The sound is indelible, rising from an era that’s shaped the last five decades of Country music. When Miranda Lambert and Chris Stapleton emerge from the low-key shuffle, smoky Wurlitzer clouds and silken guitars, it’s obvious that “A Song To Sing,” arriving this Friday, July 11 and impacting Country radio on Monday, July 14, is destined to join the list of most-beloved classic Country duets. Written together with Jesse Frasure and Jenee Fleenor, “A Song To Sing” marks Lambert and Stapleton’s first true duet collaboration and reflects the truth of giving one’s soul to the music and heart to the one at home. Pre-save the new duet here.
“Chris understands this emotion from the inside out, because he and Morgane have both lived it,” Lambert says of their co-write. “To have someone so soulful and willing to go into the heart of the feelings, to share the pull of the road and creative life – and what that means when you love someone with every bit of your being is next level. When we finished it, we both knew we wanted to release it, to share it with everyone.”
Longtime friends and collaborators, Lambert and Stapleton boast a combined 14 GRAMMY, 33 Country Music Association and 59 Academy of Country Music awards and have each influenced generations with their singular artistries and distinctive creative points of view. Produced by GRAMMY-winning Dave Cobb, “A Song To Sing” allows Lambert – who passed her ACM Entertainer of the Year title to Stapleton in 2023 – to witness the singular reality they share as they harken back to an era of music epitomized by Ronnie Milsap, Waylon Jennings and especially the classic Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers duets.
Of the respected visionaries, Pollstar writes, “at a time when Country is so many things, Lambert and Stapleton seem both a true north and a hinge for the future…Musically robust, they want to make actual Country music with their roots firmly planted, but with the ability to create on their own terms. It’s not fighting Music Row as much as fighting for greatness.”
Introducing David Glenn Band, a new voice in the music scene blending Country Music New and Classic Style with raw emotion and modern energy. The band makes a striking entrance with their debut single, “Talk About Love”, available now on all major streaming platforms.
“Talk About Love” delivers a sonic punch-fusing True Country musical style, haunting vocals, gritty guitar riffs, a nice fiddle fill and driving rhythms that echo influences from George Strait, Joe Diffee, Kenny Chesney, Pat Green & Cody Johnson while carving out a distinct identity all their own. Lyrically, the track explores what true love means, capturing the spirit of a generation seeking emotion, change, escape, and a heartfelt message.
“We wanted our first release to hit hard pure and feel honest,” says David Glenn Lead Vocalist/Writer. “Talk About Love” is about seeing a past love, catching up on old times with a beautiful love connection that never went away and just wants to talk about the past and True Love.”
David Glenn a Nashville and Texas Recording artist has a shared passion for pushing sonic boundaries and telling stories that resonate. Playing multiple live venues for years and opening for multiple artist Toby Keith, Gary Allan, Joe Diffee, John Pardi and many more. DGB has a lot of musical experience and talent! David Glenn with a background in songwriting singing and playing guitar, David Glenn Band is already turning heads among fans at live venues and tastemakers alike and have been for many years.
BIG SPECIAL surprise released their new album NATIONAL AVERAGE., this past Friday on SO Recordings, after days of the band teasing projections of the album’s artwork across London landmarks. The Black Country duo of Joe Hicklin and Callum Moloney wasted no time in following up last year’s acclaimed UK Top 40 debut album POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES, and have shared a video for the new album’s lead single “GOD SAVE THE PONY.” With it, BIG SPECIAL kicked off a run of in-store and summer festival performances, performances across the UK, which run through July 28.
When BIG SPECIAL first emerged, their contorted mix of existential bellowing, vehement poetic polemics and soulful, sky-scraping vocals and hard-hitting punk instantly set them apart. Huge tours and festival headline spots followed, and somewhere in amongst the chaos of the ensuing year, the pair found time to write new album NATIONAL AVERAGE. It’s a record on which the band lose none of that early fire or potency, and instead expand their sound to incorporate elements of funk, lavishing it with their characteristic darkness and black humour, honestly representing their lives in the only way they know how. It focusses on brotherhood, pressing on through the changes in their lives, big and small.
Commenting on the new single, lead singer Joe Hicklin says: “‘GOD SAVE THE PONY.’ is about the stones we carry. The different things that pull people down; the invisible weights that they have to drag through their everyday. On the personal level, it’s about reckoning with change. Reflecting on the moral obligations we have to ourselves and others and the mixture of the failures and successes in sticking to those. The weight of following a personal moral line is heavy on everyone’s shoulders. The song is a recognition of this strain in ourselves and others, and a well wish to keep going, whatever you have that drags behind.”
Continuing about the album, he says: “‘NATIONAL AVERAGE.’ Is an album about the multitudes of a normal life as it begins to change. It’s about the stages of reflection on an average life as it moves further away. It’s about personal and political problems remaining the same as a life changes around them and they all begin to weave together.”
Where POSTINDUSTRIAL HOMETOWN BLUES was about desperation and hope, NATIONAL AVERAGE. takes those feelings forward and confidently charges through the confusion with gritted teeth behind a snarky smile. It goes down an emotional descent of picking oneself and society apart, whilst recognising the links of struggle that hang in every person, regardless of time and experience.
BIG SPECIAL – UK instore performances
04 Jul – Rough Trade East, London (Instore) – 7pm
05 Jul – Rough Trade, Bristol (Instore) – 1pm
06 Jul – Banquet, Kingston upon Thames (Instore) – 6pm
Born out of a love for rock music and the virtuosity of bluegrass musicians, the Pickin’ On Series has been a beloved tradition at CMH Records for over 30 years, delivering innovative bluegrass interpretations of some of the biggest and brightest artists in popular music. The latest in a line of acclaimed releases, Pickin’ On Creedence Clearwater Revival: Bluegrass Revival, was released June 20 and is available now on digital and CD. This release marks the first time Alabama-based bluegrass quartet Iron Horse put their fresh and unique bluegrass spin on the timeless songs of Creedence Clearwater Revival, one of the most influential bands of the 1960s.
On Pickin’ On Creedence Clearwater Revival: Bluegrass Rising, Iron Horse take on swampy classics like “Proud Mary,” “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” and “Looking Out My Back Door,” among others, honoring the rootsy spirit that defines CCR’s unforgettable catalog. Out now, CMH Records and Iron Horse are announcing the release of a new music video for the lead track “Bad Moon Rising.”
“Bad Moon Rising” as performed by Iron Horse:
“Well, here you go, the CCR project that people have been asking about for many years now,” shares Iron Horse’s Tony Robertson. “While this music may have come from a different time period, it’s like it may have just been created yesterday. The songs make me feel like I’m part of the bigger cosmic family. It was such a great experience doing this project because all the songs are so familiar and almost personal in that you can feel the vibe of reality coming from each track. ‘Bad Moon Rising,’ ‘Have You Ever Seen the Rain,’ and ‘Long As I Can See The Light’ are classic and timeless tunes, perfect to translate into Bluegrass. It’s almost like they were written to be played by a bluegrass band.”
Since 2003, Iron Horse–Ricky Rogers (bass, vocals), Tony Robertson (mandolin, vocals), Vance Henry (guitar, vocals) and Anthony Richardson (banjo, vocals)–has been the main recording artist for Pickin’ On, lending their incredible musicianship, precise picking, rich harmonies and endlessly creative arrangements, delivering clever twists on these classics. Tackling artists like Metallica, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, and Pearl Jam, Iron Horse’s uncanny ability to bridge musical worlds brings bluegrass to new audiences while honoring its roots with authenticity and flair.
The Pickin’ On Series previously gave CCR the bluegrass treatment with the instrumental album Pickin’ On Creedence Clearwater Revival: A Tribute (1999), and a bonus track reissue, Born on the Bayou: The Bluegrass Tribute to Creedence Clearwater Revival (2001); this new Iron Horse recording is the first to feature vocals and their own arrangements. This newest addition to their discography is sure to delight listeners of all kinds, and maybe lend a new appreciation for the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival.
Though Pickin’ On started modestly in 1993 with the release of Pickin’ On the Movies, tributes to The Beatles and Eagles soon followed, and by 1997 the Pickin’ On Series was on fire. It continues to thrive with one hand in traditional bluegrass and the other in popular music, ready for the next chance to create innovative bluegrass music. Now over 30 years in and 300 albums deep, the Pickin’ On Series is one of the most beloved traditions at CMH.
Recent Pickin’ On releases, Pickin’ On The Doors, Pickin’ On Pearl Jam and Pickin’ On Nirvana, were well-received and garnered press from Rolling Stone, Brooklyn Vegan, and Uproxx, among others. Pickin’ On Modest Mouse and Fade to Bluegrass: The Bluegrass Tribute to Metallica both charted on Billboard’s Top Bluegrass Albums chart. The series has also been given extensive retrospective write-ups by Los Angeles Times and No Depression and songs from Pickin’ On have been featured in the television series Revolution and HBO’s True Blood. Other artists that have been given the Pickin’ On treatment include Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, the Allman Brothers Band, Coldplay, The Black Keys, Jack White, The Killers and many more.
Track listing for Pickin’ On Creedence Clearwater Revival:
Bad Moon Rising Up Around the Bend Have You Ever Seen the Rain Looking Out My Back Door Hey Tonight Traveling Band Lodi Who Will Stop the Rain Down on the Corner Proud Mary Long As I Can See the Light Someday Never Comes
Fallsview Casino is proud to announce that the vocal prowess, Patti LaBelle will bring her 80/65 Tour to the OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino. The 80/65 Tour, celebrating her 80th birthday and 65 incredible years in entertainment, showcases her iconic hits, from “Lady Marmalade” to “If Only You Knew”, and countless other hits. Tickets for Patti LaBelle – 80/65 Tour go on sale on Friday, July 11 at 10:00am through ticketmaster.ca.
“Patti LaBelle is more than a music legend—she is a cultural icon whose voice has shaped generations,” said Cathy Price, Vice President, Marketing & Resort Operations, Niagara Casinos. “This performance will be a remarkable celebration of her legacy, her artistry, and her extraordinary impact on the world of music.”
Few voices have left a lasting impression like Patti LaBelle. More than just beautiful, her powerful presence and legendary career have made her a symbol of grace, elegance, and soul. LaBelle’s ability to move effortlessly between rhythm and blues, pop, gospel, and soul has defined her as one of the most versatile and revered vocalists of all time.
With a career spanning more than 60 years, LaBelle’s influence is undeniable. Born in Philadelphia, she rose to fame in 1962 as the lead singer of The Bluebelles and later achieved international acclaim with the groundbreaking trio Labelle. Since launching her solo career in the 1970s, she has delivered countless timeless hits and earned numerous accolades, including GRAMMY® Awards, American Music Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and recognition as a New York Times bestselling author. Beyond the stage and studio, Patti has showcased her talent and entrepreneurial spirit across film, television, publishing, and through her beloved food and lifestyle brand, Patti’s Good Life. Her legacy continues to inspire, breaking barriers and setting standards as a trailblazing artist, entertainer, actress, author, and entrepreneur.
Show date & performance Patti LaBelle – The 80/65 Tour Date: Sunday, November 16, 2025Showtime: 8:00pm Venue: OLG Stage at Fallsview Casino
Tickets for Patti LaBelle – The 80/65 Tour go on sale Friday, July 11 at 10:00am.
What do you get when you mix Jack Black with the next generation of rock legends? A jaw-dropping recreation of Ozzy Osbourne’s 1981 “Mr. Crowley” video! Roman Morello, Revel Ian, Yoyoka Soma, and Hugo Weiss joined Black for a blazing tribute at Ozzy’s final concert—and it’s everything you hoped rock and roll still was. Ozzy’s Back to the Beginning show an ending. It was the beginning of a legacy.
The Polaris Music Prize, presented by CBC will reveal the 2025 Polaris Music Album Short List on July 10 on CBC Music and CBC Listen, followed by the return of the signature Short List Summer programming.
Listeners will be the first to find out which 10 albums make the Polaris Album Short List live on Thursday, July 10 as part of a two-hour radio special hosted by Odario Williams, starting at 3 p.m. local time (4 p.m. AT, 4:30 NT) and available across Canada on CBC Music and CBC Listen. The special will reveal each of the albums nominated for the grand prize with commentary from Polaris jurors and CBC Music experts. The Short List comes a month after the reveal of the 40-album 2025 Polaris Album Long List, which was announced June 10 in Toronto and was determined by members of the Polaris jury.
Following the Album Short List reveal, CBC Music will bring back THE TEN radio series, featuring a separate Polaris album every Sunday, each episode taking an in-depth look at each of this year’s Short List nominees, all leading up to the 2025 Polaris Concert & Award Ceremony, taking place on Tuesday, September 16 at the historic Massey Hall in Toronto.
CBC Music’s THE TEN radio specials will be hosted by Odario Williams, broadcasting each Sunday on CBC Music and CBC Listen at 6 p.m. (6:30 NT) starting July 13 and running until September 14. Each one-of-a-kind episode of THE TEN will feature a discussion about the shortlisted album with music writers and Polaris jurors from across the country, along with a deep album listening session.
CBC Music will also kick into high gear with Polaris Album Short List coverage on cbcmusic.ca/polaris, diving into the 10 nominated albums on July 10. Leading up to the Polaris Music Prize Concert & Award Ceremony, CBC Music will be digging into Polaris history through archives, an oral history and more. Follow CBC Music on YouTube, Instagram and TikTok for all your Polaris Music Prize content.
The Polaris Music Prize awards $30,000 courtesy of Slaight Family Foundation, to the artist who creates the Canadian Album of the Year, judged solely on artistic merit, without consideration for genre or record sales.
POLARIS ALBUM PRIZE WINNERS
The past winners are Jeremy Dutcher (2024), Debby Friday (2023), Pierre Kwenders (2022), Cadence Weapon (2021), Backxwash (2020), Haviah Mighty (2019), Jeremy Dutcher (2018), Lido Pimienta (2017), Kaytranada (2016), Tanya Tagaq (2014), Godspeed You! Black Emperor (2013), Feist (2012), Arcade Fire (2011), Karkwa (2010), Fucked Up (2009), Caribou (2008), Patrick Watson (2007) and Final Fantasy / Owen Pallett (2006).
2025 POLARIS MUSIC PRIZE KEY DATES
June 10 – Album Long List. Polaris reveals the 40 nominees for the year’s Album Prize.
June 24 – Song Long List. Polaris reveals the 20 nominees for the year’s Song Prize.
July 10 – Album Short List. Polaris reveals the 10 finalist nominees for the year’s Album Prize.
July 29 – Song Short List. Polaris reveals the 5 finalist nominees for the year’s Song Prize.
July 29 – Heritage Prize Short List. Polaris reveals the 12 nominee albums for the Heritage Prize and opens its related public voting campaign.
September 16 – Polaris Concert & Award Ceremony. Our prestige winner reveal event, this concert features performances by nominated acts as well as the announcement of the year’s Album Prize, Song Prize and Heritage Prize honourees.
Think music contracts are just paperwork? Wrong – they’re the rhythm of your career. From recording deals to tour agreements, they keep your music biz humming. A 2024 Billboard study says 68% of artists hit snags from unclear contract terms. These seven secrets help musicians, managers, and PR pros sign deals like pros, no sour notes included.
Secret 1: Pin Down Every Detail
Vague contracts are a vibe killer. Royalties, deadlines, rights – spell it all out. Music lawyer Emma Chen says, “Fuzzy terms cost artists big bucks yearly.” A 2025 X post shared a band losing 12% of merch profits over a sloppy clause. Get a lawyer to review every line to keep your deal crystal clear.
Secret 2: Go Digital for Speed
Chasing signatures the old-school way? Total drag. Digital tools let you zap contracts to producers or labels in seconds. Check out https://comfax.com/ for secure, fast ways to share signed deals, no printer needed. A 2024 Music Week report noted an indie band closing a festival contract 40 hours faster with digital delivery. Keep your paperwork rocking.
Secret 3: Watch Exclusivity Traps
Exclusivity clauses can box you in, limiting collabs or side projects. A 2025 X post told of an artist stuck in a deal, unable to drop a mixtape. Negotiate wiggle room, like keeping rights to livestream gigs or indie releases. Freedom lets your career hit high notes.
Secret 4: Royalties Can Trick You
Royalties sound hot, but the splits? Often ice-cold. Labels can grab huge cuts before you see cash. A 2024 Variety study found 62% of new artists earn under 18% of streaming revenue due to bad deals. Demand clear royalty terms and audit rights. An X user caught a label shaving 8% by auditing regularly.
Secret 5: Plan Your Exit Strategy
Bad deal? You need a way out. Termination clauses are your escape hatch, avoiding legal drama. A 2025 X thread shared how a singer ditched a shady contract thanks to a clear exit plan. Lock in timelines and penalties upfront to keep your career on track.
Secret 6: Sync Deals Spark Big Wins
Sync licenses – music in ads, films, or games – can fatten your wallet, but terms matter. A 2024 Rolling Stone piece said sync deals boosted one band’s income by 22%. Define usage rights and payments clearly. An X post warned of an artist losing sync profits over vague territorial terms.
Secret 7: Negotiate Like a Star
Never sign without pushing back. Labels expect it, so ask for better royalties or shorter terms. A 2025 X post described a rookie doubling their advance by negotiating hard. Channel your inner headliner and fight for a deal that screams success.
Final Contract Vibes
Music contracts are your ticket to the big stage. Nail the details, go digital, guard your freedom, and negotiate tough. Why let a bad deal steal your spotlight? Save these secrets, share your contract wins on X, and keep the music biz grooving!
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
You’ve probably seen those compact, nimble machines zipping around construction sites and wondered exactly what they’re capable of. Skid steers might look like simple four-wheeled workhorses, but they’re actually some of the most versatile pieces of equipment you’ll encounter in construction, landscaping, and beyond.
Why Skid Steer Rental Makes Perfect Sense
Let’s be honest – buying a skid steer isn’t exactly pocket change. You’re looking at anywhere from $30,000 to $80,000 for a decent machine, and that’s before you factor in maintenance, storage, and insurance. Rental changes the game completely.
When you look into a skid steer rental, you get access to the latest models with updated safety features and improved fuel efficiency. No dealing with unexpected breakdowns during crucial project phases. Plus, you can match the machine size to your specific job – why rent a massive unit for tight residential work when a compact model will do?
Most rental companies offer flexible terms too. Need it for a day? A week? Three months? They’ve got you covered. You’ll also get operator training if needed, which is invaluable if your crew hasn’t worked with skid steers before.
Construction Site Powerhouse
Your skid steer really shines on construction sites. Material handling becomes effortless – you can move pallets of brick, bundles of rebar, or bags of concrete mix with precision. The tight turning radius means you can navigate cramped job sites where larger equipment would struggle.
Excavation work? Absolutely. With the right bucket attachment, you can dig trenches for utilities, clear foundations, or move substantial amounts of dirt. The hydraulic system provides impressive lifting power for such a compact machine.
Landscaping and Grounds Maintenance
This is where skid steers truly prove their worth. You can grade and level surfaces with surgical precision, something that’s nearly impossible with larger equipment. Installing hardscaping elements like retaining walls becomes manageable when you can position heavy stones exactly where they need to go.
Snow removal is another major application. Attach a snow blade or blower, and you can clear driveways, parking lots, and sidewalks efficiently. The low ground pressure means you won’t damage delicate surfaces like decorative pavers.
Agricultural Applications
Farmers have discovered skid steers are perfect for barn cleaning, hay handling, and feed distribution. The compact size lets you work inside existing structures without modifications. You can also use them for land clearing, removing brush and small trees that would challenge other equipment.
Attachment Versatility Changes Everything
Here’s where skid steers get really interesting. The quick-attach system means you can switch from a standard bucket to specialized tools in minutes:
Augers for fence post installation
Trenchers for irrigation lines
Grapples for debris removal
Brush cutters for overgrown areas
Safety and Efficiency Tips
Always perform your pre-operation inspection. Check hydraulic fluid levels, tire condition, and attachment security. Maintain three-point contact when entering and exiting the cab.
Keep your load low when traveling. The higher your load, the less stable your machine becomes. Use proper lifting techniques – let the hydraulics do the work, not momentum.
Making the Right Choice
Consider your primary applications when selecting a skid steer. Tight residential spaces call for compact models under 6,000 pounds. Larger commercial projects might require mid-size or full-size units with greater lifting capacity.
Track units offer superior traction and flotation but cost more than wheeled versions. Wheeled models provide faster travel speeds and work well on hard surfaces.
Your skid steer investment – whether rental or purchase – will pay dividends in productivity and versatility across virtually any project you tackle.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.
Enigmatic TV host, radio presenter, record company executive, and friend to the rich and famous—there is nothing that STEVE BLACKNELL hasn’t done. Except write his memoir, which he has finally done in TALES FROM THE BEDROOM WALL – THE LIFE & TIMES OF A SERIAL THRILL SEEKER (Old Treacle Press). Due out July 9 through Amazon – the book takes readers on a journey throughout his colorful life—the ups the downs, near death experiences, losing millions, taking Concorde to Live Aid with Phil Collins and dating Kate Bush, to his battle with bulimia and other addictions. This is the book that has it all and more.
In America, STEVE BLACKNELL is mainly known for hosting the award-winning MTV USA music fashion show “London Calling” which pulled 23 million viewers. He interviewed over 100 pop stars that included a snarly Alice Cooper, heartthrob David Cassidy in a hotel Jacuzzi, a 40-minute chat with Motorhead’s Lemmy Kilmister who consumed an entire bottle of Jack Daniels and a table tennis game with Bill Wyman who discussed his career in the Rolling Stones.
Growing up, STEVE adorned his bedroom wall with pictures of his musical heroes, blissfully unaware he would meet so many of them in future days. His bizarre adventures both in the UK and Hollywood, his ridiculous forays into drugs and food addictions and an inability to take other people’s advice saw him go from millionaire to near poverty. The book is about failure, ignorance, arrogance, and an innate desire to push boundaries until they explode.
“There’s an old joke that goes ‘Everybody has a book in them’ which explains the lump in my throat. Indeed, I do believe there are so many of us who aren’t necessarily household names that have lived life to ‘the max!” STEVE says. “With me it hasn’t been deliberate—I’ve just tried to pack in as many adventures as possible in my allotted time. At 72 I still have a few tricks up my sleeve—for as the Buddhists say ‘You’re only here three billion times so you’d better enjoy yourself.’”
Steve Blacknell was born in Peckham, UK and moved to Dartford, Kent in his early years eventually attending one of his heroes Mick Jagger’s old school, Dartford Grammar—where he even got his second-hand geography book! An obsessive pop fan since the early 60’s, he decided early on that he wanted to be a Radio DJ and so wrote to many key industry figures with only one reply—from John Peel who advised him to try hospital radio. He became the breakfast DJ at St Thomas’s Hospital in London for a year, supported by a certain ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris.
His first love was Kate Bush, who he met in Dartford on the arm of another man however they got together soon after. The budding songwriter and wannabee DJ would plot world domination; her the pop star and Steve introducing her on ‘Top of the Pops’! He, however, had no idea that he was dealing with a real musical genius.
The early 70s saw a move to Worcestershire where he worked at a Special Needs Home, and he started taking drugs. He eventually got his big break into music at Decca Records in the PR department and later at ABC working with artists from Steely Dan to Don Williams, during which time he began a dangerous dance with Anorexic Bulimia. He also met the future love of his life, Maggie. He moved to Chrysalis Records in the late 70s working with acts like Leo Sayer, Jethro Tull and Split Enz, finally joining Jive Records where he signed A Flock Of Seagulls after seeing them perform “I Ran.”
By the 1980s he was hanging out with the right people and was spotted by the BBC who asked him to host BBC 2’s “hip” new pop fashion show “Riverside” where he introduced a brand-new band—New Order! After calling the Deputy Editor of BBC Breakfast Time most days for about six weeks, he was drafted in to do the pop news when the late Mike Smith became ill. He stayed for three years and learned his trade from Frank Bough. By this point, he was also a regular host on Radio One’s “In Concert,” also the simulcast with BBC2 – “Sight and Sound in Concert.”
He was the BBC presenter covering Live Aid, the most important music event in the thirty-year history of rock & roll, flying in Concorde with Phil Collins–the only performer onstage at both Wembley and later the same day, Philadelphia.
After a 5-year stint as Peter Stringfellow’s PR and as Europe’s first “Video Jockey,’’ he hosted the award-winning MTV USA music fashion show “London Calling” which pulled 23 million viewers.
He became super rich and bought a mansion flat in the super trendy Holland Park Avenue–complete with chauffeur. He then had a dramatic sinus operation that left him stranded indoors for three months where he saw “God,” and on the flip of a coin while listening to Paul Young singing “Everything Must Change’’ he decided to try and crack the U.S.A and moved to Los Angeles.
While in the U.S., he met and married ex-groupie and 60’s legend Catherine James—the former wife of Moody Blues/Wings star Denny Laine. She was Diane Keaton’s movie double for many years and was also best mates with mega-stars Melanie Griffith and Don Johnson. He soon found out that Catherine had lived with Mick Jagger in London and dated the A-Z of rock heroes. She’d been at the piano with Clapton when he wrote “Layla,” and knew Hendrix, Morrison and others.
After several TV hosting jobs–including a stint as the Hollywood anchor of the UK-based TV channel BSKYB and as an actor making five movies, he avoided death when a speed boat exploded in Marina Del Rey and spent six months in a wheelchair addicted to the powerful opiate Vicodin. After only six years in the States, he left Hollywood and his wife for the UK once more–now penniless.
Once back in the UK he reunited with Maggie–the love of his life–and eventually moved to Hythe, Kent with her. They have had a 50-year romance that survived the gaps! After 18 years, he still runs London’s premiere “media networking” club The Waffle. He is also the most qualified TV teacher in the UK and is CEO of The Central London School of TV and Media Training.
