An occasional music spot - remembering places around the World

The place in this instance is a time and place. Namely Summer 1980 and the European 'Grand Tour'.

Time for some nice pictures and 'pastoral' music. Literally a musical portrayal of the joys and emotions associated with being in the countryside. 

While driving around the countries of Europe in 1980 the music we played more than any other was Beethoven's Symphony No.6. It just fitted in so well with the unfolding scenery. 

Ludwig van ...

  

"It's 12 noon in London, 7am in Philadelphia, and around the world it's time for Live Aid"

Saturday 13th July 1985. Where were you ?

I was in front of my television, where I'd remain for the next 16 hours. Listening on the radio while watching the show from Wembley stadium and then from just after 10pm the American concert from John F. Kennedy stadium in Philadelphia. 

You may well have forgotten all those who performed that day. Here's the running order link:- Live Aid.

This is a song that always makes me smile. Taking the stage around 2:20 Nik Kershaw sang four songs including this hit single - the one with the nonsense lyrics and confused ramblings of an 80s popstar - hence the title 'The Riddle' >

  

An alternative (and occasional) music posting highlighting something out of the ordinary. Perhaps of limited appeal, unconventional, experimental or just far-out ! Call it what you like (or switch it off, if you don't like). 

Another big show this last weekend in Birmingham saw Black Sabbath play what was billed, along with the title 'Back to the Beginning' and an all-star cast, as their last ever show. We will see ....

Time for this song originally from their second album released in 1970. It's an anti-war protest song and bassist and lyricist Geezer Butler says "it's about how these rich politicians and rich people start all the wars for their benefit and get all the poor people to die for them" - sound familiar ?

I heard it the other day and thought the guitar and drum playing towards the end sounded brilliant, so had to post it. Considered the greatest ever Heavy Metal song and one of the group's best tracks, this is 'War Pigs' >

All about that Birmingham show (link here) 

  

"Do you remember" Gigs you went to ? Of course you do !

The recent passing of guitarist Mick Ralphs caused this track to pop into my head. As a founding member of Mott the Hoople, Ralphs left in 1973 to form Bad Company. So wasn't playing on today's track, but as the lyrics reveal he was very much apart of those earlier 'Saturdays Gigs'.

All about 'Live' shows - 

- Mott the Hoople played a reunion of five nights at Hammersmith Odeon back in 2009. We were there to see Ian Hunter and Mick Ralphs and other original band members. Nice article worth a read (here). 

- And I just read about a 'Mottfest' scheduled for this October in Ross-on-Wye. See story.

- Finally, you've probably heard 'Live Aid' was 40 years ago this month and the BBC have some programmes lined up 'When Rock 'n' Roll Took on the World', starting this Sunday and I believe the entire Wembley show is getting a repeat performance on 13th July.