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• Posted by albionvicar on 24/10/2006.
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Article for 'Cherry Bomb' (John Mellencamp Fan Club Mag!) - Meeting the Mellenheads

I first found John through the track ‘Rain on the Scarecrow’, a powering rock track which became an all time favourite. It was not until I saw him and the band live at Wembley for the ‘Whenever we Wanted’ tour in 91 that I really took an interest. For a number of my first time concerts, I make a point of not buying an album until after the show. That way I see the music fresh to eye, as well as ear. A habit I maintain with John on the rare occasion I do have the chance to see a live show.

Musically I have always enjoyed traditional English folk music, but after a few years of “Hey nonney nonney”…”My girlfriend has left me for a soldier/farm hand/my sister or fallen down a well”, or other fetching memorable demise, I was getting bored, and looking for a more constructive use of mandolins, fiddles, and squeeze boxes. I did however find a few bands that have bought folk into the modern day era. Levellers, The Men They Couldn’t Hang and Oysterband are standouts.

Next I discovered slide guitar, and even attempt to play a bit myself, though am still seeking a decent teacher of the art (Difficult in West Sussex!). John’s music was a revelation, Modern American rock  with a homely folk twist , but with such a level of originality I find it difficult to categorise. Played live I had really never seen anything like it previously - it, as they say, hit all the buttons. Lonesome Jubilee is the peak.

On the three occasions now I have seen John, the live performance has been immense, far stronger that the records, a sound still to be matched by the recorded media. For those of us in Europe who do not have the chance to travel to the States for a show, a live DVD is really needed.

John’s music reaches far and wide. I remember watching a video of Check it Out on a country music TV station in Colonia, Uruguay whilst backpacking a few years ago.

We in Europe have been starved of John’s live performances for a long time. The last appearance was in 99, for some small dates aimed at the music media in Germany. I would have missed them completely had it not been for a tip off from Tony, who managed to line up tickets. Thus a trip to Munich (oh the hardship!) and another storming show in a small venue, no bigger than an average night club. Another couple travelled from the UK (please contact - I have lost your email), and what a night it was. I have always been weary of fan clubs, but this would not have been possible without Tony and his ceaseless hardwork. 

Inevitably I have wanted to come to the States for a show for a long time, and on learning Farm Aid was coming to the east coast, it was really time to get off my backside and do something about it.

I have some friends in Jersey, in the town of Brick,  who jumped at the chance of coming to the show. The deal was done and I was soon on my way to Newark. Now I have to say, all I know about Jersey is the route from Newark to Penn and the Sopranos. Add to the town’s name ‘Brick’ I was astonished to find the area in fact full of wonderful sandy beaches, a very active yachting community, and some wonderful multi million dollar properties drifting down to the beach. My friend acquired a boat and we spent an afternoon catching up over cocktails on the ocean. 

On the day itself we were on the road early, battling through the soccer moms in the local bakery for bagels and coffee. Resisting all temptation to sit on the sidelines and offer 30 years worth of tactical advice, we were soon on the Turnpike and heading for Philly.

My hosts were insistent on showing me the famous Philly Cheesesteak, and on arrival in the city outskirts we were soon scoffing the full treat on the roadside. We were at the hotel by 12.00 and soon heading over the water from Penns landing to the venue.

As usual (well at least in the UK) if it’s a festival it will rain. As soon as we were on the boat the sky opened, and I foresaw a miserable day forthcoming. Arriving at the venue I could not believe how well things were organised. Our seats were under cover (thanks Tony) with a good view. (In England, summer venue sites are just flat fields with no shelter, disgusting temporary toilets, and poisonous food! At one Glastonbury recently the stand pipes were turned off at night, so there was no water available at all. Nice!) This was a different prospect altogether. Good sight lines for all, a good selection of food (with overgenerous portions) clean toilets and shelter. Altogether very well organised (though more support for your local Microbrewers please!)

I enjoyed the afternoon sets from Danielle Svin, Govt Mule, Steel Pulse and Steve Earle (a frequent visitor to the UK). I was able to find the Mellenheads easily - you girls are a little distinctive - I introduced myself and was made very welcome.

On attending the very friendly (family) food outlet at the back of the venue my $7 was rewarded with two slices of bread, and what appeared to be four full sized Pork Steaks, this kept me going for the rest of the day with more to spare. A true bargain. Such a change from anything at previous festivals.

The evening was bought to a lively start with Jerry Lee Lewis, a privilege to see such a legend. Then Dave Matthews, a slow but beautiful set. (A British TV crew did a feature with him a few years ago, busking the streets of London, and recording the reaction of American tourists when they recognised him.Very funny. Dave is all but unknown in the UK!)

The main feature followed and John rocked the crowd with a full on performance . If anything the band is tighter than the twice I have seen them before, and the show fully justified the effort.

Next up, Neil Young, with again a pleasant yet unpredictable set. Country with a little touch of Old Orleans illustrating the imagination of one of Americas classic legends.

I would have stayed for Willie, but I had arranged to link with the Mellenheads back at their hotel. Completely failing to find my lift I had to brave the wilds of Camden (This is the NJ I had imagined) to find a cab, but it didn’t take long to find the gang in the hotel, and I was introduced to some of the band members who had drifted in. It was the first time I had met the band, and thanks to Christine for the introductions. I am very shy on such occasions, but it does not take a great deal to be rabbiting away with John E Gee about life in general.

I hope to see the band in the UK again sometime, I know they would like to come, so what about it John? Your UK guide is ready and waiting in the urban Bohemia of Brighton. (Failing that, see you on the next tour - quite fancy Chicago!)

Thanks to all the Mellenheads for making me welcome, and of course to Tony for the tickets. I still owe you a drink Cindy!    

http://www.levellers.co.uk

http://www.tmtch.net/

http://www.oysterband.co.uk/

• Posted by albionvicar on 05/10/2006.
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Ros blogs now illustrated

• Posted by albionvicar on 17/09/2006.
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Vintage Albion on You Tube

More and more classic Albion videos appearing on You Tube day by day.

from 1978 when everyone wore football scarfs, tartan (girls) or bikechains around their wrists. Glory days indeed.  

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zhSVbZd_koQ

OK we lost to Palace, but still a classic of its day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nNSJOIbKoA8 

• Posted by albionvicar on 17/09/2006.
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Cornwall Again!

  As always the family visit to Cornwall was a great success. Despite the 10 hours or so travelling time. Ros and I took Ryan and Owen to Cornwall for a week of bliss in our favourite accomadation. A small flat with direct views over the harbour. We have already booked for next year.

We have discovered body boarding despite the freezing sea conditions, and I even bought a wet suit. Picture gallery attached.    

• Posted by albionvicar on 08/09/2006.
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23rd August : Medical Update

• Posted by albionvicar on 23/08/2006.
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Ros Blog Part Four

Bowels still dangerously unpredictable, which has been tricky on the road.  Final camp is a lovely little place just outside Nairobi run by some Dutch people.  Eight of us are checking out the city together this afternoon - this morning, giraffe sanctuary and (aaahh!!) elephant orphanage.  I've eaten everything from octopus to crocodile - could have something to do with the stomach!! But, you know, when in rome.... We had our goodbye dinner last night (minus our leader, who was rushed to hospital following a seizure) There were many drunken speeches and some fat middle aged woman read a poem!!  Our kiwi friends left at lunchtime, the Drago crew have taken the truck off for some serious work, and things are truly winding down now. There is a family from Surrey on the same flight as me tomorrow, and we have a ride all booked up. So I guess that's it 

• Posted by albionvicar on 18/08/2006.
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Ros Blog Part Three

 

• Posted by albionvicar on 13/08/2006.
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The Walk Continues

• Posted by albionvicar on 07/08/2006.
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Ros Blog: Part Two

 

• Posted by albionvicar on 04/08/2006.
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