tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14661611665980718112024-03-12T17:59:09.105-07:00Whiting's WritingsRussellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-2365346358522284342014-07-10T15:21:00.002-07:002014-07-10T15:21:41.964-07:00Gig review - Steve Harris British Lion in Brighton<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Just recently I have been concerned that Steve Harris may feel like he is stuck in some kind of Groundhog Day scenario. Having just completed the latest run of the Maiden England tour with Iron Maiden he's gone straight back out on the road with his other project British Lion, playing the Brighton Concorde club last night (Wednesday 9 July). Having said that, any amount of repeat gigs is a better investment of time than making music videos. The British Lion offering is poor.<br />
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Which gives me a good excuse to include this:<br />
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First indulge me in a brief Iron Maiden observation. We were promised a new album this year; then we were told there would be a brief tour to visit the places missed in 2013. But there would be changes to set list to make up for it, in the end they dropped Afraid to Shoot Strangers and SONG, replacing them with Wrathchild and Revelations, two of the most unimaginative songs they could have picked. There were at least 8 other songs that could have filled the hole, which haven't been played recently. But I'm digressing.<br />
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Back to Brighton. The Concorde club is right on the seafront and after a 30 minute stroll downhill from the station we gave our names at the door and in we went. It's the first time I've had to give my name rather than a ticket, it made me feel very exclusive!<br />
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The set out of the hall is slightly odd. In the front half a bar, with a screen so you can watch the band (obviously able to hear) and then through a doorway to the section with the stage. About 10 metres across and 40 long, the traffic of people back and forth to the bar and inevitably toilet is brisk. The atmosphere was slightly reduced by the fact that a) it was still light halfway through the set and some of the blackout blinds hadn’t been pulled right down and b) someone had overheated to the point that the door on the side of the building was opened, which led to bemused locals staring in as they walked along the prom.<br />
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Support band Raven Age were already on stage when we arrived, which was unfortunate, because it would have been better to miss them. It's a cruel booking for them, giving them hope of kind future in the music business. They could have been virtually any other generic metal band. No fizz, no spark, not great presence. I think this might be the last we hear of them.<br />
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Then on to the main event. The immediate difference from last time I saw British Lion in London is the t-shirts. There is a mix of bands, but Maiden still dominates. A couple of British Lion 2013 tour shirts are available to buy from the merchandise table, clearly not selling as well as hoped. Having said that, from the start there is a hard core at the front who are really into the band, not in a way dissimilar to how Maiden fans behave. Whether that’s the British Lion effect or the Steve Harris effect I don’t know. A new addition from last year is a chant of “British Lion ole, ole, ole” to the tune of Yellow Submarine.<br />
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The band has only been together for a few days after Maiden finished the latest run of their tour, and it shows. The instrumentals aren’t tight, and during Lost World especially at the start of the show it sounds like passages have been forgotten and are being improvised. There were other moments where especially the blonde guitarist seems to have lost his way slightly. The singers voice was also a concern, as he introduced the band towards the end of the show he is noticeably hoarse, which would be a concern for the following night in Folkestone as well as moving forward on the tour.<br />
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It’s hard to gauge the quality of the sounds, because the layout of the room, curved ceilings, pillars and the location of the sound desk mean that it’s never going to be great. Having said that the mix was muddy throughout, it was hard to distinguish between the guitars, and the bass at times was overpowering everything else. There were also real issues with the acoustic guitar, which the singer uses during a couple of songs. Half the time it wasn’t clear that it was actually plugged in!<br />
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Having said all this, it was still a good evening. Good songs, played in front of an appreciative audience, with passable acoustics. If the singer can make his voice last and Steve’s fingers don’t fall off from too much plucking off strings, it’ll be another successful tour. And even if they can’t, around 50% of the audience only go so take picture and video of Steve Harris, so I doubt they’d care or even notice.<br />
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And anyway, you never want Harris to read a bad review, in case he gets angry!</div>
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Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-56010160635208984092014-06-28T08:38:00.002-07:002014-06-29T15:30:13.499-07:00World Cup predictions<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Everyone knows that predictions are a fools game, but we also know that
there is nothing else to do when there isn’t football on that awful day after
the group stages. So, just for fun, here is the way I see it going.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Second round<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i>Brazil v Chile</i></div>
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Arguably the tie of the round and
as the hosts enter the ‘must win’ territory of the knock0out phase the pressure
will grow by the minute. Chile’s best chance is to hold off the early surge
from Neymar and others, and try and keep the ball like they did so well in the group
stage. If they can get to 60 minutes at 0-0 then the pressure might force
Brazil into something silly. I don’t think they will be able to, but I don’t
expect Brazil to win by any more than 1 goal.<i><o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Columbia v Uruguay</i></div>
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Without the only player who looked like a threat in front of goal
(albeit against a schoolboy English defence) the Uruguayans will almost
certainly not be strong enough for the all-conquering Columbians. The speed
with which they move both the ball and themselves has already left their group
opponents mesmerised, and I expect the same here. Comfortable win for the
Columbians. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Netherlands v Mexico</i></div>
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Netherlands haven’t really had a tough match yet, other than for about
30 minutes combined they cruised through the group stage. Mexico have already
parked the bus effectively against Brazil, and their best chance in this match
will be doing the same again. Whether they can resist the temptation to go
forward if the Dutch sit deep, inviting the counter, will be interesting to
see. Expect the Netherlands to win, but it might not be done in 90 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Costa Rica v Greece</i></div>
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This could be an interesting game of style over substance, with the
Greeks packing the midfield and their well-drilled defence, while the Costa
Ricans looked good going forward against poor group opposition without being
tested really at the back. This could end up being played mostly in the middle
third of the pitch, and watch how soon the Greeks start playing for penalties.
It’ll probably come down to a moment of brilliance or an error, and both
circumstances favour the Costa Ricans.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>France v Nigeria</i></div>
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France made enough changes in their last group game to come back fresh
for this, and will the Nigerians have already put in their best performance in
the loss to Argentina. I expect them to cause the French some problems, and if
they score the first goal they might just cause a big upset. Having said that
if France play like they did in the first two games, especially attack like
they did against Switzerland it could be a rugby score. France to win, but not
without difficulties.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Germany v Algeria<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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While Algeria might just be happy to be here I fancy them to cause the
Germans some real problems, especially on the counter attack. Having said that
Germany should have enough to see them off, don’t be surprised though if it’s
very tight for the first 70 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Argentina v Switzerland<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Argentina will win this without too many problems. Switzerland will be organised
at the back but that won’t stop Messi if he brings anything like his top game. I
don’t think the Swiss showed enough against the best team in their group to
give an indication that they might even run Argentina close, so I expect this
to be fairly comfortable. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<i>Belgium v USA</i></div>
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I’ll start with an old cliché; either of these teams could win this
game. The USA managed to get through despite losing to Germany and the Belgians
never really got out of third gear in their group, despite winning all three
games. If they can move into top gear then they’ll have enough to beat the USA,
but they haven’t shown any sign of doing that yet, and a well-drilled USA side
should have enough to reach the last 8.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ll update the predictions after the next round, but here is the way I
see it going, at this stage.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Quarter finals<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i>Brazil v Columbia<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>France v Germany<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Netherlands v Costa Rica <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Argentina v USA<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Semi finals<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<i>Columbia v Germany<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<i>Netherlands v Argentina<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<b>Final<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<br /></div>
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<i>Columbia v Argentina<o:p></o:p></i></div>
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Winners: COLUMBIA<o:p></o:p></div>
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Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-32853446504703656472014-06-27T16:07:00.001-07:002014-06-27T16:07:53.178-07:00World Cup power rankings 16 - 1<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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After the first half of the power rankings yesterday, it's time for the second half, including the best team from the group stages....</div>
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<b>16. Croatia</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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One of the best teams not to make it through. Should have
got at least a point against Brazil in the opening game, and then easily
overcame Cameroon. Couldn’t quite hold back a Mexico team that went forward
well in the last game, but the defence did basically look solid throughout.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>15. Uruguay</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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A tough choice, given they have essentially been a one-man
team, and especially considering who that man is. Offered nothing in the first
game, before overcoming an England team that didn’t look like they knew where
they were. The win against Italy was overshadowed by the bite from Suarez, and
it’s hard to see them going any further without him.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>14. Bosnia & Herzegovina</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Best team not to qualify, very unlucky in their first trip
to the finals. Should have had a draw against Argentina in the opening game but
for an own goal in the first five minutes and a moment of Messi brilliance.
Lost to Nigeria in a dull game but easily beat Iran. Well organised at the back
and Dzeko could have done with a bit more support.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>13. Costa Rica</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Most people thought the first game against Uruguay was a
freak result, but Arsenal player Joel Campbell looked just as dangerous in the
shock win over an ordinary Italy side. They were happy to play out a dull 0-0
in the last game against England, but still have more to offer.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>12. Algeria</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Would have been ranked in the top 15 regardless of
qualifying. Unlucky to lose to Belgium owing to a dubious penalty decision
before one of the best 20 minutes of attacking football you’ll see to wipe away
South Korea. Held on for a gutsy draw against a stoic Russian team to qualify
for the first time.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>11. Switzerland</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Not inspiring but did more than enough to qualify from their
group. Won the only game they needed to despite going behind against Ecuador
before running into the irresistible French team who could have scored 10 in
their second game. A comfortable win against Honduras including a hat-trick for
Shaqiri saw them though.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>10. Belgium</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Haven’t lived up to expectations or hype just yet, but have
efficiently cleaned up in the dullest group by far. Premier League players
haven’t quite gelled together but they were caused few problems in their three
matches.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>9. Mexico</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Should have scored more goals than they did, owing to
mistakes from the officials in the first game against a lacklustre Cameroon.
Executed their game plan against Brazil to perfection before coasting past
Croatia. Defence looks just as solid as the forwards.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>8. USA</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Controversial selection after sneaking past Ghana and losing
to Germany, but some of the football they have played merits their place in the
top 8. The game against Portugal was played a blistering pace, and even though
they lost Altidore in the first half of the opening game.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>7. Chile</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Probably the most stylish South American team in the
competition. Player three very entertaining games in overcoming Australia and
Spain before falling to Netherlands. Good players throughout the team, but will
need Vidal back if they are to progress.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>6. Brazil</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Although they have coped well with the pressure and the emotion
in the national anthems. Neymar has played well without hitting the heights,
and they do look shaky at the back. In the first game against Croatia they
should have got a point at best and then failed to break down Mexico, but they
still have the ability to turn on the style at any minute.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>5. France</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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The old cliché is you never know which France will turn up.
In the first two games it was a flowing, ball moving joy with Benzema on good
form. The third game saw changes made and a pretty dull 0-0 with Ecuador but
the damage had already been done. They could go far.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>4. Germany</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Thomas Muller is the leading striker at the tournament but
the Germans still haven’t really clicked on all levels. The thrashed a poor
Portugal team in the first game and then scrambled a draw against Ghana in an
entertaining clash. The last game against the USA was a bit of a washout, but
having already secured their place it didn’t really matter.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>3. Netherlands</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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No one expected much from this team, let alone blowing away
the world champions effortlessly in the first game. Van Persie and Robben have
been a revelation, playing with a pace and vigour that hasn’t been seen from
them for a while. Also showed good grit to overcome Australia and then a
professional performance against a decent Chile team.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>2. Argentina</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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A tricky pick, because although they haven’t swept teams
aside like Columbia or the Netherlands, but they have the outstanding player of
the tournament. Messi has almost single-handedly won the game against Bosnia
after a shaky start, Iran after a solid defensive showing and then Nigeria in
one of the games of the competition. With Messi on the pitch anything is
possible. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>1. Columbia</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Easily the best team in the competition so far, and not just
for the dancing after their goals. Free-flowing football from front to back as
they won the three group games, putting three past a stingy Greek defence
before blowing away Japan in the last game. James Rodriguez looks especially
good, scoring three goals already <o:p></o:p></div>
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Obviously it should be said that three games is a tiny sample size and the quality of opposition faced has ranged wildly from team to team. Also, just because Columbia are top ranked doesn't mean I think they're going to go on and win, but you won't have long to wait as the knock-out phase predictions will be up tomorrow.</div>
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Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-25150508094173327062014-06-26T15:16:00.004-07:002014-06-26T15:16:58.710-07:00World Cup power rankings 32-17<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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So the last of the group games has just finished, and there is a much
needed day off tomorrow before we get to the business end of the World Cup,
starting with Netherlands v Mexico on Saturday afternoon. <o:p></o:p></div>
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I won’t pretend that I’ve seen every kick, but of the 48
group games I’ve managed to see 28 live, another 11 in full recorded, listened
to 3 others on the radio and seen highlights of the other 6. So, after the
first round of matches, here is my ranking of every team. Obviously the best
team might not win and the top 16 won’t be those who went through. This isn’t
based on anything beyond the three group games that each team has played in the
2014 World Cup.<o:p></o:p></div>
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The first 16 are below, I’ll post the top 16 tomorrow, along
with a prediction of how the knock-out phase will work out.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>32. Honduras</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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When they played the pre-tournament friendly against England
everyone thought they were a dirty side, but it turns out they really were going
soft on us. Offered nothing in their three games, except cynical fouling and <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>31. Iran</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Played arguably the dullest game of the tournament against
Nigeria, unlucky not to get something from Argentina but missed a couple of
clear cut chances. Other than that happy to sit back, defend and offer very
little going forward. They did manage to provide the Iranian President with a
nice photo op though.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>30. Cameroon</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Had an unlucky draw, but an even worse defence. Conceded 8
goals but should have been into double figures apart from poor decisions. Alex
Song summed things up with the most stupid sending off in World Cup history
against Croatia.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>29. South Korea</b></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Played out two fairly dull draws and got taken apart by
Algeria in the space of 15 minutes. Have fallen a long way since 2002, no real
strength in any position. Lack of physical presence in the final third of the
pitch.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>28. Japan</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Really struggled to hit their stride, losing against Ivory
Coast after taking the lead and being unable to break down an organised Greek
team before being ripped apart by Columbia. Lacked an ability to control the
ball and make the final cutting pass.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>27. Australia</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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No quality but plenty of fight and guts in a group that
virtually every team would have struggled against. Ran Chile and Netherlands
close before folding against Spain, but did score the goal of the tournament through
Tim Cahill.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>26. England</b><o:p></o:p></div>
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Low expectations which were far from reached. Sloppy
defending in the first two games and a blunt attack apart from two counters
which produced the goals. So-called star players came up woefully short and tactically
inept decisions from the manager. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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<b>25. Spain</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Worst ever defending Champions at a World Cup, never
recovered from the demolition Netherlands inflicted on them. The two centre
backs looked like they had walked into the ground off the street and the attack
gave little to lift the spirits.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>24. Russia</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Typical Fabio Capello team, well organised but lacking
inspiration and at times pretty tough to watch. Only goal of the tournament
came from some very poor Algerian defending , and spent most of their first two
games happy to see time out in midfield, even when losing to Belgium.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>23. Ivory Coast</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looked unsettled by the Drogba problem, even when beating
Japan in the opening game. Ran Columbia close and unlucky to go out after a
last minute Greece penalty. Needed a couple of the Premier League stars to step
up and make a contribution.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>22. Portugal</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Didn’t help themselves by getting torn apart by Germany and
having Pepe sent off for a head-butt. Lucky to get a point against the USA
before beating a demoralised Ghana team. Always likely to be a one-man team but
even Ronaldo couldn’t help them, and his tantrums told the story. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>21. Greece</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Played exactly how many thought they would, well organised
at the back apart from the mauling by Columbia and offering very little going
forward. Very fortunate to go through but cool head from Samaras to score the
last minute penalty. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>20. Ecuador</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nearly caught Switzerland cold in the first game, but lack
of ambition against France illustrated by a reluctance to bring a striker off
the bench even when needing a win. Struggled without their home altitude to
protect them, only just got past a very poor Honduras team.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>19. Italy</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clinical finishing to capitalise on two mistakes against
England but offered little in the other two games, causing Costa Rica and
Uruguay few problems. Pirlo didn’t look as good as we had hoped, and the
forward line never really came to the party.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>18. Ghana</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Unlucky not to have taken more from their first two games.
Not especially tight at the back but always looked strong going froward. Unfortunate
that the curse of the World Cup team split hit them this year, and couldn’t
pull off the miracle they needed against Portugal. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>17. Nigeria</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Looked well organised and some promising players in
midfield. A little blunt going forward but did come alive through Musa against
Argentina in the last game. Well organised at the back in front of a solid
keepr, only breached by Messi, which is nothing to cry about.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next batch will be up tomorrow….<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-51310114444801460682014-06-13T16:14:00.001-07:002014-06-13T16:15:57.030-07:00Tax justice tour with ActionAid<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><a href="http://www.actionaid.org.uk/campaign/show-me-the-money-a-tax-treasure-hunt">Do this tour for yourself!!!!</a></b><br />
<br />
Just before the World Cup fever completely takes over every aspect of
life, my wife and I spent a very enjoyable couple of hours walking around
Mayfair with some very cool people who are all supporting ActionAid in their
campaign for Tax Justice.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Tax evasion and avoidance are issues which affect virtually every
country in the world. Even in the UK celebrities like Jimmy Car and Gary Barlow
have taken advantage of the myriad of complex schemes available to legally
avoid paying the pull tax due. At the same time there are massive cuts to
public services going on, people are relying on foodbanks, the NHS is being
cut. Can you see the link?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
But it’s an even bigger issue elsewhere in the world, where some big
companies are taking advantage of tax havens, shell companies and all sorts of
other shady dealings to deny some of the poorest countries in the world money
which they are owed. It’s money which could transform these societies.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
There were around 10 stops on the tour, taking in some of the wealthiest,
most lavish (and frankly most repulsive) parts of London. I counted three yacht
shops, which shockingly are exactly what you would think, but lost count of the
number of Ferraris and Porches in the street (and homeless people for that
matter!).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRleJlnl0zykqUbIjijSiYRVy3y8hYx2BlspRdZ1WCnpTqgpaom9pK8eq8qvNHfq8Pnv2Ju5GVa9LOu84qPb59Q_grgo4I7RZGdpC6aDgz4q1oBJiYascSPFduTuxySkvCjkAf9hC0Cwv/s640/Claridges.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It is possible that people who avoid tax spend money which should be used for societal good at places like this. I wouldn't be seen dead here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
We started at Barclays (BOOO!) who are encouraging companies to take
advantage of Mauritius as a tax haven. Interestingly the branch was next door
to a Boots, who have had their own issues with tax return forms recently. Interestingly throughout the whole evening we never heard stories of people on the Minimum Wage avoiding tax, but then we are all in this together aren't we.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I won’t give too much away on the rest of the tour, because you should
on it yourself! But I will say that I was shocked how much tax is being
avoided, how many of the FTSE 100 companies are at it and what lengths they
will go to in order to dodge the tax that rightfully belongs to citizens around
the world. We heard about Ghana and Zambia where ActionAid and their friends
are doing great work, but many other countries are entangled.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
While there wasn’t any suggestion that anyone is doing anything
illegal, that doesn’t mean that tax avoidance isn’t pretty ugly and those who
are doing it are morally bankrupt (if financially boosted!). As for those
mercenaries who work for companies helping all of this happen, I wonder how
they sleep at night.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
It wasn’t all downbeat, by the end we were hearing of real progress
being made by ActionAid. It just goes to show that when god people come together
they can triumph over the collective evil which the world throws at them. If
you haven’t ever been to Mayfair before, or even if you have but didn’t know
that some of the people who operate there have pretty loose morals, then this
is a tour you can’t afford to miss.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This issue really is a no-brainer. You don't have to be a socialist to think it's wrong, you just have to have a heart and think that every country should get the tax it is due from companies and individuals. </div>
</div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-68124562927141534102014-03-07T06:43:00.000-08:002014-03-11T16:40:22.027-07:00Iron Maiden, fans and the ‘Luxembourg Issue’<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Iron Maiden have undoubtedly one of the most hard-core fan bases of any band in the world. Fans routinely travel across Europe and even further to see them play, and at the last gig they performed in the UK, at the O2 last August, I met three guys who had flown over from Australia for the two nights, at one month notice.<br />
<br />
Since they reformed in 1999 shows in small venues have been at a premium, during the summer even more so as they opt to play to maximum numbers in fewest shows by doing the festival circuit around Europe with a few stadium shows thrown in for good measure. So imagine the excitement when on February 12 it was announced that they would be playing the Rockhal in Luxembourg. The capacity for the Rockhal is just over 6,500, which would be the smallest gig of the tour, and one of the smallest (at least by venue size) since the band got back together.<br />
<br />
The FanClub message board buzzed for a couple of days. The announcement hadn’t originally said that much about the venue, except it being the first gig in Luxembourg since 1983. So the following day when the FanClub members had first chance to buy tickets, many did. The day after they went on general sale and shifted within a couple of hours. As you would expect, from the band that sold out the O2 in 45 minutes and the Friends Arena in Sweden (60,000) in under an hour.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSYTvr4hfxGfSrr6AQ2CIt1KNuq3w9B9v2VCV00ux_dau5TFDsI4yjkp59uRSZ5cBUoKzkxJCagWNNr9TAMuqp6QRcomVr0XOnbk_zeo7DNO9QFwKDrq5LSUZRoMCsofn8ZHASBECWgZ-/s1600/rockhal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheSYTvr4hfxGfSrr6AQ2CIt1KNuq3w9B9v2VCV00ux_dau5TFDsI4yjkp59uRSZ5cBUoKzkxJCagWNNr9TAMuqp6QRcomVr0XOnbk_zeo7DNO9QFwKDrq5LSUZRoMCsofn8ZHASBECWgZ-/s1600/rockhal.jpg" height="257" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The intimate 6,000 capacity Rockhal in Luxembourg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So far so good then, everyone who got a ticket is happy, and of the 20 gigs announced for 2014Luxembourg is set to be the fifth and final indoor one (at the time of selling out, only three indoor shows had been announced, the other two in Hungary and Bulgaria).<br />
<br />
Fast forward two weeks to this Monday just gone, when the following announcement appeared on the Maiden website:<br />
<br />
<i>Due to overwhelming demand, the Iron Maiden tour date in Luxembourg on July 1st will now be held at the 12,000 capacity main field at the Rock-A-Field Festival Ground, Roeser after the original location at Rockhal sold out within two hours, the fastest ever sell-out time at this indoor venue. Swedish heavy rock phenomenon, Ghost will be special guests at this show.</i><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-mPKmBUgtLLhHw3up1t-AIO4t_K7UC-1pg5vkdO_33D2LXuN9YcP-Ne_a-C0svPt5Azb5UBPEMnu8JmE9i4BFOL8RiM5Xa51vFjrC4BksdiYTtANWLHp8jpukt4OrsXPfjzEBBfaFV8Z/s1600/rockhal+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw-mPKmBUgtLLhHw3up1t-AIO4t_K7UC-1pg5vkdO_33D2LXuN9YcP-Ne_a-C0svPt5Azb5UBPEMnu8JmE9i4BFOL8RiM5Xa51vFjrC4BksdiYTtANWLHp8jpukt4OrsXPfjzEBBfaFV8Z/s1600/rockhal+2.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A generic field somewhere in Luxembourg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I didn’t even have time to log on to the FanClub boards before they were ablaze with people ripping into the band’s management for this decision. I can only add my voice to theirs; this seems such a cynical play for a band who repeatedly tells us that the fans are their number one concern. We knew deep down it was never true, but to have to displayed so openly was still a shock.<br />
I’ll just summarise the points as to why this decision is one of the worst Maiden have ever made<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>The fans who brought the tickets were promised an indoor gig, not an outdoor one</li>
<li>The lights, sounds, atmosphere are all vastly superior indoors</li>
<li>They were also promised the smallest gig of the tour, not 12,000 capacity</li>
<li>The new venue is over 15 miles away from the original and public transport is a nightmare, by all accounts</li>
<li>They could have booked the Rockhal for another night, which would have given more capacity than one night in Roeser</li>
</ul>
<br />
This isn’t just a one-off though, it’s the culmination of a relationship between the management and fans which has been going slowly bad for a while. I am one of the most evangelical Iron Maiden fans you could ever wish to (or not to, as the case may be) meet, but these are the current facts for the band.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>We haven’t had a new album since 2010, and only two in the last 11 years</li>
<li>Since Dance of Death was released in 2003, Maiden have toured every year with no full years off, yet of those tours eight have been Best Of/ Greatest Hits line-ups, only two showcasing new material</li>
<li>The 2014 Maiden England tour will be the third year running that this tour has been on the road. We understand that the band (especially Nicko) can’t do long tours anymore, but that doesn’t mean that we have to have this tour going round Europe for the second year running, playing only a few countries that haven’t already seen it, does it?</li>
<li>Bruce finds the time to appear on BBC Breakfast talking about planes and Steve and Adrian have both done solo projects, since the last album was released.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
Add on to all of this the way which gigs are announced these days and it’s easy to see why fans get so worked up. There aren’t many fans, admittedly, who go around Europe, but you would think that while there were any then steps should be taken to ensure they have access to all information. I’ll just give two examples, last year the drip-feeding of dates led to the Friends Arena gig being announced and going on sale within 48 hours. The choice of gigs on offer at the time was scant, so I got my tickets, despite it being expensive, having doubts over the sound and being a swine to get to. Two weeks later, a gig at Bercy in Paris is announced, cheap, easy to get to and great sound.<br />
<br />
Fast forward then to mid-June, when Bruce announces a gig at the O2 (later to become two) on 3 August, it’s a pain because people have booked summer holidays, travelled to Europe after being told there would be no UK gig other than Download festival. People still buy tickets though; the last night of the tour is always special. So what do Maiden do? Add a second night, the next day, 4 August, so now you’re no longer seeing the final night unless you buy another ticket.<br />
<br />
Oh year, ticket prices have also gone up £15-20 each in the last couple of years, but that’s another blog post….<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-35022811584100070072014-01-20T06:09:00.003-08:002014-01-20T06:09:56.809-08:00Gig review: Iron Maiden in London (O2 4/8/13)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
[Note: For some reason this didn't publish at the time, so enjoy now!]<br />
<br />
My review of the first night at the <a href="http://whiting-writing.blogspot.com/2013/08/gig-review-iron-maiden-in-london-o2-3813.html">O2 is here</a><br />
<br />
It's been almost two years to the day since I last did two Maiden gigs in two days, so I wasn't really surprised when I awoke on the morning of the second slightly stiff and hoarse. However like the soldier I am the show must go on, so back to the O2, this time without the family in tow. Entering the arena at 6:15, again with no problem at all from the ticketless process other than a comment from one of those manning the bag search area asking if I was here last night too. He seemed surprised that this was the case, clearly knowing very little about Iron Maiden fans.<br />
<br />
I was faced with the dilemma of whether to simply enjoy the gig in the relative safety of the sound desk and try to take everything in for the last time, or to go completely nuts and try to get as close to the front as I could. It wasn't ever a serious choice, my legs taking me naturally as close to the front as possible, where I settled in for the 90 minute wait for the support band.<br />
<br />
While waiting I got chatting to a couple of young lads, one attending his first Maiden gig, the other his second. Neither of them knew anything about the show or the set list they should be expecting, so not wanting to ruin the surprise I didn't say anything, simply asked each of them what their favourite Maiden album is. The first replied "<i>A Matter of Life and Death</i>, but I don't really know anything from before <i>Brave New World</i>" and the second, "I only really like <i>The Final Frontier</i>". At that point I decided to leave those guys to it. However, shortly after that I got talking to a couple, the man of which described himself to me as "a massive Maiden fan, since the 80's" and he then went on to tell me how sad he was this was their last ever gig. I pointed out not only the new album coming but even the America and South America tour in a few weeks, but it didn't seem to register. Thus the difference between casual fan and Maiden fan is well illustrated, and I still think £60 is a fair amount to pay to see a band when you only like one album (no offence to fans of Mumford and Sons).<br />
<br />
The first things I noticed looking around the venue is that the top portion of seating is curtained off from 4 o'clock round to 8 o'clock (if you imagine the stage is 12 o'clock in the arena. This probably amounts to around 1,500 seats I would guess but shows that the demand for this show couldn't live up to either the previous night or the advertised hype (this was also latterly advertised as sold out).<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zSsn_z_lk0J5Q-4NtW-zW6refmrLE13cyPG7xIfUE-di3qfN_WsdlCJjt221gxchHYoGKn-rE_E4yp0qwad7BXsIcAUsc0MBmBsZsqLINiKW0N0YElIZpbk01UcP-jVQJ6yVc7RMclOI/s1600/sunday+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8zSsn_z_lk0J5Q-4NtW-zW6refmrLE13cyPG7xIfUE-di3qfN_WsdlCJjt221gxchHYoGKn-rE_E4yp0qwad7BXsIcAUsc0MBmBsZsqLINiKW0N0YElIZpbk01UcP-jVQJ6yVc7RMclOI/s1600/sunday+1.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can just about make out the curtained off area at the top of the picture above</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Lights go down and on come Zico Chain. I have written extensively about their music before<a href="http://whiting-writing.blogspot.co.uk/2013/03/gig-review-steve-harris-british-lion.html"> here </a> so won't go into detail. I'll just say that they played for longer, and didn't quite live up to those dizzy heights this time round. Let me say this about the crowd during the support, most of them behaved exactly how they should, standing disengaged with arms crossed. But the idiots who tried to get futher forward by pretending to mosh and windmill are not cool. The big guy with grey hair who told them to stop (that was the gist of it) was!<br />
<br />
Another 40 minutes to kill and soon people who have clearly just entered try to barge past with friends/beer. Then there were the two shirtless guys who were singing variably about hating Palace, loving Sussex and then trying to get <i>Doctor Doctor </i>going about 20 minutes before the start of Maiden. Still they were harmless enough. Until, I could feel some flecks of water on my shins, I was tapping my feet at the time so guessed it must have been spilt beer, then the smell hit me. Yes, one of our shirtless Palace haters was openly urinating onto the floor. Rock and roll. Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining, you go to a gig you take the rough with the smooth and the beer with the urine, but just trying to give a flavour of the night.<br />
<br />
So for the last time the lights go down and <i>Doctor Doctor </i>gives way the the video screens with the ice falling and flyover shots of what looks a little like the North Pole. As hands go into the air I notice there are a lot of people wearing only one wristband, the green one for the Sunday night, there are hardly any pink ones from Saturday. Either people are not as concerned about showing their dedication as I am or people haven't done both gigs.<br />
<br />
The set list is the same as last night, the same band members come out onto the stage and play, but it is a totally different gig. The start is the same explosion of hype and energy which lasts through <i>Moonchild, </i>but it's when the first chords of <i>Can I Play With Madness </i>kick in that the change is noticeable. I'm about 6 rows from the front standing at this point and I'm carried forward by the surge of the crowd, turning round it's not a surge at all but a clearing for a massive circle pit which has developed. It goes on, and on, and on for much of the show, even the slows parts of the melodic songs.<br />
<br />
The start of <i>Running Free, </i>the final song for the final time and the crowd are doing their best to ensure they are completely spent by the end. By this time I'm pretty much standing directly in front of Dave Murray's monitor, having been shoved leftwards during the show by the pit. But wait, Janick Gers has suddenly come over to this side of the stage for the last song, leaning against the stage like he owns the place (and playing his guitar in much the same way)<br />
<br />
After the final pyro has cracked and the sweatbands and drum sticks have been thrown into the crowd the band seem as reluctant to leave the stage as the crowd are to see them go. Bruce holds the microphone saying a very fond farewell before passing it on to Dave Murray, who says a simple "Thanks" but gets the loudest cheer of the night. The loudest cheer that is until the mic gets passed to Adrian, who looks as if he has just been handed a ticking bomb, he holds it up, the crowd waits with breath held for the pearl of wisdom, which is "Oh, f**king hell, cheers then" the place literally erupts. I was genuinely concerned the roof would fly off, just like in the t-shirts.<br />
<br />
I cheered so loudly I closed my eyes, open them just in time to see Nicko throwing his drum risers into the crowd and turning to jog off the stage, one gangling leg after the other. And that was it, they were gone. The crowd stood, patiently, waiting for the next installment. Everyone knew they weren't coming back, but that didn't stop the chants of "We want more" and "Maiden, Maiden, Maiden"<br />
<br />
Monty Python takes over, <i>Always Look on the Bright Side of Life </i>is whistled by a content 13,000 odd punters. I try to take a quick route to the mixing desk to find my mate who I'm meeting for a pint, but can't move. It's not just sticky floor but the fact hits me that I'll never see some of these songs again live. The moments from this tour, which I have been waiting for more than half my life, are gone. Stored in the same part of the brain which hold the most precious memories of my life, but I'll never hear <i>Afraid to Shoot Strangers </i>again. It feels stupid to be upset about it, because the gigs on this tour have been a complete bonus but I can't help but wipe the tears from my face with my sweat soaked t-shirt.<br />
<br />
The pint in the pub afterwards (lemonade for me) soothes the vocal chords but not the impending feeling of emptiness that there are no more gigs left. Leaving the others behind making my way back to Stratford people are talking on the tube which keeps the feeling alive for a few more precious minutes, but going my own way I'm on my own. I meet someone on the way home who asks what I've been doing this evening. I don't question his stupidity that I'm wearing ripped cut off jeans and an Iron Maiden t-shirt which says exactly where I've been, but instead resign myself to the fact that the question means that the moment has gone, and normal life has returned.<br />
<br />
<u>Full set list:</u><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Moonchild<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can I play With Madness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Prisoner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Minutes to Midnight<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Afraid to Shoot Strangers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Trooper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Number of the Beast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Phantom of the Opera<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Run to the Hills<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wasted Years<strong><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Seventh Son of a Seventh Son<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Clairvoyant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fear of the Dark<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Iron Maiden<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Encore:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Churchill's Speech<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aces High<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Evil That Men Do</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Running Free</span></div>
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Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-20443036996939356492014-01-20T06:05:00.005-08:002014-01-20T06:05:54.164-08:00Tribute to Andy Matthews<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It’s been a tough year for the wider Iron Maiden family. Last year we
lost former drummer Clive Burr and Steve Gadd of drum tech and tour management
fame. Now Andy Matthews, relatively recent addition to the Killer Krew with responsibility
for IMTV and recent DVD releases as well as directing the filming of concerts
on a nightly basis.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_r9e2UEXbCBgVYImBn-XTjL3Snk4k_sI93gqnTcuruWAxmkGb5RwOZuzARKvphFgIqfPE641iqcglJzat_47UVTkLLJe23He8lFPEvHouQsJ09zknLjCUJd4xayqrvzAtoHYBjABbm6Fu/s1600/27826810_morto-andy-matthews-video-director-degli-iron-maiden-0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_r9e2UEXbCBgVYImBn-XTjL3Snk4k_sI93gqnTcuruWAxmkGb5RwOZuzARKvphFgIqfPE641iqcglJzat_47UVTkLLJe23He8lFPEvHouQsJ09zknLjCUJd4xayqrvzAtoHYBjABbm6Fu/s1600/27826810_morto-andy-matthews-video-director-degli-iron-maiden-0.jpg" height="143" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy Matthews (centre) died last week</td></tr>
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He was diagnosed with lung cancer in September 2013, and though it was
thought to be treatable he died last week. He had been planning to take part in
the latest charity bike ride of the Heavy Metal Truants in Cambodia.<o:p></o:p></div>
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En Vivo was the third Maiden concert to be officially released since the reformation of the band in 1999 and followed <i>Rock in Rio</i> (2001) and <i>Death on the Road</i> (2003). While both of those shows were good, the hasty editing and jumpy cuts in <i>Death on the Road</i> actually make it quite difficult to watch. While some thought the same about the many and varied split screens employeed in <i>En Vivo</i>, the overall viewing experience is enhanced.</div>
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I only ever met him once, at the last night of the most recent Maiden
England tour at the O2. I was milling around in the venue waiting for the main
doors to open and out of some side door comes Andy with his camera at the
ready. “Are you filming for IMTV” I asked, “Sure am” he replied, “Can I be on
it, I was here last night as well” as I proudly showed my two wristbands from
the weekends gigs. The response, as he continued walking by, laughing “You’ve
got more of a face for radio, mate”. I didn’t take it personally, I know of
others who he said very similar things to, and I have had many others say
similar things to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Andy was without doubt an integral part of Maiden shows since 2009.
Whenever he came out on stage to film the crowd it signalled the serious build
up to maiden coming on, they were never more than 10 minutes behind Andy, and
he also did a much better job of whipping the crowd up than any support band I
can think of.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Given the unenviable job he had of trying to organise the filming of,
and spotlights for, 5 members of Iron Maiden on a nightly basis with an
in-house crew who frequently didn’t speak English Andy always maintained his
humour and good nature. There’s a great part in the documentary on the <i>En Vivo</i>
release where he is trying to explain to a crew about the band members, before
resorting to calling them by numbers.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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The warmth of feeling from Fan Club members on the message board is testament
to how much everyone enjoyed his company and appreciated his work. He was
normally to be found in a local bar before (and frequently after) the gig, and
always gave the impression that he was just like us, except he got to live our
dream, travelling the world watching Maiden every night.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaUceytIi3SAgccu8HkDkjZIW1tHF8h40vY2mcjTLkA8iQPuQojgs36_WvpMKWIfxLqBU44B08ghVXylxp0vYszSlCaBJG1R0ZMdz_FCG0r8weIBQEApH8cXziUJZ4-70GQidXct7Iu-A/s1600/268656967_640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsaUceytIi3SAgccu8HkDkjZIW1tHF8h40vY2mcjTLkA8iQPuQojgs36_WvpMKWIfxLqBU44B08ghVXylxp0vYszSlCaBJG1R0ZMdz_FCG0r8weIBQEApH8cXziUJZ4-70GQidXct7Iu-A/s1600/268656967_640.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthews gave <i>En Vivo</i> something which was missing from previous DVD releases</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<o:p></o:p></div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-59884041749544554092013-08-04T08:27:00.002-07:002013-08-04T08:28:29.049-07:00Gig review: Iron Maiden in London (O2 3/8/13)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Those of you who are devoted readers of my blog will have noticed that I haven’t written anything since the last Iron Maiden gig review in Paris. This is for 3 reasons: firstly, the gig was so amazing that the thought of not getting to see it again had me genuinely questioning some pretty fundamental things in my life. Secondly, when Iron Maiden announced at Donington that they would be playing these two gig sat the O2 nothing really seemed worth comment in comparison to the excitement and thirdly, summer is nice weather, don’t sit in front of a laptop. Go outside for goodness sake.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Now, I’m not going to just re-write the blow-by-blow and song-by-song account of this gig like I did for the Paris show in June, instead I wanted to give a flavour of the emotions I experience during the gig and the general feeling around it.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I arrived at the O2 around 4pm with my wife, who wasn’t coming this time. We walked around the venue and I rushed to the merch stand to buy my t-shirt, which unlike Paris was on sale to the general public and so I had spent much of the morning stressing that it would have been sold out, even more so when one appeared on ebay at 2pm with a first bid of £95. In the event I strolled up, put my £25 on the counter and walked off with my O2 t-shirt.<o:p></o:p></div>
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A few words about the t-shirt. Last time Maiden played two shows at the O2 in 2011 there was no special event shirt, much to my disappointment. This time because the gigs were announced after the start of the tour they don’t spear on the generic tour date t-shirts, so it was pretty obvious that one would appear.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4gR0sPk6wei14lQUNf3rkQEVsvkVd1AhLk740MP6gqVABMUW9bdlfHaFk49ChD0VxUoyIb9om9gCcTrwiRgOhQ8ayenbIKIcc85jOFjLKHp7byxaAWybtORK4n4NmZ9dLeIbEmQ87O7J/s1600/IMG-20130804-00334.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie4gR0sPk6wei14lQUNf3rkQEVsvkVd1AhLk740MP6gqVABMUW9bdlfHaFk49ChD0VxUoyIb9om9gCcTrwiRgOhQ8ayenbIKIcc85jOFjLKHp7byxaAWybtORK4n4NmZ9dLeIbEmQ87O7J/s320/IMG-20130804-00334.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T-shirt front</td></tr>
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As you can see, Seventh Son Eddie coming out of the O2 with the usual baby trapped in his organ turning into London Bridge. It’s one of the only shirts from this tour which does not have the horse jumping over something (the other notable one being Paris). As with all Iron Maiden t-shirts the level of detail is what makes it special. Rather than leave out the yellow pylons where Eddie is coming out they have instead been dislodged, and of course carrying the Union flag for the only UK arena dates of this tour.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw95kGM0TTZwnaSVEkQuvivyDYPalwvpgqqjbkRl9HcewxpzvgyFqwBaEYw82wvVeEeSeFu8fpT4wbBZAz-TBDytVQ_SOYlIuTD7CVtN_V4N3fNKXpdAeIJ2hMGHOeHbgsMtZN6yvj2ySE/s1600/IMG-20130804-00335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw95kGM0TTZwnaSVEkQuvivyDYPalwvpgqqjbkRl9HcewxpzvgyFqwBaEYw82wvVeEeSeFu8fpT4wbBZAz-TBDytVQ_SOYlIuTD7CVtN_V4N3fNKXpdAeIJ2hMGHOeHbgsMtZN6yvj2ySE/s320/IMG-20130804-00335.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The back is the standard design from the rest of the tour with the specific dates (beware of imitation t-shirts without the dates on the back!). But to my recollection this is the first Iron Maiden t-shirt to feature the English flag alongside the Union flag. Though I'm happy to be corrected if anyone has any pictures.<br />
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So we grabbed some food and sat on the grass and soaked up the atmosphere. It was pretty clear from the people excitedly talking around us that this was going to be a pretty special evening. Gigs announced after the tour has started and especially at late notice are always special, there's a sense that because people didn't know they were going to get the chance to see the show, they are prepared to go even more wild.<br />
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At 6pm we met my father-in-law and two brothers-in-law who were also coming to the gig, and they changed into their (my) Iron Maiden t-shirts for what I think you will agree is a rather special shot together in front of the advertising billboard at the top of the tube station steps.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIyOG0UrCVN0S62Y8CYiC5rA7yNWgA1J_Mj18IyFgnfOVNfsmFKHAm3QdkLU_8o3PPi5Zc8u9ajm0VA-mi59yVrrIEYVQExZS7fOAKkosqLhZfdTTwMpW05k4xizRqYwf0o7BNcwIN5H8/s1600/20130803_180914.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidIyOG0UrCVN0S62Y8CYiC5rA7yNWgA1J_Mj18IyFgnfOVNfsmFKHAm3QdkLU_8o3PPi5Zc8u9ajm0VA-mi59yVrrIEYVQExZS7fOAKkosqLhZfdTTwMpW05k4xizRqYwf0o7BNcwIN5H8/s640/20130803_180914.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Iron Maiden family is always growing</td></tr>
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There were no paper tickets issued for the concert and has been some discussion beforehand about the trauma of trying to get in at previous venues where ticketless was in operation. So with some trepidation we walked around the outer ring of the O2 towards the queue, which had only been moving for around 50 minutes since doors opened. Far from chaos though, we walked straight through, handed the man our credit card and strolled in. I would advise anyone not desperate to get to the barrier not to bother with queueing up.<br />
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So, in the arena with about an hour to go before the support band came on, and to my surprise we managed to get around 20 metres from the stage. Those already in seems slightly subdued, but then London crowds are not known for being the most veracious of crowds. It didn't really seem to be filling up that quickly as it approached time for the support band, Voodoo Six as in Paris, the reserved seating especially enabling many to stay in the pubs and miss the warm-up.<br />
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They came, they underwhelmed, they went. The stage hands cleared away the equipment and it was as if they had never even appeared. The backing tracked played on, the end of each song greeted with a growing cheer as those who had clearly never been to a Maiden gig before thought they might make an early entry. Then, halfway through a song the backing tape fades out and the unmistakable chords of <i>Dr Dr</i> kick in. This is always a good test of a Maiden crowd. Do they know the song? Do they know what it means? The answer for the majority here is clearly no, but nonetheless it gets a pretty good reception.<br />
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As it ends and the lights go out I feel a big knot developing in my stomach. The tension that has been building throughout the day is about to reach it's climax. My calves go tight, my whole body stiffens as the classical music ends and the opening words of <i>Moonchild </i>are played on the screen. Then, lights come up, Nicko's beat takes over from the tape and the drum roll which signals the start of the gig for real.<br />
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The energy released in that first ten seconds always catches me off guard. The introduction of extra pyrotechnics for this tour means you can literally feel the heat of the flames as Maiden take the stage. Everyone surges forward, pushing with all they have into nothing, The people at the front try to push back and so begins the courtship of the Maiden pit which will go on for the next 105 minutes. Sometimes you'll slip past a sweaty body and find yourself closer to the stage, sometimes you'll feel the sweaty wet hair of someone as they dart past you.<br />
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Standing with me had been the aforementioned family members, only one of which had previously stood at a Maiden gig before. We managed to keep together for about 20 seconds of the first song but in the every-man-for-himself scramble I skipped past and joined the mayhem.<br />
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By the end of <i>Can I Play With Madness </i>I'm about three rows from the front and once putting my hands in the air can't put them back down again. The jumping and singing is relentless, my mouth is already dry halfway through <i>The Prisoner </i>as everyone screams the chorus. I never know where to look, should I be watching Bruce, or Steve, but then when there are guitar solos should I be watching whoever to shredding it up. I mainly watch Steve as he's positioning himself right in front of me, and then it happened, he looked my directly in the eye. Of course he didn't actually look me directly in the eye, but it seemed as if he did. He's on stage singing along to every word, and I'm in the pit, doing the same thing. That's the great thing about Iron Maiden, at the end of the day they're just ordinary guys like those of us who have come to watch.<br />
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The rest of the set gallops along at a pretty lively pace, with just the one pause for breath when Bruce welcomes everyone after <i>2 Minutes to Midnight</i> but he does seem to be lacking his usual crowd interaction. Hopes were raised when he they could play all night because there was no curfew, unlike their former London haunts Earls Court, Brixton and Hammersmith and he did show his wicked sense of humour with the crowd when he said "we've got a few surprises tonight, but if you've been online you'll know what's coming. You never know, it may change. It won't change." And so everyone who had hoped to hear <i>Infinite Dreams </i>slouched back down and made a mental note to whine on the message boards in the morning.<br />
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The only song which seemed to have some people standing near me genuinely confused was <i>Afraid to Shoot Strangers. </i>Now granted it doesn't come from this era (nor does <i>Fear of the Dark) </i>but I would have thought if you're paying £60 for a ticket you are either a hardcore Iron Maiden fan or interested enough to investigate the material you may hear. Anyway, normality is restored with <i>The Trooper, </i>during which two people go down in the pit and have to fight their way back to their feet. There's no let up during <i>The Number of the Beast </i>so I decide it's time to make a tactical retreat a few rows to avoid ending up on my back.<br />
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Eddie's walk on cameo during <i>Run to the Hills </i>gets everyone back in full party mode before Adrian let rip with <i>Wasted Years</i>. It was part way through this song that it struck me that I would probably never see it performed live again after this tour. I didn't dwell on the thought for long but it did bring a tear to the eye.<br />
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The epic centre piece of the show is undoubtedly <i>Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. </i>The behind the stage Eddie, the snapping pyro, the long guitar solo. It seemed from where I was standing that the middle part was slightly quicker than it should have been, but no matter it was still immense. I was trying to stand still and take it all in. Remember the moments like these in your life, because they are all too fleeting and rare.<br />
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If <i>Seventh Son </i>feels like the part of the gig where the excitement roller coaster takes time out to reclimb the heights of earlier in the set, then after <i>The Clairvoyant </i>it goes over the edge at full speed from the first note of <i>Fear of the Dark. </i>No one cares that this wasn't played on the Maiden England set, in fact no one seems to care about anything as they go totally bonkers.<br />
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The first installment reaches its crescendo with <i>Iron Maiden </i>and the second behind the stage Eddie, who looks totally resplendent. There isn't long to catch your breath though before Churchill pipes up about fighting them in various locations and <i>Aces High </i>begins. The highlight for me is that Bruce appears wearing a airman's skull protector, which he lifts the flaps up when demanding a scream. It's a nice touch. He then has a little chat with it quoting Shakespeare to introduce <i>The Evil That Men Do </i>before <i>Running Free </i>brings things to a final conclusion for the night.<br />
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At the start of <i>Running Free </i>Bruce asks everyone to hold up their flags from where they have come from and reports back to the crowd that there are Swedish, Danish, Norwegian, German, Polish and Ecuadorians among us. I also know of Australians and Americans who have made the trip over just for these two concerts. It is a tribute to Maiden, the show they put on and the unquestioned adoration of the fans they lead around the world.<br />
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As the final pieces of stagewear are tossed into the audience (the guy in front of me tried to catch a sweatband and lost an iPhone, thin lines between success and failure) the long walk back to the tube begins. Even walking out with the others after being reunited at the mixing desk I can't really speak. It's not just that I have shouted myself hoarse for 2 hours, but I can't really believe what I have just seen. The band I have been devoted to for 15 years has just played possibly the gig that tops the previous 72 I've seen. I'm not sure what there is to say, just trying to soak in every single second of it. After tomorrow, it'll be gone from my life forever.<br />
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Three good signs of a Maiden gig for me, when leaving the O2 I was barely speaking above a rasping whisper, my legs ached and my arms were sore and I had to take off my tshirt to wring out a good deal of sweat before I put it back on for the journey home.<br />
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Overall, unless you haven't guessed, this gig was totally awesome. All the elements of Paris were there of course, but it just seemed to go beyond that. It's hard to put my finger on why, maybe it was the fact that the tour is over and the band know that after this they have a month off. Maybe it's the same for the fans who have been travelling round, no need to hold anything back after these dates.<br />
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The sound, oft discussed on the tour, was superb considering I was stood so close to the front. Steve's bass was like a little ringing bell, clear as anything in my ears, and the guitars were crisp and sharp. Bruce's voice, well it was as it always is, astounding. How these guys have the energy to do what they do for so many nights of the year I will never know. They put men half their age to shame.<br />
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It was also pretty satisfying that the three others I attended with all enjoyed themselves too. Special shout out to my 54 year-old father-in-law who started at the front before moving slightly back, ending the gig with a button ripped off his shirt, dirty trainers and trousers and being very sweaty.<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Full set list</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Moonchild<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can I play With Madness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Prisoner<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Minutes to Midnight<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Afraid to Shoot Strangers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Trooper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Number of the Beast<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Phantom of the Opera<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Run to the Hills<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wasted Years<strong><o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Seventh Son of a Seventh Son<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Clairvoyant<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fear of the Dark<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Iron Maiden<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b>Encore:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Churchill's Speech<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aces High<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Evil That Men Do<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Running Free</span></div>
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So, that's it for now. But we'll go back and do it all again, for one last time this evening!</div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-58994082359329416652013-06-06T11:49:00.001-07:002013-06-06T23:07:09.041-07:00Gig review: Iron Maiden in Paris<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Sometimes when you fall in love with someone, it’s hard to keep the
initial warm fuzzy feeling once you get into the routine of everyday life. It
takes a special moment or some time alone together to realise just how much
affection you have for them, and at that point you wonder how you ever could
live without them. On Wednesday in Paris I had just such a moment with Iron
Maiden. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">When I first got into Maiden when I was 12, I never dreamed this night would come. Bruce Dickinson wasn't the singer, they struggled to sell out the Brixton academy and the singer they did have struggled to sing the vast majority of the back catalogue. When Bruce re-joined with Adrian Smith in 1999 the band pledged not to become a cabaret act reliving the past, but the explosion in young fans has fuelled the market for "Best of" tours. Since 2003 the cycle has been best of, new album, best of, new album. 2008 was the obvious peak for the tours, the chance to see the 1984 World Slavery Tour in full action. No one dreamed that it would continue with the 1988 <em>Seventh Son of a Seventh Son </em>tour.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Before the current tour it had been a while since I had seen Maiden
live, almost two years in fact, and I was starting to wonder if the magic would
still be there. How stupid could I have been to even doubt it? The band gave
one of the most energetic, vigorous and theatrical performances I have ever
seen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The gig in Paris is always a highlight of the European tour, both
because it’s easy to get to so fans come from all over Europe, and because the
venue itself, the Bercy Arena, is simply fantastic both for sound quality at
atmosphere. Unlike any other venue I’ve been to, the seating area was full
before the warm up band even took the stage and everyone was joyfully singing
along to the songs being played over the PA. Incidentally, please change that
tape Maiden, I’m pretty sure the first time I went to Bercy 10 years ago it was
the same songs being played.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoEzLc1SUh-FFT5E5nlvg2RLL-xNy5vGxOJ0w7rcn_6c_pHRwryIuA1Rc8T-IJriSAL94LyIFk972zRlbReYC5lgIjkLacyzFlpMLGgqTsqdkiZresGi4gAFKjI8x9pmDiDR4KSFYJctN/s1600/palais-omnisport-de-paris-bercy_s345x230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoEzLc1SUh-FFT5E5nlvg2RLL-xNy5vGxOJ0w7rcn_6c_pHRwryIuA1Rc8T-IJriSAL94LyIFk972zRlbReYC5lgIjkLacyzFlpMLGgqTsqdkiZresGi4gAFKjI8x9pmDiDR4KSFYJctN/s400/palais-omnisport-de-paris-bercy_s345x230.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The appearance of the POP Bercy is as mystifying as it is breath-taking</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The fun started before I even got into the hall though. Having had a
quick nap in the hotel room I got to the venue about 17:30 (doors opening at
18:30) and headed straight to the merchandise stand to secure my special ‘I was
there gig shirt’ so imagine my horror when there weren’t any there. I angrily
trudged to the back of the queue, moaning to anyone who would listen about how
annoying it was that there were no Bercy shirts, and that those on sale would
be half price in the online shop by Christmas. Once inside the venue I wandered
past the merch stand and there it was, the event shirt I had hoped for, only
being sold inside the venue so that it was only available to ticket holders, a
nice touch.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A few words on the shirt: this is without doubt the best concert
specific tshirt I have ever seen (which is why I purchased a small, having sold
out of mediums). The detail is spectacular and reflects the artwork of the
period covered in the concert. Firstly, the fact that Eddie has stopped off for
a snack halfway through the journey between the two venues and is having that
French classic snails and frogs, lovingly skewered ready for the bonfire. Then
in the clouds the Seventh Son album cover Eddie appears, and the branches in
the top left strongly reminiscent of the tree from the Fear of the Dark album
cover. </span></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNDeOzHqLqHGY2vivfje9fVl3X_2_z8RS5rmWV0FSXS7-BRVT_TUp4cD-3GR-30kKxt6lQs0nZm4BUEFfeyShHDGp2gHMz8f59n9SNQtDEMhB0FPQL6dfS1zv1tmRi3bVAYUzDz0SI3Zh/s1600/Paris-20130605-00231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNDeOzHqLqHGY2vivfje9fVl3X_2_z8RS5rmWV0FSXS7-BRVT_TUp4cD-3GR-30kKxt6lQs0nZm4BUEFfeyShHDGp2gHMz8f59n9SNQtDEMhB0FPQL6dfS1zv1tmRi3bVAYUzDz0SI3Zh/s320/Paris-20130605-00231.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tshirt front</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFgUxO_2fVY09vueLBo07CELKoTZitR3w6ptrchHGkM4zIc5yNYpwERzTerARphTHLg6nZWv40lr8IeXCP4zdfmxT1IbeQyAnCr1aNnGMjsPqV3InYuAPhurTVTdTK_RJs3zCQrt2Glt3/s1600/Paris-20130605-00232.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioFgUxO_2fVY09vueLBo07CELKoTZitR3w6ptrchHGkM4zIc5yNYpwERzTerARphTHLg6nZWv40lr8IeXCP4zdfmxT1IbeQyAnCr1aNnGMjsPqV3InYuAPhurTVTdTK_RJs3zCQrt2Glt3/s320/Paris-20130605-00232.jpg" width="242" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tshirt back</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">So on to the gig itself, in keeping with tradition of my gig reviews,
and to appreciate the musicianship all involved, I start with a word about the
support band, VooDoo Six: Awful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There wasn’t much noticeable build up in the atmosphere after the
support act had left the stage, because as I said it had been pretty good the
whole way through. It was the usual 30 minutes between sets, and the stage
carpentry team appeared to be taking some time to fix the side gangways which
were pretty wobbly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Standing immediately in front of me are 6 young French kids, perhaps
14 or 15, smoking the biggest joint you have ever seen. I don’t know where
their mothers thought they were, or why you would spend 51 Euro on a ticket
just to get stoned before the show. Anyway, in addition to being silly they are
also lightweights, and about 5 minutes before Maiden came on one of them fell
down, eyes rolled back in his head. He almost instantly got up, not appearing
to know where he was before falling back down about 30 seconds later. Being the
responsible Iron Maiden fan that I am, I neatly stepped over him, taking his
position slightly nearer the stage and turned round to see some rather scared
looking friends carrying him outside the arena. It is simply incomprehensible
to me that anyone would put a friend before a Maiden gig. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After that excitement the strains of Iron Man gave way for the third
time and there is a slight pause. The unmistakeable first chords of UFO’s
Doctor Doctor kick in and the place literally erupts. The hairs on the back of
my neck are standing up, I glance round to a young couple beside me, clearly
their first Maiden gig as they don’t appear to have a clue what’s going on. As
always the clapping and singing dies down after the first verse as everyone
waits for the drum finale and the lights to go out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The gig starts as always with the classical music introduction, but
unlike the Final Frontier tour there is also a video, depicting ice falling into
the sea at various points. It is of course much more technical than that but I couldn’t
really take it all in at the time. It’ll be on the DVD I’m sure. The end of the
video and the first acoustic chords of <i>Moonchild
</i>signal the start of the gig. Like the last tour the opening song is split
in two, the first part being played out on the screen with Bruce singing which
would have pleased Michael Kenny who escaped the tricky keyboard opening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">A blast of fire rises from the 6 points on the stage and the band crash
onto the stage, the energy in the room can only be compared to some kind of
massive explosion. I’m standing 25 metres from the stage but feel the blast of
heat from the pyro as the crowd surges forward. <i>Moonchild </i>is an amazing song, too rarely on the set list. It’s the perfect
opening to the show with the energy from the first note and the raucous chorus
being shouted by the majority of the 17000 inside the arena. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is no time to pause for breath before Nicko is tishing his
symbols to herald the start of the next song, unmistakably beginning with the
shouted strains of “Can I Play with Madness”. It’s another rip-snorter of a
sing-along and one which the entire audience seems to know, unlike <i>Moonchild. </i> Next up back to the video screens for the intro
to <i>The Prisoner</i>, which kicks off with
the no nonsense drum section originally bashed out by Bruce Dickinson while the
band were recording in Jersey. It’s the first time it’s featured in the set
since the 1988 tour, and yet another chorus which begs to be sung at the
loudest possible volume. The crowd oblige all too willingly “I’m not a
numbeeeeeer, I’m a free maaaaaan”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The gig is really warmed up now, the band are clearly having the time
of their lives on stage and the atmosphere in the pit in insane. All spotlights
turn to Adrian who takes the opening riff of <i>Two Minutes to Midnight</i> something he hasn’t done since leaving the
band in 1989. A firm crowd favourite and set regular, it’s the first time that
some serious partying breaks out on the floor, with people throwing themselves
in just about every direction during the guitar solos. It’s also the first “Scream
for me Bercy” of the night, which heralds near deafening results.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXY9pLaRtRllKiDdv83LS67vLvzXY-eMQ8OGvGbKztuc17ql_4dR6vvYeRb4593N6MQy_NqZleuPs3NWTXrwa2HlgCm8Y_7ppJdDxmZBRDztppTsUw6LJ7XXyuBxJWckCQFOzizlQYHmKA/s1600/Alice+&+Maiden+2012++(51).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXY9pLaRtRllKiDdv83LS67vLvzXY-eMQ8OGvGbKztuc17ql_4dR6vvYeRb4593N6MQy_NqZleuPs3NWTXrwa2HlgCm8Y_7ppJdDxmZBRDztppTsUw6LJ7XXyuBxJWckCQFOzizlQYHmKA/s400/Alice+&+Maiden+2012++(51).JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2 Minutes to Midnight Eddie has been frozen on his drape, possibly by the seventh son</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The first (and only) speech from Bruce on the night, speaking fluent
French I have no idea what he said, but it ended with a rousing rendition of
Happy Birthday being sung at Nicko who was teased about being the oldest member
of the band. This meant there was no proper introduction to the next song,
which is usually introduced as a song about the horrors of war. Interestingly
Bruce does point out that the song is slightly outside the date range for the
tour, being recorded in 1992, but none the less <i>Afraid to Shoot Strangers </i>is a welcome addition to the set.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I actually wrote to the band in 2003, before the first time I saw them
at Bercy, and asked that as the second Gulf war was well underway the song be
included in the set. It’s one of the most beautiful songs Maiden have ever
recorded, containing both overt political sentiment, moody lyrics and rasping
guitar solos. Bruce carries it off effortlessly as if they have been playing it
on every tour for the last 20 years.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The next two songs race by in an orgy of unashamed tribal triumphalism.
From the moment that the drape roles across for <i>The Trooper</i> the screams are deafening and the crowd sing the words
to the first verse so loudly that it’s hard to hear Bruce on the stage. One
slight disappointment during the guitar solo, since the reunion in 1999 it’s
been customary for the three guitar players to stand on Bruce’s central wedges,
but last night Adrian decided not to join them. Not that it detracted from the
song, which was accompanied by the video for the song featuring the English and
American Indians fighting in somewhat comic fashion. It’s always a highlight of any gig when Bruce
appears dressed in full Anglo-Russian War uniform waving around the battered
Union Flag, and tonight is no exception. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">No pause for breath before the lights go out again and we’re treated to
the eerie reading of Revelation before the strains of <i>The Number of the Beast </i>kick in. As has become a feature of recent
tours, a rather cute looking devil appears behind Janick on the left of the
stage and breaths out smoke during the chorus, which is heartily chanted with
hands in the air all round.</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbDDLJJznyH7ljRp5FU5B1JDhDZKwsYYCPrIcPv1SDFEWslLt4jnPetKBXcaygimOrwLtDv6er18P3oF94OkA5rN3fsumS4skXf6esgMO5ILuryfK2Upoxmb0JuhPqrdEiY2zPvkUx0VS/s1600/maiden_2012ii.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSbDDLJJznyH7ljRp5FU5B1JDhDZKwsYYCPrIcPv1SDFEWslLt4jnPetKBXcaygimOrwLtDv6er18P3oF94OkA5rN3fsumS4skXf6esgMO5ILuryfK2Upoxmb0JuhPqrdEiY2zPvkUx0VS/s400/maiden_2012ii.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The pyro during Number of the Beast. Not too sure why the drape is Final Frontier Eddie though</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Another flashback next as Bruce calmly announces <i>The Phantom of the Opera</i> to the crowd which is now in a state of
near climaxing frenzy. This hasn’t been played live for 8 years and there are
clearly a few in the crowd who aren’t
sure what’s happening but those who do know that this might be the last time
they ever hear this song live, and they devour every second of it unapologetically.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Attention turns back to the drums as the thumping intro accompanied by
the drape of Eddie slaying the devil and Bruce’s cry of “You might f**king know
this one” can only mean it’s time to <i>Run
to the Hills. </i>There are plenty of Iron Maiden fans who think this songs
time has been and gone but the reaction to it played live is spine-tingling. It was also the appearance of the walk-on Eddie, unusual for it to be in such a short song. Also unusual for the song to be in the body of the set, having been until 2008 the finale of the encore.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PCtnvDikyZGrxQo0S6oJxrSiKWN9FgOcZUfI1DQjnRaY39aFlDnTpDrvea9mH9e75VamPq9KIreyEsFrEm7iCibvah3G6lppIaDGQo9SLG8kYxFNQt5hEVXZNR3gAkhS7LeqgvtrjXbX/s1600/Paris-20130605-00222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6PCtnvDikyZGrxQo0S6oJxrSiKWN9FgOcZUfI1DQjnRaY39aFlDnTpDrvea9mH9e75VamPq9KIreyEsFrEm7iCibvah3G6lppIaDGQo9SLG8kYxFNQt5hEVXZNR3gAkhS7LeqgvtrjXbX/s400/Paris-20130605-00222.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A blurry shot of the Run to the Hills drape</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoen5731M8SfAcLUIIJXCJOP9vnyzu7sc8aU8hJCtiMzSR2ZB7K8M9md-hSFr-I-b1O7MVq_co0xPIjL-p_5DKu-0h4YfdDIWfChS1viINbISqdbbPZ_nFPk2mIANwJ6QbmOVBPwASq9zx/s1600/Paris-20130605-00227.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoen5731M8SfAcLUIIJXCJOP9vnyzu7sc8aU8hJCtiMzSR2ZB7K8M9md-hSFr-I-b1O7MVq_co0xPIjL-p_5DKu-0h4YfdDIWfChS1viINbISqdbbPZ_nFPk2mIANwJ6QbmOVBPwASq9zx/s400/Paris-20130605-00227.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An even blurrier shot of the waking Eddie during Run to the Hills</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There is always something of a lull in the crowd after the walk-on Eddie leaves the stage as people scrabble to get their phones back in their pockets having been taking pictures. There was just no time for that though as Dave Murray's guitar screams out the first chords of <em>Wasted Years, </em>another song which can only be described as a crowd-sing-a-long-favourite. The standing section becomes on throbbing mass as the chorus it belted out from lungs becoming ever more hoarse thanks to the total lack of respite this set affords them. <em>Wasted Years </em>didn't feature in a Maiden set between 1999 and 2008, I wouldn't complain if it was played every night until they retire.<em> </em></span><br />
<br />
Every Iron Maiden set has one epic song, the one that you just stand with your chin on the floor at the musicianship, the audacity that they think they can pull it off live, and the ecstasy that they so effortlessly do it. On the <em>Dance of Death </em>tour it was <em>Paschendale, </em>the <em>A Matter of Life and Death </em>tour was <em>For the Greater Good of God </em>and last time round it was <em>When the Wild Wind Blows.</em> On this tour it's the song most fans has not dared to dream they would play, the title song from what many fans believe is the peak of Iron Maiden's musical powers, <em>Seventh Son of a Seventh Son. </em>The live performance of the song isn't just incredible because Bruce can keep up with the constant demands it places on his voice, or even that the guitars and bass somehow hold together for the 5 minute plus instrumental at the end. It's that all these things come together and the theatrics mean that you can't take your eyes of the stage.</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJd5yzHsyBh6MQTNdoSJwY0BZkxRihxi280CWdiKKrHqheDN4SOeKpB_0MiYEIBAQm8nID9zZBeNBf-NF0vPkR_VsU0KpuhKAJoJGF6R-YJ_7qeWPVT3okDZZqv1f4ZoTfr5sSu1wYNBdz/s1600/Paris-20130605-00230.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJd5yzHsyBh6MQTNdoSJwY0BZkxRihxi280CWdiKKrHqheDN4SOeKpB_0MiYEIBAQm8nID9zZBeNBf-NF0vPkR_VsU0KpuhKAJoJGF6R-YJ_7qeWPVT3okDZZqv1f4ZoTfr5sSu1wYNBdz/s400/Paris-20130605-00230.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mystic Eddie with a crystal ball. No body saw this coming</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdVPKOAzpdKlhgby07MRbQ8qo3Rycw6BAnmS9kUosvb3OETtV2YLfO-FpBLhSld6nU4qqG9-PYvlyj1UPhC9lo5ZYj_tIr8omxNrKS82FZ40b8CaSNOqTFyVbkR1C8oSLAzkak3a9WsHf/s1600/Screen-shot-2012-06-22-at-1.21.58-PM1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdVPKOAzpdKlhgby07MRbQ8qo3Rycw6BAnmS9kUosvb3OETtV2YLfO-FpBLhSld6nU4qqG9-PYvlyj1UPhC9lo5ZYj_tIr8omxNrKS82FZ40b8CaSNOqTFyVbkR1C8oSLAzkak3a9WsHf/s400/Screen-shot-2012-06-22-at-1.21.58-PM1.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve and Bruce during Seventh Son, behind the stage Eddie looks serious</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The rising from the back of the stage Eddie always appears during <em>Iron Maiden</em> as the drum solo starts, so it was a shock to see him coming up in the heart of the set. It's the Eddie from <em>The Clairvoyant </em>artwork, scribbling something he's seen in his crystal ball, and he stayed up for the entire song. Spectacular isn't the word for this song, snapping cracking pyro throughout, large Eddie and perfect musicianship.<br />
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No sooner had Eddie gone down behind the stage but his song started, Steve Harris emerged from the smoke to play the only bass intro on any Maiden song, which can only be described by the millions who have stood in their living rooms, leg raised on the sofa in the Harris style, as "ch-ch-chung ch-chung, ch-ch-ch-chung, ch-chung, ch-ch-ch-ch-chung" repeated a few times before the guitars roar in to join the action. <em>The Clairvoyant </em>drape rolls across the stage before Bruce has belted out the first line. The audience, sweating and near exhaustion bounce as one from front to back.<br />
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The main part of the set is now reaching complete and utter fever pitch and Bruce walks up the stage above the drum riser and huskily says the four words which cause utter bedlam "Fear of the Dark". Played on every tour since 1992 and the traditional penultimate song of the show, the fans sing and shout, orchestrated by Bruce from the stage as the "wooooah wooooooah ooooh ooh" of the intro guitars are matched syllable for syllable. By the time Bruce has given his last "Fear of the dark, your turn" the screams coming back are full of the tension of a spring which has been wound far too tightly, and as the grungy instrumental section kicks in it's as if an atom bomb has exploded in the room. The energy is maintained through to the very end as Bruce disappears from whence he came.<br />
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Behind the stage the inevitable "Scream for me Bercy" which heralds the start of the last song of the set, <em>Iron Maiden</em>. Every last drop of gusto is mustered for the rousing chorus "Oh, well, wherever, wherever you are, Iron Maidens gonna get you, no matter how far". The drum solo seems to be missing a little of it's usual anticipation as everyone has already seen Eddie, but then a head starts to emerge from the back of the stage. Surely it can't be, can it? It is, it really is you know. Eddie is back, it's a different back of the stage Eddie. The Eddie from the cover of the <em>Seventh Son </em>album, complete with tormented unborn child in his palm. This is the undoubted highlight of the show.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizADk6_1JklGBxgOURZMJAHOuCKxi7a6l_60TxIivNLi6QTsnjmFftT7iXsQSQkZHZdTJkspMykibZk6i1j9yLufyDCFfMbpLlrXfrpPp18QT05vRSUfAP1-Fpk7pHoQaPzXa2L419evI9/s1600/ironmaiden-live.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizADk6_1JklGBxgOURZMJAHOuCKxi7a6l_60TxIivNLi6QTsnjmFftT7iXsQSQkZHZdTJkspMykibZk6i1j9yLufyDCFfMbpLlrXfrpPp18QT05vRSUfAP1-Fpk7pHoQaPzXa2L419evI9/s400/ironmaiden-live.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second behind the stage Eddie during Iron Maiden. Complete with pyro, screaming Steve Harris and Bruce doing some kind of country dancing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The band leaves the stage and the crowd breaths a collective sigh of relief. There are about two minutes before the action gets underway again, and as the lights go back out another deep breath is taken. Having gone over the edge of the rollercoaster 90 minutes earlier, another steep drop is coming with the encore. <br />
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The unmistakable drape of Eddie in his Spitfire, gunning for everything in sight rolls across the stage and the screens switch to Winston Churchill giving the immortal "Fight on the beaches" speech. The video continues with Hitler and Second World War graphics and <em>Aces High</em> starts. Normally the opening song of the night, it brings the crowd immediately back to fever pitch. Every song so far has had a chorus that any other band would give their entire back catalogue to have and this one is no exception. For many of those in the audience it's the first time they've heard this song live. A moment they'll never forget.<br />
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Most people know how things go from here, but they're in for a shock as <em>The Evil That Men Do </em>gets underway. Bruce even introduces it with the correct quote from Shakespeare "The evil that men do lives on, the good they do is oft interred with their bones". Romping guitars, galloping bassline, bombastic lyrics, this song is the 1980s in 3 minutes.<br />
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Finally, the unmistakable drum intro to <em>Running Free</em> begins, and everyone knows this is the last song of the night and they're determined to leave nothing in their energy reserves. Every cry of "I'm Running Free" are answered from the floor with interest. Each member of the band is introduced to the kind of roar you only read about in books. Steve Harris, Janick Gers, Dave Murray, Adrian Smith and finally Nicko McBrain, each one the favourite of someone in the crowd, each one loved by everyone here. <br />
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The band don't want to leave after the last song, that's clear to see. There have been pauses for crowd chanting at various points and the cries of "Maiden, Maiden, Maiden" are just as loud at the end as they were at the beginning. Even as <em>Always Look on the Bright Side </em>of life break through the PA system no body wants to leave, to tear themselves away from the scene of a gig which will go down in Iron Maiden folklore. We'll be telling our grandkids about this night.</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
</span>
Could it have been a better night? Perhaps in one way. It would have been great to see <em>Infinite Dreams </em>included in the set, as it was in 1988, and maybe <em>Killers </em>too. But the recreation of the Maiden England DVD, the set and the stage production go far beyond what was achieved in 1988. Maiden have once again taken the bar for performance and rock theatre and raised it to a point that no other band would ever dream of obtaining.<br />
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<u><span style="font-family: inherit;">Full set list</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Moonchild<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Can I play With Madness<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Prisoner <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 Minutes to Midnight <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Afraid to Shoot Strangers <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Trooper <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Number of the Beast <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Phantom of the Opera <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Run to the Hills <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wasted Years<strong> <o:p></o:p></strong></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Seventh Son of a Seventh Son <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Clairvoyant <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Fear of the Dark <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Iron Maiden <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Encore:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Churchill's Speech <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Aces High <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The Evil That Men Do <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Running Free<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Some other interesting observations and points from the show<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Eddie<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the first time Maiden have ever used three Eddies during a show
rather than the standard two. The walk on Eddie during <i>Run to the Hills </i>is still the blue coated American soldier General
Custer brandishing the sword from last year (I don’t see the connection myself)
but having not had a walk-on Eddie in 1988 I guess it had to be something. The
first Eddie coming out of the back of the stage during <i>Seventh Son of a Seventh Son </i>is a work of sheer brilliance, the
detail including the foetus in the crystal ball isn’t immediately visible from
the floor but on the screens it is. The best was definitely still to come
though as during <i>Iron Maiden</i> the
second behind stage Eddie comes up, an 3D construction of the <i>Seventh Son </i>album cover complete with the
baby in Eddie’s hand fighting to be freed. I wasn’t entirely sure if it was
computerised or a member of the tour crew, I think the former sadly. Every tour
in 2003 the rising Eddies behind the stage have got better and better, but this
one in particular is going to take some beating.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Band<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You would think that it’s easy to have the time of your life on stage
with 17000 effectively worshipping you, but there have been a few shows I’ve
been to where more than one member of the band didn’t look like they wanted to
be there. Not this gig though, they were all clearly having the time of their
lives. Steve and Bruce were running around like mad things and the three
guitarists looked totally in the grove from the first second of the show. Bruce
even had the energy to chase Nicko round the stage afterwards trying to pull
down his shorts. Thank goodness he never caught up with him.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sound<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There have been some complaints on the Fan Club in the aftermath that
the gig was a bit murky when it came to sound. I certainly didn’t get any of
that from where I was, centre of the floor about 15 rows from the front. There
were issues during the first couple of songs with Bruce’s levels, but that’s
normal and it was certainly nothing like Manchester in 2011 when Bruce stormed
off stage during the first song, so bad was he sounding. The guitars were crisp
and the bass was crystal clear.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Pyro<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">There wasn’t any pyro on the 2010 Final Frontier tour, and there has
only ever been limited pyro at Maiden gigs. They seem to have made a conscious
decision to go for it this tour though, with the spouts of fire when they first
came on stage, and during other songs and the sparking crackers during plenty
of others, this is a stage show that could comfortably been viewed from the
back of a stadium crowd.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Crowd<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The place was sold out within weeks of the tickets going on sale last
year, which is why I was so surprised they didn’t add a second show. As I mentioned
above the crowd were on top form, a couple of the usual idiots smoking weed,
but the singing and camaraderie were, as always at Bercy, out of this world. One
point, a couple of people got arsey with me for jumping and singing. Listen, if
you want to stand there in silence take a CD round your nans house, this is a
gig, I’m going to jump and sing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: inherit;">Drapes<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Always a million times better than the screens which dominate large
concerts these days, the drapes on this tour are the best I have ever seen. Not
only because there is a new one for almost every song but there are ones here
which haven’t been seen for years, and also the details the reflect the artwork
of both the <i>Seventh Son </i>album and the
accompanying singles, which were without doubt a high-point in Maiden artwork
which has not, and will never be equalled. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcCCFpcxlb6Z3uhUkjur4NzvcfhGbbyYb-pSDbxNG1l40OGjmz-GWOE7riv6S2XcWXmcErHlFERoyY-HsRYQuDhzMQM1crGW9l8xOe7Jtn1ecJvTSdqAgBBD1dGf0FVqmqinaSOyC095T/s1600/iron-maiden-can-i-play-with-madness-iron-maiden_1920x1200_79433.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLcCCFpcxlb6Z3uhUkjur4NzvcfhGbbyYb-pSDbxNG1l40OGjmz-GWOE7riv6S2XcWXmcErHlFERoyY-HsRYQuDhzMQM1crGW9l8xOe7Jtn1ecJvTSdqAgBBD1dGf0FVqmqinaSOyC095T/s320/iron-maiden-can-i-play-with-madness-iron-maiden_1920x1200_79433.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can I Play With Madness artwork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-TX4BAHuyfgxWdyAmuRddpcUoQmO40QUPm31eWB8ydZkIKS4H9LRECTPo5Vs63seK7y1IaVt2nWBgowsAPMQsFb9ISwbBM1cLFKfEXmaz2YqsSPkVk7go3A6tJq_ELY6l49mn3G9GT_U/s1600/the_evil_that_men_do_by_s_anita_rium-d5caev0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq-TX4BAHuyfgxWdyAmuRddpcUoQmO40QUPm31eWB8ydZkIKS4H9LRECTPo5Vs63seK7y1IaVt2nWBgowsAPMQsFb9ISwbBM1cLFKfEXmaz2YqsSPkVk7go3A6tJq_ELY6l49mn3G9GT_U/s320/the_evil_that_men_do_by_s_anita_rium-d5caev0.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Evil That Men Do artwork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_qZQyoDiKaKUhPlC4yyc9EcO2oxDofhpsBcl2Acqbq7QHdDsvFV-y_7AoAfCKeQQMCZixud_zNGcwhZO37s-zoNCKDhacA0J4U0jh3DWCp-dZwFURQOO0H9vEeAP_ZKJ4mDF6YJhJQ1v/s1600/Iron+Maiden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy_qZQyoDiKaKUhPlC4yyc9EcO2oxDofhpsBcl2Acqbq7QHdDsvFV-y_7AoAfCKeQQMCZixud_zNGcwhZO37s-zoNCKDhacA0J4U0jh3DWCp-dZwFURQOO0H9vEeAP_ZKJ4mDF6YJhJQ1v/s320/Iron+Maiden.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Clairvoyant artwork</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Geek corner</b><u><o:p></o:p></u></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Bruce mentioned the fact that </span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;">Afraid to Shoot Strangers </i><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">wasn’t strictly
within the time frame of the tour, but made no remarks about </span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;">Fear of the Dark </i><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">which is from the same
album.</span><br /><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Dave Murray has had a haircut in the last few
days. Last night he appeared to have had his hair straightened.</span><br /><span style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">This</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> is the first time I have ever heard Bruce
sing the correct lyrics to </span><i style="text-indent: -18pt;">The Evil That
Men Do </i><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">usually singing “I would cry for her/If only I could learn” instead
of the actual lyrics “Don’t you cry for me/Beyond is where I learn”</span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<o:p></o:p><br /></div>
</div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-177716700823088612013-06-04T08:14:00.002-07:002013-06-04T08:14:34.465-07:00Book Review: The Fear Index<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Books/Pix/covers/2011/9/12/1315828496919/The-Fear-Index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Books/Pix/covers/2011/9/12/1315828496919/The-Fear-Index.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
I've had this book on my shelf to read for over a year, since having it given it to me as a Christmas present. I was so desperate to read it I even got the hard back, rather than wait for the paperback to be released. But then I couldn't quite bring myself to actually read it. I had enjoyed Robert Harris' other books so much, especially <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R3EBZFLLJECWZS/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm">Archangel</a> that I wanted to keep this as one to look forward to, rather than read it.<br />
<br />
But after struggling through some pretty average offerings from James Craig in the past few weeks, I couldn't delay any longer. As I replaced the book on the bookcase after finishing reading it I had two thoughts. Firstly, why didn't I read this the day it was given to me, and who can I give this to next so that we can compare notes on how awesome it it.<br />
<br />
The basic premise of the book is Alex Hoffman, physicist and social loner has created a computer programme which helps bypass the human elements of trying to make money on the stock markets. However it quickly becomes apparent that the programme is going a little beyond its original plan, with consequences that I didn't see coming at all.<br />
<br />
Like Harris' historical fiction, Imperium and Lustrum, this book doesn't claim to be based on a real story, but it never feels like it is a work of science-fiction. Throughout the book I found myself thinking 'This could actually happen'. I think that is one of the most chilling aspects of it.<br />
<br />
There is enough technical information in the book to lead those who are completely feckless when it comes to computers to believe that everything has been thoroughly researched but without going into the kind of over the top detail you might find in Tom Clancy book which leaves me glazing over about the capabilities of tanks and ranges of bullets.<br />
<br />
There is a point in every good book where you simply can't put it down and have to keep going until you finish reading. That moment in Fear Index was around page 150 for me, just over halfway through. Luckily it came about on the weekend so there was no problem. There are enough twists to keep you guessing but not so many that they become tiresome.<br />
<br />
If you like Robert Harris, you've probably already read this book, but if you haven't then you really should, it's a masterpiece. </div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-88779392669993410452013-04-22T10:23:00.000-07:002013-04-22T10:23:00.277-07:00Book review: The Circus<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Those of you who have read my previous book reviews will know that
although I started off loving James Craig’s work, especially his first book
<i>London Calling</i>, I have recently started to lose interest. I downloaded his
latest offering <i>The Circus</i> partly as a last chance and partly because I feel
some kind of loyalty to the main character.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the main appeals of the
Carlyle series has been the clear influence of real events. In the first book
there were two brothers vying for the leadership of the country, albeit not in
the Labour Party and trying to cover up murders as they went. The second book
deviated slightly but still had references to the London riots of 2011 and more
historically the miner’s strike of 1984. The next instalment, <i>Buckingham Palace
Blues</i> tackled an issue too often swept under the carpet, child trafficking,
although in featuring a member of the Royal Family I don’t think it was too
close to reality.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Circus has taken the idea of
using contemporary events to influence the fiction and really run away with it.
In the middle of a crisis involving a Sunday newspaper hacking the mobile
phones of celebrities, the political establishment attempt to interfere in the
investigation to avoid making their own relationship with the media public. In
the midst of this a teenage girl disappears from her family home, but the
police are not too concerned as they know she has still been checking her
voice mails (who else is now groaning). It gets worse, when I read that the ex-Eton educated Prime Minister was caught riding the horse of a newspaper editor which actually belonged to the Met I stopped reading for a while. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Overall I never really decided whether the book is entirely satirical and therefore probably quite clever, or whether Craig has run out of ideas and therefore just writes what he sees on the news and changes the names. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The most annoying aspect of the
book is undoubtedly how rushed it feels. With 10 pages left there are still a
fair few serious threads from the story to be tied up, but rather than taking
time to finish the book properly or even carry some plot lines through to the
next book everything came together in such a hurry. This is the second book in
a row where one of the main players in the story suffers from a severe medical
emergency, and this time Carlyle even says “That’s convenient” which is largely
what I imagine Craig’s editor said when he got the manuscript to her on time. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
James Craig was obviously in a
rush to get this book out before the Carlyle bubble bursts, but producing sub-standard
work is just speeding up that event. The next instalment doesn’t come out until
September, so hopefully the longer break will lead to a stronger book. <o:p></o:p></div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-64478591175848647742013-04-09T12:49:00.000-07:002013-04-09T12:49:25.594-07:00Washington Nationals v Chicago White Sox preview<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The background<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">It's been a funny start to the
season for Washington. Many people expect them to win more games than any team
in the National League, and almost as many think they'll win the World Series
(I have a healthy pessimism borne from watching Ipswich Town as well as the
Nats, I don't think anything until it happens). They started off against the
worst team in their division by a mile, and promptly swept the Miami Marlins
3-0 at home. Although they made light work of the Fish, shutting them out for
the first two games, they never really looked that comfortable on the offence,
except Bryce Harper who is already awesome.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">The
weekend series in Cincinnati brought us back down to earth as Dan Haren got
beaten up on Friday night and Stephen Strasburg took more of a beating than
usual on Sunday as the Nats dropped 2 of 3 in the Great American (Sm)Ball Park
(silent B, it works).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">So
we come back to Nationals Park for the first taste of interleague action and
the first series with the other good team in the National League East. This
will be the first time that that Chicago White Sox have provided the opposition
since June 2011, when wins from Collin Balester and Livan Hernandez recorded
the wins as the Nats took 2 out of 3. The game they lost in that series will be
repeated tonight as Jake Peavy goes against Gio Gonzalez. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The pitchers<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Gio had a pretty good
outing first time round when he faced the Marlins. He tossed 91 pitches over 6
innings giving up 2 hits, walking 2 and striking out 5. The only problem
continues to be his command, especially of his fastball, as he threw just 55 of
his pitches for strikes. He then helped his own cause with a solo Home Run.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Zimmermann looked
impressive in the final game against the Marlins, although he was the only
pitcher to concede a run as Justin Ruggiano took him deep in the second inning.
Zimmermann threw 89 pitches in his 6 innings with 60 for strikes as he allowed
8 hits, and walked 2 while striking out just 1. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Haren had by far the
worst debut of the rotation, as he was chased from the game in Cincinnati after
just 4 innings and he threw 78 pitches (58 for strikes) giving up 6 runs, all
earned on 9 hits, 4 of them homers and striking out 5. About the only nice
thing to say is that he didn’t walk anyone. Zach Duke and Henry Rodriguez also got
pounded during the 15-0 loss though. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The keys<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Get
the offence going – even when winning their first 3 home games of the year the
Nats failed to really get any offence going. If they can get on the board early
and often, without relying on Harper, they’ll be in business.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Get
the easy outs – Ian Desmond punted a couple of times during the loss against
the Reds on Sunday, and you can’t afford to let people get on base, especially
with Zimmermann and Haren on the mound.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Keep
Bryce hot – the 20 year-old wonderkid is 9-25 so far this year (.360) with 3
Home Runs. Every time he goes to the plate at the minute you expect him to
score. He needs to keep that going until the others can catch him up. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Seal
the deal – on Saturday the Nats gave up four runs over the 8<sup>th</sup> and 9<sup>th</sup>
innings to take themselves into extra innings before getting the win. Again on
Sunday when they were on top they let it slip to lose 6-3. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The stats <o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Because this is an
interleague game, there are naturally not many previous encounters to draw on,
so the sample sizes for all are small. But for what it’s worth, here are the
White Sox numbers against the 3 Nats pitchers pencilled to go this week.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184; width: 518px;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Gio
Gonzalez (Tuesday)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Jordan
Zimmermann (Wednesday<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.25pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Dan
Haren (Thursday)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Tyler Flowers<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.25pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">0-2,
K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Paul Konerko<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1-12,
3BB, 4K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">0-3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.25pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">7-19,
HR, 3K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Gordon Beckham<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1-4,
BB<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1-3,
K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.25pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">0-7,
2K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Alexi Ramirez<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">3-11,
3BB, K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1-3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.25pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2-8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Jeff Keppinger<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.25pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">8-16,
2x2B, HR, 2BB<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Dayan Viciedo<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">0-3,
2K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.25pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">0-4,
K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Alejandro De Aza<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.25pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1-6,
K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Alex Rios<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">3-15,
BB, 3K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2-6<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.25pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">6-20,
HR, BB, 3K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Adam Dun<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 92.15pt;" valign="top" width="123"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">0-1,
BB<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">0-3,
2K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 99.25pt;" valign="top" width="132"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2-15,
HR, 2BB, 7K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">And here are the Nats
batters numbers against the 3 White Sox due to go. The two which are closest to
being worthy of attention here are Denard Span who bats a shade under .500
against Gavin Floyd and Chad Tracy who bats .200 in 50 trips against Peavy,
with 7 of those hits going for extra bases. This will be the first time that
any of the Nats batters have seen Dylan Axelrod as he starts his third year.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="MsoTableGrid" style="border-collapse: collapse; border: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-yfti-tbllook: 1184;">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" valign="top" width="198"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Jake
Peavy (Tuesday)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Gavin
Floyd (Wednesday)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-left: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 116.5pt;" valign="top" width="155"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Dylan
Axelrod (Thursday)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Denard Span<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" valign="top" width="198"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">5-17,
4x2B<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">17-35,
2B, 3B, 7BB, 3K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 116.5pt;" valign="top" width="155"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Jayson Werth<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" valign="top" width="198"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2-13,
7K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 116.5pt;" valign="top" width="155"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Bryce Harper<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" valign="top" width="198"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 116.5pt;" valign="top" width="155"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ryan Zimmerman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" valign="top" width="198"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">3-15,
2x2B<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1-6,
2K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 116.5pt;" valign="top" width="155"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Adam LaRoche<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" valign="top" width="198"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">4-11,
HR, 3BB, 4K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2-8,
2B, HR, 3BB, 2K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 116.5pt;" valign="top" width="155"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ian Desmond<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" valign="top" width="198"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">2-4,
2K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1-3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 116.5pt;" valign="top" width="155"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Danny Espinosa<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" valign="top" width="198"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">0-1,
K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 116.5pt;" valign="top" width="155"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Kurt Suzuki<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" valign="top" width="198"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">0-3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1-10,
2BB, 3K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 116.5pt;" valign="top" width="155"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Wilson Ramos<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" valign="top" width="198"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 116.5pt;" valign="top" width="155"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 3.5pt; mso-yfti-irow: 10; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="border-top: none; border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 90.45pt;" valign="top" width="121"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Chad Tracy<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 148.85pt;" valign="top" width="198"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">10-50
3x2B, 3B, 2HR, 3BB, 16K<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 106.3pt;" valign="top" width="142"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">1-3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
<td style="border-bottom: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid windowtext 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 3.5pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-left-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-border-top-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 116.5pt;" valign="top" width="155"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-13889342207668612042013-03-28T09:13:00.000-07:002013-03-28T09:13:02.734-07:00Tribute to Steve Gadd<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
It's been something of an up and
down two weeks for fans of Iron Maiden. On 12 March, just a week before the 10<sup>th</sup>
anniversary of 3 charity gigs at Brixton Academy <a href="http://whiting-writing.blogspot.com/2013/03/tribute-to-clive-burr.html">former drummer Clive Burrdied</a>. That was followed this week by the release of the latest part of the ‘History
of Iron Maiden’ series and the <a href="http://whiting-writing.blogspot.com/2013/03/gig-review-steve-harris-british-lion.html">UK tour of Steve Harris and his solo project British Lion</a>. The sad news returned last night, however, when it was announced that
Steve Gadd has died.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZoYBK2p38jjbRhHgnUOXao75tkzjn-vPYhQYd2t2CIusGVdcUWTpPsRmS73u6AI2e5SOKN1G6aU49sMW1tNvQZIbPDO6ZmTnBg0j67idAENIRdiwVxskKGcIcD8Z5O0cyQ2YrfEmk7GA/s1600/Crew+night+bout+Bergen+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZoYBK2p38jjbRhHgnUOXao75tkzjn-vPYhQYd2t2CIusGVdcUWTpPsRmS73u6AI2e5SOKN1G6aU49sMW1tNvQZIbPDO6ZmTnBg0j67idAENIRdiwVxskKGcIcD8Z5O0cyQ2YrfEmk7GA/s400/Crew+night+bout+Bergen+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A typical serious picture with Iron Maiden. Gaddsy being touched by Steve Harris. Lucky man</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Steve wasn't a member of the
band, and probably isn't someone who would be known outside of the more
dedicated circles of the Iron Maiden family. As someone who was involved with
the band for over 30 years though, his part in Maiden history is indisputable. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Gadd originally started out as a
drummer in his own right, becoming friends with now Maiden tub-abuser Nicko
McBrain and attending auditions together. On the first Iron Maiden history DVD
Gadd said he knew Nicko would get the job with Maiden, because he always did,
but he knew he would get called back 2 weeks later when Nicko got the sack for
shouting his mouth off to his band mates. On this occasion the call never came,
how different things might have been if it had. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Once he didn't have Nicko getting
all the jobs he auditioned for, Gadd had a couple of more bands before joining
Maiden’s Killer Krew for the epic World Slavery Tour in 1984 to be Nicko's drum
technician. He stayed in that job until the X-Factour in 1996 when he moved to
work alongside Dick Bell on the management side of touring, a job he did up to
the Final Frontier world tour in 2011. He has apparently been diagnosed with
cancer about a year ago and had been receiving treatment in London where he
died.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I had the pleasure of meeting
Steve twice, on both occasions when I had won the chance to enter the arena
first for a Maiden gig (a competition run by the Fanclub called ‘First to the
Barrier’). At Cardiff in December 2006 he was standing on the door making sure
that we were allowed into the CIA as soon as possible to escape from the
freezing temperatures outside. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was trying to show off to the
others in the queue and shouted out “Let us in Steve” (ooooh check that guy
out, he’s such a fan he even knows the name of the crew) to which he looked at
me and said “It wouldn't matter if you had the sense to dress properly you daft
twat.” All in the best possible jest, even if I did get some stick. By the time
I met him again at the last gig of that tour at Earls Court I knew better than
to say anything, opting just to smile and nod as I walked past.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As you can tell I would be lying
if I said I knew Steve Gadd, but ironically I've met him more than any other
member of the band or road crew, and I was genuinely shocked and saddened to
hear last night that he had died. It’s also saddening (but not shocking) that
there is no news of the death on the Maiden website. Obviously as the Maiden
family has grown over the years we don’t want to hear every little happening,
but Gaddsy was definitely one of the stalwarts of my favourite band.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoeJRUeda49RWCuoVOfuR-_nnbCi7RTD7TdaeaZNO7R5tJeuUBMXq03vQtXm7JLegdW_74_lrcsR2G4TlaoBeOnc-jqJ8dAKUoGpnSLvejlqHt3rfDFsvPD5eRgb8R0mXnNBbp3bN95fR/s1600/Crew+night+bout+Bergen+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoeJRUeda49RWCuoVOfuR-_nnbCi7RTD7TdaeaZNO7R5tJeuUBMXq03vQtXm7JLegdW_74_lrcsR2G4TlaoBeOnc-jqJ8dAKUoGpnSLvejlqHt3rfDFsvPD5eRgb8R0mXnNBbp3bN95fR/s1600/Crew+night+bout+Bergen+008.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arguably the two most important non-band members. Dick Bell and Steve Gadd</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-8961710597085460662013-03-27T09:26:00.000-07:002013-03-28T09:29:07.947-07:00Gig review: Steve Harris British Lion<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Steve Harris is not content with selling nearly 100 million albums, playing
to packed out stadiums around the world and re-releasing just about everything ever made
with Iron Maiden written on it to make a few extra quid. So, he has decided to
take his solo/side project British Lion on tour around Europe while the rest of
us slowly count down the days until the next time we get to see Maiden. 70,
since you asked.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Anyway, the tour rolled into the UK and the Islington Academy, which I imagine
had a nicer name before it became O2’s bitch. A rare occasion to see Steve
Harris in such an intimate venue. For perspective, there were around 250 people
in attendance, and I'm seeing Maiden later this year in a 22000 capacity arena
and a 60000 football stadium. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
There had been a debate, at times pretty heated, on the Iron Maiden Fan
Club message board about whether or not it was acceptable to wear a Maiden t-shirt
for the gig. Those against argued that as British Lion is a totally different
project and out of respect fans shouldn't rub Maiden in the faces of the rest
of the group. While those in favour suggested that the no many people would be
attending if Steve Harris wasn't there. I could see both sides, but given that
unless I wear a Maiden shirt I’d be forced to go topless I decided to tone it
down with the latest Fan Club shirt.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Out of respect to musicians, I should say a word about the support
band, Zico Chain. There was a support band called Zico Chain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Then it was time for main event of the evening. In keeping with this
being a totally separate project from Iron Maiden, British Lion decided to use
the same guitar tech, drum tech and sound engineer (two of whom wore t-shirts
from the most recent tour). Steve had his usual bass tech (also from Maiden)
but that’s just a nerdy point.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The gig was a slow starter, even though the first song is one of the
strongest on the album. The vast majority of the crowd, decked out in their
Maiden gig attire seemed content just to watch proceedings. Actually a more
accurate description might be that they were happy to watch Steve. For the
first few songs the only significant action in the audience was when he went on
to the drum riser at which point 100s of phones emerged and started clicking.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQH2RD-Z-udLVzZaVPGBgkJVKoHMX72wJMSEZd2n66NmdUQd3Lo4UVzbLf2QuIOTPDcvJ2FrVQtwUJQN3s-LagZ6_EBNfEJKI73tT17v9T9CnPfq2y4aLS73siki5Y4Y86f0wm2CEkPPKw/s1600/6_800.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQH2RD-Z-udLVzZaVPGBgkJVKoHMX72wJMSEZd2n66NmdUQd3Lo4UVzbLf2QuIOTPDcvJ2FrVQtwUJQN3s-LagZ6_EBNfEJKI73tT17v9T9CnPfq2y4aLS73siki5Y4Y86f0wm2CEkPPKw/s640/6_800.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quick, there he is. Get your camera out. Oh you already have.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I found myself being sucked in to the same way of thinking. At one
point early on I even thought to myself “I wish this guy would get out of the
way, he’s blocking my view of Steve.” Once I got over the fact that I felt
slightly like I was committing adultery it was a very enjoyable gig. The
musicianship was tight, and the songs sounded better live than they did on the
album. Steve was clearly having the time of his life, even if he did look a bit
embarrassed when the loudest cheer of the night was reserved for his
introduction. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Speaking of the quality of the tracks, my highlight was Karma Killer
(as it is on the album) closely followed by A World Without Heaven and Us
Against The World. An honourable mention also for Lost Worlds, particularly the
very moody bit at the end. Not all of the songs would immediately jump out as
being Maiden-esque, but when you pay attention to the bass sections the
comparisons are pretty clear (shocking, I know). <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Richard Taylor did a pretty good job as the frontman, even is his
command at the start of most songs to “put your flipping (ish) hands in the air”
is a bit cliché. The older blonde guitarist reminded me of a kind of Nicko
McBrain/Janick Gers love child the other guitarist looked a complete twit in
his woolly hat and comedy glasses and the drummer was almost unnoticeable (I think
that’s a good sign, a bit like a referee).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The overall impression of the gig was definitely that it was acting as
a warm up/time filler for Maiden fans. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad
thing, but the songs probably deserve to be better. In fact, a few of them
deserved to be on the next Maiden record, if they can ever stop releasing their
back catalogue. It was a little like eating a vegetarian meal you would usually
have with meat, once you realise there is no meat it is possible to enjoy it,
just probably not as much.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b><u>Setlist <o:p></o:p></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
This Is My God<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Lost Worlds<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Karma Killer<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Father Lucifer<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The Chosen Ones<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
These Are The Hands<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Guineas And Crowns<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
The Burning<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Last Chance<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Us Against The World<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
World Without Heaven<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Do You Want It<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Judas<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Let it Roll<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Eyes Of The Young</div>
</div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-83158256768316007722013-03-15T09:20:00.002-07:002013-03-15T09:22:28.701-07:00English football, where did it all go wrong? <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Most people don't really follow a competition once whoever they follow
closest has had their interest ended. I couldn't really tell you what happened
in the World Snooker Championships after Jimmy White was knocked out, and the
end of the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 are pretty much a blur. Many casual
British football fans will feel the same way about the Champions League this
year after British interest was ended this week. For the first time in 15 years
there are no team from the Premier League in the latter stages of the
competition, a long fall from the days when England provided 3 of the 4 semi-finalists.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
We had five teams in the competition, each of them have their own
reasons for having been knocked out, but there are also a few other general
points which, though have been made before, are worth repeating.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>The Premier League isn't as good
as we all think<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Like the best myths in life (Santa Claus, the moon landing) no one
really knows how it started and not many people are brave enough to speak out
against it. The Premier League isn't that great in terms of competitiveness as
you can pretty much say who the top 4 will be every season. While this may be
true of other leagues (in fact nearly every other league in Europe) the quality
in the middle and lower sections of the Premiership is pretty dire. The number
of games the top sides are playing against similar quality opposition probably
numbers no more than 8 a year as they spend the rest of their matches either
trying to break down sides who simply park the bus or scoring for fun against
QPR, either way not the best preparation for European games. The style of
football we play also doesn't help. While the mad kick-and-rush of a Saturday
afternoon makes it more exciting to watch it’s no substitute for a well organised
defence and decent midfield with a bit of width. Just look at Ronaldo and
Messi. Then there is the organisation of the game in Britain around Sky. No one
really seems to care until Manchester United had to play Real Madrid with 48
hours less rest. As long as our top teams are being forced to play on Sunday
for TV purposes while the rest of the continent are flexible enough to allow
games on Saturday, Friday and even Thursday we will continue to come up against
fresher and fitter opposition.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>We don’t have European style
managers<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Sir Alex Ferguson isn't a great manager. There, I said it. He’s an
above average manager who has been gifted with some of the best players of
their generation, most of whom he has either sold or fallen out with. IN the
transfer market he has made some shocking buys too (Eric Djemba-Djemba, Jordi
Cryuff). He’s done all right in the Champions League given how long he has been
at Manchester United, but he isn't a European Manager. The best days for the
Premiership clubs were enjoyed with Rafa Benitez in charge of Liverpool and
Jose Mourinho in charge of Chelsea. Arsene Wenger, despite all his obvious
Europeaness and incredibly poor eye-sight has made only a couple of
medium-sized waves in the competition. Roberto Mancini always looks like a
tiger in the Arctic whenever he tries to make his sow’s ear of a team into a
silk purse. We need to either train British managers how to be successful in
Europe by encouraging them to go and play/manage/coach on the continent or get
back to attracting the best coaches to come here. When Tottenham play in the
Champions League next year they’ll do well, because they have a decent European
coach who will set them up to play a good European game, and unlike when he was
at Chelsea he’ll have a few decent plays to put the plans into action.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
But that’s enough about the issues, what about the individual teams who
qualified:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Arsenal<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Had they not defended like a primary school 3 XI in the first half
against Munich, who knows what would have happened. But a fair guess would be
that they at best draw the first leg and then lose 2-0 in Munich. The fact that
Bayern were in such control of the tie actually hindered them in the second
leg, for some reason they couldn't decide whether or not to attack or defend
the lead. Even then Arsenal couldn't get the job done, despite what their
supporters might tell you this is another season of abject failure. The
probably need to strip the team down to the bare bones and start again, first
out of the door should be Wenger. I'm not sure how many players they have who
would get into any of the remaining eight sides in the competition?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Celtic<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Included purely for comedy value. Everyone was amazed they managed to
qualify from their group and when they drew Juventus the writing was already
very much on the wall and despite the various moans and whines from their fans
about what the referee did or didn't do they were soundly beaten. They will of
course be back next year owing to the fact that the Scottish Premier League is
a total joke, but don’t expect them to make it out of the group, if they reach
that far.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Manchester United<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Arguably the unluckiest of the sides to get knocked out, with the sending
off of Nani in the second leg against Madrid which could have easily been a
booking. Although it undoubtedly changed the game I'm not certain that it wouldn't have ultimately be the same outcome. United have been shaky at the back for a few
years, but given the weakness of the Premier League all too often are allowed
to get away with it. When it comes to the business end of European football
though it’s harder to hide the deficiencies. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Chelsea<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Without a doubt one of the luckiest winners of a competition ever when
they somehow managed to beat Bayern Munich last year, it was never going to be
the same again this time round. Missing Drogba and failing to manage to remove
the squatter that is Fernando Torres was never going to make this an easy
season, but the problems were only exacerbated by changing their manager 7
times during the groups stages. Ultimately it was the loss against Juventus
that did for them, a game they should have at least got a point from. They need
to do a pretty severe rebuilding job if they are to venture into the latter
stages again.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<b>Manchester City<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
I had to use Wikipedia to even remind myself that Manchester City were
in the Champions League this year. Obviously I didn't but they left so quickly
and with such a small mark that it would be easy to forget. They didn't even
ended up in the Europa League, which we all thought at the time would help them
catch Manchester United in the league, not sure how that one is going to work
out at this stage. City’s biggest problem this year, as with last, is the fact
that they really aren't very good. Sure they’re made to look good in the
Premier League but when they come up against a little quality they’re beaten
before they start. Sure they had Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund in their
group, but the familiar problem of drawing too many games (all three they
played at home) saw their interest in the competition end as prematurely as
[suitable metaphor to be added later].<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
There are few signs that any of the above will change any time soon, which means that next year we'll probably be looking at a similar quarter final line up as the teams from Germany, Spain and Catalonia continue to dominate.</div>
</div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-45634528155965947872013-03-14T09:39:00.000-07:002013-03-14T09:39:27.119-07:00Tribute to Clive Burr<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I was working from home on
Wednesday while I waited for the gas man to come and fix a leak which the man
from the National Grid said should have blown our house halfway to the sky. Not
sure what that means, but anyway. While working (just as hard as I would do in
the office) I was able to follow twitter perhaps a little more closely than
would otherwise be the case, so it meant that I found out the sad news about
the death of Clive Burr almost as soon as it broke.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It wasn't entirely unexpected,
Clive had been ill for some time with MS and recent rumours and stories on the
Iron Maiden Fan Club message boards had indicated that this day wouldn't be too
far away. None of that takes away from the sadness felt by not only all Iron
Maiden fans, myself included. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clive Burr joined Maiden in 1980
when then drummer Doug Samson quit due to ill health. They had just managed to
record their first EP <i>The Soundhouse
Tapes</i> and establish themselves as a pretty decent live band in the UK. The band’s
debut self-titled album was recorded and released in the same year and the band
made their UK festival debut at Reading.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The next two years saw two more
albums released two world tours and the arrival of Bruce Dickinson into the
band. By the time the band had played the last of the 172 gigs on the <b>Beast on the Road </b>tour in 1982, which
included the wonder of Reading festival on Saturday followed by the next show
being in California on the Wednesday, Clive was done in. According to
documentaries on the time he wasn’t able to cope with living his life and
performing, and was asked to leave the band to be replaced by Nicko McBrain.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When the band found out that
Clive had been diagnosed with MS, they quickly established the Clive Burr MS
Fund to give him support and make life more comfortable. Three charity gigs
were played in Brixton in March 2003. It was the first time I got to see Bruce
back in Maiden (and the second and third) and the first night remains the
single best show I have ever seen. Bruce’s introduction of <i>Bloodbrothers</i> where he said that Clive was still very much part of
the Iron Maiden family, as we all are, had big hulks of men in tears, and a few
scrawny teenagers too. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lKUHCK6LoM0RCjV205f4FaJd4Xh1WwTxHTYiSZDGJxWexlaaOIWHUd7yPANmwSO5wnQK0aAIMABZ1SDiomUczGsZ8i90N9mzKowtbyaTDo4LWI_AJm5Hi-ES99ikaWd6hokHrTiXdwjd/s1600/clive2003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1lKUHCK6LoM0RCjV205f4FaJd4Xh1WwTxHTYiSZDGJxWexlaaOIWHUd7yPANmwSO5wnQK0aAIMABZ1SDiomUczGsZ8i90N9mzKowtbyaTDo4LWI_AJm5Hi-ES99ikaWd6hokHrTiXdwjd/s320/clive2003.jpg" width="211" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clive at the Brixton show in 2003</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBb5-OWMhot-7UwYNJAKKmzNACeXsK4I1cWgjh7Z496i1xDK8SCsRvDNUQq8rZo89wR7zo2P-xtNRQDfXmQThEK0boRgaX7UN-u0IuhtQrbcZZcw7HPMVmooxl8A05PCuMbaFsTMVBWvw/s1600/cliveburr2005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGBb5-OWMhot-7UwYNJAKKmzNACeXsK4I1cWgjh7Z496i1xDK8SCsRvDNUQq8rZo89wR7zo2P-xtNRQDfXmQThEK0boRgaX7UN-u0IuhtQrbcZZcw7HPMVmooxl8A05PCuMbaFsTMVBWvw/s320/cliveburr2005.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Hammersmith in 2005</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nK3k3ms_xdSdc5kIknmB-06jNt3ZUoDvWLbNyOqskIOqzSR8tzXToi46E1fY7Mmc7PskpX-ETuoJOBA3VZY-T0DPMjX5T1lV7ZV8tRgfrVF3AUEkn4Bn2GyxE3RrxNFRe9ndPgp6WByA/s1600/brixton-24062007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0nK3k3ms_xdSdc5kIknmB-06jNt3ZUoDvWLbNyOqskIOqzSR8tzXToi46E1fY7Mmc7PskpX-ETuoJOBA3VZY-T0DPMjX5T1lV7ZV8tRgfrVF3AUEkn4Bn2GyxE3RrxNFRe9ndPgp6WByA/s320/brixton-24062007.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back at Brixton in 2007</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When Clive came onto stage each
of the three nights at Brixton he got the biggest cheer of the evening. He was
able to stand, walk around a little and even throw some drumsticks into the
audience. In 2005 the charity gig was at the Hammersmith Odeon and a rather
more fragile figure appeared on stage pushed by his daughter, and when they
returned to Brixton for the final MS Fund gig in 2007 Clive was again only able to come out in a wheelchair and had visibly deteriorated.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There are few people I know who
love and revere Iron Maiden more than me, and Nicko is easily one of the most charismatic
and likeable members of the band. Add to that he’s a phenomenal drummer too. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, most people (Nicko included) agree that Clive Burr is the best drummer
that Iron Maiden ever had. Just listen to the drumming on <i>Running Free </i>and <i>Run to the Hills</i>.
Also look at the very first song which Nicko drummed on when he joined Maiden
after Clive left. <i>Where Eagles Dare </i>leaves
you in no doubt as to the size of the shoes he had to fill. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Although he hadn't been seen in
public for a few years and hadn't been in the band for over three decades, it’s
still sad to lose the first member of the Iron Maiden family. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-52089499778496780682013-02-23T08:01:00.001-08:002013-03-28T09:25:52.244-07:00Book review: Walk on Part<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
I know that when you see the title
of this blog, regular readers, two questions will immediately spring to mind. Firstly,
how do I have time to knit a pretty awesome jumper for a baby, read a trashy
crime novel and read a volume of political diaries all while training for the
Brighton Marathon. Secondly, if the training is going incredibly well, am I still
able to sponsor him. Well the answer to
the first question is having two books on the go at once, one fiction and one
not, which means you can read regardless of your mood. The answer to the second
question is very much you can. In fact many of my friends and family are
proving themselves to be nothing short of fantastically tight, so any spare
cash would be gratefully received at <a href="http://www.virginmoneygiving.com/russellwhiting1">www.virginmoneygiving.com/russellwhiting1</a>
<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anyway, on to the matter in hand.
The third volume of Chris Mullins’ diaries curiously published out of order
(chronologically it should have been vol 3, 1 then 2) which doesn't detract too
much from the reading as we obviously know what happens anyway. For me though
it would have been much nicer to have had them published in order, as this one
felt slightly like a tag on to try and make the last few quid out of the
series. The fact that so much time has passed between the events described in the book which starts on the day John Smith dies and finishes in July 1999 also make it seem somewhat distant, though that may simply be down to my age at the time.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
There are aspects of the early days of the diary which seem completely foreign to us these days, including trips to visit security workers being paid less than £3 an hour and mass sackings days before the entire workforce is rehired on a much lower salary. It's just a shame that we don't get to see the introduction of the minimum wage in this volume.<br />
<br />
There are times when it seems to me that Mullins is slightly overplaying his own role in many things, but then it is a certain type of person who keeps a diary. The constant health fears, some of which are well founded in fairness, do become slightly tiresome. Those who are not greatly interested in political detail won't necessarily find the heavy detail on Labour Party meetings in Parliament, and even for those of us for are so inclined there isn't anything in here we didn't already know. As with all diaries the real gold is in the human elements of life, and the short section describing the period immediately before the death of Joan Maynard did bring a tear to my eye.<br />
<br />
I like the Mullins as a writer, and greatly enjoyed the other two volumes of his diaries and A Very British Coup which I've read a couple of times, but this one just didn't have the same spark for me. It's hard to explain why, but it felt a little like those prequels to the Star Wars films which came out after the original films. Important texts for students of political history they may end up being, but for now it seems to be the final breath of the 'franchise'.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-43375804006522253582013-02-15T08:25:00.000-08:002013-02-15T08:25:20.212-08:00Knitting a child's jumper<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
This has probably been the most ambitious project which I have undertaken (and finished) for a woman in the office who is due to have a baby. The whole jumper is knitted with basic double knitting wool and size 8 (4mm) needles for the main body and size 10 (3.5mm) for the initial ribbing.<br />
<br />
Starting with the ribbing on the back it then moves into a basic four row pattern which is repeated throughout the back (and sleeves). The pattern is set on 9 stitches repeated along the row, with rows 1 and 3 different and rows 2 and 4 plain purl. It gives a pretty effect and is fairly forgiving if you make small errors in following the pattern. Just don't do what I did and miss a pattern row out and end up having to pull out a good 3 inches of work.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtbMtRHUzqgzkBO6ujYDeGKqb3mLYKxeyoMUe1qrjktNDNWaEKEf6Cy7hyphenhyphen1pTxEVBM4ezW6FnKJKpqNJfNHbs0T5makMxFn2UFzFqFiQdLQOaxNaW8Uj6RpDgwpOeygifIQyuqB74pVPc/s1600/jumper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPtbMtRHUzqgzkBO6ujYDeGKqb3mLYKxeyoMUe1qrjktNDNWaEKEf6Cy7hyphenhyphen1pTxEVBM4ezW6FnKJKpqNJfNHbs0T5makMxFn2UFzFqFiQdLQOaxNaW8Uj6RpDgwpOeygifIQyuqB74pVPc/s320/jumper.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The patterning on the back, same on the sleeves</td></tr>
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The front was a bit daunting to start with, being made up of four different patterns in the same row, each one lasting a different number of rows before repeating. The biggest problem was the pattern being incorrect for the basic cable which begins the cable work. I won't bore you with the details (something about slipping stitches and putting the wool behind or in front for the next two) but it meant that I had to pull the work out three times before finally getting it right, purely by trial and error. Even for a free pattern that's a bit lame.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52QZeC35qNECo_sV5qYf2UbalPSqEZAYUMmgzxPm3m3jC0mWXYjJo4KFP0PARPHtkQSRdJqAhaRc3PHWCMzhy82iqdf3kWloT6aNa_4d8B8Wx0mxOzXZkCRJK04U0CVVu79Zx88RqY4DK/s1600/jumper2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52QZeC35qNECo_sV5qYf2UbalPSqEZAYUMmgzxPm3m3jC0mWXYjJo4KFP0PARPHtkQSRdJqAhaRc3PHWCMzhy82iqdf3kWloT6aNa_4d8B8Wx0mxOzXZkCRJK04U0CVVu79Zx88RqY4DK/s320/jumper2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cable work on the front of the jumper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The other aspect of interest was the fact that sleeves are knitted straight onto the jumper, rather than being done separately and sewn on later. I was concerned initially that the weight of the body would make the sleeves a little loose and pull too much, but alas it wasn't to be.<br />
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There's also only one side sewn up on the neck line, not that you can see it very well in these pics. The right hand side is secured by two buttons. I guess either because it makes it easier to fit over baby's head or because the person who designed the pattern hated sewing up and wanted any way round doing it. <br />
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Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-71133952288745881592013-02-13T03:32:00.001-08:002013-02-13T03:33:13.599-08:00Book review: Buckingham Palace Blues<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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This is the third Inspector
Carlyle book from James Craig in the last two years, and not for the first time
the rush in writing is beginning to show in the end product. The main character
remains incredibly likable and believable, but the plot is starting to lose
some of the latter. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For those of you who haven't read
the first two you can read my Amazon reviews of <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1TY7LS6IOAVOQ/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm">London Calling </a>(warning: definitely not for the squeamish) and <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R1AHNTP069LKGD/ref=cm_cr_rdp_perm">NeverApologise, Never Explain</a>. This book largely follows the same formula of
loveable cynic policeman John Carlyle discovering a case which would ordinarily
be well out of his league, running into all sorts of madness along the way
before everything settles nicely in the end as he walks away to fight other day
(the next novel is being released later this month so I hope he’s ready!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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As with the other two books the
issues tackled are both topical and push the boundaries of acceptability. </div>
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The tone
is set pretty early on when Carlyle finds a child wandering in Green Park and
quickly suspects that there might be a link to Buckingham Palace. This takes
him on a whistle stop tour of the corrupt workings of the upper echelons of
British institutions which most people would imagine are infallible, or at
least very good at not getting caught.</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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Another similarity with the other
book is the clearly transparent disguise given to those in the book to hide
their real-life equivalents. While the first book had the brothers vying for
political dominance the second featured the ‘accidental Mayor’ with no
political nous but good PR skills and this one has a young Prince doing things
behind closed doors he shouldn't be (obviously when you read the book they are
much more extreme things than any real-life Prince might be indulging in).<o:p></o:p></div>
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New characters are brought into
the book and then disappear almost as quickly, sometimes only to reappear 50
pages later which means you can spend some time flicking back and forth trying
to remember where it all fits together. The end also seems incredibly rushed, the
way that everything ties up together is just too convenient (one loose end is
tied up with the conversation “What happened to him” “Oh, he died of a heart
attack” “Oh good”)<o:p></o:p></div>
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The best aspect of the book, as
with the others is the attention to detail given to describing London. That
said the number and nature of comments about everything from the Mayor to the
transport system leaves me with the impression that the author is just as
cynical as his creation. I’ll still be reading the next offering when it
appears on my Kindle, but I’d be happy to wait a couple more months if it meant
the end product was even better.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-56803038617524075482013-01-29T04:00:00.001-08:002013-01-29T04:00:43.536-08:00Basketball funding debated in Parliament<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Last night I had the great fortune to stumble onto the BBC Parliament channel just in time for a much earlier than usual adjournment debate, which what dealing with the recent funding settlement for Basketball in the UK.</div>
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Like other sports (wrestling, table tennis and handball) basketball has had its elite funding from UK Sport cut to £0 in the wake of the London 2012 games. The reasons given for the drastic cut in funding being that there is no prospect of qualifying for the 2016 tournament in Rio and no chance of winning a medal in 2020, wherever that might be.</div>
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There is going to be some funding available for the grass roots of the game, but with only £6.8 million available it represents just £12 a head for people who are playing basketball on a weekly basis, with no mention of attracting people to the game or the development of talent once spotted. To put that into context cycling is the best funded Olympic sport, receiving over £30 million has 500,000 in its performance base. That’s how you build for the future, looking for people to bring into the elite programmes and then funding them adequately when they arrive there.</div>
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Although I can understand that it isn't possible to give every sport the level of funding they might wish to have, it does seem strange to cut off the support given to basketball, which has some special features not shared by the other sports. </div>
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Although the men and women played a combined ten games in London and won only once (the men beating China when both sides were out) there were several reasons to take heart. The men were only beaten by five points by Brazil and a single point by Spain. While not winning any games, the women did come close to beating France (losing by three after extra time) Russia (losing by six) and Canada (losing by eight). Compare that to the record of other sports that haven’t totally had their funding cut. Archery and badminton both failed to produce anyone coming even close to a medal, but they will still receive a combined £9 million for the Rio cycle. Fencing saw a pretty abysmal performance at the ExCeL Arena but has seen its funding increased to £3.1 million.</div>
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Basketball isn't just about the sport in the arenas though. It’s about what can be done in urban areas with people who don’t want to play other sports. It’s big among the black and minority ethnic community who can feel that football isn't an option for them. It appeals to those who may otherwise be doing things which could land them in trouble. In short it is a great way to build community links, bring people together and maybe even make society a bit of a better place. That might not be recognised in the Olympic medal table, but the more people who play the sport the greater the chance of finding the next Team GB players. Maybe even in time for Rio qualification, which is within the reach of the GB team through the European zone, regardless of what UK Sport says.</div>
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There is one comforting fact for those of us who want to see a strong Team GB basketball side in the future. After the Athens game in 2004 the funding awarded to gymnastics was slashed, admit many of the same complaints we hear now from the basketball community. The sport went away and decided how it was going to get itself back on track, and ended up as one of the biggest surprise packages of 2012, winning a sliver and three bronzes. </div>
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That gymnastics was able to stay in the public consciousness was thanks in no small part to Beth Tweddle, who kept performing well and forcing a largely uninterested public to take note. Basketball has its equivalent in Luol Deng who plays for Chicago in the NBA. He has written to David Cameron urging him to restore the funding for the sport. While he obviously doesn't need it himself, he can win games alone, as was proven last year.</div>
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You can read the full letter Deng sent to Cameron <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-2269460/Luol-Deng-calls-Prime-Minister-Cameron-halt-cuts-demolishing-future-British-basketball.html">here</a> (warning, Daily Mail website) and read the debate from Parliament <a href="http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm201213/cmhansrd/cm130128/debtext/130128-0003.htm#13012839000002">here</a>.</div>
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Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-20839325879486052872013-01-23T03:22:00.000-08:002013-01-23T03:22:59.881-08:00Knitting a hoody for a dog<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
So after two warm up postings on the trivial things in life like war and drugs, we finally get to the real deal of knitting. I've been knitting for around 18 years ever since my Primary School teacher had us knitting plain squares which she sewed into blankets to send back to her homeland of Zimbabwe.<br />
<br />
Anyway, fast forward 18 years and working in an office where we can bring our dogs to work there are always possibilities to extend the knitting from the human to our canine friends. That's what this 'dog hoody' was about, as one of the Staffies who regularly visits was suffering in the cold because of his short fur.<br />
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It's a pretty basic pattern made with Aran wool (or 10 ply depending on which shop you visit) knitted in two parts, starting at the neck line and working down to the bum with just a little bit of increasing/decreasing to give it the shape. The leg holes are made by casting off stitches and then continuing to knit three separate parts before rejoining them again to continue the body.<br />
<br />
To add the hood you simply pick up stitches along the cast-on edge and knit straight with a few increases in the centre to give the necessary shape. Casting off has to be done loosely to ensure that the edge doesn't crinkle up, else your pooch won't be able to see and will miss out on the all the admiring looks that the local bitches will be giving him (yes you can say bitches in this context).<br />
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The trickiest two sections were the outer seam, which requires a needle long enough to hold around 180 stitches, picked up from either side of the body and the left over stitches from the bum. A circular needle is recommended but I managed without. There is also a little knitting around the leg holes to tidy them up which would be much easier to do with 3 double-pointed needles, but I'm lazy and just did 2 separate sections and sewed them up. Rocky didn't really seem to mind though.<br />
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All in all it probably took around 20 hours to do, once you get into the bulk of the sticking stitch it grows quite quickly because of the size of the needles (5mm) and the thickness of the wool. And for shameless plug I'm offering them on <a href="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/251218265373?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649">ebay for a very competitive price</a>. And if you want to give me money for doing something which will take about 20 hours but don't want a dog hoody at the end of it, then you can always <a href="http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundraiser-web/fundraiser/showFundraiserProfilePage.action?userUrl=RussellWhiting1">sponsor me for the Brighton Marathon. </a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUm8iH4xEIZg4ypk_Gx5zApb5GBph6rh8yoPgMJa6n2bU3ExIyOx_xCTGKO41hAuh6j5YXgUoE81st4RymBXfvDUs_V6QyFQqXIZZvsc7Ebkxb_fnudlTu9isnOl7YCinrVLf6T5keC19K/s1600/IMG-20130122-WA002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUm8iH4xEIZg4ypk_Gx5zApb5GBph6rh8yoPgMJa6n2bU3ExIyOx_xCTGKO41hAuh6j5YXgUoE81st4RymBXfvDUs_V6QyFQqXIZZvsc7Ebkxb_fnudlTu9isnOl7YCinrVLf6T5keC19K/s320/IMG-20130122-WA002.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocky with his hood up</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6eNC08JdOrkYbX584q7Q9xaHa6hPc7Gp1LREilfMhp0Jhu_kme9I5DxyssW1irTdwrWcsBhf71qPTitpCqTmFwQNAaZXIRhEYjQGO-ryQonpqkcb7WGUZiWePOzyHXPVHBx-L5nbdz0-/s1600/IMG-20130122-WA004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv6eNC08JdOrkYbX584q7Q9xaHa6hPc7Gp1LREilfMhp0Jhu_kme9I5DxyssW1irTdwrWcsBhf71qPTitpCqTmFwQNAaZXIRhEYjQGO-ryQonpqkcb7WGUZiWePOzyHXPVHBx-L5nbdz0-/s320/IMG-20130122-WA004.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chillaxing</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlxI0ARHrjjrE-Sy1eTZx5Ve9KdHXUIGAogniVbjWm1fgqpKeUcYHvqcpl_MLtXaUlCqHhd0fmLueAAyz3GoEBgKETzQlzYFwRARo-xDMSJHESMN4aR0tZ13XqZaUiUmTMYASGXaubnsl/s1600/IMG-20130122-WA001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlxI0ARHrjjrE-Sy1eTZx5Ve9KdHXUIGAogniVbjWm1fgqpKeUcYHvqcpl_MLtXaUlCqHhd0fmLueAAyz3GoEBgKETzQlzYFwRARo-xDMSJHESMN4aR0tZ13XqZaUiUmTMYASGXaubnsl/s320/IMG-20130122-WA001.jpg" width="238" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a new hoody and a bone. Reem</td></tr>
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Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1466161166598071811.post-56716150259706949432013-01-18T08:17:00.001-08:002013-01-23T01:41:13.547-08:00Armstrong fails to Lance the boil<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It's always easy to be wise after the event, and even easier to point out that you were actually wise before the event. Or at least that you were wise while the event was going on. Other than the most rose-tinted biased cycling fan I haven't found anyone who really suspected Lance Armstrong was riding clean.<br />
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Like most sports fans I didn't really like cycling until Britain started getting really good at it. Even though I've always admired it as a very acceptable mode of transport, in the same way that I think cars are incredible for getting one around but using them as such is in no way a sport. Anyway I digress.<br />
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For much of the 1990's and early 2000's you could spot a professional cyclist a mile off. Bloodshot eyes, continual twitching and always carrying around a drugs sample pot asking members of the public to urinate into it in case they were called upon to give a sample. Obviously that's a slight over-exaggeration, but not by much.<br />
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I should say that I don't actually blame cyclists for using performance enhancing drugs. They are essentially athletes much the same as any other but being asked to do increasingly stupid things for the entertainment of fans. The bicycle was originally designed for short journalist at a leisurely pace, not for going full pelt up and down the Alps day after day. If I was doing that I think I would need some juice too. Or a car.<br />
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While it was well known by anyone with even a passing interest in cycling (even me for goodness sake) that everyone was doing it, that doesn't make it OK for other competitors to start. If you want a level playing field, which we all claim to, then blow the whistle on the cheats. The US Postal Team ended up not having the best cycling team, but they sure as hell had the best chemist.<br />
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Then it was all confirmed towards the end of last year when the USADA published its full dossier setting out the claims against Lancey, backed up with testimony from most of his team mates. Instead of doing what any decent human being would have done (at least the sort of decent human being who tries to con the world for 7 years) he denied it all over again, crying conspiracy. The fact that he offered no defence was actually a much better confession than the one he tried to give this week.<br />
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This whole 'coming out' thing really is the last insult to cycling fans as well. Rather than have a serious sports journalist to go over his career and really find out why he felt he had the right to cheat for all those years he decides to have Auntie Oprah give him a very light grilling. Someone who knows nothing about what it's like to compete fairly at the highest level of sport....being interviewed by Oprah (yeah I know).<br />
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His description of himself as a 'flawed character' is fair comment to say the least. But to suggest that there was some link, even the slightest, to his testicular cancer is a pretty grim insult to anyone who has suffered from the disease and survived. It also left me wondering if it wouldn't have been for the best if he hadn't been able to live strong for such a long time. Just a thought.<br />
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His crocodile tears won't butter any parsnips with the vast majority of people, but the ones I really feel sorry for are those who went to watch him ride, caught themselves up in the hype, bought his book and especially those who wore his silly yellow wristbands.<br />
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Old Lance has got more questions to answer, and I'm not sure if Oprah will be able to many answers though. Maybe it would better if they were being asked by a lawyer, you know, in court. But he isn't the only one. Unless he had a near miraculous system being put into action, then he should have been picked up by a drugs test, right? Because in the dirtiest of sports you would be testing your idol and poster-boy to check that an entire decade didn't come crashing down around your ears. Wouldn't you? My guess would be that at least a few people in the ICU knew all about these tricks. Who knows, maybe they even helped Lance get away with it to continue the narrative of so many consecutive Tour wins.</div>
Russellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14241934054348552114noreply@blogger.com0