December '03 - July '00

CRUSH UK - gathering nuts in May
Update: 5th May 2003

Hi

We hope you are in good health and enjoying life.

We're loving the weather and looking forward to a great weekend later this month when we play a couple of gigs in Devon:

Barrel on May 17 and Bishop Blaize on May 18 - check the giglist for details.

Fun punksters 'Them Pesky Kids' will open for us at the Barrel. These guys play music with attitude - just the way we like it.

If you dig the Pixies, Pistols, Iggy and a funkin good time, then come on down and check 'em out.


Question time

Are we planning to play outside of Devon? - Indeed. We have been booked to play at a number of parties around the country, but have no plans for any public performances.

What about the US & Europe? - We're thinking about it.

To be honest we're having such a great time doing what we're doing, but if you really miss us, then tell us.

Talking of which. Our message board is a hotbed of discussion, so do drop by to make a comment or join the debate.

How are your record sales? - Great, thanks to Leslie our US secret agent and www.Paypal.com, which has been a great success.

NOW - You can buy all of our albums online with credit or debit card.

Everything is on special at the moment - 5 quid or the equivalent wherever you may be.

So if you missed out on any of our classic recordings here's a golden opportunity to put that right - CRUSH UK merchandise.

What else?

Oh yeah.

Dave's joined another band in London.
Rick is moving and Damian is promoting a new project - click here for the best B&B in the west - www.twofarthings.co.uk

Have you seen Clive? - Nope. It's 10 years since Frampton Weller kicked off a long and fruitful career and that FW album still rocks.

We all miss the dude sometimes and wish him well.

Live your dreams and enjoy the moment

Love

Crush
 

CRUSH UK News
Update: 13th April 2003 

So what's up?

We're back on stage in May at two venues in Devon -The Barrel in Exmouth & Bishop Blaize in Exeter - click here for more details.

Our new album 'The New Big Thing' is now available to purchase on-line via credit card.

By using PayPal.com, we offer you a fast, secure and user friendly way to buy our records.

You can still send us a cheque/check of course if you prefer and buy separate tracks or past releases at Vitaminic or Peoplesound.

If you would like to play for you at a party, or private show, just drop us a line - damian@crushuk.com and we'll see what we can do.

Thanks for visiting www.CRUSHUK.com

CRUSH UK @ The Redwing
Update: 18th March 2003

So Friday evening came around and due to our new geographical arrangements; I loaded the gear into the car in readiness for the gig across the river later, meanwhile Rick and Dave drove down from London - some 180 miles.

It was odd because we normally play at least a couple of gigs over the weekend, but this just it was just a one night stand (or not in Dave's case, but more of that later).

As I beautified myself in readiness for my fan club, I noticed that the back tyre on my truck was going down - oh shit, an hour to lift off and I needed the AA (an extremely worthwhile investment). The guy turned up in good time, replaced my wheel and we were all set.

So, off we went, the Captain and Mrs Black on the 22 mile trip to the other side of the River Exe. Mrs B dropped off at our friends, Robin and Sara's place (Sara sings with us live and appears on the latest album). Meanwhile I headed down to the Redwing.

Surprise, surprise, Rick and Dave were already there.

Uh, oh. Dave was walking with a crutch due to his dodgy pins. This left Rick and me to do all the unloading and setting up. Dave's pre gig role is to take care of some the 'wiring' necessary to get the show on the road, so we had to cover his work too which was an extra bonus - not.

So, there we were, ready to kick off, but with Dave perched on a stool and under Doctors orders not to drink!

The Redwing, as you probably know by now, has been a regular gig for us for nearly 8 years. We have received a consistently good response form the loyal audience throughout all of our incarnations.

Friday was no exception.

We played a range of songs from 'Thing' and of course plundered the back catalogue for the old favs.

The place isn't that big and when the audience get into dance mode it gets a little tight in there.

There was a great atmosphere and time flew by.

At around 11pm the guvnor,  Dave came up and sang the classic 'Summertime blues' with us. This has become tradition over the years and always goes down a storm. Dave was a successful singer in his heyday and still loves to raise the roof.

Then, despite her bad cold, Sara 'Shania' Corser joined us for the classic 'Man I feel like a woman'.

We finished up around 11.30 having played numerous encores.

Then came the tedious task of breaking it all down.

We don't have roadies.

By the way, did you know that Santana don't have roadies either?

They have little helpers instead - groan!!

I digress. While Rick chatted up the female contingent in the pub, I got on with the breakdown.

I must admit to feeling rather knackered by the end and uncharacteristically for me was going to bow out of the after show party!!!

Common sense prevailed and Mrs Black talked me round.

Since the rearrangement of the band we don't get to rehearse as often as we'd like. I thought our performance might have suffered for this on Friday night, but to my surprise and delight, the compliments were flowing thick and fast. It's such a great feeling when you get such a positive reaction - it really makes it all worthwhile.

We partied on until the wee hours, listening to more Crush and Frampton Weller - as chosen by the host and not us.

So, despite a few hiccups, all went well and long may we all rock.

We'll be back to do it all again in May at the Barrel, Exmouth and Bishops Blaize in Exeter.

Hopefully Dave the bass holder will be back to full fitness by then.

It don't get better than this..

CRUSH UK News
Update: 11th March 2003 

Hi folks.

Time for another dose of Crush this weekend.

Back at our fav haunt:

The Redwing
Lympstone

Friday March 14

9-11pm & it's free to get in.

We'll be playing our peculiar mix of; covers, Frampton Weller songs and tunes from the Crush archive, plus new material featured on 'Thing'.

It's going to be a cracking evening, so come on down if you can.

All the best from the Captain and crew

Them Pesky Kids @ Pi, Exeter Tuesday March 4
Update: 10th March 2003

Write up by Simon Read - headbanger extraordinairre.

I haven't had this much fun since I saw Motorhead and Rolf Harris on the same evening at the Guildford Festival, 'Them Pesky Kids' were rough and ready but packed with the raw energy and excitement of music played for the fun of playing music.

The band were backed by the dark, moody bass playing of Beth Bosch, the
solid, sexy rhythm guitar of Kirsty Vax, and the exuberance of Tommy
Dustbuster on drums, giving the slightly unstable but perfectly placed
platform from which the NHS Information Authority's very own bespectacled 'Iggy Pop', Johnny Hoover, joined by the microphone chasing, guitar crunching Chris Zanussi and the belting vocals of Heather Morphy-Richards could launch into their musical blitzkrieg.

>From opening with the Undertones' "Teenage Kicks", to finishing with an
encore of the Sex Pistols' "Anarchy in the UK", this was a blast of pure nostalgia, live music as I remember it and how I long for it to be again..

'Them Pesky Kids' vomited on the bedroom floor of mediocrity and spat in the face of pre-packaged over produced pop music...

God bless rock 'n' roll

Royal Marines Commando Challenge charity event
Update: 6th February 2003

Dates confirmed as Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd November 2003.
 
Entry forms will be available soon.
 
Click for more details
www.commandochallenge.co.uk
 

Check out the CRUSH crew this weekend in Devon
Update: 29 January 2003

'The New Big Thing' will be on sale for the first time at a mere £5, so come on down and get yours at The Bowling Green this Thursday and the Old Barrel on Saturday.

Enjoy the moment.

CRUSH UK News
Update: 13 January 2003Hi there

Hi there 

Happy new year to you from all @ CRUSH UK hq

We’ve been beavering away since October 2002 recording a new album; ‘The New Big Thing’ which is pretty much a documentary of where we’ve been and what we’ve been up to over the last eighteen months.

Last year was a little sporadic due to the upheaval of the guitar holder moving from one side of England to the other. Death, divorce, arson, vehicle and near nervous breakdowns also played a part in the drama.

Based on the fact that we do this music thang cos we love it, we’re not down for long.

Our confirmed dates and venues are listed below where you can buy our new and old albums and get em signed too if you want. You won’t see the new CD in the shops or available anywhere but through our site or from us in person. That way we can keep the price down and satisfaction at a premium.  

The last three years have seen a growth in the amount of private parties we are invited to play. Smoky bars are all well and good, but there is much to be said for mutual appreciation at weddings, birthdays and other special occasions. You get our undivided attention and we get to be part of some very special moments – so bear that in mind when you are thinking of getting hitched or having a big bash.  

To give you an idea of cost, we’ll do you a great service from just £500. Convert that into dollars, yen, euros, whatever you want wherever you are in the world.   

We’ve also seen a renewed interest in Frampton & Weller recently. The Frampton (Peter that is) fans have been busy telling each other about the partnership between Pete’s bro Clive and our very own Martin Weller (no relation to Paul).  

From what we hear, FW are now known in Australia, South America, Thailand and reaching new parts in North America too – thanks to all who have been spreading the word. 

Kind of strange that ten years after the duo formed and 6 years since the launch of their only album release that the train keeps a rollin’. 

Although there are no plans for a reformation (although money talks), CRUSH UK set still features some old favs from those halcyon days. 

Well, that’s all for now. 

Do drop into our message board to express your views and chat with our regular visitors including Damian, Leslie and Bing and others from the crush hardcore. 

Thanks for your support and be well. 

‘Enjoy the moment’

CRUSH UK

Tour Dates 2003 - see giglist

To book the band please contact:

damian@crushuk.com or call/text 07867 801196

www.crushuk.com

A Seasonal Message For the World
Update: 23rd December 2002

Winter Solstice
Update: 22nd December 2002

1.14 am (GMT) Sunday 22 December 2002 (Gregorian Calender)

At 1.14 am (GMT) early on Sunday morning (well, early in Western
Europe and North Africa) the sun is at it's lowest position as viewed
from the northern hemisphere-the Winter Solstice- and marks the mid-
point of winter and the start of the new year.
So as you celebrate this by feasting and festival, in whatever
secular, religious or cultural way, I hope you have a good one.
(Conversely, of course, it is at its highest in the southern hemisphere-
Summer Solstice- mid summer's day. But you mainly follow traditions
evolved in the northern hemisphere.)

Meanwhile in the deepest darkest winter days, remember the crows
black against the silver birches, the oak tree's leafless filigree
picked out against the featureless grey sky, the long frozen nights
with the stars of Orion and Canis Major bright and crisp, the Earth's
re-birth sealed in tight buds and hidden 1n secret warm burrows,
nascent, resting and waiting.
May you and yours feel part of the planet, the solar system, the
Galaxy, the local group of galaxies, the universe!!

CRUSH UK’s International Bass Holder Reports:
Update: 5th December 2002

The ADVENT WARRIORS (International Rock Group) surprise RENATE
TENMANN on the occasion of her birthday.

The alarm bleeped, it was dark, very dark.  Rain gently splattered on
the windows, its drops illuminated in the spectral orange of the
sodium streetlight. The digital display blinked 3:00 at me. I thought
of turning over and going to sleep again, my bed felt so warm, soft
and comfortable and I was so tired.

I stumbled into the bathroom and attended to the hair washing and
shaving that I had put off from the evening before. I forwent
breakfast; it was too early. I dressed in blue Levis, a black T-shirt
(Twenty Four Hour Church of Elvis), a purple silk shirt, batik print
cotton scarf and black leather coat.

 I put my early sixties German made Framus Star bass in the zip up bag along with a strap and jack cable and toothbrush and toothpaste. I tried to find the A4 envelope
that contained my newly word-processed and printed chord sheets but to no avail (no change there then).

 I ended up taking the same rough notes I had used and amended at the Amsterdam rehearsals. I put my passport, dark glasses, door keys and ATM card in my coat pocket and I was ready to leave. I had decided to take no overnight bag, I was coming back the next morning and wanted to travel as light as possible.

At four on the dot, the doorbell sounded. It was the taxi. He opened
the boot of the car ready to take on board my luggage. He seemed
surprised I only had a guitar case! As the driver mumbled
conversationally, we drove from symmetrical Edwardian suburbs of
Wimbledon (London SW19) through the empty (for London!) roads to Lee.
This is another part of South London (SE13). Alban came out with his
guitar case and travel trolley. We sleepily greeted each other and he
climbed in the back seat. It was a short ride to the Blackwall Tunnel
and we were soon driving out of London on the M11. It was chilly and
overcast and as we drew further into the country the sky got lighter
and over the fields, the fog got thicker. We hoped this would not
impinge on the 'plane taking off!

Soon we were at the Stansted Airport. Now, I know most airports are
rather artificial environments but Stansted is the worst. It is
housed in a huge hanger-like building. It is almost the same as
hypermarket. But then I suppose that is what it is. A hypermarket for
selling flights and processing human cargo.  It's like a cross
between a shopping mall and a cattle market. We tried to check in but
the man made a fuss about the "reference" number of our E-ticket.
Alban said he had no idea what it was, but we have our passports and
if he looked he would find our names on the passenger list. He also
said that since his name began with a "Z" (van Zutphen) his is likely
to be very easy to find!  

But the man insisted and instructed us to go to "Sales" and obtain this number. We looked at the queue at "Sales" and Alban said he certainly wasn't queuing up!
So we tried someone else at check-in. She was more reasonable and
gave us our boarding cards. Alban checked in his baggage and I took
my guitar hand luggage.

The mist was not too bad and the 'plane took off as scheduled. The
flight was rather boring; there was low cloud for the entire one and
a half-hour flight. As ever, though, the dawn, as seen from my window
seat was beautiful. The cloud tops turning all orange and peach as
the sunrays clipped the cloud tops. At these moments one is really
aware of being on a planet. The view is like a NASA photograph of a
Martian sunrise or the cloud tops of Venus.

 Soon we were plunging through the clouds in descent. The ground appeared below, brown and road strewn. Within minutes we were taxi-ing towards the airport
terminal, the dark grey mountains in the back ground. We alighted onto the apron at about noon local time and walked in a slight drizzle to the arrivals building. The rain and cool fresh air refreshing after the stale claustrophobic atmosphere of
the 'plane.

We cleared immigration and collected Alban's stuff from the baggage
carousel in no time. Soon we were in the car hire area. We rented a
small Jeep-like vehicle from a friendly man at Europecar. He gave us
a road map of Austria and marked a suggested route on it with his
Kugelschreiber.

The weather lightened slightly and with the Dutchman in the driving
seat and me holding the map in the passenger seat, we headed off.

Salzburg is right on the German/Austrian border and to get where we
were going we first had to leave Austria and travel some way through
Deutschland. We took the A10 Autobahn, travelling west. This part of
Germany is fairly flat and agricultural with very few fences and no
hedges. After about thirty miles we took a clover leaf interchange
and turned off to the south onto the road that leads to St. Johann.

 We headed for the mountains that had been visible in the distance
on our left all the way. One can see where the frontier between
Germany and Austria lies. It's Austria as soon as the highlands
start. The same thing is true when driving towards Wales. England
(Shropshire for instance) is relatively flat and as soon as the road
gets slopy the "Welcome to Cymru" signs appear!

The road got progressively steeper and zigzag. The mountains seemed
to fill the whole sky. I smiled at the idea of a non-driving
Englishman and a Dutchman (from a place not renowned for its hilly-
ness) tackling mountain passes and the like!
 

We were now in the Tyrol. The roads were very stark. There was often
a sheer drop at the side of the road. There were not many safety barriers.

 The landscape was pine trees, snow capped mountains, fast flowing rivers with rocks and cold looking water. There were religious icons and shrines at the roadside every few miles. Alban said that populations seemed to get more faithful the higher you go
in mountainous areas and also the nearer you go to the sea. I suppose it is the latent danger of such areas that causes this. We drove through tunnels buried in vast granite mountainsides, rushing out at the other end into watery sunlight and another fabulous Alpine vista.

Every single building was built in a "Swiss chalet" style; even garages, police stations and agricultural equipment shops!

Everywhere really did look like a tourist poster or "Sound of Music" flyer or a chocolate box!!

St Johann was a little more industrial looking than the other villages we saw and soon we were on the outskirts of our final destination: Kitzbühel. It was now about one thirty PM.

Alban called Torbjørn and he gave us instruction of where to meet him. We left the main road, went through a mountain tunnel and rendezvoused successfully. The town of Kitzbühel appeared charming, neat and clean! It looked like a Disney film set for a corny children's Christmas movie. One was expecting Santa Claus and Snow White and the Seven Dwarves to come skipping around a corner! We followed him up a
hill and stopped at Villa Mellon. As Alban and I got out of the vehicle Torbjørn shook our hands, smiling happily and said, “The boys are back in town!” We went in and were greeted by the proprietor.

Villa Mellon is a "pension". That is a guesthouse with many recreational rooms available; a dining room, a library et cetera. It looked like Hansel and Gretl may reside inside!  We sat in the Tyrolean entrance hall and drank a glass of Austrian beer.  It was very fine.  Soon Meta and Alf arrived. We waited for the sound
equipment to arrive. Then Torbjørn got a message. The truck with the musical sound gear, which was coming from Salzburg, was delayed. So he suggested we went up the mountain. This mountain is called Kitzbühelhorn. It is 1996m above sea level at the summit.

Torbjørn, Alban and myself travelled in the Jeep, Alf and Meta borrowed Torbjørn's Porsche. We went down a road through the valley.
It was idyllic with its gymnospermous  trees and fast streams and general Alpine-ness. Then the landscape got less busy and the road started to zigzag up. A slight drizzle started and the road got more slushy. Then there was snow on the trees and then on the road surface itself. We by-passed a barrier that was supposed to stop us going any further. Above this barrier the view opened up behind us. We were now in inches of snow and there were few trees. The chairlifts stood idle above our heads, each encrusted in a sparkling shroud of snow.

We got to a point where the tyres could no longer grip the ever-increasing gradient of
the slippery road. We got out. It was fresh but not too cold. The view was wide. I could see the ski resort type buildings both below me and above me on the
mountainside. The town of Kitzbühel lay way down on the floor of the valley. Opposite was the Hahnenkamm, the famous ski run. All around were knobbly and snowy peaks in the busy sky of steamy clouds that were scudding around the high Tyrol. Alf and I turned the snow yellow. There was no cover to be discreet behind! (Frank Zappa wrote, "Don't eat the yellow snow, 'coz that's where the huskies go".

I travelled down the mountain with Torbjørn in his black Porsche, once we had pushed it round to point the other way by hand! The ground was too snowy to do a three-point turn, the friction insufficient against the ice. Once we got on a non-snow road surface we accelerated from one bend to another. It was an exciting ride!

Mike, the man from the Salzburg musical equipment hire company arrived. We took the gear in and set it up in one of the ample rooms at Villa Mellon. Alf (Yamaha Stage Piano), Alban (Stratocaster and vocals), Torbjørn (Yamaha Drums and vocals) and I (bass) tuned up, sound checked and ran through our repertoire. It sounded OK and Mike's presence helped with the technical side of things.

Once this was done, by about five PM, Mike, Alban and I walked into the town centre of Kitzbühel to get some food. Mike was an Austrian but had never been to this town before. We had told the others that we would be back by six thirty for the secret surprise party thing.

Mike was a fine "native guide"; he could speak to the locals! He asked a few people where to get a special beer (Huberbrau?) and we found a bar/ restaurant that sold it. We sat down ordered three beers and perused the menu. Alban ordered that great delicacy of Austria, Wiener schnitzel, Mike had a ham and cheese thing, I
ordered "Bauerschaum"- "Farmer's Meal". It consisted of slices of smoked pork, as well as sausage (Wurst), potato (Kartoffel), sauerkraut and a white bread dumpling. It was very good plain food and very reasonably priced. My meal only cost about six Euros (~£4).

We left the restaurant and headed back...but we were not sure of the way! And time was getting short. We had a couple of false starts but it was I who eventually sussed out the route, past the church, past the graveyard (with its red candles flickering on each headstone), up the road up the hill, across the bottom of a muddy field and bingo! Villa Mellon.

We hid in the room where the musical gear was set up and waited for Renate to arrive. She is Torbjørn's wife and this was her surprise birthday party. After what seemed forever, she arrived. The doors were opened to the room we were in and we blasted out the opening riff to "Birthday" from the Beatles' 1968 album "The Beatles" (aka
the White Album). We then played another three songs. She seemed suitably surprised, as did the other guests.

The party then got going. It was a very intimate affair. About thirty people in all. I was surprised how many guests I knew. I recognised them from the gig we did at the wedding in Trondheim in June! Once we (The Advent Warriors) had played, the proper band for the evening took over. They were set up in the library and played traditional Tyrolean music on guitar and squeezebox and voices. They were called
Das Eidelweiss Duo. They were very good, especially the squeezebox player and very nice chaps! And were dressed in the lederhosen and feathered hats that one associates with Austria!

Later, at about ten thirty we, The Advent Warriors, played a second set of about five tunes. Everybody enjoyed themselves and, yes! Danced! (Even the Edelweiss blokes danced!)

After our second set I decided to take myself off for a walk and perhaps a beer. I re-traced our steps into town and looked for a suitable bar. I discounted “The Londoner”. It was full of tourists and rather loud, and then I found the perfect place.  From outside all I could see was pastel Formica and fluorescent tube lighting! I
entered and heard a familiar sound. It was pop music of some kind
from somewhere East of Eden. I realised the proprietor and most of
the customers were probably Turkish. I drew a heavy stool up to the
bar and sat down, smiling "Hello" vaguely to anyone who was looking.
I ordered “Ein grosse Bier, bitte”. The woman next to me at the bar
started talking to me in German. She knew about as much English as I
German but we had a smiling, although technically difficult  
conversation. She had “eine Tochter” in London and she enjoyed
walking with her dog amongst the local peaks. I then spoke with an
Afghani man who said he liked living in the Tyrol because it reminded
him of the mountains in Afghanistan. His English was A1 and we spoke
about international “politricks”, Hallal food in Tooting and his
being a teacher Kabul until three or four years ago. There was an
electronic form of darts game in the bar and was played by everyone
(except me!). I ordered a cognac. The barman said, “Asbach?” I
said, “Ja, das ist gut!”

After a while I thought I better return back to Villa Mellon. I stopped in the field and tried to see the stars, but it was too cloudy. I'm sure if it had been clear, what with the clear air , the stella display would have been galactic. I could see the outline of
the mountains though, dark and foreboding against the overcast night sky.

Back at the pension, the party was all but over. Torbjørn said Alban had gone into town and because he thought he might find me in the Londoner. Torbjørn also told me which hotel I was staying in. So I returned into town to find Alban, I briefly visited the Londoner but by now it was absolutely chocka-bloody-blocko! So I decided to go to the hotel.  

The hotel was the one the Tenmanns have. It is called Hotel Licht (which is “light” in English). I went to where the taxis were waiting. I said to the driver, “Hotel Licht, bitte” He said he didn’t know it! I couldn’t believe it. So I said (in bad German), “Do you know Villa Mellon?” He said “Ja!” I thought that if I go back up there I could get directions. But about two hundred metres round the first corner I spotted it- Hotel Licht! I made him stop and paid him and made sure he had seen the sign so he would know where it is in future! I can’t believe in such a small place as Kitzbühel, a taxi driver wouldn’t know any hotel. Perhaps he was pissed off with English speaking tourists. I must say most of the Australians, British and the rest in The Londoner were being a bit raucous and perhaps he understandably thought I was one of them.
(Even though I must be twice their average age!)
 

At Hotel Licht I had trouble getting in. I had no key and the concierge is not manned during the night. I was outside for about ten minutes and I was starting to think about sleeping in the porch when Alban turned up! He knew the secret and we went in. He said he had looked for me, but ended up somewhere else.

My room “Zimmer acht” was very well appointed. I looked at the clock
it was three AM; I had been up and awake for twenty-four hours. I got
in the large soft comfy bed and slept deeply until 7 AM. Our ‘plane
was at ten and we still needed to drive back to Salzburg.

I met Alban in the reception at seven thirty. We walked through the
lightening streets back to Villa Mellon where the “Jeep” was
parked. The town was very quiet this Sunday morning, the church clock
chiming the quarter hours. We set off. This time we took an alternative route from the one we came on. The weather was fresh and light. The roads were wet from the rain in the night although it was not actually raining now.

At about nine AM we got to Salzburg Airport, we parked up the hire
car in the appropriate parking space and posted the keys and
documents through the letterbox at the Europecar office. At the café
bar in the airport we had a ham and cheese continental breakfast type
roll sandwich thing and I had a couple of beers! I purchased Die Zeit
newspaper but couldn’t really read a word of it. It was not so much
the language as the context and the German/ Austrian politics.

 We walked across the tarmac and boarded the Boeing 757. After an
unremarkable flight we landed bumpily (in an absolute downpour) at
Stansted. It was at about ten thirty British time. We left the aircraft via steps onto the apron. There was no cover. The rain was relentless!

After going through arrivals, baggage collection and the rest, we
made for the railway station. But! There were no trains and we had to
take the “replacement bus service” all the way to Liverpool Street in
the centre of London. This journey was very cramped and took an hour
and a half.

Alban and I said our farewells and shook hands on the platform of
Liverpool Street tube station. It had been quite whistle stop
adventure. I’d only been away from home for thirty-three hours!

By one thirty I was reading the Sunday Times and drinking a pint of
Stella in the Who Killed Kenny Arms at South Wimbledon and pondered
what had occurred.

I look forward to the next Advent adventure!

 DAVID CAMERON DUDLEY - 5 December 2002
 

CRUSH UK News
Update: 21st November 2002

Expect A Laugh this weekend with the Crush crew:

Friday, 22nd November 9-11pm
Redwing Tel: 01395 222156
Church Street, Lympstone, Devon

Saturday, 23rd November 9-11pm
Old Barrel Tel: 01395 268226
Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon

CRUSH UK News
Update: 10th November 2002

So maybe we helped save a life

I read with interest a news story on BBC Ceefax, the heading was 'Miss world hosts to spare stoning woman'.

The MW contestants boycotted the pageant in Nigeria to protest about the stoning to death of Amina Laval who was convicted of adultery and having a child out of wedlock.

This story might be familiar to some of you who, like me received a number of e-mails asking for support and to sign a petition to stop the slaying - which I did.

Nigeria's foreign Minister has announced that the death penalty will be overturned in this instance by Federal Law.

So perhaps it was partly to do with e power that the Miss World gang got the message and did something about it.

Whatever the reason, it's fantastic news.

-Damian


On the road with Rick and Dave

This is what can happen when the bass player and drummer get together in a recording studio ....

During a boring twenty minutes of the recording process last weekend, I asked Rick the questions that Damian and I replied to sometime ago.

Attached are his answers. I've transcribed them verbatim. You couldn't make some of it up!!


LIVING ARRANGEMENT?  Home owner
WHAT ITEM(s) DO YOU ALWAYS CARRY WITH YOU? Keys, wallet and mobile 'phone
FAVOURITE JOURNEY?.to Heaven and back
FAVOURITE BOOK? Lord of the Rings
WHAT BOOK ARE YOU READING NOW? The Dreamers by Stephen King
FAVOURITE SMELLS? Freshly mown grass
FAVOURITE SOUNDS? Laughter!
WORST FEELING IN THE WORLD? Emptiness
WHAT IS THE FIRST THING YOU THINK OF WHEN YOU WAKE UP IN THE MORNING? Oh, chortle, chortle, Carol Vorderman (Female TV presenter)
ROLLER COASTER, SCARY OR EXCITING? Exciting to the extreme
HOW MANY RINGS BEFORE YOU ANSWER THE PHONE? Marriage, engagement, eternity
FAVOURITE FOODS? Cauliflower cheese
CHOCOLATE OR VANILLA? Raspberry!
WHAT WORD/PHRASE DO YOU USE TOO MUCH? No, no, no, no, no, no...
DO YOU SLEEP WITH A STUFFED ANIMAL? Only when I'm feeling very randy
STORMS COOL OR SCARY? In a teacup
WHAT VEHICLE(s) DO YOU OWN? dumbells
IF YOU COULD MEET ONE PERSON DEAD OR ALIVE? Spice (?!) Mel, Baby, Posh or Sporty???
FAVOURITE ALCOHOLIC DRINK? Whisky and American Mac
WHAT IS YOUR ZODIAC SIGN? Virgo
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY JOB YOU WANTED WHAT WOULD IT BE? PA to Julie Dench (Oscar winning actress)
EVER BEEN IN LOVE? Yes, lots and lots and lots
IS THE GLASS HALF EMPTY OR HALF FULL?. Half full
FAVOURITE MOVIES? Night Moves
ARE YOU A LEFTY OR A RIGHTY. Not important, ambidextrous
DO YOU TYPE WITH YOUR FINGERS ON THE RIGHT KEYS? This effects me how?
WHAT'S UNDER YOUR BED? White witches in their own space (!?)
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE NUMBER? nine
FAVOURITE SPORT TO WATCH? American football
SAY ONE NICE THING ABOUT THE PERSON WHO SENT THIS TO YOU: Listen, listen, listen, I think you're wonderful.

See our Biog page for Damian and Dave's answers to these questions.

Bowie in Philly
Update: 31st October 2002

What do David Bowie, James Brown and Ozzy Osbourne have in common? This age old question was answered at the 21 Oct Bowie show in Philadelphia. Big thanks to Carol for giving us the lowdown.

The Bowie concert was awesome, awesome, AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!  There was no opening act...just an entire evening with David.  My seat was decent:  I was
in the center, just behind the soundboard.  Bowie wore a white shirt with a black vest and black slacks; he looked very understated and elegant.  There must have been six or seven people in his band - larger than what he usually tours with - and the only names I recognized were those of his guitarist, Earl Slick, who has played with Bowie for eons, and bass player, Gail Ann Dorsey, who is a Philly native and joined Bowie's band in the 90s on his Earthling tour.  The
band sounded real tight and the set list was a wonderful mix of old and new
songs.  In fact, Bowie performed almost the entire Heathen CD.  Most artists
only perform a handful of songs from a new CD, but Bowie really emphasized
his new material.  I give him a lot of credit for doing that.  He did a few
songs that I had never heard him do live - "Starman", "Ziggy Stardust", "Be
My Wife".  He sang my favorite song, "Life On Mars", accompanied only by the
piano player - it was absolutely beautiful.  Several songs had completely
new arrangements.  I was sitting there singing the lyrics to these
songs without even recognizing the song!  It was so weird...like I knew the
song but it didn't register until the second verse or so.  "Rebel, Rebel"
was one of these songs.  Bowie sang it with just the bass player playing -
it was sooooo cool! - and then the original version would kick in when he
got to the chorus.  He did the same thing with "Let's Dance", which is more
or less a disco song.  He started out singing the song almost like a ballad
and then the disco version kicked in and everybody went nuts!  The funniest
part of the evening was about 20 minutes into the show, when Bowie told the
audience that a special guest would be joining him on stage.  I'm sitting
there thinking, "Wow!  I've never been to a concert where someone famous
joins the performer on stage for a song!"  So, the audience is all excited
and cheering and then Bowie introduces his guest --- "Mr. James Brown!"
Everybody starts screaming and clapping and then, all of a sudden it got
real quiet and everybody started laughing:  There's Bowie standing center
stage with that goofy James Brown doll that was on The Osbournes!!!  He's
holding the doll up to the microphone going, "Wait!  Here's my favorite
part!", which of course is the famous James Brown, "Heh!"  It was so funny,
more so because I can still see Ozzy doing the same thing and dancing along
with the doll!  Later in the show, Bowie said, "I don't think we gave James
a proper send-off."  The band starts playing the infamous James Brown finale
song "Please, Please" - Whenever James Brown sang this song, he would fall to the floor like he was devastated and couldn't go on, and somebody would come out with a cape, put it around his shoulders, try to comfort him and walk him off the stage, during which James Brown would fall to the floor a few more times for dramatic effect.  So, the band is playing "Please, Please" and Bowie gets his white towel, drapes it around the James Brown doll and starts walking the doll off the stage, laughing his head off.  It was so comical.

Bowie could have sang all night and no one would have budged.  It reminded
me of the Paul McCartney concert, where everybody walked out of the venue
with these huge grins on their faces.  We were a very happy lot!  What a
great night! 

You can Make A Difference
Update: 24th October 2002

Saturday 26 October 2002 is Community Service Volunteers (CSV)
(inter)national day to encourage all of us to make a difference.

For a change, this does not involve raising or donating money.

The aim is to get everyone involved in doing something that will benefit the
environment and other people.

Here are a few suggestions.

Click on any or all of the following:

http://www.animalrescuesite.com

http://www.thebreastcancersite.com

http://www.thechildhealthsite.com

http://www.thehungersite.com

http://www.therainforestsite.com


. Pick up a piece of litter

. Give blood

. Recycle - paper, plastic, glass, cardboard, plastic bags, etc.


Simple but effective.

Please feel free to add your own or look at the CSV site for more ideas.

MADD is voluntary so I would be grateful if you would circulate as you see
fit.

http://www.csv.org.uk/madd/


Thanks

Damian
 

Bowie 
Update: 8th October 2002

Never let it be said that we (CRUSH UK) don't try.

In this instance for David Bowie tickets at Hammersmith Apollo - the very place where Ziggy met his untimely demise all those years ago.

Anyway, with all our music and media connections we couldn't deliver, so our intrepid Bowieymphs found their way to the only place in Town where those little devils (Bowie tix) 'might' still be found.....

"Did you think I could sit back and be content with the radio Martin when I knew there was still a glimmer of hope?" - (Sounds like a song already)

We arrived in Hammersmith at 6.30pm and located The Trout, which was heaving with characters in Bowie shirts....only to find that the draw for spare tix had already happened.....however, I asked someone who Zuzu was and they took me to her......as I was approaching she held two tix aloft and said 'Does anyone still need tickets?' I nearly ripped her arm off......they were £50 each, and they were the last two.......WOW, can you believe our luck? I met back up with Steve (as he thought Id just gone to the loo) and showed him the tix, seated together as well, and he said 'How the hell did you manage that?'

So from then on, well, the night was fantastic.....and we didn't limit ourselves to our balcony seats, which were a great view, but we managed to edge ourselves down towards the stage and got to within about 6 people deep from The Man......and for one moment I even shared eye contact with him.......wow, those eyes, one blue, one brown.........

The set list was fantastic........loads of old ones.....starting with Life On Mars.........Rebel Rebel, Moonage Daydream, Starman, Heroes, Ashes to Ashes, Fame, Fashion, Alabama Song, Bewley Brothers( first time live ever)...loads more..... For nearly 3 hours, boy has he got it, songs from Heathen........loads of jokes and chat in between songs, Earl Slick on guitar, Mike Garson (of Aladdin Sane) on piano, the brilliant black bassist Gail Ann Dorsey...........and Ziggy Stardust to finish. The atmosphere was just buzzing........us children boogied and I'm still full of adrenalin............'A Bowie night is the hardest thing to come down from'.
 

Congratulations 
Update: 26th September 2002

Congratulations to Alan Hardy and all those who took part in Gemini FM's COMMANDO CHALLENGE.
Massive thanks go to the dozens of teams of men and women who took part in the grueling 3Mile Endurance course and/or the 7Mile (3mile endurance and 4mile run) who helped raise £36,000 for local and national charities.

Alan, who works for the National Blood Service, has been organising the event for some years and is naturally delighted with this year's outcome.
For more information visit: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/alanhardy/

CRUSH UK - up the Junction 
Update: 25th September 2002

We're back at Burgess Hill's top rock venue this Saturday September 28. The Junction plays host to established and up and coming bands in the South east. The atmosphere is great and the proximity of the stage allows a real intimate feeling (that is if you want to get intimate with us).

The gig will be our last for a few weeks while we begin work on our next album 'The new big thing', which we will have ready to solve your Christmas gift dilemma.

Plans for an Italian tour (postponed form this October) are underway, so more news on that soon.

As far as the States goes, we have no plans to return for the foreseeable.

 
News from the Frampton camp

Great to hear the old master, Peter Frampton, is still wowing the crowds in the US. Also, perhaps a little mystery solved as to the whereabouts of his bro Clive. Since Clive's departure from the FramptonWeller band in 1998 we have received numerous enquiries about his health and musical activities. From what we gather, he has been stateside on tour with Pete. Good on em both.

Amnesty International is trying to save the life of the Nigerian woman, Amina Lawal.
Amina has been sentenced to death by stoning, because she had a baby whilst she was unmarried. As soon as the baby doesn't need breastfeeding anymore, her people will bury Amina in the ground up to chest height, and stone her to death.
Amnesty started a worldwide action and would really appreciate it if you
sign their petition on the following URL. http://www.mertonai.org/amina/OpenLetter.htm

Roll up, Roll up 
Update: 18th September 2002

SATURDAY, 21st September - 8.30 - 11pm
OLD BARREL Tel: 01395 268226
Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon

SUNDAY, 22nd September - 4 - 6pm
BISHOPS BLAIZE Tel: 01392 254884
Commercial Road, Exeter, Devon

Cancelled Gig
Update: 3rd September 2002

Our apologies, but due to legal reasons we've been forced to cancel our show on:
THURSDAY, 19th September - 9 - 11pm 
BOWLING GREEN Tel: 01392 422527 
29-30 Blackboy Road, Exeter, Devon 

Happily we have re-scheduled for Thursday 30th January 2003

Our GR8 mates, Jan & Steve are just back from another fantastic journey around our beautiful planet.

Sit back, relax for a few moments and let your imagination run wild.....


Venezuela really captured our imagination and we had a fantastic trip.
Salsa music plays from every shop and cafe and on the buses.........big old American cars go guzzling by, and humming birds play in the flowers. We spent the first few days, once out of Caracas, on the Caribbean coast snorkeling. Saw dolphins and lots of fish and corals. Then we took a trip to the Venezuelan Andes and from there met a guy who is a nature photographer and who takes scientists into the jungle to study creatures. He also does tours for tourists, and we went with him for four amazing days. This included horse riding through cloud forest up a mountain and down for 4 hours........hot springs, sleeping on the horse ranch, next day down to the Llanos plains which is so rich in wildlife you see something every second it seemed.. There we took a 6 hour boat trip in a canoe type boat up a piranha infested river into thick jungle. We caught piranhas and ate them for lunch, we saw river dolphins, parrots, monkeys, snakes (including a 4.5 meter Anaconda), and caymen which are a small species of crocodile. Our guide reached into the water and caught one of these caymen with just his hands and held it so we could have a close look! It was about 1.5 meters in length. We saw turtles and huge butterfly and bats and it was just endless. Wonderful. That night we slept in hammocks with all the jungle noises louder than a city at night! Next day sunrise over the plains, and we were driven to see wild Capybara which are like hamsters the size of pigs, grazing peacefully by the waterholes. Saw many vultures and falcons, and a family of jaguarundi which are small jaguars, walking beside the road......next day a walk in the rainforest to look at jumping spiders, and a Toucan, followed by white water rafting . It was very very hard to leave indeed, in fact I cried at the airport because I really wanted to stay. Steve said it was a great way to spend his 40th.

CRUSH UK News 
Update: 28th August 2002

Thanks to all who joined us for another stunning weekend.
The gigs went fantastically well and even the weather was kind for our first 'gig in the garden' in Devon.

Our next gigs are in Devon again in a few weeks time, so have yourself a well earned break and come on down to join the fun.


For those of you who have been following and supporting Dave Abrutat in his Around Britain Challenge - great news!

After 87 days on the road covering an incredible 3384 miles, the Around Britain Challenge cycle was successfully completed at 1500hrs on Monday 5th august at the Tower of London.

Cyclist Dave Abrutat and his team would like to thank supporters, sponsors, friends and family who backed this project and believed in its ideals.

The challenge has made a very positive impact to the British blood services and raised thousands of pounds for the Royal British Legion's poppy appeal.

CRUSH UK would like to add our congratulations to Dave and co for undertaking an incredible journey purely for the benefit of others.

Team up for Gemini FM's COMMANDO CHALLENGE 
Update: 16th August 2002

3Mile Endurance course on Saturday 14 Sept followed closely by the 7Mile (3mile endurance and 4mile run on the Sunday).

MEN and WOMEN of all ages (over 16) can enter if physically fit.

For more information and for a look at what you might be letting yourself in for check out:
 
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/alanhardy/

CRUSH UK on the road again 
Update: 12th August 2002

Hi

We sincerely hope you are in good health and enjoying life.

A lot of good stuff has been going on here in Middleland.

Songs for the new album, 'The new big thing' have been written and we're planning to record 12 tracks (or maybe more) including: 'Greedy Martine', 'Big mouth', Meaning of life', 'Southpark', 'Together' & 'Country lick' in October.

Look out for the CD just before Christmas.

Also on the agenda are a number of gigs that we would like to invite you to:

Friday 16th August 8.30 - 11pm 01392 257036
LONGBROOKE, St. Thomas Centre, Cowick Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 1AL

Friday 23rd August 9-11pm 01395 222156
REDWING, Church Street, Lympstone, Devon

Saturday 24th August 8.30 -11pm 01395 268226
OLD BARREL, Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon

Thursday 19th September 9-11pm 01392 678962
BOWLING GREEN, 29-30 Blackboy Rd, Exeter, Devon

Saturday 21st September 8.30 -11pm 01395 268226
OLD BARREL Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon

Sunday 22nd September 4-6pm 01392 254884
BISHOPS BLAIZE Commercial road, Exeter, Devon

Saturday 28th September 9.30 -Midnight 01444 258072
JUNCTION INN, Junction Rd, Burgess Hill, Sussex

Friday 22nd November 9-11pm 01395 222156
REDWING, Church Street, Lympstone, Devon

Saturday 23rd November 9 -11pm 01395 268226
OLD BARREL Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon

Tuesday 31st December 10pm - 1am 01395 222156
REDWING, Church Street, Lympstone, Devon

Hope you can make it along.

Don't forget - Check our site for latest news, listen to selected trax, buy our CDs & tapes, see the new pictures and some pretty cool links - www.crushuk.com

Best wishes from the loveable Cockney geezers & geezerbirds at CRUSH UK

 

Cool Comments 
Update: 7th August 2002

Some really cool comments from our friends Jan & Steve whose party we played last weekend.

It was a beautiful sky, it was a beautiful gig, thanks so much for doing your stuff so well and doing it for us.
Never to be forgotten.
There's a lovely french word....inoubliable, it means unforgettable.

Gus Dudgeon R.I.P. 
Update: 23rd July 2002

Legendary Producer, Gus Dudgeon and his wife Sheila died instantly when their Jaguar went off the M4 near Reading early Sunday morning (July 21) on the way home from a party. 

He'll be remembered for his superlative production of Elton's classic 70's albums, working with Bowie (Space Oddity), the Bonzos (Urban Spaceman & Gorilla album), Chris Rea, Kiki Dee, Lindisfarne, Elkie Brooks and many others. 

Gus was always up for seeing new bands, listening to new songs and encouraging new talent. He has been enthusing about new band Slinky who he'd been working with for some time.

He had also recently produced tracks for a Bonzos/Viv Stanshall tribute album featuring contributions from George & Ringo among others (still unscheduled). 

Gus will be missed by many.

CRUSH UK News 
Update: 21st July 2002

Congratulations to our mate Jon who hit a milestone birthday last week and invited us along to his celebrations to provide the entertainment.

It was a blast and Jon's guitar virtuosity stood out on Clapton's 'Forever man', 'Willie and the hand jive', Floyd's 'Wish you were here' and an impromptu version of Robbie's 'Let me entertain you'.

We've got a few more parties to play this summer, which we are looking forward to big style.

We're also preparing for our shows in Devon through August - venues new and old.

Why not treat yourself to a break and come on down?

CRUSH UK News 
Update: 4th July 2002

The present line-up of CRUSH UK has been together for three years! - 'Hurrah' we hear you cry - long may they reign.

We've had the most incredible times since Dave joined the band back in '99 and long may they continue.

You may also have noticed that it's all been a little 'disjointed' gig wise lately. That's because Captain and Mrs. Black have decided to up sticks and move from their sprawling 3 bed mansion in London to the wilds of beautiful Devon. This has been a particularly stressful and disruptive time, but all is nearing wellness - we're very relieved to say.

Nonetheless, we have not been idle - writing and recording new songs - and there were three gigs last weekend at the Grove, Exmouth, Shakespeare, Bristol and a Breast Cancer fundraiser - half in a garden (until rain stopped play) and half in the Redwing, Lympstone - that were a real tonic for the troops.

The temporary loss of our sanity has given Dave Cameron Dudley the chance to embrace life like never before inside and outside of the band.

Here follows the diary of a very happy man.

We'll see you all soon - next stop the Long Brook, Exeter in August.

Ciao for now...   




Hello to all my hunnies!

Please bear with this; it does get interesting, honest!!!!

Weds 12 June 2002
I caught the train to Peckham Rye and met up with James. We strolled
down to a pub called the Heaton arms. This is a typical large Edwardian pub. It
is a bit run down but is warm and friendly. In the big room at the back there
are some pool tables and large comfy sofas. I got in the Guinness and
Stella Artois and awaited the arrival of our mate, T, who joined us for a quick beer.

On leaving the pub, James went to the shop and spent £10 while I sat under a tree
in the small park at the start of Peckham Rye Common and waited for James to
join me. He said that as he walked across the park towards me I looked like a Buddha
contemplating the meaning of London?

We then got the bus to Catford. It is a short walk to John West's gaff. At John's house we sat and had a beer with him and his girlfriend Hong. Hong is off to her native Vietnam soon for a holiday with her father and other family. On this evening she left us to go to work. A little later John and James and I climbed in John's old Datsun ZX280 (or is it 280ZX?!) and hit the South London traffic lanes. In ten minutes we were parked up outside the Railway Bell in Tooting. We put the world to rights and consumed more alcohol.

After the pub closed John dropped James and myself off at my house. James and I
sat up and played guitars for a while and he crashed in my spare room for the night.

Thurs 13 June 2002
This was a quiet day. The calm before the storm? At about nine in the evening I announced that I was 'Going out for a pint' and my mother, Marguerite asked if she could come. So, with her holding on to my arm we walked through the pleasant evening air down to the Marquis of Lorne for a pint of Stella Artois and a Gin and tonic respectively. She said it was a bit loud in there (it does rather resemble a gay club in Ibiza sometimes!) so we went to the Who Killed Kenny Arms for the second. This was more to her octogenarian taste with it's Irish music and rowdy clientele. These trips to the pub with my mother happen once or twice a year and are always more enjoyable in practice than I expect!!

Fri 14 June 2002
I caught the train from Earlsfield to Clapham Junction and thence to Victoria. It was warm but overcast. I walked the additional half mile to the coach station. It was incredibly hot in the waiting area and very, very busy!! After about twenty minutes waiting the coach from Exeter arrived and I saw Mawendy disembark. She looked lovely! She had a medium sized shoulder bag and a 'shopping trolley' suitcase with retractable handle and two casters. We headed back to Victoria Railway Station. The suitcase falling off its wheels every time there was a turn or a bump in the pavement. By now it was the heart of the rush hour. Luckily I had purchased Mawendy's train ticket earlier. We got the train to Wimbledon and took a walk to my house. I showed her around, we had a cup of tea and some fresh air and she unpacked her luggage.
After a couple of hours we went out for some food. We caught the tube to Tooting and went up the busy pavement. We went in a Pakistani place called Nemat
Kadhir Karahi. I ordered Haleem and Nan, Wendy ate Lamb Tikka masala
and Pillau rice. I introduced her to Mango lassie!!!
We jumped on the tube back to South Wimbledon and grabbed a beer in
the Who Killed Kenny Arms and then popped into the Grove and saw
Dymore, Charlie and the others sound check their Musthang Sally band. He said he
would put us and our friends on the door for later. The bar is open until 1 am
(late for London!!). Then we went back to my house and watched TV. We were
supposed to go to the Grey Horse in Kingston-Upon-Thames to see Rebecca and Alun's band, Good Men In The Jungle, but had an early night instead, as we were
knackered!! I believe Mssrs Bell, John West and Hong went to the gig.

Sat 15 June 02
We got up. I packed my small bag and bass guitar. We got a cab to Wimbledon Station. We caught the train to Clapham Junction and then to Gatwick.
We sorted out the airport stuff and the Easyjet plane flew to Schipol
Airport, Amsterdam. At Schipol train Station I had the only bit of 'being abroad'
frustration that I experienced the whole time away. That was with the train
ticket machine. There is no ticket office, no real people to ask, just this
machine that was as incomprehensible as the ones in London but these
have Dutch writing on them. It was the only Dutch writing I saw in all of Holland
without a translation along side it and in an international train station!! We
had to get change for train ticket machine and so we had to spend a few Euros on
a cup of Coffee and a small beer. Finally we boarded the double deck train and
cruised through the Nederland's suburbs towards Amsterdam. We caught a cab to
the hotel. The room overlooked a canal and was rather nice and quiet. We could see (and hear!) coots, heron and other birds. The water was very clean and pleasant.
We walked into town and got used to crossing the road. Not only does the traffic come down the wrong side of the road (the right) but one has to look out for bicycles and trams, both of which are a law unto themselves.
We breezed in the Abraxas coffeeshop. There was a very helpful and friendly man behind counter. It was very relaxing and I felt quite at home!!!
The weather in Amsterdam was warm but rather showery. Later we had
some good priced Chinese food. I had duck meat and rice with jasmin tea. After
that we had a beer and headed back to the hotel for an early night. It had been a
long and full day.

Sun 16 Jun 02
At breakfast the next morning, Mawendy spotted Tørbjorn. He greeted us
with a handshake but was not very chatty. He was with another guy.
All was revealed later, which I explain anon!
The breakfast was a buffet style thing. We had (among other things) apple
puree, yoghurt, salami, cheese, small Frankfurter like sausages, apple
juice, apricot jelly/ jam, hard boiled eggs in the shell.
That afternoon a six-hour rehearsal was planned with the Advent Warriors.
We met Tørbjorn at the front of the hotel. I went with him in a cab to meet
the others.
Mawendy disappeared into the sunshine and the Centrum of Amsterdam.
The rehearsal studio was a revelation. Is was on one of the long islands
that lie in the water adjacent to the city. I noticed the tramline looped round
just outside, so this place was easily reachable from anywhere in town.
As one enters, it has the appearance of a bar or club. There was a counter/ bar
serving beers and food, a tabled area and a stage area opposite complete with PA
and drum kit et cetera. There were about fifteen rehearsal rooms behind there
and right at the other end of the complex another stage area. They also have an
equipment hire section and various music teachers available.
The outcome is that you can rehearse there, order food or drinks from
the bar (noon- 2am!) and have it all put on the bill. You can rent a guitar,
have a lesson and arrange a gig. Lots of young kids there get a chance to play on
the stage. Local musicians go there just for a beer and a chat, or a jam, or a
spontaneous gig. And one can smoke anything, anywhere!!! But the PA
and mic stands in our studio didn't work properly, so whilst everything else
about the set up was fabulous, that was just like all other rehearsal studios
I've ever been in!!!
We rehearsed six or seven songs. It was good to see Alban, Alf and
Tørbjorn again. I think they were playing together better than ever.
We broke the ice and had a laugh. Alf (keyboards) fussy, Tørbjorn (drums &
voice) in charge, Alban concentrating on guitar! The water front was feet away
from the front door and the calm atmosphere was perfect when we took a break
for beers and ham and cheese toasted Turkish bread thing. They explained how
the up-coming gig was a surprise at a wedding and the chap Tørbjorn was with that
morning at breakfast was the bridegroom (name: Ingar). (They had been having his
stag night the night before) So they didn't want the Ingar to know who I was,
hence the abruptness at breakfast!! Tørbjorn was the Best Man you see. More of this relevance later!
Alban also explained to me what a 'Only Fools And Horses' fan he was!
(Forsh 'n' hashish in Dutch I believe!). No wonder he could understand
South London talk!!!
Later, when we were done, I took a cab back to hotel and Mawendy was
back from her tour. Alban stayed at the studio, he was going to play with some local
people that evening, Tørbjorn and Alf had business to do.
Mawendy and I went into town, we ate (expensive we thought) kebab and lasagne
in a café. But we did discover the Front Page Coffeeshop and Bar. It was in two
sections either side of an alleyway. One half was a traditional Amsterdam bar,
the other was a traditional Amsterdam coffeeshop. So one could purchase
whatever in the coffeeshop and use it with a beer in the bar. It was very
cosy!! We had an early night.

Mon 17 June 02
We had a sandwich lunch al fresco by a canal. It was a bit touristy, although not expensive but the service was bad. I ate 'kipkerrie' sandwich, 'kipkerrie' is chicken curry. It was rather like a Coronation Chicken Sandwich! but they do like mayonnaise, the Dutch!! We visited the Bluebird coffeeshop and the Front Page. We spent sometime searching for a particular other one but could never find it. The map had all the streets on but not all the names of the streets.
This day we rehearsed from 6 pm until midnight in the same place as the
day before. That day we polished up the tunes we had remembered/ learnt the day
before. It was good intense work and very productive. These guys know how to
slog!!
Mawendy spent the evening chilling out and watching TV in the hotel room. She
said she popped out for a drink and a breath of fresh air but was back when I
returned. I went on my own down to the hotel bar and had a couple of
beers.

Tues. 18 June 02
This was the day we returned to London. We got a taxi to the station, a train to the airport and a Boeing 737 (as famously used on 11 September 2001) to Gatwick.
We arrived in sunny weather though not as warm as the Nederlands had been. Once
back, the first thing on the agenda was a trip to Peckham. We got the train via
Haydons Road and Tulse Hill. We met up with James and T in the Heaton Arms. It
was strange being there with Wendy especially as only a few hours earlier we
were having breakfast in Amsterdam.
Once back to Wimbledon we went to Cannizarro Park. This is a beautiful
large garden adjacent to Wimbledon Common. We lingered and took in
the fresh air. We had a beer in the Fox and Grapes. We walked through the pre-
tennis Wimbledon Village back to my house. Later on Rick Bell turned up and chatted. We had an early night.

Wed 19 June 02
This day we had lunch with my mother (beans on toast, thousands on a
raft as Pete Brown who wrote the word to White Room by Cream would've
said!).
Mawendy got packed and we headed off to Victoria coach station. Before
long she was on the coach and gone!! I got the train home but lingered at Clapham Junction in a pub in Falcon Road. I sat and contemplated the last few days, quietly and on my own.

Thurs 20 June 02
That evening I went round, for what was to be last time ever to Martin
and Bing's old house. They were moving that Sat/ Sun. We had some
fresh air and met John West in the Leather Bottle. We then went to the Railway Bell
and then back to Quintin Avenue (Martin's house). John went about midnight,
Martin and I sat up half the night. I walked the two or so miles home in the mild
night air.

Fri 21 June 02 (Summer Solstice)
During the day I saw my old acquaintance Joan Bicknell and her girls.
At about four I got the train back to Gatwick Airport. I checked in at
Braathens Airline and they let me carry my bass as hand luggage.
I was served a pleasant meal of salad and meats with a nice half bottle of red
wine.
The flight to Bergen took two hours. The coastline was a mess of islands and inlets. I saw traffic travelling along the right side of the road, I could see lots of fir trees and moor-like vegetation. This must be Norway!
There was only a short wait until the next plane. Not even long enough to get a beer! My ears were hurting from the pressure of landing. This doesn't always happen but when it does, it is not only painful but debilitating as one goes quite deaf. And I was very surprised to see the Norwegian man checking the passports was Asian
(Asian in the UK sense i.e. Indian/ Pakistani/ Middle Eastern, not Asian in the USA sense i.e. Oriental). He was only one of the two non-white people I saw during my 48 hour visit. Soon we were on the next plane.  It had the atmosphere of a local bus in England.
People were running into colleagues, neighbours and chatting. All the
announcements were in Norge only. An attractive blond thirty-
something sat next to me (the plane was only half full) and engaged
me in conversation. She was called Olga and taught me Norwegian
for Thank you which in English sounded like Tahk, beer which
was beer, or øl pronounced earl and the same as the English word ale of course!!
We flew across the snow covered mountains, clearly visible from the
aeroplane on this mid-summers day! The sky had not darkened although
it was about eleven PM.
Trondheim airport is 30 kilometres from the town. It nestles between
the tree-covered hills and fjord edge. There is a lot of space. I
left the plane and we all entered the terminal building. I followed
my native guide, Olga onto the bus. There I met Alban who coincidentally arrived on the Amsterdam-Oslo-Tronheim plane. The ride was very interesting. The modest four and sometimes two-lane freeway went through no small villages, just lots of tunnels through mountains and past fabulous fjord views.
We arrived at the town almost on the dot of midnight. It was still
light, slightly twilighty. I said good-bye to Olga (whose husband was
a pilot with the airline we were on and was travelling back after a visit to a sister and her family who lived in Brockley, South London). Alban, myself and a Norwegian called Martin, who Alban had met on the flight, did the only obvious option: go and have a beer!!
Martin explained that in Norway one goes to the bar in bars (or pubs)
and pays at the bar- no table service- they also buy rounds. Now for
a big surprise! Martin ordered three øl and the price was about
NOK154. There are twelve NOK (Norwegian Krone) to the pound. And the
beers were small, about three-quarters of a pint or less and only 4.1% alcohol! That's about £5 a pint! Everything was the same; very expensive!!!
At about two (bright daylight!) we went off and found the hotel.
The name of the hotel was very English, The Chesterfield. I thought
if I get lost, It will be easy to pronounce where I want to go!! But
then thought, blimey! How much would a five-minute cab ride in this
country cost?!? The hotel room was quite large and looked like hotel
rooms around the world except for the very substantial curtains!!!

Sat 22nd June 02
It's funny. I may be staying in a well appointed hotel room complete with en suite, mini-bar, double bed, armchair, TV, table, wardrobe et cetera but I live right out of my small overnight bag. I keep all my stuff in the bag and take it all out with me if I leave the room. Its the same if I'm sleeping in Robin & Sarah's conservatory, a four
star hotel or any number of friends' beds. Be that as it may, I went down for breakfast at about ten am (very bright sunshine!). There was the usual buffet style offering. Breads, meats, jelly/ jam, cereal, fruit and so forth but also pickled herrings (rollmop- a real favourite of mine!) and fish paste. I confused the mackerel paste for some sort of jam; it was in a similar pot. The taste came as a surprise on my croissant though!
Soundcheck was somewhere in town at noon. I called Alban's room and
he met me in the reception. We met up with Tørbjorn outside and we
went with him to the wedding venue. Trondheim is a charming little town; cobbled streets, wood fronted houses with pointy roofs, quaint stone built cathedral. It lies in
the late meander of the river just as it reaches the sea. The sea is
an inlet about twenty miles long leading out to the North Sea. These
inlets are famously known as fjords. Where the river empties into the
fjord is where the harbour is. The town is built on its sea trade and
I suppose the sea trade here goes back to the Viking period at least.
Anyway the wedding venue was in an old large house. It has recently
be converted from a dwelling into a Gentleman's Club, complete
with, bar, chef, uniformed waiting staff, library, smoking room,
leather chesterfields, the lot! Now, this Gentleman's Club is on
the escarpment that naturally occurs when a medium size river erodes
this glaciated landscape with such verve. The house faces away from
the fluvial member and so the back garden goes all the way down
terraces to the aquatic fluidness. The view from the ample terrace is
fantastic. You know we've all seen postcards of Scandinavia with
those churches that have more roof than steeple to their steeples and
fir trees and crystal dark blue, almost purple cold fjord water? Well
that was the view: post card like indeed!
We set up the rented gear in the marquee on the lawn. The hired
equipment was very good quality. Alban's guitar (Strat) packed up and
the rental company lent him a brand new 'pre-distressed' Telecaster.
This is a brand new guitar but made to look old, used and knackered
in the factory. Old Fenders are very collectable and desired and
this is a way of getting a guitar that looks like all those things.
I've seen them in shops and in magazines before but this was the
first time I have been able to inspect one. And it played really
well. I'd sooner get a proper new one, though, and distress it
myself!!
We did a sound rehearsal and it proved to be a sound rehearsal. Our
hard work in Nederlands paid off. We dropped 'Do You Wanna Be A Star'?
at the last moment. But all the others; 'Replang', 'Soul'd Out', 'Too
Much Too Late', 'Love In The Shadows' AKA 'Shadow of Love' AKA 'In
Love There Are Shadows' AKA 'Hank Marvin Was In The Shadows But
Albert Lee Was In Love, In Love With Who We Don't know' and the
amazing 'Five', we ran through successfully. The song called 'Five' (en Anglais) was Tørbjorn's best Man's speech to Ingar. This was the whole reason for the whole long weekend in Amsterdam with my mate Mawendy, flying to an obscure part of Europe and the rest. It was simply one bloke doing a big surprise for his mate. During the afternoon, Alban and I visited a Trondheim Music Shop which was very well stocked to say the least (expensive though!). We also bought a six inch baguette filled with tuna mayonnaise complete with a 'regular' Coca Cola; £8!!!!!!!!!!!! A sixty piece marching band played through the town, we spoke to a woman in the street
market about the turnips she was selling, I had a beer in a bar (quite an extravagance!). At six PM we sneaked in the back entrance of the marquee and waited
with a bottle of beer in hand. We convened behind the curtain. All the guests were sat in the marquee eating fab barBQ food. Suddenly someone pulled a switch and, unexpectedly the best man and some of the bridegroom's friends were playing 'rock' music. Tørbjorn did the tune; everyone was laughing and just very chuffed!
Technically and musically it went very well. We performed our other
tunes. All was well. Although what Tørbjorn sang and said? I have no
idea it was all in Norwegian!
After wards I packed my Fender away and my bag and joined the party.
During a strange episode when the chief bridesmaid was relating a
play in Norwegian, acted out by loads of the guests by falling on the
floor and climbing on each other, the three non-Norwegian speaking
guests gathered at the back, They were me, Alban and an American
bloke, whose name fails me I'm afraid. But we did feel a common link
through our lack of Norwegian! I had a good time that night!
Liquor is illegal out side in Norway (as opposed to beer & wine) and
so everyone goes inside to toast the happy, lucky couple with cognac.
Then it is a free for all piss up. This isn't just posh weddings; this is the whole country, it seemed to be a very booze oriented culture. I did get a breath of fresh air though, I met a journalist/broadcaster called Rune and we had a good chat.
There is a preponderance of blondes in Norway. The native rootstock
(female) is mainly blond. This is a pleasant cultural effect, not that they are blond, but just so many! And very friendly. At the end of the 'evening', about two thirty, I went in the marquee and picked up my bag and bass. I was amazed the rental company was
prepared to leave their gear in tent in someone's garden all night, but there you are, this is not LA or South London or even Amsterdam?
At this point I realised my dark glasses were in the house but it was locked and too late to get back in so I abandoned them!
I walked back to the hotel through Trondheim. It was very light and could have been three in the afternoon. Obviously the shops and bars were closed (all bars close at two AM with no warning or fuss) but there were loads of people still about reluctant to retire in a world were darkness never comes?
I drew the thick curtains in the hotel room and slumbered.

Sun 23 June 02
This day was a travelling day. In the morning I had breakfast and took a walk down to the docks and fjord side. The water of the fjord was such a beautiful dark blue, almost preternatural. Alban & I caught the bus to the airport. We said our farewells. I got
the plane to Bergen. At Bergen waiting room I boldly went to the bar with my last NOK?s. 'A large beer, Please', I said. The barkeep went out to the backroom and came back with glass that looked it could have held two pints! My heart paused. At Norwegian prices, oh! And shit! Airport prices!. I looked at my NOK100 and hoped! It cost something like NOK80 but it was nice drinking a beer you could gulp
at and it was a fond farewell to this place I so briefly visited but met so comprehensively.
During the flight back, I saw the coast of Essex and lots of cloud. I went Gatwick, Croydon, and Tram, Home. I celebrated my homecoming with two pints of Stella in the Kilkenny Tavern (£2-30 pint-1, cheap!) and a Chinese 'Meal for One' from 'Yip
Nong Hai' in Merton Road (£4-59, pork ball with sweet & sour sauce, chicken chop suey, and egg fried rice- cheap!).


I have more stuff to tell you but this is all for now from my 'European Summer'.

News and views from the boys and girls at
CRUSH UK HQ 
Update: 7th June 2002

Hope you are resting in peace - so to speak!

Time for an update on what's new and what's in the mix


Reminder - Our dear friend, Jan's book of emotive poetry 'Galloping Whelks' is still helping to bring pleasure and peace to the world.

Get your own exclusive copy - jansteve@purnima.fsnet.co.uk 

All profits go to WSPA - World Society for the Protection of Animals.
 

Back in action

After a few months of sporadic shows due to vehicle breakdowns and life changing events, etc

A couple of gigs worthy of mention

Friday 28th June 9pm
GROVE
The Esplanade
Exmouth EX8
01395 272101

We've been here before - this time we'll appear smack in the middle of the Exmouth music Festival, so it should be a cracker.

Saturday 29th June 9pm - 01179 777454
SHAKESPEARE, 1 Henry Street, Totterdown Bristol BS3 4UD
 http://www.theshakey.co.uk/gigs.html

This is a new venue for us and one where we hope we can settle.

Sunday 30th June
CLAIREFEST

We've been invited to appear at a private show to help raise awareness of breast cancer. We can't invite you, but you can help too if you choose www.thebreastcancersite.com

Backstage with the Bass Player 
Update: 30th May 2002

Well, circumstances may have forced us into stopping gigging for
a while but that doesn't mean we've not been doing other stuff.

In the last months the band has been working on some new tunes and
the pool playing has been going well. But more of these subjects
later...

It's funny, most people who see us at gigs, watch us walk
on stage strap on guitars and launch into a performance. And at the
end, they'll see us take off the guitars and, more often than not,
sit down and have a drink and a chat with friends or acquaintances.
It appears a simple life!

What isn't visible or obvious is the amount of time we spend moving
heavy items around. Consider this: Imagine we are playing a normal
pub' gig in Lympstone, Devon on a Friday evening. Basically we have
to be "on stage" at about nine PM, tuned up and ready to go. What
this means is this...
At about three that afternoon, the drummer will have probably already
spent some time checking his drum kit before he leaves his house.
Then he'd have to put in all the cases and haul it into his vehicle.
He will then go to "Mine". I will have showered and packed my
travelling bag. We'll load on my amp and guitars and set off to the
guitar player's house.  He will have been doing much the same
checking guitars strings and leads, et cetera, packing everything into
cases. Then all the speakers, amplifiers and other bits & bobs. Stuff gets
taken out of the house and loaded on his vehicle. Both vehicles when
loaded are completely chock-a-block, only the passenger seat in each
remains free and empty. We have a final check that nothing has been omitted. This can be a physical check, but more likely a mental run
through of the inventory.
We will then set off on the road. East Devon takes about three and a
half-hours to get to (on a good day!), four or five hours if it is a
busy Weekend (Especially around rush hour on the Friday!). Often a
lot of the journey is spent at a standstill in traffic. We may stop for
quick pint and wazz if there is anywhere open or convenient. (On the
whole, I find nowhere is open or convenient as soon as one leaves
London!)
When we get to the geographical area in which we are playing, we
normally go straight to where we are staying and unload our
travelling bags into our rooms, have a shower or whatever. Then it's
a rush to the gig. We have to unload all the cases from the vehicles
and take them to the playing area of the venue. This can be right
next to where we park or upstairs or through a restaurant kitchen or
via a narrow alley, you never know what to expect. But it's rarely
straightforward.
Once all the cases and bags are in the stage area we have to unpack
everything. We then start setting up the larger pieces of kit (the
drum kit, the PA speakers, the foldback speakers, and the backline
amps) also the microphone stands. There are two sets of cables. One
is the "mains or power" leads (plug boards and "kettle" leads) and
the others are the signal leads (mic cables and guitar cords). These
all have to be patched to right bit of gear. I reckon there is about
fifty or so cables to get right.
Patching it all up is just half the job. "Sound Check" is a well
known phrase but it is not just the band going through half a song,
it means checking the sound is coming out at all and that means
checking every connection is working correctly. We then have to tidy
up: get rid of cases and bags and tape down any unsightly or
dangerous cables. There are also the lights and air conditioning fans
to set up and place and instruments to tune up.
At this stage it's time for a quick pint! A run through a tune to see
if all is working i.e. guitars, foldback can be heard, enough space
in front of drums...
Then we go to the dressing room (or toilet as it is known!) and
change into or stage clothes. This usually takes us up to the time
where we go straight on and start playing. We don't often have time
to take a break between setting up and doing the show.

(There are great exceptions to this last point. Weddings and dinners
and dances are the worse. For these events the band normally has to
set up before it all starts i.e. the meal, then the band have to hang
around waiting to "do" it. Sometimes events insist that we are set up
and sound-checked by six or six-thirty and by the time the guests
have arrived, been seated, eaten and listened to the speeches or
whatever it could be ten before we kick off. No wonder we get good at
drinking and shooting pool. Well some of us do!)
Come "half-time" we usually get a chance to sit, drink and talk.
Although often the break is used to sort out some technical problem
that may have raised its head during the first show; inefficient
foldback, guitars packing up and of course tuning up come to mind.

The second show is always better! We've usually had a break, the
equipment gremlins (if any) will have been sorted and so forth.
At the very end of the show not all is as it appears! We leave the
stage, maybe return to do an encore and apparently start partying and
luxuriating with the fans. But, once the mob disperse, we have to
change our clothes, unplug all the cables, wind the cables up on our
forearms, put guitars & drums away in cases and pack up all the other
gear. Then we have to haul it into our vehicles. We drive to our
lodgings and unload any valuable stuff into our accommodation e.g.
guitars. Only then is the gig truly over. This is typically one in
the morning. And this is assuming we haven't got to drive halfway
across the country to get home!
So, as you can see, you may see us on stage for maybe nearly two
hours in total but that is only a fraction of the time and effort it
takes.

The absolute opposite of touring and gigging is what we've been doing
this last month or so.
Rick deposited his second/ spare drum kit and my house. This along
with my personal gear already there completes a full set of band
equipment. I have amps, guitars, basses, keyboards et cetera. I also
have recording facilities, albeit somewhat out of date, but it all
works (usually). We have been rehearsing and recording round there.
The major difference to touring is the fact that Martin and Rick just
turn up. Martin walks round with his hands in his pockets!!
All the gear is permanently set up. We just put on a guitar, sit
behind a drum kit and start. And at the end, flick the big off
switch, leave the room, close the door and go to the pub.
Because the recording gear is always set up we can make a recording
of nearly everything which is good when one is working on new tunes.

We have a number of new tunes:

(i) Big Mouth (First Day Of Summer)
(ii) Greedy Martine
(iii) Harmony
(iv) South Park
(v) Blond Girl In The Bath
(vi) Together
(vii) Kinell (not entirely new but...)
(viii) The Meaning of Life (also not exactly brand new, but...)

Plus one or two new cover tunes.

All the new tunes feature a new pure uncluttered sounding CRUSH UK.
Mellow, melodic and rocking. We've been together over three years now
and we are able to strip the sound back, play less, make it sound
bigger. It's funny, the less you play, individually, and the quieter
you play collectively, the larger the overall sound becomes.  This is
where a lot of inexperienced players go wrong. You have to be able to
hear each person's performance and the nuances that they are
producing. Then you can react what you are playing yourself and in
turn cause a groove feedback. I suppose it's something that happens
in time. You can't just instantly do good music, no matter how
virtuoso the players are. We are no virtuosos but we listen to each
other.

Anyway!

Last Friday The Capt. and I utilized the pool table at the Marquis.
He was on a bit of a winning streak. In fact he won six matches on
the trot against all comers. My game with him consisted of me winning
the toss and breaking. I did not pocket any colours, so he went to
the table and won in the single visit. Last night he was being a bit
tasty too!!!

As you may know, there will be a break in what we are doing whilst
the Capt. & Mrs. Black relocate, a new vehicle is obtained and I try
and make sense of my life and stop counting the summer swifts.

Gutted
Update: 13th May 2002

Our apologies for any inconvenience caused by the last minute cancellation of Saturday's gig at the Borough Arms.

The Crush wagon finally gave up the ghost on the M5 and was given the last rites by the mechanic.

Consequently, we have had to postpone our date at the Junction, scheduled for May 25th.

We sincerely hope to be back up and running for the gigs at the end of June, so watch this space.

Greetings from CRUSH UK
Update: 6th May 2002

Here's hoping you have experienced the first day of summer.

Firstly, thanks for your comments about www.crushuk.com. We're delighted that you have noticed the differences and expressed your preferences. The site is evolving, so come visit now and again to check out the changes.

Don't forget, if you want us to yourselves at your wedding receptions, parties or just for an excuse to let rip, tell us and we'll negotiate a top deal.

Mayday, Mayday

We're heading out West this weekend

Saturday 11th May 9.30-11.45pm 01934 413020
BOROUGH ARMS
Locking Road, Weston Super Mare

Sunday 12th May 4-6pm 01395 268226
FAMOUS OLD BARREL
Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon

Hope you can make it along.


CRUSH UK support giving blood, bone marrow, organs, tissue and of course money. Oh yeah, time and consideration too - be well

Call 0845 7 711 711 to enrol in SOME of the above programmes, or visit www.blood.co.uk

Weekend
Update: 26th April 2002

We wish you have a long, loving, peaceful weekend.

Dave's fab planetary conjunction
Update: 24th April 2002

The end of April this year is astronomically very fascinating (if
you're in the Northern Hemisphere!).
In the ancient world they only knew of five planets. This is because
one needs a vision enhancement device to see the others and Galileo
did not invent the telescope until the 17th century. The five "naked
eye" planets are Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. These five
together with the sun and the moon were the celestial items that
moved against the backdrop of the "fixed" stars. "Planet" is from the
Greek for wanderer. It's not that the stars aren't moving, they are,
it's that the planets, being in the local "Solar System", are
literally millions of times nearer than the stars and so their
apparent movement is greater.
All five "naked eye" planets can be seen at different times but it is
unusual for them all to be visible in one hit. This is what makes the
end of April (and the start of May) 2002 interesting.

 Last night I managed to see all five plus the moon. And that's in
South London, plagued by light pollution!! They are in the sky if you
look westward after sunset on a good dark, cloudless evening.

The most elusive is Mercury. This is because it is near the sun and
therefore always to be seen in the twilight. This combined with its
tiny size (it's approx. the same size as the moon but about a hundred
times further away) renders it a dim yellow speck, very difficult to
see. But you can if you persevere and look in approx. the right place.
Venus is easy. Brilliant, shining like a lamp in the dusk. It sets
about two hours after the sun. Un-missable!!
Compared with how it can stunning it can be in more favourable
positions, Mars is rather dim at the moment. But it is, for Mars, a
long way off. At its best it glows deep red but at currently rather
low and dim, but visible!
Saturn also is not at its best but easily picked out.
High in the sky is the magnificent Jupiter. Once Venus sets it is the
brightest thing in the sky (if you don't include the moon).

If you can see this display of our nearest galactic companions, you
really may get a insight into how 3D and big it is out there!!!

CRUSH UK News
Update: 16th April 2002

Hello fellow earthlings

We're still in cruise mode at the moment, but due to huge public demand.

Catch us if you can this Thursday - 18th April 9.30-11.45pm @ SAUCY KETTLE
7 & 9 Brighton Road
Surbiton
Surrey
020 8390 9617

Admission free
Dress optional

Next stop - Devon

We'll be back on the Road with renewed vigour and a bunch of new songs this summer.

Until then, be well.

CRUSH UK

CRUSH UK News
Update: 20th March 2002

Greetings from CRUSH UK

Here's hoping all is well in your world

There have been some comings and goings on the planet Crush and it's satellites. Dear friends have departed on journeys around the world while we've been taking it easy, playing pool and just hanging out basking in our success.

Meanwhile back in the real world.

Check out the changes at www.crushuk.com

Our Web Manager, not to mention US agent, has been working overtime to make surfing our site more fun.

You can listen now to our 'hits' including a new song 'Critical' from the E.P of the same name in Real Time just by clicking on the song you want to hear, or download an MP3.

Have a flick through the new pix section - we've wanted to do this for years - and Dave's own page containing strong language and much slander!

You can download our poster to help give us a plug when we're nearby, even if you can't make it along every time.

EAL = expect a laugh contains adult material and must only be viewed by those with an odd sense of humour.

Not to mention gig updates and all our lyrics displayed before your very eyes.

Thanks to Leslie for her toil and dedication and Neil Dixon who is still out there helping us keep afloat.

Here follows an advert on behalf of our sponsors - We've still got dates this year when we are available to play at your wedding receptions, parties and any other celebration, so book us now and enjoy preferential treatment.


Hope to see you soon.

CRUSH UK support giving blood - call 0845 7 711 711 to find out where

CRUSH UK News
Update: 12th February 2002

We've had the greatest couple of weeks. Firstly Devon was incredible. The atmosphere all weekend was just amazing. It was really great to be back at the Redwing too. Thanks to everyone who partied with us.

Last weekend we played a Corporate bash which was kind of interesting.

Check out Dave's account.

Hope to see you at the Kashmir on Friday



Basking In The light At The End Of The Tunnel

Thurs 31 Jan 2002.

Robin had been in London working for a week. He called me up and
suggested going for some food and a couple of pints. That week I was
looking after an old friend's flat in Tooting. He came from Wimbledon
Chase by train and met me at a rainy and wind-swept Tooting Junction
station. We had a constitutional libation in the Railway Bell and
popped in the flat to grab a breath of fresh air on the balcony. The
view from that balcony is my most favourite of London, if not the
whole Universe.
We walked up Tooting Broadway and went in Garum Masala. This is a
Halal Lahore style Pakistani café. We had mutton in sauce and bhindi
(okra, ladies' fingers, gumbo), mint dahi (yoghurt or raita), lime
pickle and with piping hot, freshly made in the tandoori (clay oven)
nan (flat) breads. The Urdu pop top twenty television program
flickered on the TV and the jangly music mixed with the heady aromas
of jeera (cumin) and garlic. We drank a pint each of very sweet,
yellow mango lassi (freshly prepared fruit drinking yoghurt). Robin
and I then jumped on a red double decker 'bus back to Tooting
Junction and tried another couple of beers.
It was good trying to repay some of his generous hospitality that him
and his wife Sara have showed the band and me over the last couple of
years or so.

Friday 1 Feb 2002.

This was the day Robin was returning to east Devon and also the band
were due there to play some gigs. So he (Robin) gave me a lift. We
drove straight to Lympstone, leaving at three thirty pm. We arrived
at seven. On the way down the wind had been very stormy indeed but
evidently had the effect of keeping the casual road users away
rendering the road emptier than usual. Stonehenge looked grey and
bleak.
When we arrived, Martin and Bing were already there. We ate the
delicious pasta that Sara had prepared; it was very welcome. The
drummer was on his way! Martin & I went to the Red Wing in Lympstone
and set up the gear. The Red Wing has always been a good gig for
Martin's various combo's: Martin & Clive, Martin, Clive, Pete & Rick,
Martin, Pete & Rick and now, Martin, Rick & Yours Truly. Rick showed
up and set up his musical trappings.
The first set was a nightmare for the Capt. He broke a string on his
Telecaster. Normally this is not a problem but the ferule that
retains the string fell off and rendered a quick change impossible.
This is typical of Fender Telecasters by the way; they are fab
guitars to play and sound great but tend to rattle to pieces. So
Martin had to finish the set with his acoustic. (This is reminiscent
of the previous Red Wing gig when Martin had a duff lead cause a mic
to go live thus somewhat putting him off his stroke!)
As the wind blew a force seven, the second show got under way and the
Redwing gremlins evaporated. It was a rockin' set.
At the end Dave (the Redwing's landlord) got up with us and sang Born
To Be Mild, the tune from Easy Rider by Steppenwolf. This made a
change from the tradition of Cochran's Summertime Blues which has
been his number to sing before.
After the show and the gear was packed up, we eventually went back to
Robin & Sara's for a soirée. But firstly, the drummer, Mr.Bell and I
went down to Lympstone harbour and along the dock so as to see the
surf and waves blowing up the estuary. We went about two thirds of
the way along. That was far enough! The wind and spray in the dark
were amazing, and this is quite a sheltered spot. Heaven knows what
conditions out at sea were like. Back at the house we had a few
drinks but everyone was tired and we crashed out quite early- for us!
(About 4 am).

Saturday 2 Feb 2002.

A day to myself! On this day I had to buy a paper, read it, go and do
a gig. That's all I've got to do all day. Bloody brilliant!
I strolled round the garden in the blustery but sunny weather and had
a spot of fresh air. Walked the country mile to Lympstone "town
centre", bought a Guardian in the Post office, queued up for five
minutes to pay (Most un-London-like), walked to, went in and bought a
pint in the Redwing. I quietly sat reading. Dave tried regaling me
with his musician stories. (You have to imagine his guttural south
London), "and then Jeff Beck 'phoned me up and offered me £30 for the
Gibson", "I told Plonk Lane that he was crap" et cetera.
I went back to the house and sweetly slumbered on the sofa as Sara
and Robin watched the rugby. Soon, it was early evening and we were
preparing for that night's gig. I washed my hair and found the
cleanest T-shirt.
The gig was at Exmouth's answer to the Irish theme pub. It's called
O'Mally's. It's a great local pub gig but the tiled floor is hard on
the feet when one is standing playing for a number of hours. The band
sounded phat. There were a lot of people in. It was another good gig.
Afterwards, when we were packing up, I went to the Indian
Ocean "Indian" take away and ordered a "curry" and fried rice as did
Mr.Bell.
We all returned to the house in Lympstone to eat our tea and party
and did with Bryony, Pauline and the others. (I'm sorry but I'm crap
at names and remembering people. I have to meet persons on more than
occasion before they will register. Luckily the drummer remembers
everyone and everything!!)
Later on we went on to another party. This was at Blind Dog Walker's
brother and his partner's house. You see I know these people and talk
to them and like them but can't remember their names. I can see their
faces though. I was wearing my dark glasses and batik print cotton
scarf round my neck and over my head. I thought I looked like a
member of the Majahaddin, others thought I looked like Marilyn
Monroe. Queerly, I quite like either image for myself. The room was
full of people sitting on the chairs and floor. Blind Dog, Rachel,
Lady Di were all there. I had a special time that night.

Sunday 3 Feb 2002.

At about one PM I returned to the house in Lympstone. No one was
there. The neighbour said they had all gone for "breakfast". I had a
beer in the Saddlers and pondered life without a Sunday Times. I then
got a cab to the gig venue. This was the Famous Old Barrel. None of
the band or friends were there, so I got another cab to the Beach
(Pub), no one there or in the Harbour Café. I caught yet another cab
to the Strand (Town Centre). I walked round the covered market and
had a lunch of cheeseburger and chips from Mr.Munchies. Back to The
Famous Old Barrel and still no sign of anyone. I started thinking I
had got it all wrong! I went outside and saw Ivor Abiks sitting in
his car. He had come to record the gig for a possible live album.
I've known Ivor on and off since the late sixties. He gave me the
third CD in his series of stuff we recorded some thirty years ago.
The sleeve design was strident to say the least!!
Soon, of course, the others turned up. We set up. This was more
complex than usual because of Ivor's recording gubbins. Anyway we got
it sorted and played to full, enthusiastic audience. After the gig
Mr.Bell went home to London, Mr.Abiks went back to Dawlish, The Capt.
and Bing went..er? somewhere. I had decided to stay over and go back
on the train the next day.

Monday 4 Feb 2002.

Finally got the train to Paddington, got home at nine pm. I went and
had a pint at the "Who-Killed-Kenny Tavern", went home, went to bed
and dreamt happy dreams.

Tuesday 5 Feb 2002.

Rehearsal at my house for band. We had a gig coming up next weekend
that was going to be a bit different for various reasons.
(i) Rick managed all the business (not Martin as usual).
(ii) The people who had booked us wanted to play some of their own
tunes with us and this meant learning and rehearsing with them.
(iii) They seemed to be very rich!

We had, the previous week, met and played with Albyn, Alf and
Torbjorn. It had been a loud chaotic event. They had subsequently
supplied us with tapes and chord charts and I had done a bit of
homework. On this evening we (Martin, Rick and me) half-heartedly
reviewed and ran through their material. We also played some of our
newer ones. We then retired to the Marquis of Lorne for a diary
session, a beer or two and a game of pool.

Wednesday 5 Feb 2002.

On this evening I went to the Grey Horse in Kingston to give the
guv'nor my fliers and posters for my SOLO GIG. GREY HORSE, KINGSTON,
8 PM, SUNDAY, 3RD MARCH 2002. The Band that night were my old friends
Whitemen In The Jungle. During the second set I sat in the bar and
talked at length to Ralph (token famous person).

Thursday 6 Feb 2002.

I went on the 14 'bus to Fulham Broadway, duly found the studio in
North End Road and there were the Advent Warriors (Albyn, Alf and
Torbjorn). We rehearsed all evening and sorted out their truly
European sounding anthems. The gig was the next Saturday. Mssrs.
Weller and Bell (in a tie!!!) attended briefly. At ten thirty three
very much happier than the previous time Europeans and I had pints in
the pub. It assured them it would all go well.

Friday 7 Feb 2002.

Stayed in and watched tele on my own. Luxury!!

Saturday 8 Feb 2002.

I rushed out to that dreadful guitar shop in Wimbledon to buy a
couple of jack leads. They were short, cheap looking and expensive
(and didn't work in the end!!). Later I met my friend Wendy at
Waterloo Station and we got tickets for Chichester. We arrived there
at about five pm in pleasant mild sunshine. We got a taxi to Goodwood
House. This place is a large pile. They started building it in the
eighteenth century and it belongs to the Duke of Richmond's family.
It's on the roster of "stately homes" to visit. It is famous for its
art collection and general grandness. It holds charity events and
conferences as part of its commercial operations.
The band was set up already and sound checking with the Europeans.
They said they would do their tunes early on (estimated to be 9.30pm)
and we would go on and do our set a bit later. Well, as with all
corporate award/ dinners/ speeches things it really overran. We did
their tunes with them. I was very good, both technically and
artistically. We played to a stuffed room of people. By the time
Crush UK got to play though, it was very much later, the audience
were very much more pissed and we were tired of waiting. We played to
a small but enthusiastic crowd. Beer was free and a waitress in black
and white served coffee up back stage from a solid silver coffeepot.
You don't get that at the Redwing.
After the gig we retired to the Hotel which was on site. We went to
the bar and had a drink with the delighted Advent Warriors.
It was nice to have a room, mini-bar and Sunday Times on expenses,
especially as the hotel carries four stars! We got a taxi to the
station, a train to Reading. We met up with Sarah and Fish. They all
drove back to Exmouth. I got a train to Waterloo and had dinner in
Garam Masala (lamb biryani) in Tooting.

It's been a busy and totally wonderful fortnight!!!!

Westward Ho!
Update: 30th January 2002

We're heading to Devon this weekend to play the first shows in the area on our 'Middleland' 2002 tour.

As usual our shows feature trax from our LPs: 'PAY ATTENTION', 'INDULGENT', 'CRUSH', 'CRUSHLIFE', 'CHANGING BY DEGREES' and the brand new E.P 'CRITICAL'.

Not forgetting songs by other great artists: Robbie, Pistols, Jam, Kinks, Radiohead, Clash, Frampton, Chillies, Donovan, Zeppelin, Beatles
Buzzcocks, Damned & more.

If can make it along, then come and say hi! - check the Gig Guide.

Galloping Whelks
Update: 20th January 2002

We've been meaning to alert you, the good people of the world to a new book of poems called 'Galloping Whelks' by Janice Whitlock priced £4.

We are keen to have her vision in words reach a larger audience.

If you dig poetry, then drop her a line for more details on how to acquire her work of art - jansteve@purnima.fsnet.co.uk

Here's a taster:

MOON

Fantasy is frightening
Reality is not
So unearth the moon
Untie the knot

Ragged dawn breaks
All over the kitchen floor
While still the moon is in the bedroom
Sliding down the door

Where its silver shoes
Step printless
Upon dark shores
Stand still and listen
Let it pull your head like war

But fight it not
Let it move you like a tide
Let women and sea
Upon its silver back ride

Fantasy is frightening
Reality is not
Remove the yashmak cloud
See the smile it's got

All profits will be donated to animal charities.

CRUSH UK News
Update: 15th January 2002

It's been a while

So what's new?

We told you about our CD releases PAY ATTENTION & INDULGENT? back in May.

Well, we've a couple of copies left of each if you missed out, but now there's a six track E.P to add to your collection.

'CRITICAL' features 3 original songs and 3 covers that pretty much sum up CRUSH UK 2001. It will be exclusively available at gigs for £2 (while stocks last). So there's a good reason to come see us live. As if you needed another one.

Have you been away? We hear you ask.

Funny you should mention it. We've been to America again. Depending on your care factor, you may wish to check the report at World News 

Here's the latest on the gig front for 2002.

Crush UK kick off UK Middleland 2002 tour in Sussex
Saturday 19th January 9.30 -Midnight 01444 258072
JUNCTION INN, Junction Rd, Burgess Hill, Sussex RH15 0JP

Friday 1st February 9-11pm 01395 222156
REDWING, Church Street, Lympstone, Devon

Saturday 2nd February 9-11pm 01395 268661
O'MALLYS, 31 Exeter Road, Exmouth, Devon

Sunday 3rd February 4-6pm 01395 268226
OLD BARREL, Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon

Friday 15th February 9pm - Midnight 020 7224 2556
KASHMIR KLUB, Basement of 6 Nottingham Place, London W1

Saturday 23rd March 9.30-Midnight 01934 413020
IMPERIAL HOTEL, 14 South Parade, Weston Super Mare

Friday 10th May 9-11pm 01395 222156
REDWING, Church Street, Lympstone, Devon

Saturday 11th May 9-11pm 01934 413020
BOROUGH ARMS, Locking Road, Weston Super Mare

Saturday 25th May 9.30 -Midnight 01444 258072
JUNCTION INN, Junction Rd, Burgess Hill, Sussex RH15 0JP

Friday 28th June 9-11pm 01395 272101
GROVE, The Esplanade, Exmouth EX8

Saturday 29th June 9-11pm 01179 777454
SHAKESPEARE, 1 Henry Street, Totterdown, Bristol BS3 4UD

Saturday 28th September 9.30 -Midnight 01444 258072
JUNCTION INN, Junction Rd, Burgess Hill, Sussex RH15 0JP

Thanks for your support - past, present and future and may Jah provide.

TALK 2 CRUSH UK - e: damian@crushuk.com - txt: 07711 447289 - www.crushuk.com

CRUSH UK News
Update: 20th December 2001

Thanks for helping to make it another great year for CRUSH UK.

We're hanging in there, writing loads of new material and having a great time - it's as good as it gets.

We need your support at one more show before the end of Supernova 2001 at Hammersmith's funkiest rock and roll venue.

SATURDAY 22nd December 9 - 11pm
FINNEGAN'S WAKE Tel: 020 8992 8691
48 Fulham Palace Road, London W6

We hope you can join us for the party.

If not, we wish you a happy holiday and a terrific new year.

"See you in 'Middleland' 2002 - One step away from being a vagrant, a fag paper from fortune and fame."

Help Us Keep it Real this Weekend
Update: 9th December 2001

We're back in one of our favourite parts of the world this week.

We're looking forward to winding up our Supernova 2001 tour with our friends in the West country.

It's a case of the more the merrier - keeping music live - so come on down and join the fun.

CRUSH UK News
Update: 29th November 2001

The boys are back in Town this weekend.

Why not come on down to R&M's, Morden this Saturday 1st December? (World Aids Day)

We'll be on stage at 10pm and can promise you a great evenings entertainment.

We've got some very special guests joining us, so expect a laugh.

CRUSH UK News
Update: 9th November 2001

The C word is looming large.

For us in the UK it means marketing mayhem.

Jingle freaking bells everywhere and the 'classic' seasonal songs pounding your ears everywhere you go.

So take a break and join us for some slightly irreverent sounds.

After more than two years, we're back at the Morden Tavern, or R&Ms as it's now known on December 1st.

Plus - our gig at Finnegans Wake was unbelievable and we'll be appearing there again on December 22nd - so it's all good.

Don't forget, if you want us to play a show for you and your friends, or even just for you, we offer special rates to CRUSH UK supporters.

Also - Our albums, T-shirts and Baseball caps will make someone very nice 'C' presents, so get 'em while stocks last.


We're still in shock from our US trip, but expect a report soon.....

Be well.

Back to the Smoke
Update: 1st November 2001

We've just returned from the land of the free and it was a riot - full report to follow - but for now:

We need your support this Saturday 3rd November 9pm
FINNEGAN'S WAKE, 48 Fulham Palace Road, London W6
Free admission

This is a new venue for us, so come on down.

Also, our latest album: PAY ATTENTION is now only available from either Music Millennium stores in Portland, Oregon.

We have a few copies of INDULGENT left as well as unearthing some rare copies of CHANGING BY DEGREES, a couple of copies of CRUSH and FRAMPTON WELLER.

Get em while they're hot, or not - buy them direct from us.

On Our Way to the USA
Update: 16th October 2001

We're off on our third tour of Oregon and looking forward to it immensely. Check out the gig list for our itinerary.

We've also got extra dates coming up in the UK and we hope that you'll miss us so much, that you'll come along to a show soon - wherever it may.

Peace.

CRUSH UK News
Update: 3rd October 2001

A belated THANK YOU to our marvelous supporters in the West Country. Many congratulations to Pete and Mazz, we wish you a long and happy life together.
In a couple of weeks, we'll be off on our Oregon adventure. This will be our third time over and we can't wait. Check our schedule. We'd love to have you along for the ride and the view and all your mates too.

CRUSH UK News
Update: 16th September 2001

Hi everyone

The past few days have been traumatic to say the least and we would like to offer our condolences and wish you all peace and future happiness.

Back to life as we know it..
We're itching to get back to West Country this weekend. Your support would be very much appreciated at the Bowling Green, Exeter on Thursday 20th, Imperial Hotel, Weston on Friday 21st and Old Barrel, Exmouth on Sunday 23rd - Help keep music live! - see gig list for full details.

Our new album 'Pay Attention' seems to be hitting the spot - thanks for your feedback - we love it too.

Our radio pluggers in Nailsea, A&M, have done us proud once again and got us on the radio - 2 tracks off the album? Fantastic!

Thanks also to the man who is the 'Jason Marshall Experience' - Jason Marshall - Total rock FM and to Gary Beale on the air in Dorset. Gary has been doing the biz for us since 'Changing by Degrees'. We will hook up one of these days to play a live session. We can also be heard on the odd occasion @ Eagle FM, South Hams, Gemini, Mercury, XFM, County Sound & Thames FM and in Oregon on The Ratch's show on KPSU.

If you aren't hearing us on the air, e-mail, or text the DJ and say something like: "Excuse me. I would like to hear - insert your fav tune here -  by CRUSH UK. If they plead ignorance, or deny our existence, please direct them to www.crushuk.com where they can download songs or request our stuff.

Next stop London is The Kashmir Klub on September 28 - Top venue, it's got the vibe, full of undiscovered, burgeoning talent. My mate Ricky didn't like it 'though! Anyway, we'll be live on the web too - www.kashmirklub.com - check it.  

Then off to Oregon on October 17. We seriously can't wait. Come along for the ride and the view. It don't get better than this - www.horsebrass.com . This will be our third time out and the best is yet to come.
 
CRUSH UK Recommend

Meanwhile on the other side of the States..

My influential mate, Dean
"..whether you realize it or not, something significant has happened here: a gathering of virtual strangers were able to join together and decide whether an artist, whose music they cared about, should go into the studio to make another record." A new album is about to be born. Way to go Dean. http://deanfriedman.com

&

For trivia trolls: http://www.thisdayinmusic.com  We love it!

Hope to see you soon.


Captain Damian Black, on behalf of CRUSH UK 

CRUSH UK News release
Update: 13th August 2001

Click here to find out more information about the new album release and US tour. 

Letters 
Update: 4th August 2001

DYAC & Headway Exmouth

To all members of CRUSH UK thank you very, very, very much. I enjoyed the music. When are we going to see you again? - Dave Tucker

Dear CRUSH UK, I liked your music. I enjoyed Dancing and watching you in the sunshine. Thank you  - Stuart

We enjoyed your singing and we had a nice time - Mark Doran

Dear CRUSH UK, thank you for playing at the Double locks, it was very good, I enjoyed it a lot. Your new CD was good. Are you going to play at Christmas? - Justin & Julian

Sincere thanks to CRUSH UK from all at Headway Exmouth.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for yet another groovy weekend.
You guys are something else. Pure pleasure. - Rach

Other comments:

I have played your CDs several times. The ones I like best are: 'Born to be wild', 'I wanna hold your hand' and 'last train to Clarksville'. All the songs are of excellent quality - Elaine

We have been listening to the new album and we both like it a lot, especially since the sound is more English, always the best sound for an English band we feel. The American thing has to be gone through but its great to come out the other side again. Title song, POP song and Tall Society personal favs. Indulgence is a great mixture to remind us of your gigs. I melt to Lady Eleanor - Jan


WE'RE JAMMIN - a reminder to all the rock funsters that like to hang out just for the crack. Tuesdays there's an acoustic jam at the Old Post Office, Streatham - Opposite Streatham station 9 -11pm free.
Every other Thursday, Roadhouse run a rock/blues jam at the Woodman, Durnsford Road - nearest tube: Wimbledon Park 9-11pm free call 8946 0274 for more info.

Security Alert 
Update: 2nd August 2001

Security Alert: This is not a drill.

Attention ALL mobile phone users - Mobile Phone scam

Security notices from the NHS Information Authority regarding a mobile telephone scam that is currently in circulation have been received.

"There is a new mobile phone scam going around that comes  in the form of a SMS.

The message will say something along the lines of "Please Call me on 09011500065 Urgent" it will say it is from "KB"

Do not call this number, it is premium rate number charged At £5.00 per minute.

Also when you call it you will get an engaged tone; this is Not a real engaged tone it is simply a recorded sound that Will make you call again, and again, and you are CHARGED!!

Please distribute this message to all mobile telephone users.

Cliff Conrad
Regional Security Manager
NHSIA, Access Services, London
Tel: 020 7301 6954
Mobile:  07768 753738

Summer Break 
Update: 17th July 2001

We are taking a short summer break from touring, but don't forget you can buy all our albums, new and past as well as other merchandise in preparation for the next time you see us.  We'll still be keeping you posted on developments, so check in again soon, cos there's always something going on in the world of CRUSH UK.

Devon Rocked 
Update: 28th June 2001

Thanks to everyone who made our weekend at the Devon Festival.

We played three new venues and everyone was a winner. The best of the rest was the Famous Old Barrel in Exmouth - a perfect venue for CRUSH UK.

We'll be back in the area again in September and we can't wait.

A special mention to all the crew who follow us around, party with us, sing the songs and hump the gear as well - you guys are the best.

Our sincere thanks also go to: Mick from 'Dirty Money' for the heads up on the venues, Arthur Cook who was instrumental in getting the festival sorted, our great friend and 'Tin sandwich strummer' (harp player) Nige 'Blind Dog Walker', who can usually be found playing with the 'Ed Lomax Band' and our very own Shania Twain twins - Sara & Pauline.

Gig of the weekend

We played an outdoor gig on Monday, the hottest day of the year so far, to a fantastic crowd comprising the CRUSH UK crew, people from 'DYAC' (Disabled Young Adult Centre) and 'Headway Devon' plus a few locals and holiday-makers who happened by.

It was our real pleasure to perform for young people with severe disabilities and also for those that have suffered head injuries. It was one of the most rewarding things we have ever done and the reaction was brilliant - even 'though Rick and Damian had all but lost their voices. Much respect and gratitude is due to 'Magoo', the mad and near sighted Rachel who we all love for organising the whole shooting match solo. We weren't sure if Dave was there or not after sampling the local cider, but he seems to remember some of it!


Rutland Rock Crushed

Due to a minority of small minded locals, we have had to shelve the festival in August. We were all set until worries about a 'yob' element came to the surface. We have no plans to reschedule at the moment and we are deeply sorry to all of you who will no doubt feel as disappointed as we do. A full refund will be made in the next couple of weeks.

CRUSH UK confirmed dates for Devon's Summer Festival
Update: 20th June 2001

We're back in that special place this weekend:

"One of the greatest live bands around", we'll be featuring trax from our new LPs 'Pay Attention' & 'Indulgent', as well as all the best stuff from 'Crush' & 'Changing by degrees'. Plus songs by other great artists: Robbie, Pistols, Jam, Kinks, Radiohead, Peter Frampton, Red Hot Chillies, Donovan, Beatles & more.

Devon is another home to us and we are looking forward to joining the local talent to promote live music in the area - and of course all the partying.

CHECK OUT THE BEST MIX OF NEW AND CLASSIC ROCK MUSIC ON THE PLANET ABSOLUTELY 'LIVE'

Friday 22nd June 9-11pm 01392 254884
BISHOPS BLAIZE, Commercial Road, Exeter, Devon

Saturday 23rd June 9-11pm 01395 268661
O'MALLYS, 31 Exeter Road, Exmouth, Devon

Sunday 24th June 4-6pm 01395 268226
OLD BARREL, Princess Street, Exmouth, Devon

'DYAC' & 'HEADWAY EAST DEVON' FUN DAY
Monday 25th June 12 - 2pm 01392 256947
DOUBLE LOCKS, Canal Banks, Marsh Barton, Exeter

We've been trying to book a date to play for these guys for ages. We're delighted to say that we've finally got it sorted and all are welcome.

DYAC (Disabled Young Adult Centre) promotes learning opportunities for disabled people in east Devon. DYAC offer stimulating programmes designed to meet specific needs & choices.

HEADWAY promote understanding of all aspects of head injury - providing information, support and services to people with head injury, their family and carers.

All proceeds will be shared equally - What a great way to celebrate the turn of the year - hope to see you along the road.

Sound advice - phone the venue for final confirmation

CRUSH UK support the National Blood Service 0845 7 711 711
 
All the best from Dave, Rick & the Captain

11th Hour Gig 
Update: 15th June 2001

Join us this Saturday, 16th June 9.30pm - midnight for a Weller-Dudley duo performance at Inn on the Green, Green Lane, Palmers Green, London N13.

Hope to see you there!

CRUSH UK News 
Update: 7th June 2001

Hey

Our latest newsletter is now on line.  Please check it out and let us know what you think.

Rutland Rock is selling out fast, so order your tickets soon, or miss out.

Our new albums: 'Pay Attention' and 'Indulgent' will be available from mid June, so if you want to guarantee yourself a copy, please let us know soon.  Both albums are going to be limited edition, so get yours here.  £8 or $12 each,  £15 or $22 for both.

PAY ATTENTION - Track listing
(All CRUSH UK originals)

1. PAY ATTENTION - once
2. SINATRA STYLE
3. POP SONG
4. REGRETS
5. RAINMAKER
6. TALL SOCIETY
7. TIME TO CHANGE
8. DOROTHY
9. TEMPORARY CLOSURE
10. REVIEW
11. PAY ATTENTION - twice
12. REGRETS - solo

INDULGENT - Track listing
(A tribute to some of rock and pop music's greatest artists)

1. PRETTY VACANT
2. BORN TO BE WILD
3. FAN CLUB
4. BABY I LOVE YOUR WAY
5. I WANNA HOLD YOUR HAND
6. TUBE STATION
7. TEENAGE KICKS
8. PINBALL
9. LADY ELEANOR
10. GARY GILMOUR'S EYES
11. PAINT IT BLACK
12. LAST TRAIN TO CLARKSVILLE
13. BLACK NIGHT
14. ANARCHY IN THE UK

CRUSH UK News 
Update: 16th May 2001

Hi folks

Just like Dorothy, we're back home again and looking forward to playing to our London posse.

WITNESS THE BEST MIX OF NEW AND CLASSIC ROCK MUSIC ON THE PLANET ABSOLUTELY 'LIVE'

Saturday 19th May 9 -11pm 020 8542 7490   
LEATHER BOTTLE, 277 Kingston Road, Wimbledon, London SW19

Coming soon....

Our latest newsletter - we're formatting it as we speak.

Take advantage of our exclusive offer to our subscribers - RUTLAND ROCKS - it's official!

Tickets will be available soon for our performance on Sunday August 26 at the Rutland Rock Festival. Check out the gig list for special ticket prices just for you.

Take it easy

Damian

CRUSH UK News 
Update: 26th April 2001

Our thanks to everyone who made last weekend's trip to Devon one of the most memorable yet. You guys rock as always!

To our London and South-east posse, we hope you can join us for our forthcoming gig on:

Friday 4th May 9-11pm 020 8642 9018 - Free admission
@ FIELDER & FIRKIN, 346 High Street, Sutton, Surrey

'Pay attention' is coming soon, plus a new album full of classic hits - news bulletin to follow soon with purchase details and all the latest news.

In the meantime, if you haven't discovered the brilliance of CRUSH UK on record, then check out our MP3s to find out what you have been missing and buy 'CRUSH', 'CRUSHLIFE' and 'CHANGING BY DEGREES' direct from the makers.

Also, T-shirts & caps are nearly gone, so get yours - order today if you want to stand out in the crush.

Have a great weekend wherever you are.

Springtime in Paris - Easter in London 
Update: 10th April 2001

Why not kick off the holiday season by lending your support at the Woodman show?
Catch us playing the best mix of new and classic pop-rock on the planet absolutely live on Saturday April 14 - Gig List

CRUSH UK News 
Update: 4th April 2001

Hi music lovers

There have been a number of changes recently to our schedule.

Therefore, to avoid any confusion here are our forthcoming tour dates for April correct as of today April 4, 2001.

FRIDAY, 6th April - 9.30 - midnight
IMPERIAL HOTEL Tel: 01934 413020
14 South Parade, Weston Super Mare, Somerset

SATURDAY, 14th April - 9 - 11pm
WOODMAN Tel: 020 8946 0274
222 Durnsford Road, Wimbledon Park, London SW19

FRIDAY, 20th April - 9 - 11pm
REDWING Tel: 01395 222156
Church Road, Lympstone, Devon

SUNDAY, 22nd April - 4 - 6pm
OMALLYS Tel: 01395 268661
31 Exeter Road, Exmouth, Devon

Hope you can make it along. If so, please feel free to bring a crowd.

For more details please check out www.crushuk.com

We value your feedback, so if you have any constructive comments please send them to: damian@crushuk.com

Talk to you soon.

Best wishes

Damian Black, for CRUSH UK

GIG News 
Update: 30th March 2001

If you like your punk rock '77 style then check us out tonight, March 30 at the Shed in Brierley Hill - satisfaction guaranteed.

And, for our West Country posse, we'll be playing at the Imperial, Weston Super Mare Friday April 6.  Hope to see you all soon.

CRUSH UK News 
Update: 8th March 2001

Hi everybody

Thanks to all who supported us at the Leather Bottle, we were still recovering from the party days afterwards.

Next up is our much publicised punk gig at the Shed in Brierley Hill, West Midlands. We are really looking forward to it and it promises to be a fantastic night. If the venue plays host to the likes of Robert Plant (Led Zeppelin for the uninitiated) then it has to be good. Our show starts at 11pm, so set yourself up to rock into the wee small hours and sort somewhere out to stagger back to.

Friday April 6, sees us at Weston Super Mare's newest and funkiest venue - The Imperial. Now run by Terry who we played for at the Borough Arms last year (a stonking gig which we so happen to have on video).

Terry's new venue is the business. Catch us there and then because we have no plans to return to the area for quite some time. 

Well that's all folks except to tell you that our album launch party will be in June in London and will be ticket only, so that we can have you all to ourselves - more details to follow.

By the way, if you are into saving the planet and/or wish good will to nearly all men, then check our links page to see how you can help do your bit.

Oh yeah and check out our new feature The guest book - but be warned, you've got to expect a laugh!

Live long, prosper and buy our music, t-shirts, etc.

CRUSH UK

CRUSH UK News 
Update: 2nd March 2001

Heads up good friends and lovers of CRUSH UK

Following on from the Captain's one night tour of the world on his internet debut,
the gang of three will be playing live and in the flesh this Saturday, March
3 at Ye Olde Leather Bottle, Wimbledon.

We know you are out there and we'd like to enjoy your company if you can make
it.

Next up is our 'punk tribute' night in the West Midlands on March 30, so for
those of you in the area and others willing to travel - expect a great evening
of classic New Wave.

Please feel free to spam the world with this information.

Look forward to seeing you along the road.

Wherever you are, be well and enjoy life.

 CRUSH UK News 
Update: 14th February 2001

LATEST NEWS OF CAPTAIN SOLO & CREW OF THE STARSTRUCK - 'CRUSH UK'


See the writer of CRUSH UK's catalogue of hits ply his trade unaccompanied by Rick & Dave.

Damian's alter ego 'Martin Weller' will be playing live at the Kashmir Klub, London on Friday February 23.  Gig Guide

The show will also be broadcast on the internet for those of you who are spread around the globe, or for those who just can't be arsed to get off the couch - check out Kashmir Klub for details.

Show starts around 8pm and your support will be much appreciated, in the flesh or otherwise.


CRUSH UK - back in one, well actually three pieces.

The boys will be strutting their 'funky stuff' (reference recent episode of 'Sex and the City' on terrestrial UK TV) at the Leather Bottle in Wimbledon, London on Saturday March 3.
Show starts at 9pm and admission is free - bring your mates (human or rubber).


COMING SOON

Catch 'em in the West Midlands @ The Shed, Brierley Hill on Friday March 30.

One of the Black Country's premier live music venues which over the last two years has gained a reputation for hosting some of the best local and national bands (including Robert Plant) in what can only be described as " A Music Lovers Paradise" - A perfect platform for CRUSH UK.

For this performance they will be concentrating on the punk rock aspect of their repertoire, so listen out for classics by the Clash, Jam, Damned, Sex Pistols, Adverts, Undertones & of course their crushing originals - 'Coke 'ed', 'Pop song' & 'Crush' to name a few.


PAY ATTENTION - is nearing completion and with a fair wind should be available from April 1.  Watch out for the regional launch parties coming your way - expect a laugh!

Don't forget merchandise is now available so snap it up cos it's going fast.


Be well fellow custodians of planet Earth.

West Country 
Update: 6th February 2001

Yet another fantastic weekend in the West Country. Our gig at the Prom in Bristol was a great success. Sincere thanks to everyone who came along having blackmailed their mates, parents, grannies, kids off the street to come and see us - a special mention to Allan Barnes who worked wonders with the local radio stations - we hope to return in the summer.  Saturday's show was all party - happy birthday Robin. Sunday at the F&L was, as predicted awesome. We'll be back in April, twice hope to see you all again then.

COMING SOON

Catch us in the West Midlands @ The Shed, Brierley Hill on Friday March 30.

One of the Black Country's premier live music venues which over the last two years has gained a reputation for hosting some of the best local and national bands in what can only be described as " A Music Lovers Paradise" - A perfect platform for CRUSH UK.

For this performance we will be concentrating on the punk rock aspect of our repertoire, so listen out for classics by the Clash, Jam, Damned, Sex Pistols, Adverts, Undertones & of course our crushing originals - 'Coke 'ed', 'Pop song' & 'Crush' to name a few.

CRUSH UK News 
Update: 27th January 2001

Hello citizens of planet Earth (we're not aware of any extra terrestrial interest
in CRUSH UK yet!)

We're back in the 'live music' business.

Kicking off - We could use your support en masse at our first gig in Bristol for
three years. We're playing one of the City's best known venues, the Prom, 26
The Promenade, Gloucester Road on Friday 2nd February. Show starts at 9.15pm, so there's plenty of time for you to get fed and watered before you come down. If all goes well we hope to make it a regular stop. Feel free to e-mail or call everyone you know and bring rent a crowd, your Nan or anybody mobile enough to be dragged along. Admission is £3 - and of course satisfaction is guaranteed.

On Sunday 4th Feb we're at the First & Last in Exmouth a gig which, despite the
peculiar performance time, 4-6pm is always full of Eastern promise.

NAPSTER
Give others the chance to experience CRUSH UK. You can help spread the word to the world by downloading our MP3s onto your PC at http://www.crushuk.com/index.html
and storing them in your shared Napster folder. Not a Napster user? Go to http://www.napster.com and sign up for a free account - any questions? Just drop me a line.

PA
Shhh! - Keep it down - the album is almost finished - 'hurrah' - we hear your
pockets rattle. It's a work of pure genius - a classic rock masterpiece that
cannot be equaled! - We'll trust your impeccable judgment - PAY ATTENTION - that means buy it!

A limited supply of extremely fashionable and desirable 'CRUSH UK - PAY ATTENTION' Baseball caps and T-shirts is available - Sizes small to extra large, V neck (Captain Black style) - in er! - BLACK. http://www.crushuk.com/album.html Check
the site for prices and ordering - they're a bargain!

For those of you who haven't had a taste of our music on CD, or tape. Our catalogue is essential listening - classic rock, pop, blues and country music - versatile is our middle name. Check site for details http://www.crushuk.com/album.html.

WEBSITE
New features on the site include: Crazy Corner
http://www.crushuk.com/crazycorner.html, and the Business Section http://www.crushuk.com/business.html.

New pix soon to be in evidence charting our glittering career and featuring those
crazy dudes who hang out with us - We would like to know what would you like
to see on the site too, so drop us a line with your thoughts.

WORLD NEWS
We are delighted to confirm that we will be back in Oregon, USA from 19th October. Our Supernova 2001 tour will take us to Portland, Florence, Pacific City, Newport and maybe Seattle. Venue details to be confirmed ASAP.

CAPTAIN SOLO
Damian Black will be playing, unaccompanied by the crew, at the Kashmir Klub
in London on Friday February 23rd - 'Dorothy' and 'Regrets' should reach a world wide audience via a live web link - stay tuned for more details.

WE CRAVE CONTACT (other planetary beings also welcome)
e-mail: damian@crushuk.com
website: http://www.crushuk.com/
phone/fax: 020 8715 7090
phone (day): 020 8258 8318

SUPERNOVA 2001
Update: 7th January 2001

Great new year's eve gig thanks to all who showed from far and wide - A fab time was had by all.

We're in the studio right now working on the new album 'Pay Attention' due out in March.

We're back in the saddle playing live early February. Our first gig is in Bristol on Friday 2nd (full details in gig guide) at one of the City's top venues - the Prom. It's our first visit for some years and your support would be greatly appreciated because we'd like to make it a regular stop.

Our man Peter Frampton has had a song nominated for a Grammy award- way to go Pete, just goes to show it's never too late - we're counting on it.

Don't forget, if you want to book us to play at your party/wedding - whatever, please get in touch direct - damian@crushuk.com - be well.

Yours

Damian Black

Happy New Year
Update: 31st December 2000

Wherever you are in the world, we hope you are safe and well - Happy New Year.

CRUSH UK

Greetings from the Captain & Crew
Update: 14th December 2000

We would like to express our thanks to our 'backstage' team who work hard to keep CRUSH UK rolling and to those of you who support us at our shows or who buy our music.

We love what we do and sharing it with those who dig it too is truly amazing - have a great Christmas and we hope to see you on our 'Supernova 2001' tour.
Keep your eyes and ears open for our new album 'PAY ATTENTION' plus soon to be available T-Shirts and Caps. Drop us a line for more information or check the site next week for further details.

Sound Advice

Our New Year's Eve show in Wimbledon is free admission and starts at 9.30pm. We've got a couple of surprise guests up our sleeve and we can promise you a night to remember.

If you are thinking of traveling to the show please make sure that you book your train / coach / plane tickets now!


If you are looking to make a resolution for 2001 why not give blood?
Check out these links for your local donation session.

CRUSH UK   NEWS UPDATE
Update: 20th November 2000

GET YOUR LAST RUSH OF CRUSH IN THE WEST FOR 2000

We're back in the West Country for our last barnstorming shows of the year.

It has been said that we are one of the greatest live bands around today. We'll be performing tracks from our stunning albums: 'CRUSH', 'CHANGING BY DEGREES' & the forthcoming 'PAY ATTENTION', this December.

"It'll be like going home again. We tour in the West more than anywhere else and many of the people who follow us have become our great friends. We are definitely looking forward to a major party to celebrate the end of a fantastic year." Damian

CRUSH UK features: Captain Damian Black - vocals, guitars, Rick Bell - vocals, drums and Dave Dudley - bass guitar.

"These guys stand head and shoulders above the pack of British artists trying to make their way onto the US scene" - Sound-of-Seattle

"This is a classic rock band just waiting to be discovered" - Being Creative

"The music biz needs to get its shit together and give someone else a chance to be heard. I vote for Crush" - Pink

THE BEST MIX OF NEW AND CLASSIC ROCK MUSIC ON THE PLANET ABSOLUTELY 'LIVE'

Friday 1st December 9-11pm 01395 272101
GROVE, The Esplanade, Exmouth

Saturday 2nd December 9-11pm 01934 418066
FORESTERS, 27-28 Alexandra Parade, Weston Super Mare
FUNDRAISER FOR BREAST CANCER RESEARCH

Sunday 3rd December 4 - 6pm 01395 263275
FIRST & LAST, Church Street, Exmouth

Sound advice - phone the venue for final confirmation

For further information, photo or demo please call
020 8258 8318 - 07711 447289
E-mail: damian@crushuk.com - Listen up: www.crushuk.com

Hot off the Press
Update: 1st November 2000

At long last - Our newest fanzine is online.  We hope you enjoy it and look forward to your comments.

Message from the Captain aka 'Big Giant Head'
Update: 29th October 2000

Thank you fellow residents of Earth - I had a fantastic birthday and I am touched that you thought of me - long may we rock.

Vertical Horizon - Live in London Oct 18 2000
Update: 19th October 2000

Rick's been banging on about  Vertical Horizon  since last year. He bought all their albums when we were in the States and has forced us to cover 'Everything she wants'. So when the chance came to see them we thought - what the hell?

There we stood Rick, Bing and Me in among a very tall crowd vying for a spot that would allow a view around the strategically positioned support columns. The show was opened by David Mead  who played solo (His band got stranded on a train coming from Carlisle). He had a great voice and was a dab hand at tuning his guitar to a different key for each song. We liked him and his New York drawl.

We were cooking by the time VH kicked in. This was their first gig in London and they were genuinely shocked by the reaction.
They laid down familiar tracks from 'Everything' mixed in with songs from their previous two albums - a definite Red Hot Chilli flavour to some - when it got to the single I could see the pride in the singer's eyes, it's just how I feel when the audience takes over the singing. He got that faraway look on his face. The flame was ready to burn all we needed was ignition. The show was great VH rocked and at the end Bing was fired up enough to want a nicotine hit (she's trying to quit). Amazingly no one was smoking good old cigarettes, but you could get hi on the aroma of Mary J - no problemo.

May I suggest that you get to see them while they are still 'grateful', 'cos by this time next year my fear is that 'the business' will have turned them into another automatic product machine - cynical? Well you could say so.

Damian

Interim Report
Update: 17th October 2000

We're on a short break from the live stuff at the moment - nothing planned until Nov 18. However, we ain't lazing about. New songs are being recorded as we speak for a new album which will be available early 2001. The first 50 (bought through the website) will carry a free 'live' album and there's talk of a single release before Christmas (no promises).

Thanks
Update: 27th September 2000

Thanks to everyone who came to the shows over the weekend. It was another awesome mini tour despite the late cancellation at the Exchange in Exeter.

The First & Last was exceptional, a crazy atmosphere for an afternoon gig. We're delighted to say we'll be back in the South West in early December (check gig list for details) until then - "Remember me as I remember you" - love from the Captain, Rick and Dave.

West Country
Update: 20th September 2000

We're really looking forward to our West Country gigs this weekend. The gig in Weston Super Mare is a new one so we could do with extra support there to make it a regular stop. We'll be taking a break for a few weeks to go into the studio, but will be back on the road again soon.   Look out for a news update in the next week or two. It's been a while and we've got a lot of catching up to do.

CRUSH UK
Update: 7th September 2000

Hi

Nothing stays the same, so I wanted to clear up any confusion over our forthcoming shows.


SATURDAY 9th SEPTEMBER 8pm - 11.30pm 020 8671 0700
THE WINDMILL, 22 BLENHEIM GARDENS, BRIXTON HILL, LONDON
Admission £3 + Support

SATURDAY 16th SEPTEMBER 9.30 - Midnight 01444 232185
KING'S HEAD, 102 LONDON ROAD, BURGESS HILL

THURSDAY 21st SEPTEMBER 9 - 11pm 01934 418066
FORESTERS ARMS, 27-28 ALEXANDRA PARADE, WESTON SUPER MARE

FRIDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER 9 - 11pm 01395 222156
REDWING INN, CHURCH ROAD, LYMPSTONE

SATURDAY 23rd SEPTEMBER - PRIVATE PARTY.
Sorry to you guys who had planned to see us in Exeter, but the Exchange has stopped live music.

SUNDAY 24th SEPTEMBER 4 - 6pm 01395 263275
FIRST & LAST, CHURCH STREET, EXMOUTH


Look forward to seeing you soon.

Best wishes

Damian

11th Hour Gig for CRUSH UK
Update: 30th August 2000

This Friday 1st September 9.30 - 11.30pm 
The John Bull 020 8994 0062590
Chiswick High Road, Chiswick, West London
Admission FREE

Message from the Captain
Update: 29th August 2000

Thanks to everyone who made it down to the gig on Saturday. Lunar Park opened the show and really got things off to a great start. We had quite an act to follow. We hope they'll be appearing with us again soon. Our next London show is on Saturday September 9th and we're looking forward another great night.

CRUSH UK   News update
Update: 14th August 2000

Thanks to our supporters and friends and a big slice of luck, England's premier power rock-pop band CRUSH UK can look back on the last few months of promoting their stunning album 'Changing by Degrees', with a sense of satisfaction many bands will never know. 

Lead singer, guitarist and songwriter Damian Black said: "We've had a fantastic year so far and it just keeps getting better. The album's been selling really well, we've toured the UK, USA and Ireland, signed a publishing deal and appeared on TV in Australia.
Audience reaction has been fantastic and we're looking forward to our forthcoming shows".

CRUSH UK Captain Damian Black - vocals, guitars, Rick Bell - vocals, drums and Dave Dudley - bass guitar, stand head and shoulders above the pack of British artists trying to make their way onto the scene and according to their growing number of supporters, it won't be long until they 'make it'.

"A classic rock band just waiting to be discovered" - Being Creative

LIVE THE CRUSH UK EXPERIENCE

Saturday 26th August 9-11pm 020 8542 7490 + Lunar Park (featuring ex Weller-Frampton drummer - Steve Scudder)
LEATHER BOTTLE 277 Kingston Road, Wimbledon, London

Saturday 9th September 8pm - Midnight 020 8671 0700+ Support Adm £3
WINDMILL 22 Blenheim Gardens, Brixton Hill, London

Saturday 16th September 9.30 - Midnight 01444 232185
KING'S HEAD 102 London Road, Burgess Hill

Thursday 21st September 9-11pm 01934 418066
FORESTERS 27-28 Alexandra Parade, Weston Super Mare

Friday 22nd September 9 -11pm 01395 222156
REDWING Church Road, Lympstone

Saturday 23rd September 9 -11pm 01392 209037
EXCHANGE Mary Archer Street, Exeter

Sunday 24th September 4 - 6pm 01395 263275
FIRST & LAST Church Street, Exmouth

Music lovers can catch the boys playing a wicked mix of power rock-pop including trax from their albums: 'Crush' & 'Changing by degrees'.

Sound advice - phone the venue for final confirmation

For further information, photo or demo please contact
Martin Weller 020 8258 8318 - 07711 447289
e-mail: damian@crushuk.com - surf's up: www.crushuk.com

Sad to say CRUSH UK were one of more than 700 bands who were unsuccessful with their application for this years festival in Portland. Although we are obviously disappointed, we'll be back next year on our 'SUPERNOVA 2001' tour - just try stopping us.


G'day Dorothy

'Dorothy' discovered in Australia....appearing on The $20 Challenge 

Towards the end of the show, challenger Rhiannon Kelly-Pearce can be seen dancing in front of us at the Halfmoon.  

The show will be seen on Network Ten in Australia on Sunday 6th August at 7.30pm. 

We damned near became rich overnight thanks to our publishers 'Being Creative'.

Wrigleys were after a song for their new TV ad campaign.

Our song 'Crush' Copyright Being Creative, got short listed by the Ad agency - Bray Leino.

It was close run thing but we came in second. No sour grapes, but Crush totally blows away the song they chose.

Perhaps they didn't want the song to overshadow the product - eh?


End Hunger

We have been supporting the Hungersite and the Rainforest site and encouraging others to do likewise. Just two clicks of the mouse can make a difference every day.

See what can be achieved.
 
FIGHTING HUNGER IN BOLIVIA
One out of every 10 children in Bolivia dies before his or her fifth
birthday. In addition, approximately 28 percent of those who live
have had their growth permanently stunted by poor nutrition. With
help from The Hunger Site, WFP is providing 50,000 of Bolivia's
poorest children with the food necessary for their healthy growth.
To date, donations from The Hunger Site have provided 360 metric tons
of wheat flour used to make breakfast, lunch, and snacks for nursery-
school aged children in the poorest areas of the country.

JUNE CHALLENGE UPDATE
We did it! Thanks to you, we raised an additional 504,870 cups of
food in our June Challenge. That's 4,870 cups over our goal! This extra
food will help feed people in emergency situations as well as provide
food for development projects aimed at enabling people to feed
themselves. Thanks for your commitment to end hunger!

GOOD PEOPLE, GOOD WORKS
In this issue of IMPACT, we are reprinting a poem written by Patricia
K.  Her desire is to send the message that children in the U.S. die
of hunger every day. The poem is written for Sasha, entitled "Gabe".

I listened with disbelief
As the little girl expressed her grief
Mixed with sadness, anger and regret
Sharing a memory she'll never forget.

Told with the sensitivity
And compassion associated with maturity,
As she wrestled with the morality
Of how this could be?

A sweet boy living in quiet poverty
Didn't anyone around him see
That he was living fatally without food?
Were there no signs to allude

That he was in desperate need
Didn't someone try to feed
His waifly wasting frame
While he hid in silent shame?

In a country where we over eat
A child lies down in defeat.
Where were the pillars of society
When he passed away quietly?

A victim of circumstance
Who never had a chance,
Left the world so lonely,
The final closing of his eyes, died hungry.

PETITION TO END HUNGER
Help us get 1 million signatures by September 1, 2000! A petition
will be delivered to the United Nations Security Council on World
Food Day, October 16, 2000. The petition urges the United Nations
to increase its financial and resource commitment to end world
hunger. Please click on the link below to sign the petition, and
don't forget to pass this along to your friends. Help make a
difference! http://www.thehungersite.com/rbt/THSPetition/h065050


Sincerely,

The Hunger Site
http://www.thehungersite.com
news@thehungersite.com



On the vaguely amusing front...

A few tips on writing and singing "The Blues"...

1. Most blues begin with "Woke up this mornin'....." This is to
differentiate blues musicians from most other musicians, who sleep past
noon.

2. The nice thing about the blues is that once you've written the first
line, you're pretty much done with the second line, too.

3. Chevys and Cadillacs are blues cars. Other acceptable blues modes of
transportation are as follows:

a. Greyhound bus
b. southbound train
c. walkin'

4. Teenagers shouldn't sing the blues until you're old enough to get the
electric chair if you shoot a man in Memphis.

5. You can have the blues in New York City, but not in Vail, or any town
whose name ends in "Beach." St. Louis, Chicago and Kansas City are other
good towns for the blues.

6. Shot in the back by a jealous lover is a blues way to die. So is the
electric chair. It is not a blues death if you die during liposuction
treatment.

7. You have the right to sing the blues if:

a. you're blind
b. you shot a man in Memphis
c. you can't be satisfied

8. But not if:

a. you shot an 85 at golf
b. your Dad left you a trust fund
c. you once were blind but now can see

9. Good places for the blues:

a. a highway
b. a jailhouse
c. an empty bed
d. a freight train

10. Bad places for the blues:

a. Yellowstone National Park
b. The Country Club
c. Gallery openings
d. The Hamptons

11. If you ask for water and yo 'baby' give you gasoline, that's the
blues. Other blues drinks include:

a. wine
b. whiskey
c. muddy water

12. Blues beverages do not include:

a. any drink with an umbrella
b. any wine kosher for Passover
c. Yoo Hoo (all flavors)
d. Jell-O shots

13. Picking a blues name:

a. start with an infirmity (Blind, Li'l, Fat, Lame)
b. add Willie, Johnny or Joe
c. Pick a U.S. President (Washington, Johnson, Fillmore, or Roosevelt)
d. Persons with names like Ashley, Chad, Kimberly, McKenzie, Brad or
Tyler may not sing the blues, no matter how many men they shoot in
Memphis.

- a musician no less, Pat Pitt, now living in the US


The CD: Changing by Degrees 

Order yours today through our secure credit card ordering page   Click here for more details

ã 2001 - 2004  CRUSH UK

© CRUSH / MARTIN WELLER / CTHREE 1998