Curly's Capers

It started here:

The first concert the Magic Band played  at Shepherds Bush Empire on Monday 7th April 2003.
Organised and led by John 'Drumbo ' French (drums, vocals harmonica); the band consisted of Gary Lucas ( guitar); Denny Whalley ( guitar); Mark  ' Rockette Morton ' Boston ( bass)  and Richard Williams ( drums).


All had played with Captain Beefheart ( aka Don Van Vliet ) at various times and their mission was to recreate songs from the Beefheart canon.

Fast forward fourteen years and we arrive here:

The Magic Band Farewell Tour to which I attended with friend K.
last Monday 20th November 2017 at The Fleece, Bristol.



Here's a thought. How many bands with great musicians after an interval of fourteen years still charge the same for their tickets ? Not many I venture.
Arriving early I quickly grabbed the latest tour T shirt; still selling for a modest fifteen pounds.



Pulling rabbits out of a hat indeed.
The 'Fleece' quickly filled up. eventually achieving sell-ou…

The nights draw in and real racing returns. The majestic leaps; the noble presence; triumph and disaster lie side by side. Elation and despair. The Winter Kings return for our pleasure.

Frosty, crisp mornings, bring heart-warming country-side views. Here are three, two from darkest Essex, one from deepest Brockworth.






Courtesy J& D.

Courtesy K.

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Once a year, the River Thames is drained near Richmond for general maintenance .



Courtesy LJC.
So for a short time it is possible to walk across to Eel Pie Island. More explanation here:  Thames Drain

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On October 16th, owing to unusual weather conditions , aided by Saharan dust, the sun appeared to turn pink- weird stuff!









Courtesy LJC








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The above is a picture taken from inside the new, American style burger bar " Five Guys, " which has recently opened in Cheltenham.

Young d. took me there last Tuesday 14th November 2017. A brightly, lit space, it was notable for a deafening sound system, which threatened to overwhelm the wou…