40 on the same day!

It was a great day and our friends at work really made it special for both of us. I've included some pikkies from the day below this post.

Here's to the next 40...!

Magic Years

In case you're wondering the picture of Freddie has no relevance to this entry. It's just a a photo I took when I got off the tube at Tottenham Court Road last week and I rather liked it!

Right then - this is probably my last blog entry as a thirty-something so I thought I'd make the most of it, with a bunch of links to my favourite songs and bands on YouTube

ELO - Mr Blue Sky (Promotional Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98P-gu_vMRc

"The concluding section of the majestic 'Concerto For A Rainy Day'. The greatest 20+ minutes of music ever recorded in my opinion!"

Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street (Promotional Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mOu2qgnO_n8

"A true classic and one of my favourite songs of all time"

Yes - Owner Of A Lonely Heart (A Parable) (Promotional Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELpmmeT69cE

"Don't be fooled by the start of the video. It's not the kind of video you think it is. This is what I was listening to circa this time in 1983. It's all about freedom..."

Sad Cafe - Everyday Hurts (Promotional Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LNOhZI72AY

"Another classic and another one of my all time favourites. I was lucky enough to hear the late Paul Young perform this song live with Mike & The Mechanics in 1995 - which remains one of my live musical highlights"

The Beatles - Penny Lane (Promotional Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YHBKAyn17vw

"Pop genius at work"

Petra - Beyond Belief (Promotional Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoN5IFKEn0Q

"Another great track from Petra - this the title track of their 1990 album which is one of my favourites. I got to see Christian Rock's finest, twice, at Aston Villa Leisure Centre and they were a fantastic live band too..."

Status Quo - Long Legged Linda (Szene 1978)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DbcfvNogZzU

"Quo in their prime. I've seen this lot 11 times in concert - starting with what was supposedly their 'last' tour in May 1984. It was my last day at senior school, I celebrated by going to the Quo concert (3rd row centre!) and I was deaf for days afterwards!"

Def Leppard - Rock Of Ages (Promotional Video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvNOZegkVXo

"A very silly video to the song that kick started my interest in Def Leppard way back in 1983"

What I Did Yesterday...

Yesterday (6th November) I had a day off work - and I'm very keen these days not to waste my days off when I get them - so, with this in mind I travelled down to London for the official launch of the new Katherine Jenkins album 'Serenade' at HMV in Oxford Street.

She performed two songs ('Be My Love' and 'Quello Che Faro Sara Per Te') before signing copies of the album.

It has to be said that Katherine has an absolutely incredible voice and that in person she even more stunningly beautiful! She also came across as a really lovely person too. A real star...

I've included a couple of pictures from the day beneath this post.

"It's One O'Clock And Time For Lunch..."

Genesis have unveiled plans for their forthcoming European Stadium tour, which reunites Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford & Tony Banks with long time live stalwarts Daryl Stuermer & Chester Thompson.

There are two UK dates at Twickenham on 7th July 2007 and Old Trafford on 8th July 2007. Tickets for the UK dates go on sale 24th November.

There are also plans for an extensive remastering of the Genesis back catalogue throughout 2007 - details of all of which can be found here...

http://www.genesis-movement.org/2007tour/pressconf.htm