NEWS
Friday 24 March 2000
Well, it looks like this newsletter is fated to be a monthly one - and that's pushing it! Basic news - Kimmi's birthday was a great success. She got a diamond and sapphire ring (hidden inside a cheesy romance paperback) so the spark of romance is not entirely extinguished. Also the hugely schlocky Notting Hill soundtrack (notable exception is Elvis Costello's version of "She"). I've been working like a Trojan (condom/classical character - you choose!), but had a welcome week's respite from the saltmine when Rob and I went down to Scottburgh (South Coast) and chilled out at his mom's flat. Rob's working on a solo album with Theo Crous (Springbok Nude Girls) and Neal Snyman, so we took the acoustic guitars down and worked on some parts when we weren't lazing on the beach. Much needed.
Big news is that our first gig is coming up on Friday 31st March - a guest set with 2 other bands at the decidedly low-brow Abelard Sanctuary in Brixton. The name Blade has been scrapped and we're now going as Zen Arcade (for this week at any rate). Train spotters will have no problem sourcing the name - actually, the source is one of my major reservations about it. What is it with band names? Actually, I like Fat Bastard, but I fear I'm a lone voice on that one.
On the downside, Annette and Sam (with whom I was playing guitar), have decided to chuck it, so I am back to playing bass only. Of course, I'll still write songs and shplangle on the guitar, but I was looking forward to playing loud guitar within a band context. Ah well ... as the McGringomania pages chronicle in painful detail, my musical endeavours have never been voted Most Likely to Succeed.
If anyone's been looking at the photo's page, I must apologise - it's a really pathetic offering. I meant to scan in loads of pic's 2 weeks ago, but failed, so I'm trying to get my hands on another scanner. Please bear with me!
More music news - I saw Robin Auld playing with guitar megatalent Louis Mahlangu (spelling?) at the Bass Line in Melville last Sunday. Absolutely fantastic - the 2 guys' respective songs, guitars and voices were complementary and a great vibe ensued. The gig was recorded and it wilI be broadcast on SAfm on Saturday 29 April (at least I think it is - check with the station for confirmation). Not to be missed.
Anyway, that's it till next time.
This page will be updated fairly regularly, so be sure to visit again soon. If you have any news, e me at [email protected]
