Latest News from Richard's World

"The greatest education in the world is watching the masters at work.”

Michael Jackson

26th June

There can be no doubt that the death of Michael Jackson, whatever his imperfections, has affected billions of people around the world. I first heard last night and, like the death of anybody that famous, it gets you thinking about the person and all those tunes. There will be fans who will be as upset as I was at the age of 19 upon hearing of the death of John Lennon. I feel sorry for them.

Now, don't get me wrong here, Wacko fans. I love those tunes, particularly from the Quincy Jones era, as much as anybody. He was also a consummate performer and dancer. However (and if you live outside Great Britain, you'll never get this!), I heard only today of a death that affected me personally far more. It also made me realise just how ingrained Radio 4 is on my soul and just how long I have been listening to that roaring log fire of a radio station. Steve Race was a lot older (88) when he died on 22nd June but he was an excellent musician along with being an affable presenter & quiz show host. My youthful memories of him are on My Music but there was much more to him than that (including Jazz 625) and I would encourage you to read his obituary here. You'll see that he's probably had as big an effect on many Britons without them even realising it (how many did his crosswords?). I believe those old My Music episodes still play out on BBC Radio 7 so try and catch one.

Those of you who have relied on this site for info about the progress of Di following her mastectomy will have been disappointed since 5th June. I'm really sorry - I'm so busy at the moment that I'm not around very much to update.

Since I last wrote, we had some bad news I'm afraid. Di was told on 12th June that she should seriously consider having chemotherapy and, after getting a second opinion and canvassing advice, she decided to go ahead. I went with her today to The Kent and Canterbury hospital for her first session. They began by attaching what looked like a large cycling helmet to her head. In fact this was freezing (literally) underneath and is apparently designed to minimise hair loss. They then attached a cannula (hope I've spelled that right) and for about 45 minutes a nurse sat and slowly manually injected three large syringes of those appalling (but hopefully healing) drugs into her arm. She's been sick tonight and only time will tell how she will fare.

I'm still gearing up for my London run on 12th July in aid of Cancer Research. If you haven't already donated, please do so via the widget at the top of the page.

Some have expressed reluctance to donate online using cards and have asked me for a sponsor form so that they can write a cheque. The form can be downloaded by clicking this link

sponsorform

Alternatively, please make a cheque out to Cancer Research UK and send it to me at Pemble Lodge, Wick Lane, Woolage Green, Canterbury, Kent CT4 6SD. If you are a UK taxpayer, please try and send your payment with the form because you can tick a box that enables the Charity to reclaim 28 pence for each pound you donate.

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Richard Esdale and I are at the Brook Barbecue tomorrow evening at 6pm, open to all. Then on Sunday, Bob Klose (founder member of Pink Floyd - honest!) and I are in the Neptune's Hall, Broadstairs from 5 o'clock. Please try and get along.

All gigs are on the gig guide

The album, 'The Last Laugh' is not now far from completion. However, to give us chance to crank up the Blues Academy machine and to ensure that everything is in place for a proper and spectacular launch, we have put back the launch date to late September to coincide with the anniversary of Johnny's death.

Remember, this is the last thing that John recorded before he died. Please therefore spread the word and let me know (via the guestbook below) if you'd be interested in a copy. It will also be available on itunes.