Online Diary

Kelly Jones 'Only The Names Have Been Changed'

2008-08-13T12:18:00.005Z

My friend Virginie Picot (very talented Artist & Actress) sent me a copy of Kelly Jones of The Stereophonics solo album, Only The Names Have Been Changed' There are two photos inside the CD or mine. One of Jim Lowe and Kelly discussing the music in the recording studio and one of Kelly actually recording it in the booth in the studio. I remember at the time that the lighting was almost non existent and it was pretty hard. But, now I have seen it, it looks pretty good. All I have got to do now is listen to the CD. I do remember at the time listening to Kelly recording it and thinking how good it sounded then. Kelly is a brilliant songwriter and performer and Jim Lowe is a brilliant producer. So, it should be pretty good.

Wembley and the Charity Shield

2008-08-10T12:02:00.007Z

I was invited to Wembley to this years Charity Shield match by my cousin Peter Olsen. The game was between Manchester United and Portsmouth. I met Peter by Bobby Moore's bum. There is a statue of the one and only Mr Moore and Peter arranged to meet, yes, by his bum. Peter who lives in Hong Kong most of the time has bought a few of the executive boxes at the new Wembley stadium. Just what you would expect from a billionaire tax exile.
Peter Olsen
Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

Peter and I are both Arsenal supporters and as we were not watching our team, I asked him who he wanted to win, as we sat in the seats waiting for the kick off, to which he replied "I hope they both lose". Peter does have a very dry sense of humour. The game was nil nil at full time and Manchester United finally won on penalties. It was a great to see Peter and nice not to be working for a change and relaxing watching football. Just a shame it wasnt Arsenal. Two other of Peters guests at Wembley were Alan Quested & Rob Betchley. I think they both went to the same school as Peter, but more importantly, they support Arsenal.
Alan Quested , Peter Olsen & Rob Betchley
Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

We had a cold drink after the game and waited for the crowd to dissapear before we made our way to Wembley Park Station.
Peter Olsen
Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

Peter was telling me how he was at Wembley on 31st July 1966 and watched the world cup final. That was for those of you who dont know, when England won the world cup. I think I got the date right, that must have been bloody brilliant. I was too young to have gone there. Oh what glory days eh!!

Roses Kings Castles

2008-07-28T08:30:00.008Z

I picked up Adam Ficek, drummer with Babyshambles at his home in North London. We then headed off down to Brick Lane in the East End of London for a photo shoot.

Adam Ficek - Roses Kings Castles

Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

Adam is always easy to work with. The weather was nice. We found a nice location and did some shots of Adam with a really nice Hofner Verithin guitar. We were trying to get a particular look.
Adam Ficek - Roses Kings Castles
Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

The shoot only took about 15 or 20 mins in total.
Adam Ficek - Roses Kings Castles
Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

So, it was quite a quick relaxed shoot.
Adam Ficek - Roses Kings Castles
Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

We then had a quick bite to eat and then headed back to Adam's place. When we arrived at his home Adam gave me a CD of Roses Kings Castles. I hadn't heard anything of his own music before. I then played it on my way back from the shoot. After the first listen, I thought it was okay. Then gave it another listen and one or two tracks were jumping out at me. Then on the third listen it kind of hit me, this was bloody brilliant. Sparking Bootz stood out as a really great song. So, get yourselves onto the myspace site for Roses Kings Castles and give the songs a good listen to. I love the music. Roses Kings Castles are ones to watch !!

BBC Jazz Awards London

2008-07-21T10:37:00.000Z

The BBC Jazz Awards were held at the Mermaid Theatre on the river Thames, near Blackfriars, London. I havent shot this event since 2004 when Amy Winehouse was there.

Had a bit published today

2008-07-19T21:22:00.003Z

I had some nice shots published in the UK Sun today and The Daily Star . There were also some shots online at the Daily Mail. All of them were, Coco Sumner, Daisy Lowe and Noel Feilding.
Noel Fielding and Sam Clifford - Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

My son Sam has asked me not to put this photo on my diary of him with Noel Fielding so, I wont!

Need more sleep

2008-07-18T22:37:00.003Z

I got up at about 11:30 and I am shattered. I saw a copy of the London Paper and saw that I had a nice spread of photos in the London Buzz double pages. Shots of Noel Fielding, Coco Sumner and a nice one of Daisy Lowe DJ'ing.
I also saw the London Lite newspaper and had the front cover as well, that was Coco. Also a big spread of my photos on page 3.

I also had a nice email from Coco and a separate email from Gary Powell (drummer in the libertines and now in Dirty Pretty things)

I later headed down to Primrose Hill to meet up with my mate and TV presenter, Tim Samuels. Tim, Jonathan and Sam and I had a very nice coffee and Tea on the pavement under a patio heater mind you. After all it is July in the UK.

Coco Sumner -Noel Fielding at The Boogaloo

2008-07-17T22:02:00.010Z

Tonight was another legendary night at the Boogaloo in North London. I arrived there at about 8:30 along with my work experience assistant, one 14 year old Sam Clifford. As soon as we arrived we saw Gerry O'Boyle and his partner John who own the establishment. We then went upstairs to the private area and met up with Coco. This is the first time I have met her and she and her friends (about 6 of them) were all really nice. Coco was down to earth and extremely nice. So, we did some exclusive photos up there in the room.

Coco Sumner -Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

Then Sam and I headed back downstairs. As we got down into the bar area, which was now rammed, I bumped into Carl Barat. I hadnt seen him since I photographed his 30th birthday party. We had a chat and then Carl, Sam and I went back upstairs to do some photos with Coco.
Carl Barat & Coco Sumner -Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

After we finished the photos we headed down again and went out to have a word with Gerry. Whilst Sam, Gerry and I were chatting outside, we saw Noel Fielding and Dave Brown from the Mighty Boosh walking towards us. We did some shots of them by the door and then we all went inside. Coco then took the stage. She was brilliant. For those that dont know, Coco Sumner is the daughter if Sting and his wife Trudy. Anyway, putting that to one side and looking at Coco here, she was sooo good. She is gonna be massive.
Coco Sumner - Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

So, I shot the show and all celebes watching her in the crowd as well.
Coco complete with mug of Tea. Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

After her set, Noel Fielding and Dave Brown got up onto the stage and did a great DJ set.. I also shot some of this as well.
Noel Fielding & Dave Brown from The Mighty Boosh
Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

I then grabbed Sam and we rushed off outside jumped in the car and raced over to Soho. We had to get there really fast to get shots of Daisy Lowe who was doing a DJ set at Maya. So, we pulled up outside, ran in and got some great action shots of Daisy doing her thing.
Daisy Lowe - Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

She is also very nice and always seems happy. She was smoking some really weird plastic cigarette very odd thing.
Daisy Lowe - Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

So, we did the shots and got out of there. Sarah Leon who is the top model spotter at Select Model Agency and looks after Daisy, came with us as she was coming back to the Boogaloo. Daisy was also going to come with us, but changed her mind as I think she was going to wait for Mark Ronson who was on his way. We then had video director Marcus and his partner, Sarah, Sam in the car and heading back to the Boogaloo. We also got a bloody parking ticket as well, which was a bloody shame.

When we got back to the Boogaloo, Noel was still DJ'ing and having a real ball. Perry Ferrell (Billy Mitchell) from Eastenders was also having a dance on the side of stage. I climbed up there with him and did some shots of him and Noel. Perry was very funny.

Perry Ferrell - Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

So, after getting all the shots required, Sam and I made our way out after saying goodnight the Noel, Dave, Perry Gerry John and all and headed back out of town.
Noel Fielding - Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

We got back at about 2:30 and then I got on with my editing of the photos. I finished at about 7:30 and then crawled up to bed..

4th of July and not a flag in sight

2008-07-04T16:13:00.000Z

I had to a bit of driving around to do today and noticed that there are no proud Americans here in London. Well, none that I could see. I did expect to see a few Stars N Stripes flying somewhere as it is Independence Day. Mind you thinking about it, it would be kind of rubbing the Brits noses in it a bit as it was the British that the USA became indepenedent back in the day. So, they are keeping a low profile. Saw a few of the London papers today and had some of my photos in the from last nigt at the Boogaloo. I went and saw my mate Jon, who yet again on a technical thing saved my life (he is a genuis). I really dont know what I would do without him. I got back over to Chorleywood and saw my mate Mr "I can do that" Mick Flinn in a petrol station. He is always a pleasure to see. He was telling me about the album that he and the band have written and now the recoring is almost complete, so, we should soon have a brilliant new album for The New Seekers. When we were chatting about the music it became apparent that, Mick and the guys wite songs in pretty much the way that today's artists are attemptig to emulate.. Like the genius Mark Ronson etc.. Mick Flinn actually writes that way naturally. Anyway, I cant wait to hear it. Mick invited me upto his palace to hear where they are up to. So, I look forward to that.
I left Mick in the petrol station having an argument with a women who was annoyed with him because he had parked his car slightly on the slant and she was pretty angry.. She looked like she had never been married or ever had a chance a bit of a moose or as I would like to say a FASHTUNKANA.. Dont think it actually means anything, but sounds great..

The Boogaloo London

2008-07-03T23:06:00.001Z

Late this evening I got a call and I was asked to come down to the Boogaloo in Highgate. Gerry O'Boyle and his partner John own the place. You never know who is going to be there. Shane McGowan tends to live there when he is in the UK. But tonight its a bit of an after Jay-Z gig party going on. I saw models Daisy Lowe and Pixie Geldof there.

Pixie Geldof

Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford
Both of which I have recently done shoots with. I think Daisy is going out with Mark Ronson as well. He is a bloody genius. I love his production work on Amy Winehouse's cd Back to Black, absolutely brilliant.

Daisy Lowe

Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford
Anyway, the Boogaloo is one of those surprising places. Amongst others there last night was Rod Stewart's daughter Ruby plus loads of TV people and models etc. I finally got home at about 3 am and then edited up my photos and sent them out.

More Glastonbury but this time Leonard Cohen

2008-06-29T12:21:00.009Z

Today was the 3rd and last day here at Worthy Farm, Pilton.. Looks like rain clouds are up there, but plenty of sunshine and blue clouds in between. The crowd were all in good spirit. Lots of fancy dress as usual. So here are some fans in fancy dress making the Glastonbury Atmosphere pretty colourful.

Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford
Today we have The Verve headlining, you know Richard Ashcroft and his gang. But before that, we have two legends, Neil Diamond and Leonard Cohen, who doesn't get out much any more.. Well, Neil was fantastic and very professional. When you think about the amazing songs that he has written, including big hits for The Monkeys back in the 60's or whenever that was. So, there I was shooting Neil from the pit and he is looking straight at me. I dont suppose that he has seen that I split my shorts earlier whilst climbing into a Land Rover when Wayne Star and I hitched Hicked and grabbed a lift accross to another stage. There I was fulled loaded with camera gear, laptop etc and as I climbled up into the vehicle in a bit of a rush, RIP went my shorts. Right at the front.. So, for the rest of the trip I had proper air conditioning around my crumple zone. So, had Neil spotted it.. I dont think so.

Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford
Now, Leonard Cohen was sensational. By far the best performer at Glastonbury. Not that I saw them all. Anyway, he was brilliant. I only shot the first song, which was called "Dance me to the end of Love".

It was amazing. If anyone wants to hear that song, check out You Tube and search for him there and that song will come up. Well worth it...

Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford
The Verve closed the show. Richard Ashcroft seemed pretty confident when he wandered onto the the stage.. The band were tight and sounded pretty good. The crowd went wild and I shot the first three songs and legged it back to the press room.
Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford

Glastonbury Music Festival

2008-06-28T12:14:00.007Z

I arrived a day late, due to the fact that I had to shoot Nelson Mandela's 90th Birthday Celebration concert in Hyde Park last night. So, arrived down at Worthy Farm mid morning. Guess what!! NO MUD, Brilliant, I dont need my wellies. Just keep my Timberland's on. There were plenty of acts plying today, but Amy Winehouse was performing on the main Pyramid Stage just before Jay Z. Just after I arrived I bumped into Amanda Ghost and her other half Gregor. Both are really nice people. Amanda is the talented girl who wrote amongst others "Your Beautiful" for James Blunt and another song for Beyonce and Shakira which went to number one around the world as well. She is a clever girl. Amanda told me that Beyonce was arriving later and we would then try and get a shot of the two of them together backstage. So, we tried, but it just didn't work out time wise. I was in one place and Amanda and Beyonce seemed to be in another etc etc.. Oh well next time eh!! Kelly Osborne was also backstage sporting a nice Orange wig. Very fetching, don't you know..

I stopped and had a chat with Howard Marks or Mr Nice as he has been know throughout his career. He had his daughter Golly and his son Patrick with him. Patrick was at College with my son Jonathan, they both went to MPW in Kensington. Anyway, I think Howard had been smoking himself into a frazzle, he just seemed to be laughing at everything.. Mind you he does do that most of the time. Anyway, moving on, Wayne Star (photographer and all round great chap) pointed out to me that Lily Cole was sitting near us. So, I took that opportunity of having a word with her and taking a couple of photos.

Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford
Amy went and caused a bit of a stir when she allegedly punched a fan in the crowd. I wasn't there, so, I didn't see anything. But, there was some video shot of this and it does look rather like she did have a go at a fan. She had got down off the stage and went to the front of the crowd to sing Rehab, when suddenly she laid into someone. Oh well, nothing that rehab wouldn't cure I suppose. I was back in the press tent all of this time. Then when Amy left the stage she was taken by helicopter straight back to London to go back into the Clinic. She needs a bit of help. I really hope that she gets well. I honestly think she is such a talent and a really nice girl. I don't mean to sound patronising, but, I do feel so sorry for her mum and dad. Mitch her dad I have met a few times and it must be absolutely awful seeing one of your kids going through this.

So, after Amy was the one and only Jay-Z. This was an interesting one for Glastonbury. Now, where do I begin. Noel Gallagher of Oasis was quoted as saying "fucking Jay-Z at Glastonbury? No way, its for guitar bands" Or at least something like that he said. So, what did Jay-Z do when he came on !! He ran a film behind on the big screen which was very entertaining about everyone around the world loving Jay-Z. Including all of the world leaders.. Then on he came on and performed Wonderwall by Oasis. It was a very funny moment.

copyright 2008 Danny Clifford
Well done Jay-Z. He must of won over quite a few people with that little bit of comedy.. Jay -Z was very impressive and really talented. I only shot the first three songs, so, didmt get to see the whole show. But by all accounts he was brilliant. Mind you, I still love Oasis..

Nelson Mandela 90th Celebration Concert

2008-06-27T21:36:00.013Z

Today was a concert to honor Nelson Mandela who shortly reaches his 90th birthday. It was held at London's Hyde Park. Plenty of acts there today, Razorlight, Will Smith, Quincy Jones, Jamelia, Amy Winehouse, Simple minds, Sugababes, Leona Lewis, Queen & Paul Rodgers plus many others. I was in the photo pit for this event. nearly all of the other photographers were stuck about 50 metres away on a podium. So, I need to get my cards with the photos on back to my techie, Niki who was backstage in a pressroom, working on a laptop. So, I had the runner of all runners, boy was she a really fast runner!! My trusty steed and wife, Lyn. Here she is relaxing on the edge of the photo pit (another one of her specialist subjects) . Actually she is giving me that knowing look, you know, "you are a wanker look" Nice eh!!

Queen and Paul Rodgers were fantastic. It's a shame that they only got to perform a few songs. The crowd loved them as well. They are off out ontour later this year, so, that will be briliant.

Amy was brilliant, as usual. She is , in my opinion one of the most talented musicians in the world. I know it's easy to say that now, but I have been saying that from day one. Well, not quite day one, but when I first heard her album "Frank". I met her a few times in 2003 and 2004 and did a few shoots with her then. I have been photographing her ever since. I just really hope she sorts herself out soon.

Katy Brand then off to The Isle of Wight

2008-06-13T12:39:00.007Z

Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford
I had to get up at 5am today and head down to the East End of London. I was doing an exclusive shoot with up and coming comedienne who has a new TV series on ITV in the UK at the begining of September. She is very very funny and well worth watching when its out. So, the plan this morning is to be on site very early and before they start shooting the TV show, I will soend a bit of time with her dojng some kind of set up to look like paparrazi shots of her dressed up as Amy Winehouse.

This was todays sketch for her. Anyway, Katy has re-written the song that Amy had a hit with, written by my mate Dave McCabe of the Zutons, "Valerie". Only this time, Katy as Amy has changed the lyrics to Valium etc etc.. After the shoot my mate Paul the PR Genius and I had a kosher bacon and egg sandwich, from the catering chaps. Then I sat in the production bus and sent the photos out to all of the papers etc. Once that was all finished, I headed over to Finsbury Park, North London to collect Stefan Jeremiah who was travelling with me to the Isle of Wight music Festival.

Once I had collected Stefan, we headed out of London on our way to get the ferry from Southampton. But before we could get right out of London, Watford to be precise, the fan belt snapped on my car and we were in a bit of bother. Luckily enough, I had another car of mine not to far away, so we limped carefully with the heaters blowing inside the car to keep the engine cooler all the way to sunny Chorleywood, where we jumped in the other car. Then off we went. Now we were running late. The ferry we were booked on was the only one with space that day. So, we had to make it. Well we did, by the skin of our teeth. I did have visions of us speeding up and launching the car off the quay to slam dunk onto the car ferry' s deck. But fortunatley that was in my dreams and not a reality. We made it with a few mins only to spare.

Pixie Geldof Shopping in Islington

2008-06-12T12:26:00.002Z

I get a call from my friend Te at 1:45 pm She asks me if I am free. I say when, she says in about an hour. I was in the middle of a shoot with a band way out in the countryside. I had almost finished, however, I needed to leave within a few mins to stand a chance of helping Te out. I had to get to Islington, North London in about 50 mins. That took some doing. This was to shoot Bob Geldof's daughter, Pixie, who is now a model. She was arriving at a clothing store on Upper Street Islington called B+R. This store is owned by Stuart Trevor who was the main designer and founder of All Saints clothing stores. Anyway, I arrived and Pixie arrived about the same time. She was with a representative from Select Model Agency.

Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford
So, Pixie was busy selecting clothes for her and her dad, Sir Bob and I was asked to shoot all of this, which I did. Got some nice shots of her and after a short while Pixie grabbed her 4 or 5 bags of clothes and off she went. I said my good bye's to Te and Stuart and I left as well. I had got some nice shots and also had an early start tomorrow and along day all in all.

Anoushka Lucas

2008-04-05T21:42:00.003Z

I headed into London just after lunchtime. The shoot I was about to do was taking place on location outside with no cover. So, it was quite interesting that on my way driving into London I experienced various weather fronts. On what was to be a one hour journey, I had sunshine and blue skies, then grey gloomy skies and then nearer the photo shoot, a massive hale storm.. So, that was wonderful.

I arrived at the chosen location for our shoot. It was little mews round the back of Hyde Park corner, not far off the back of Harrods. I was the first person to arrive, next was my friend and manager Emma Boden-Lee. Then one of our props arrived a 25 year old Mercedes SL, driven and owned by Jim the architect.

Then Anoushka turned up with stylist and a friend. Emma and I had already worked out the various shots we were going to do.

So, as soon as Elika the stylist had dressed Anoushka, we got on with it. Anoushka was very natural in front of the camera and a pleasure to work with.

Whilst we were in between shoots, Jim, the owner of the Mercedes SL and I both looked up and saw a suspicious person on the roof of property which had scaffoling all over it. This dodgy person saw Jim and I and quickly hid on the roof. We called the cops and they arrived pretty quickly. The put the police helicopter up and also sent a dog patrol as well. But the slimey old villain managed to slip away over the roof tops.

We managed to get a few different looks and shots done on the day in between light showers. So, all in all quite a nice shoot with nice people.

All photographs Copyright 2008 Danny Clifford.

Late Night with Pete Doherty

2008-02-26T11:24:00.001Z

I must admit I was shattered as I had had hardly any sleep last night. Then early evening, just when I thought I was going to have an easy evening and put my feet up, I get a call saying meet up in Islington and then head down to the East End of London with Pete Doherty. Pete was doing a last minute solo gig at the Rhythm Factory. So, we got there at about 11pm. Pete was in very good form and nice and sober, in all respects. He really is cleaning up his act. Alan Wass was also there last night. We had a nice chat backstage. Then Alan went out and did a few songs. Alan too is now off the sauce, so to speak. I must say its really nice to have conversations with them now they are becoming human again. Pete and Alan were at one stage in a real mess. Pete finally went on stage at about Midnight.He was all on his own, no band or anything at all. He played for about an hour or so. He played some Babyshambles and Libertines songs. It was great. Then it was a quick exit out of the building. I got home as the birds were tweeting, nice....

The BRIT Awards London

2008-02-20T20:55:00.000Z

It was Earls Court, as it is every year and it's the BRIT Awards. Probably the UK's biggest music awards. Tonight we had Sharon and Ozzie Osbourne and family presenting the show. The performers were Mika, Beth Ditto, Kylie Minogue, The Kaiser Chiefs, Mark Ronson, Amy Winehouse and the brilliant, Sir Paul McCartney. Who really is a genius. He got the lifetime achievement award.

More from the Led Zeppelin Gig at O2

2008-01-05T02:03:00.000Z

I saw a piece on Fox News in the USA referring to the backstage incident with Naomi Campbell. After the Zeppelin show I was backstage with Jeff Beck, Vic Reeves and the wonderful Fox News Entertainment Chief, Roger Friedman. Naomi was banging on about being robbed.. It was only funny when Vic Reeves turned to me and said " Who the fuck is she anyway" referring to Naomi who was whinging on about her two phones that had been lifted. So, here is a piece from Fox News..

Naomi Campbell’s "mugging" — her announcement directly to me, photographer Danny Clifford and Jeff Beck (if he was listening) — that she’d had her handbag and "two bloody phones" lifted — got a lot of pick up Tuesday. I thought it was hilarious that TMZ.com said they called Scotland Yard to see if Campbell reported the incident. Next they’re going to ring the FBI about Britney Spears’ missing underwear! Roger Friedman - copyright 2007 Fox News

Pentangle Photo shoot

2008-01-04T22:38:00.000Z

Today I did a shoot with the legendary Pentangle. They were big in the 60's and 70's then seemed to break up. Anyway, they have reformed and they will be playing at the Royal Festival Hall in the summer 2008. This is quite a big deal as they haven't performed together for quite some time. I also believe that their gig in the summer is to commemorate their 40th anniversary.. So, I met them all at the Royal Festival Hall this morning and then we said our hello's etc then went for a coffee to discuss this shoot.. It wasn't long before we started. Today was a pretty foggy day in London so, we started inside and did a few studio (location) type of shots.. Then as they all became more relaxed we moved on outside. I must say, even though I am was born and bred in London, I still love seeing all of those major landmarks and sights.. So, when we went outside onto the balcony with the band it was great to see Big Ben and the big Millennium Wheel right there next to us. So, they made for quite nice back drops.. During the photo shoot, my old mate Paul Crockford arrived. He is jointly managing Pentangle with Bert Jansch's wife Loren. Paul, Loren and the band were so nice to work with. They were all really, nice people. So, when we were outside we went down onto the beach on the side of the River Thames.. This is great fun in itself. We got some great shots down by the Thames.. The light started to fade pretty quickly, so we wrapped it up and called it a day. All in all a very enjoyable day for me.

Reliving the Past - 1978 to be precise !!

2008-01-02T23:58:00.000Z

I have been going through some of my old diaries and started to put some of the entries on this, my online diary. So, if you get bored and fancy finding out what my life was like when I was starting off in the music industry then have a 'butchers hook', which is 'have a look' for those who don't speak Cockney Rhyming Slang.. They are listed as 1978 at the moment...

New Years Day 2008

2008-01-01T18:49:00.000Z

I went out for lunch with some of the family today which was nice. On the way back we saw Police helicopters flying around above the area. Then we saw about 8 police cars all stopped in one place. There was obviously something going on. Well, how exciting eh.. I then stopped at the local garage where there is a Marks and Spencer food store in it to get some food for the house. As I walked in I Saw someone staring at me. I did recognise him, but for a few seconds didn't know who it was. It was Adrian Smith the legendary Iron Maiden guitarist. Adrian had been fishing locally as we live pretty close to each other. Everywhere Adrian goes when he is on tour, he fishes. Mostly for Chub. He does love fishing. I remember Adrian telling me once before when I was out with him and the band somewhere, that when he is on tour he will fish anywhere for anything.. That is dedication isn't it. Iron Maiden are out on the road in about 3 weeks and off to India, Japan and Australia amongst other places. So, from the sublime to the.... we later went to a dinner party tonight at friends of ours Mick & Donna Flinn of The New Seekers. Other good friends of ours there were Paul Carrack and his wife Kathy, also record producer Andy Wright with his wife Wendy along with Pete Lennon and his wife. What a nice evening it was, food was fab and the company wonderful. I must say its been a long time since we have been to such a nice dinner party.

About a month ago I directed a music video for the Zimmers. The last video they did was the Who's "My Generation", but this one that I did is a remake of The Prodigy's " Firestarter" Its fantastic even if I do say so myself. The record label X-Phonics have just put a taster on U-Tube.. So, paste this into your browser to see a small snippet of it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k6cN3nR-_CU

Happy New Year

2007-12-31T23:12:00.001Z

Happy New Year to all of you out there.. I hope that you have a great 2008. Actually, I hope I have a better one, but, I hope you have a great one as well. By the way, do I look as mushy as I think I do in this photo?

Nice walk on Chorleywood Common

2007-12-31T01:00:00.000Z

I went for a nice quick walk with my wife around the beautiful Chorleywood Common, in Hertfordshire, UK. Obviously, I took a camera with me. Then for some reason, Lyn decided to let me take a quick shot of her, which is unusual.

Mind you, she only let me take two shots of her as she intimated.

Did she mean something else?

Led Zeppelin and Sam Moore at O2

2007-12-10T10:10:00.000Z

This was probably the biggest reunion of all time. I met up with Sam Moore and Joyce his wife at the hotel early evening. We were then picked up and taken over to North Greenwich to the O2. I dont think I have seen as many celebes in one place before. It was mad. I then met up with my mate Martin Klip and we attempted to get a coffe somewhere. Funnily enough, every Starbucks we walked into was closing or closed, all very odd.. Anyway, we found a haven in Wasabi a Japanese resturant. We then headed backstage dressing rooms and met up wth Joyce and Sam Moore. After a while I went into the arena to watch the mighty Led Zeppelin. They were truly amazing.. Again, I couldnt believe how many celebes I saw and knew as I walked down to the front of the stage. The band were brilliant and kashmire was exceptional, mind you it was all great. I then headed back over to the Indigo venue to shoot Sam Moore, Ben E King, Percy Sledge and Paul Rogers.

Shane MacGowan 50th Birthday Party

2007-12-09T10:05:00.000Z

The day started with me shooting the stills on a video shoot in the East End of London. It was all very civilized and well organized and for a change really nice people all round. I then headed to North London to the now legendary Boogaloo. There was to be a party for my mate Shane MacGowan. He will be 50 on Christmas Day. As the Pogues are now on the road, this was the only real chance for Shane to have loads of friends in one place for a party. There was quite a turn out. The Arctic Monkeys, The Horrors, Madness, Tim Burgess, Kevin Rowland (Dexy's Midnight Runners) The Pogues, BP Fallon and a few others as well. Kate Moss was supposed to be there as well, but, she missed her flight back from New York. So, that was a shame as she and Shane are good friends. So, thanks to Gerry O'Boyle it was another great night at the Boogaloo...