My best mate Keith is 60 today.

On Sunday, there is a “big” (60+ people) party at his house.

We have secured Keith Christmas to come over and play a 90 minute set, along with local musicians, poets and other contributors (wine, cheese, gin, etc.).

Having never done this kind of thing before, any thoughts/suggestions/dos and don’ts gratefully received.

(btw, I am a big, KC fan, but have already been informed that he will not/can not play some old)

For the last (nearly) 35 years my only best friend and I have visited each others’ house to “educate, inform and entertain” about music and literature – mostly on a Sunday, when his lovely wife did lunch, which is why we separated for 10 years after he dumped on her…

…Anyway, now that we are back together, we are are on a quarterly lunch at each others’ house, basically cooking for each other, swapping CDs and links to novels (used to be reckids and books).

He is 10 years older than me, but the scary thing today was that we swapped CDs by the same artist (different albums) and one of the books was also the same.

So, do I need therapy, education, or would someone like to explain the rationale for this, and/or their own experiences of sharing the same music with friends…

…if I receive responses, I will share the music/books that weirdly happened today.

Bit of a strange one, last night was.

I’ve buggered up our mattress, rendering it uncomfortable for the two of us to occupy. Mrs Biggles is also partial to a little bit of snoring – not necessarily an issue, but on school nights when it occurs it doesn’t make for a harmonious night’s kip, so off I went after a couple of hours to the spare room.

I was awoken at 05:20 today by noises at the front door. Mrs B swims 100 lengths every morning before work, so my initial reaction was that she may have had an alarm malfunction and was up an hour early. Not true, as noises were also emanating from the “master bedroom”…

…began descending the stairs, now concerned, as there was a distinct stink stink of booze and fags (neither of us smokes). Witnessed a shadowy figure legging it out the front door. Thought of giving chase, but in just boxers and slippers (why did I even bother with the latter?) decided against it. “Secured the premises” – I did have to give lengthy police statements – awoke Mrs B, we determined that nothing had been nicked, and then called 999.

Can’t fault » Continue Reading.

Was it just the lateness of the hour (UK time), or was the Coldplay/Bruno Mars/Beyonce “gig” – especially the ending with the montage of past performances – really rather good?

Grateful if those who saw/have seen/will see it can put me right, or otherwise.

Passed away, aged 87, today.

In my opinion, the most important/influential man in English football since WWII…

Hi,

I am in That London today to see The Unthanks and Marry Waterson at The Scala tonight.

Any recommendations for decent boozers in the vicinity greatly appreciated.

Many thanks

My daughter has the opportunity of 4 months at the University of Auckland next year (she is currently in Edinburgh).

She will have a week off in the middle of April, so we are going to visit her for that time (via Sydney for a few days). Given such a short time there, should we stay in the north of North Island, fly straight to the South Island or something completely different.

Difficult to plan when one has never been, not helped by browsing (online) brochures and doesn’t really have a clue, so grateful for any thoughts the informed may have!

..from a double heart attack after performing in Madrid.

Shame. As a massive Costello fan, very much enjoyed their collaborations.

Can’t post a clip from here, but if anyone can, the track he wrote on the Feat’s Dixie Chicken would be nice.

third time lucky…

Hi,

I have a spare £75 ticket for DG at the Royal Albert Hall this coming Friday, 25/9. The page full of admission instructions means you’d have to arrive with me and The Boy, but I am sure it can be arranged.

Anyone desirous, please send me a message.

I’m not a huge fan of Lenny Henry, but I am currently watching him engage in real conversation with Van Morrison… In five minutes I can multi-task with Gary Moore does Hendrix and what looks like an excellent Later with that ex-Squeeze bloke. New David Gilmour earlier, followed by an “adequate” England rugby performance makes this pessimist think today is rather good.

How has your day been?

Today’s cricket between England and New Zealand was absolutely magnificent. I am beginning to feel a little man-love for Brendan McCullum, even more so as he took the time during his post-match interview to acknowledge one of this current era’s finest umpires on his last game.

However, this all pales into significance when contemplating that a friend of mine, who I have known for 35+ years was playing for my local cricket team on Monday evening and, having just made another 50 runs, collapsed and died of a heart attack whilst still batting. I wasn’t playing that evening, but other friends were, as well as a few youngsters, and considering how I feel at the moment, I can imagine what state they are in, let alone his lovely wife and 12 year old cricket-mad son.

As it happens, I am umpiring his/my old school first XI at the weekend. I have been asked to say a few words before a minute’s silence in advance of the game.

I know I should be addressing my more local community, but if I am not imposing too much, some “remote” thoughts would be appreciated, as it is clear that my fellow Afterworders seem » Continue Reading.

Mrs Biggles and I are off to Vietnam at the weekend. We’re taking in Hanoi, Hue and Ho-Chi Min.

We are also spending some time in the Mekong Delta – not quite in malaria territory (hopefully!).

Is it worth looking out for Burt? Is there anyone else we may come across from these parts? Anything to be included on our tour itinerary that is deemed essential?

Thank you.

One loves live entertainment – whether that be music gigs, theatre, stand-up, The Arsenal or poetry. However, in recent years my attendance at the same seems to diminish. With The Boy now working in London and The Princess studying in Edinburgh, if I see something “great”, I will encourage (i.e. maybe pay for) them to go see.

Recent(ish) things include The Unthanks, The Decemberists, an Ivor Cutler Celebration, Elvis Costello amongst others.

As many of us appear to be of a certain age, may I ask:

– am I wrong or am I right?

– what should I and/or my fellow Aterworders focus upon others to see on our behalf?

Thank you.