Greetings from a hotel room in Santiago in Chile where I am gearing up for the first of two one man shows here. I had a wonderful time in Mexico and thoroughly enjoyed the concert there and would have liked to have stayed longer, maybe next time.
After the two shows here in Chile I go to Argentina and then to Brazil before heading home. It's well known how much I love South America as they seem to adore the same things as I do… in other words… music and football!
Before coming down here I did 9 shows on the East coast of America and they were so enjoyable as so many old friends showed up, and I'm pleased to say, quite a few new ones. At these shows I premiered YESSONATA which seemed to be really well liked judging from audience reaction and emails I've received and some great reviews as well. The way it's constructed musically makes it very difficult to play but I've always liked a challenge!!
It's going to be very busy when I get home as well. Lots of music to prepare for a Strictly Wakeman performance in Wales with Dave Colquhoun replacing Adam (who will be away with Uriah Heep), so that the trio will now be myself, Hayley and Dave.
On the 21st I will have the honour at a Water Rat's Lodge, of presenting Private Pike's scarf and hat to Andre Vincent, who is the curator of the Water Rats museum, which is where these priceless Dad's Army artefacts will be on display, all according to the wishes of both Ian lavender and his wife Miki. Ian was a proud Water Rat and undoubtedly would have been King Rat had he lived a few more years. The Water Rats have seen a few people who have appeared in Dad's Army, as brother Rats, including Bill Pertwee, John Bardon and one of the series creators, Jimmy Perry amongst others.
On the 22nd I will be attending a very special gathering to honour the great hairy biker Dave Myers who was great friend and also a King Rat in Waiting. I've lost too many friends this year already.
Now here's an interesting one. On the 29th I am one of the guests of Martin Darvill who manages YES, at Loftus Road for the QPR versus Leeds game. Martin is an avid Leeds supporter and Brian Lane, my manager is an avid QPR supporter. I am just hoping by kick off, QPR have secured safety for another season and Leeds have secured automatic promotion as if that is the case, the atmosphere will be lovely. What really is not wanted is for QPR to need to win to secure another season in the Championship and Leeds needing to win to secure promotion!!!
Looking ahead, the Xmas shows are now on sale and are already half sold which is great. It will certainly be different with Adam and Mollie joining me. 2 sets of keyboards as well as the Grand Piano plus a Xmas tree and either Adam or I dressed as an Elf… (unlikely to happen but who knows).
That's it for now. Looking at my suitcase full of winter clothes, I have to wonder about my sanity as outside it's currently 19 degrees centigrade.
Bye for now
Cheers Rick