I’ve just realised it’s been some time since I wrote a blog and I missed reporting some of our greatest adventures, including the sell out tour of Australia at the end of last year. It’s easy to say “life takes over” and, while that’s true, I think it’s also social networks that take over because they are a faster route to connecting with followers. If a picture paints a thousand words then I must have portrayed millions on my Instagram feed. Talking of feeding, I’ve had a lot of fun putting words into the mouth of dear old Alexa. This might be the last opportunity to be in control of our AI’s before they eventually have so much data at the disposal that they become equipped to lead the conversation rather than follow. Let’s be ready to have some original replies once that happens. It’s my mission to become as confusing to AI’s as possible, making it more difficult for them to become mirrors of well adjusted human beings. I think I have a head start in this matter.
But what about 2025? Well, apart from having flooding in my house on New Year’s Eve, it got off to a strong start with a 9-date Irish Tour, which is still going at the time of writing. Now we are well past the nightmare of Covid there are more territories offering us gigs, so the date sheet is showing a lot more variety. The early sales for this year’s Ozzy tour are indicating that we could be selling out once again, which makes it really worthwhile sacrificing one day, my back and knees and gastrointestinal system to go down under once more. It’s all in a good cause.
This is our 50th Anniversary because, yes, the first hit, “If you think you know how to love me” was on our airwaves in 1975. At the time I was an Exeter University student, studying economics, and more attracted to the alternative sounds from John Peel than the mainstream music that was gracing our screens on “Top of the Pops”. However, after moving to Yorkshire in 1980 and being visible on the music circuit it became possible that, not only would I get to know Smokie, but I would also become part of the band once they realised that music without a keyboard player is not music at all. I’m joking of course, and now, counting myself extremely lucky every single day, I get to pick all the gigs I want to do while balancing some well needed free time to engage in other things.
There will certainly be much to report, should I find the time and, if not, just keep gazing at those Instagram photos. Who knows, you might find yourself amongst the audience?
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