Charlotte, NC

Okay … by request of some of the Queen City’s best readers — and in tribute to my friend, mentor and inspiration, Lloyd Thaxton (1927-2008. We’ll always remember …) startin’ with this post, we’re gonna thread some musical memories in with our regular Charlotte news and views! So stay tuned … this is gonna get interestin’:

First, a two-fer: If you’ve got friends/family in England, ask ‘em this: didja know they wouldn’t play The Pretty Things’ Don’t Bring Me Down stateside back in ‘64 (thus knockin’ ‘em outta Invasion contention) because the song had “objectionable lyrics”?

Yeah, I know … the song hit the Top Ten over there, and there wasn’t anything “suggestive” in Dick Taylor’s tune, right?

Now … for you statesiders who aren’t familiar: Pretty Things’ founder, Dick Taylor came up with the band after leavin’ an earlier band … he was one of the original Rolling Stones …

And Louie Louie (remember: no comma between the two words, okay?), which was released by The Kingsmen — and also banned — in 1964, cost ‘em just 36 bucks to record, but ended up selling over 12 million copies (over and despite a lot of parental protests)!

Another banned song (ummm, are we startin’ to see a pattern here? Golly … I - I didn’t mean to!!), Leader of The Pack by the Shangri-Las (banned in a lotta markets because it “glorifies both motorcycle gangs and, to a degree, death”. Yeah. Right. Like death is somethin’ really glitzy, huh??), allegedly had a young piano player named Billy Joel. Now, co-writer Ellie Greenwich says it ain’t so, but my sources say they’ve heard differently.

Now, here’s somethin’ for all you pickers out there: Didja know the first six-string guitar was created in Spain around 400 years ago? Uh-huh … and it was called a vihuela back then. And, no, it hasn’t changed that much since then …

Hey … remember that old song Mack the Knife by Bobby Darin? (Another of the … right: banned songs! Seems that, shortly after Darin released it, a coupla guys died in knife fights, so some markets nixed it! Hmmm … wonder what the excuse is for that kinda behavior today? [Get my point?]) He recorded it … at the age of 21 … but, though still a cool tune, people’ve wondered who the hxxx that MacHeath guy is that he’s singin’ about.

Well, the song actually dates back to 1928 and a German play called The Threepenny Opera. And “Mack”, “Mackie” and “Macheath” are names for the same person (the last bein’ his ‘real’ name) — a tough criminal with no morals!

And remember the Youngbloods? Yeah … the guys who did the peace anthem (and, now, jingle for a phone company) Get Together. Well, they didn’t get together for a 1970 appearance on Johnny Carson’s show. Y’see, they complained about everything – from rehearsal time to lighting, mics, etc — even telling the director (who’d been doin’ it for two decades) what to do.

So, in Carson’s words, ‘ I told them to pack up and get the hell out of the building.’

Later that night, Johnny told the TV audience, ‘They complained about the set, the lighting, the sound, the show - everything. So we wiped their noses, told them they’d been in show business a day and a half, and sent them home.’ The studio audience applauded!

It really was for the best, btw. These one-hit wonders were usin’ the peace concept to get their records played. They thought they were big — and their uppity attitudes showed it whenever they weren’t onstage.

LOOKIN’ TO JOIN A BAND??

Well, you’ve got two chances here — one in the UK and one in Canada! For starters, if you’re good at rhythm, have a dynamite attitude and are a team player, then the popular UK band THE FOREwants to hear from you!

Now, in Canada (particularly the Windsor area), you can hook up with my cool friend (and fantastic songwriter) Brady Bayliss! This dude’s got the attitude, the desire — and the talent — to become Canada’s next superstar! And now he’s lookin’ for musicians as hungry for the Sixties sounds as much as he is. Just gimme a shout-out if you’re interested, and I’ll forward yer message on to him, okay?

COOKOUT ON THE PATIO!

With Fall bringin’ friends and family alike together in many ways (whether it’s just the crispness of the season, televised football showdowns or, of course, Thanksgiving), folks are headin’ out to their patios for fun and cookouts!
Of course, you’ll wanna make sure everything’s just right for your guests (as well as yourself) … including the best in patio furniture and accessories!
And you can find no better or more affordable place to shop for those than the folks you’ll meet in just a minute. You see, by clicking on the link I’m about to give you, you’ll find furniture sets, tables, chairs … and (this is obviously very important!) patio furniture covers to protect those chairs and tables from the weather!
Remember, guys … you don’t have too long until the next kick-off, so be sure to have the best furniture when your and your friends’ families hit the patio for that big cookout!
By clicking that link I gave ya and shopping with them, you’ll be a great success!

The response has been overwhelming …

and, quite frankly, it’s brought me cause to study each comment carefully before writing any further dissertations on the subject. However, sometime tomorrow afternoon, I’ll address this situation again and use in-context samples of these comments within the post itself.

Now … for you who think I’m being somewhat whimsical in my prose style, I hope you’re satisfied with the way I penned the above.

‘Cause, y’see, it just ain’t my style! (I’ll explain in a minute, okay?) Look … I’ll admit that I didn’t think the whole shebang through before gettin’ these paws on the keypads. That’s why I wanna take some time to read … no, make that study (BIG difference, right?) whatcha said.

So, just hang on until sometime tomorrow afternoon, okay? And, listen: Thanx for the comments! Keep ‘em comin’, and I’ll put ‘em on here! In fact, I’ve got some hard-copy newspapers who’d like what you wrote, if I can get your permission to send ‘em!

ABOUT THIS “WRITING STYLE”

Now, let me get heavy for a moment: I took journalism, writing, drama, etc. in colleges and schools over the years. But I’ve also been a DJ, an audio producer and a syndicated columnist. This “dialoguish” writing style — patterned largely after the way a person verbalizes in informal situations — has garnered readers around the world and Pineville for my product.

Now, if you want the “Queen’s English” (I think the “King’s English” means usin’ words like Elvis, huh?), I can do that. But (as many of you know already) the best way to relate to others is to be yourself! And I’m as informal as a plate of grits on a cool Sunday mornin’ at mama’s breakfast table.

One more thing before I get off here and start readin’: NONE of our collegiates are, in any way, shape or form, “children” (other than the obligatory title used by the parents of these students) or “kids”. In fact, they should be respected for taking the steps to further their education and learn more of the intricacies of life’s processes! After all:
To THEM we entrust our FUTURE!

‘Nuff said. More tomorrow … be sure to tune in …

Shaft …

Whenever anyone hears that single word, they don’t think of Richard Roundtree; often, they don’t even think of the movie plot. They only think of one man … Isaac Hayes. He became the standard of Soul around the world — and especially here in Charlotte (anyone who worked on or around The Square at that time could tell ya that!) — when that song hit the airwaves!

Sadly, Hayes left this world — one that he buttered hot with soul — Sunday afternoon during a workout on his treadmill. Upon hearing of his death, the music world seemed to stop for a moment … partly in shock, partly in tribute to this giant who proved that anyone — anyone — can make it in this world, no matter their circumstances.

Y’see, Isaac was born in a tin shack in Covington, Tennessee, the son of sharecroppers. He was raised by his grandparents, where he learned the value of hard work — and reaped the benefits in the love that was shared in the household. When he was about nine years old, he entered a talent contest, doing a song from one of his idols (the late Nat “King” Cole). Though this cemented his interest in singing, in later years he dropped out of high school — finally earning his diploma at the age of 21, thanks to the urging of his former teachers.

Now, you can read a lot more about him by scouring the web than I can write here (you’ll find a most excellent one by clicking this link). But the main reason I brought up those first few facts is to remind you that no circumstances are bigger than your determination to better them!

Among all the lessons that the Black Moses, Isaac Hayes, has left us, there can be none stronger than that!

Brother, you’re gonna be missed … but your legacy will live on … and on … and on …

THE FORE: ACOUSTIC

As many of you know, I’m also a stateside promoter for the popular UK band, THE FORE . Well, Matt, Si, Luker and Spencer just finished an amazing “acoustic” gig on the High Street in Kent, England Sunday afternoon, and the crowd loved it! Oh, yeah … it looks like their new album’s gonna be called, RUN and HIDE! The title comes from a new track that got raves when they played it at Lennon’s Bar in Liverpool awhile back.

These guys are definitely on their way UP to superstardom! Keep an eye out on this site for further developments …

TO LIGHTEN THE MOOD A BIT

Gotta throw in some songs you can download:

First, a rarity by The Monkees called Calico Girlfriend Samba.

Next, you’ve got a Beatles number, recorded by a fan in the audience at one of their final shows. (btw, this is the famous incident where someone threw a cherry bomb onstage because he didn’t like John’s quote about the Beatles and Jesus (remember WTYC’s stupid ‘Beatle Bonfires’?). You’ll hear the bomb go off about a minute or so into the song (the Fab Four kept on playing, though).
So here’s If I Needed Someone.

Up next, a song that every high school rock band learned to play (I know The Ho-Dads did it at South Meck’s gym dances!): Sunshine Games by the Music Explosion.

FINDING THE PRINCE OF PRINTERS

You know, if your work (business or school) depends on the computer, you’ve gotta have a good printer to give you quality, hard-copy material!
Now, finding the right one for your PC can be a hassle if you’re not careful: You can go through the phone book, find one that might sell your brand, drive alllll the way over in this heat, deal with salesmen who know how to add unneeded “accessories” (especially if they get a commission from them!), then go through long lines and pay beau coup money … and hope it works when ya get home …
OR …
You can simply click on the link you’re about to see, and find just the right one, at the right price, and save money in the process! But there’s a lot more: You can also find scanners, fax machines and even greater deals when you buy from these folks! Oh … and how does free shipping sound?? You can find that on selected models, too!
And you can purchase these at low prices and on an extremely secure server! Now … all you have to do is click on this link, which will take you to the best printers in the business!
Go ahead and do it now! Why wait for your “prints” to come??

Well, this is the last segment of the innerview with Spencer Hannabuss (bass, vocals, songwriter, founding member), Luke Bentley (rhythm, vocals), Simon Thompson (drums, vocals) and Matt Hardy (lead, vocals) — collectively, THE FORE! (no, it’s not a misspelling! You’re reading the “interview” that gives you an “inner view” of the popular lads!)
Now, I’ve had a few e-mails that have asked “What does this have to do with Charlotte?” The answer’s in three parts: (1) Some of the questions were asked by CrownTowners; (2) the lads love NC and its people, and (3) with growing national interest in our SpongeTones comes an interest in the British Invasion and bands that are carryin’ that sound into the 21st Century! Besides, the band definitely wants to play Charlotte when they get over here!
That being said, here we go with Pt. 3 of The Fab FORE Interview!

(Now, one more time, troops: remember … I printed the questions out exactly as you wrote ‘em! No changes; didn’t wanna leave anything out! And, like I said before, Matt couldn’t make it to the “meeting of the minds” for this, but he had the others answer on his behalf).

The lads’ answers are in bold type:

“My son Chris wants to start a rock band he hopes will be sucessful (sic). Since the fore is so good and sucessful (sic) can you give him some advice on what he will have to do and what he needs to look out for?”

SIMON: A good drummer!! I’m sure Spencer will fill in the rest — he’s been there! lol

DAVID (co-manager): Well crafted songs are your biggest asset, along with practice, practice and then more practice! Play everywhere, one minute the Fore are playing with the Bootleg Beatles or at the Cavern and the next they are pushing trolleys full of equipment to play in the High Street! Keep moving forward and never give in. Be positive! Oh … and did I mention practice?

SPENCER: I’ll add to that - The first thing is to enjoy what you’re doing. Full stop. It sounds simple but if you’re playing music in a band that isn’t what you’re looking to do it’ll never work. We all love playing the style of music that we do and that’s so important - in the past we have had musicians in the band who weren’t 100% into the sound. It’s that love for what you do that gets you through the ‘dark’ times - it’s that that gets you by when you’re playing at gig miles from home, waiting 4 hours to play and then it’s only to a handful of people. The good times will come - but it’s often a long, long road (as the Hollies would say!)

“I know you played a big tv show for bbc. Is playing on tv any different than paying (sic) for a live show in front of fans? If so how?””

SPENCER: Very different. This is mainly because at a live show you can interact with the audience. The audience applause tends to ‘book-end’ a song whereas on TV there was … nothing!! We had to make sure we were speaking straight after the last chord was ringing to avoid those uncomfortable silences.
The BBC experience was unlike anything we had been through before. We were filmed constantly for 6 hours and the pressure to always be ‘performing’ was immense. We were pretty much presenting our own show which was something that we’ve never done before. Actually, by the end of the second, I think we had gotten a lot better at it and whilst I don’t know whether I’d like to do that particular show again, I think we’d all like to get more exposure on TV. We had a great time!

SIMON: When you play in front of an audience you feed off their energy, but, when it’s just us 4 and a camera man, we have to learn to feed off each other’s which is totally different. The BBC show we did was playing constant for 6 hours so, by the second day, there wasn’t much energy left.

“Have any of u ever met the beatles i mean paul or ringo? u sound so much like them and some even better.”

SIMON: I personally haven’t, though I’ve done the Liverpool tour and visited their original houses.

SPENCER: Well it’s an honour to be even compared to The Beatles, let alone someone saying we sound BETTER than them! Thank you!!!!
I’ve been fortunate enough to meet Paul McCartney in person. A good friend of mine worked as a radio reporter, working specifically on entertainment. He managed to get me an access to all areas pass at one of Paul’s ‘Back In The World’ tour in 2003. I was lucky enough to watch his sound check and then sit in on his interview with my friend. I even gave him a copy of 3 of my songs on CD!! He seemed a genuine kind of guy and I was really pleased to meet him!

“Do you ever get butterflys (sic) before going on stage?”

SPENCER: Not all that often these days, although there’s always a keenness to just get on stage and play. I’m often pacing around before a gig, just ‘cos I get impatient from not getting up there and doing what we do best!

SIMON: I think I did on my first gig but since then being on stage in front of people just feel right it’s where I belong.

“Do any of you have brothers or sisters who play too. I mean not with the fore but play.”

SPENCER: My sister is more arty than musical. Some of her drawings are amazing. My dad used to play semi-professionally years back, in the late 60s, so I guess that’s where I get my musical talent from. His guitar and bass were the first instruments I picked up.

SIMON: I have 2 older sisters but neither of them play — though my nephew has started to play drums now …don’t think his mum ever forgive me for that! lol

“A question for Simon if he doesntmind. I heard your song “Someone New” and LOVE it. How do you get the drum sound like the triple tom in there? Ive tried and tried because Im adrummer too.”

SIMON: During my little solo I’m playing the kick and both toms pretty much at the same time on different beats. But then I do the triple beat on just the floor tom and quickly move back to the original beat. Its difficult to explain but I’ll try and get a close up video of it to show you. (Rockiteers, if he can do it, I promise to put it on the very next post [and send a copy to you, Eric!])

SPENCER: I remember the first time that Si put the triplet in the drum fill. We were rehearsing in Croydon, Surrey (just me and him actually) and we were running over material for Black & White. It’s a great song, particularly live, and Si’s not really given credit for the part he plays in it, or many of our other songs. Good ol’ Si!!

I wanna thank all 4 (and Neil and David) of The Fore for taking a few minutes of their time to answer your questions! I gotta tell ya that, in thirty+ years in the biz of writin’ and rockin’, this is the best band I’ve ever had the pleasure to promote! And this is proof that you won’t find a more “fan-oriented”, harder-workin’ band in the known world than these FORE!!
But, for now, let’s get on to a coupla other thingz, okay?

SWINGIN’ OF A DIFFERENT TYPE

With summer comin’ up, a few extra days off (especially for you high schoolers), it’s time to think about relaxin’ in the shade while sippin’ a tall, cold glass of tea or lemonade.
Now, “taking it easy” is one thing; but if ya want the most out of it, you oughtta get a get a good hammock swing to lolligag in! And the best selection of these can be found when you click the link I’m about to give ya! You can relax in comfort and style with their great selection of hammock chair swings. Their lively colors and beautiful patterns will brighten up wherever you put ‘em … and provide you with the R & R you’re looking for!
And, when you go to their site, you’ll find some fantastic bargains on these as well. Of course, they offer many other great items that you can use during these lazy days of late-Spring, early-summer — and at lower prices than you’ll find in top stores around town!
There are other perks as well, including the ability to pay through PayPal®, which, as you know, not only gives you the easiest way to pay, but also provides the highest protection for you when you order!
So, to find out more about these beautiful hammocks, then all you’ve gotta do is click on the following link which will take you to the site with all this and more! You’ll find your favorite style of hammock chair just by clicking on that link. Get ready to go their now!!

Okay, QC’ers … here’s Part 2 of the interview that’s got fans around the globe buzzin’ — and anxious to hear the rest of the story from Spencer Hannabuss (bass, vocals, songwriter, founding member), Luke Bentley (rhythm, vocals), Simon Thompson (drums, vocals) and Matt Hardy (lead, vocals) — collectively, THE FORE!
(I was told that waitin’ for Pt. 2 is like waiting for the conclusion of a popular old TV series’ two-parter. Well, I might be a batty man, but I ain’t gonna be robbin’ ya of this part –unless some joker at IP Central disconnects me!) So, without further ado, I (oh? I didn’t use gotham? Mebbe ’cause it’s made up of two separate words that can make me very hungry …) give you Pt. 2 of The Fab FORE Interview!

(Now, remember … I printed the questions out exactly as you wrote ‘em! No changes; didn’t wanna leave anything out! And, like I said before, Matt couldn’t make it to the “meeting of the minds” for this, but he had the others answer on his behalf. Oh … and two of these questions came from here in Charlotte!).

The lads’ answers are in bold type:

“Is that song Man of Few Words really about Simon the drummer? He sounds o much like Buddy Holley its (sic) gives me goose bumps. U should let him sing more sometimes.”
SPENCER: MOFW’s was originally written with Matt in mind (which funnily enough matches up with the last question about him!) but I think Matt saw it as a slight on his personality and wasn’t comfortable with singing it. Simon then joined the band and took to the song like a fish to water (again, can you really imagine anyone singing MOFWs other than Si?).
We do have another song that I’m keen to give to Simon to sing, called It Doesn’t Matter which is very Buddy Holly! I think Simon will do the song proud. Hopefully one day we’ll record it.
SIMON: I wouldn’t class myself as a “man of few words.” If I had a mic all the time you’d probably hear me joking with the guys in-between songs.

“How often does the band rehearse their songs and how do they pick the ones they do in concert?”
SPENCER: Rehearsal time is at a bit of a premium really since we’re so busy on the road all the time. Songs will often be learnt individually and then rehearsed in sound checks before being given a chance in a set.
Funnily enough, we’re talking at the moment about doing more rehearsals so that we can learn the new material for the next (second) album!
The set list for a concert is usually picked by me. I will take into account the audience that we are playing to and the time that we’re playing for. I try to ensure that the set is balanced in terms of who sings and also a varied amount of slow/medium and fast-paced numbers in it.

“I’d like to ask Neil and David got to be managers. Do they have anybody to help them like secretarys (sic) or promoters? As good as the band is, they could have managed the Beatles!”
NEIL WHITE (co-manager): No, no one to help us in the UK (could do with a secretary, though!) but Chuck is doing an awesome job across the pond. Dave and I just work it out between us. We don’t mind what we do, from being roadies, publishing the website and Fore-um to booking gigs and talking to promoters. To be honest, we just do as much as time allows with help from the band. It’s all enjoyable and, of course, the aim being to get these guys signed! (not sure we deserve the Beatles compliment though, but thanks! lol)
SPENCER: Both Neil and David have made a huge impact on our lives. Music aside, we all feel that N&D are good, trustworthy friends and I wouldn’t swap them for anyone. I’m sure they’d be the first to admit that a lot of the good work that goes on behind the scenes wouldn’t happen if it weren’t for our satellite helpers across the world whom, without their help, we wouldn’t have the presence outside of our own country.
We will always encourage outside help from anyone and are always happy to talk to people wanting to lend a hand in our push for that record contract!

“When will we see the new CD come out? If its half as good as your other one its going to go platnum (sic).”
SPENCER: Well, who knows? We have just booked up our first session in the studio for 6th September through to 12th September. We may need a second session, which is likely to be in October. I’d like to record around 20 songs and then choose an album of 14-15 songs from that. Maybe the other songs could be release at a later date!
SIMON: It’ll be the ”must-have’ Christmas present!

“What do the band members like to do on their days off from performing?”
SPENCER: You mean … there are days that we aren’t performing?? At the moment, time off is very scarce. I’ve just adopted a couple of fluffy cats so they’re taking up quite a bit of time at the moment. Their names are “Womble” and “Muffin.”
SIMON: If I’m not banging my drums onstage, you’ll probably hear me banging my Roland kit at home, or crashing out in front of my big TV in my new apartment watching American TV shows.
LUKE: Well, we all work full-time so we don’t get much time off at all! But if we do, we like to have a beer and chill out.

“What is each band member’s favorite color?”
SPENCER: Always liked Red (I’ve only owned red cars), but black and brown are two of my favorite colours to wear.
LUKE: Blue!! I love the blue!!
SIMON: You’ve probably guessed already (that) it’s black. I like the old style Beatles look so I wear it when I can onstage.

“When will we see them in the US? I hope soon. They are the best thing to hapen (sic) to rock and roll music since the Beatles and we sure need their music over here.”
SPENCER: Well, we want to come over, too. We need to get more exposure over in the states, and, when the time is right and that breakthrough happens, we’ll be over like a shot!
SIMON: Well, I’ll be in North Carolina (though Raleigh) & Virginia in August attending a wedding but that doesn’t count. But I hope soon as well! As soon as we get the call I’ll pack my bags and jet off to all you lovely Carolina Foreheads!

“I like the acting they did on Love For Sale on youtube. The dog was precious. Was he any one of theirs? They could go into movies they are all so good looking.”
SPENCER: “Flea” belongs to Matt’s brother-in-law (who’s also called Matt!). Some might say that the dog out-performed the band …
SIMON: Gee shocks, thank you! “Flea” is owned by Matt’s brother-in-law who was the brains behind the video and scripting.”

Hey …GUESS WHAT?? I’m gonna give the lads a break for a few hours, but, since you’ve sent in six more questions, I’m gonna conclude “The fab FORE Interview” in TOMORROW’S ish! If you think you know ‘em now, just wait until ya read what’s comin’ up …

But, for now, I’ve gotta feed the cats (or, those who haven’t already eaten most of my peanut-butter-and-jelly sandwich that I had on the desk!), flip off the RockStation for about a circle of minutes (360) and get some sleep! So, until tomorrow’s edition, remember the words of the Relic:

Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

Okay, CrownTowners, here it is: the interview with the greatest band to hit the UK stage in forty-plus years! Excited fans are crowding into every venue to see their faves — Spencer Hannabuss (bass, vocals, songwriter, founding member), Luke Bentley (rhythm, vocals), Simon Thompson (drums, vocals) and Matt Hardy (lead, vocals) — as they turn up the amps and crank out the best rock and roll to tempt dancin’ feet and anxious ears since The Beatles!

Now, Charlotte’s known for its love of the UK beat ala Beatles, Hollies, DC5 and such (a lot of fine bands played this area during the Invasion) and soon, The Fore’s gonna be hittin’ the stage (and winnin’ the hearts of millions of fans) worldwide! That includes Charlotte, troops! Natch, to quench your thirst for their awesome Mersey/Hamburg sound, just go here and click on their widget. And check out their performance vids on YouTube® (just type The Fore in the search box)!

Now, I had a chance to get up with the band recently — with your questions in hand (hey … I printed ‘em out exactly as you wrote ‘em! No changes; didn’t wanna leave anything out!) — and they were happy to answer!! (Note: Matt couldn’t make it to the “meeting of the minds” for this, but he had the others answer on his behalf). Now, remember: I had your questions just like you wrote ‘em – and that’s how I’m writin’ ‘em here!

The lads’ answers are in bold type:

“Did any of you know each other well (as friends or schoolmates) before coming together as a band?”
LUKE: We all met through a dating site! haha
SIMON: We could have been a great boy band. lol
SPENCER: Whilst Simon, Matt and I all live in and around London, we all went to different schools and only met through adverts posted on the internet/music magazines/shops (Luke’s from Manchester)

“How did you come up with your unique sound? You sound so much like the Beatles and the famous groups its awesome. Plus your vocals sound like Beatles The Everleys (sic) and The Hollies.”
SPENCER: It must be in our blood! I think you’ve hit the nail on the head; the sound has a mixture of all those great bands and more. The Beatles were the band that first got us hooked on music, but, without doubt, the music and the harmonies of The Everlys, The Hollies and The Searchers (to name just four) has had a profound effect on our music.
LUKE: Spencer and myself are huge fans of The Everlys.

“Who decides who sings the lead part of a song?”
LUKE: Spencer asks us if we want the particular song, then we say “yes” or “no”.
SPENCER: When I’ve written a song I tend to know straight away whose voice it suits the best. Maybe it’s just pure luck? But could you really imagine Luke not singing I Got A Girl or Simon not singing Man of Few Words? It just wouldn’t feel right!

Spencer, this one’s for you: “how long does it normaly (sic) take u to write a song and do u do the music as well?”
SPENCER: Not an easy question to answer. Some songs come very easy. For example, I Want To Be With You took one evening to write, but Love For Sale was hanging around for a month until I worked out the riff, which is pretty key to the whole song. Nearly without exception I’ll come up with the melody before the lyrics. I’ll start off with the melody “hook” or riff and take it from there.
Often a song will come quite quickly, but I’ll be stuck on the last verse.

“Matt sounds like George (Harrison) with his guitar but does not seem to talk to (sic) much. Why is he so quite?” (I think she means “quiet”, guys.)
SPENCER: When Matt has something important to say, he’ll say it. I guess he does all his talking through his guitar!

“What’s the biggest show you have ever played?”
SPENCER: Good question! Biggest, in terms of audience, was undoubtedly in Kent, when we provided the live show at Danson Fireworks Display in Bexley. The organisers told us that 35,000 were expected that evening, although we would never have known it — we couldn’t see anything past the first 5 rows due to the darkness!
And, of course, everytime we play a live show on a High Street, we must play to literally thousands of passers-by. I guess we don’t really ever take a stock of that (ie: count of exactly how many).

“Luke is so cuddly looking. (NOTE: here, imagine the others chuckling and kidding Luker, who’s blushing a bit — Relic) i saw him sing on i’ve got a girl. does he have one? and is he the one singing on the record of it?”
LUKE: Thanks. I sing it live and on the album. Its my fav song at the mo! And, yes, I do have one.”

“What is it like to play the Cavern where the Beatles started? (followup question, same reader:) How did you get the job there to start?”
LUKE: Playing The Cavern is the best experience I have ever had! Words cannot describe how wonderful it is … Come next time we play! Find out!
SIMON: As soon as you’re onstage you feel the energy creeping out of the walls and you feel that all the great 60’s bands that have played there are watching over you! It’s a huge thrill!!
SPENCER: It’s amazing! Technically it’s not the real Cavern (the old one was blocked up as it was waterlogged and unsafe); it actually is a replica of the old venue (which is next door. Legend has it that you can still access the old Cavern via the womens’ toilets), but it has the same magic as the place that the Beatles played. I recommend everyone to get a chance to visit it and take in the atmosphere. To hear a live band playing the old 60s stuff as you’re coming down the spiral staircase is pretty mind-blowing!
SIMON: I believe we emailed the promoter direct who puts on an event called Sounds of the 60s on a Sunday night and, as we do, turned up, played, and they wanted more!

Okay, QC’ers … I’m gonna give the lads a break for a few hours, but remember: more of “The fab FORE Interview” will continue in TOMORROW’S ish! If you’ve got questions for the band, send ‘em on in to me here, and just maybe we can include them in the next post!

But, for now, it’s time for this ol’ Pineville boy to take a litter … er, bathroom break (I knew these cats were gettin’ to me!) and then get Pt. I also onto a coupla other sites, where fans there are waitin’ for it!

Then, I’m gonna find that pack of unopened zzzzzz’s and use ‘em to get a few hours’ shuteye, k? So, until tomorrow’s edition, remember The Relic’s words:

Keep your eyes on the skies, your feet on the ground, your heart with the music … and I’ll see ya on the flip side!

As some of you already know, I’m helpin’ promote a fantastic new UK band that’s tearin’ up the circuits in England: THE FORE! They’re all fantastic lads with a great Mersey/Hamburg sound, and are beginning to make some inroads here in the US!

Okay … so how does that tie in with Charlotte?

Well, a number of years ago — when I was doing some teacher’s aide-ing at Pineville Elementary (Mrs. Beverly Moore’s 3rd grade class) — I couldn’t help noticing that kids in our area are extremely adept at remembering things verbatim: book passages, directions, even song lyrics. (My favorite was a youngster named Della Fraley, who was almost like a walking journal! There wasn’t much she couldn’t recall!)

The kids’ names still brighten my mind as I recall their little faces: Kevin Towery, Kenny Taylor, Nikki Little, and little Kelly who could do gymnastics like a pro. But today’s children are just as adept, just as smart … and that says a lot for both schools and parents of today’s Queen City area!

The youngster that Fore bass player, Spencer Hannabuss, told me about, though, shows that, no matter where they live, children are soaking in what they hear and see like a sponge!
They were playing a gig this past weekend in Kent when a little seven-year-old girl (or about that age) in the audience began singing, word-for-word, every song in their set! Fifty minutes’ worth!! And all correctly and without missing a beat!

So, when I think back to Mrs. Moore’s class … when I think of Della, Kenny, Kelly and the rest … and when I see the kids of CharMeck today, I’ve just gotta repeat what the Oak Ridge Boys sang a few years ago: THANK GOD FOR KIDS! (by the way … if you EVER have a chance to get that song, DO IT! It’ll make your heart melt!)

SAYIN’ GOODBYE TO ACNE

Of course, as kids grow into their teens, they’re confronted with one of the scourges of the age group: acne. Now, there are a lot of products and places that promise this or that treatment will work for them … but how can teens be sure that what they’re hearin’ about is good for them?
Well, there’s one place (parents: take note! This is great!) that’ll discuss the various treatments, creams, potions and pills and not only help you find the right one for you, but also where you can get savings off those items! You’ll find articles about acne, product reviews … and you’ll find the five best acne treatments
Believe me, it’s the most helpful, honest place you can go to learn more about acne and what’s best for you to combat it!
So if you’re looking for the best acne wash for your face and body, just click on the link you just passed … and get ready to say good-bye to pimples and blackheads!