I dare say this documentary has been screened before (although the text says it 'premieres'), but I thought I'd include it for anyone interested in the ladies who are 'with' the band. On VH1, the series Rock Docs takes a look at "Rock's Greatest Groupies." Pamela Des Barres -- a supergroupie who has, um, "worked" with Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page, and Keith Moon -- travels the country to hear the stories of others who say they are "with the band." The documentary premieres at 8:30pm.

Hi Danny, You may still make it in showbusiness. The fact that you can't sing a note in tune would qualify you for the next series of The X Factor

SAJ, It sounds like you are in need of some bromide

BIGDAN, It's obvious (to me, anyway) that you would be the natural replacement for Robert Plant. One problem though - how would Misses BIGDAN deal with your army of groupies?

Magic, You look fantastic - very good looking lady! You have such beautiful hair - I am envious. As I said to you before, by PM, you definitely have a Pre-Raphaelite look. Oliver is growing up fast since the last photo you posted featuring him. He is lovely little boy and I am sure you enjoy his company so much.

I quoted the article out of the magazine, and that is what it said. Yes, his son is called James. I don't know if he kept a horse of the same name . I do know PMcC had a horse called Cinnamon. Perhaps the journalist made a mistake.

Magic, Don't take my word for the price of the volume - I'm basing my estimate on the prices of other signed Art Editions on Taschen's site. What I like about Taschen is that their 'ordinary' editions are affordable (have a look at their website, they tend to be priced as low as £24), whereas Genesis Publications books can be out the price range of many people. Regarding LInda McCartney, the older I've got, the more I have learned to appreciate her and her lifelong campaign to protect animals' rights. She was certainly classier than a lot of women who consort with rock stars. I think its great that Sir Paul has continued to honour her memory.

Thanks Rumpeller. Reading this cheered me up no end, and I'm glad Floyd have shown that their integrity is intact. Jemima Khan has a false sense of her own importance in the scheme of things.

Jimmy is a great admirer, and collector, of the Pre-Raphaelite movement's work, so I thought I'd post this to let members in the UK know that there is going to be an exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which will be focusing on this period of British creativity in decorative arts. It features, among others, William Morris and Dante Gabriel Rossetti. The exhibition shall be running from April 2. www.ram.ac.uk The Cult of Beauty: The Aesthetic Movement in Britain 1860-1900 April - July 2011 Admission charge will apply This will be the first international exhibition to explore the unconventional creativity of the Aesthetic Movement in Britain (1860-1900). The well spring of the 'new art' movements of the late 19th century, Aestheticism is now acknowledged for its revolutionary re-negotiation of the relationships between the artist and society, between the 'fine' and design arts, as well as between art and ethics and art and criticism. Aesthetic sensibilities produced some of the most sophisticated and sensuously beautiful artworks of the Western tradition. Featuring superb artworks from the traditional high art of painting, to fashionable trends in architecture, interior design, domestic furnishings, art photography and new modes of dress, this exhibition traces Aestheticism's evolution from the artistic concerns of a small circle of avant-garde artists and authors to a broad cultural phenomenon. The exhibition will feature paintings, furniture, ceramics, metalwork, wallpapers, photographs and costumes, as well as architectural and interior designs. Included will be major paintings by Whistler, Rossetti, Leighton, and Burne-Jones. Architecture and interior design will be represented by the works of Edward Godwin, George Aitchison, Philip Webb and Thomas Jeckyll, among others. Art furnishings designed by these and others, including William Morris, Christopher Dresser, Bruce Talbert, Henry Batley, and Walter Crane will showcase not only the designers and manufacturers they worked for, but also new retailers, such as Liberty's.

This is sourced from the January 2011 edition of UK Vogue. There is a book, as yet untitled, due out in April 2011 of Linda McCartney's candid photographs of her family and friends - include a couple of Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Warren Beatty. The book will be available in a number of options, including an Art Edition, limited to 125 numbered copies signed by Paul McCartney and including a print of him and his horse: Paul and James, Scotland 1984. I believe there was a Linda McCartney book published by Taschen in the US in 2010 - http://www.nbcnewyork.com/blogs/threadny/THREAD-Stella-McCartney-Taschen-Celebrate-Linda-McCartney-the-Photographer-90354799.html. I don't know if it is the same book, and it is now being published for the UK market. I like Taschen's books - their ordinary editions are affordable, but having looked at their website, the Art Editions seem to come in at around £1,250 .

Source:- www.todayszaman.com Ben King, the 26-year-old lead guitarist for the Yardbirds, has been playing with the band for over five years. He grew up in the English countryside near Oxfordshire, where he learned to play guitar and immersed himself in all types of music. Looking for like-minded musicians, he enrolled in a university known as the best in Europe for those seeking a career in music, where he met instructor Pete Freisen, who had toured with Alice Cooper and other major acts. When another instructor, John Iden, who at the time was the Yardbirds’ vocalist, asked Freisen if he could recommend a guitarist, as theirs had just left, Freisen recommended 20-year-old King, who he had been very impressed by when he saw him playing at a blues jam. King, who had finished university a month earlier and wasn’t sure of his future direction, was considering a return to a school that he found too pop/mainstream. Instead he found himself in London, auditioning for the Yardbirds. He played the songs they’d ask him to learn. Then the ‘Birds moved to the other side of the room and had a whispered discussion. “They came back over, and said, ‘Let’s play songs from our latest album, “Birdland”.’ I’d never heard these songs before! They called out the chords, and I fit right in; I fit the Yardbirds’s sound,” King recalled during a recent interview with Today’s Zaman at the İstanbul Jazz Center, where the band made two highly acclaimed appearances over the weekend. And he’s been holding down the lead-guitar seat in the band ever since. “I’d always dreamed of having a record that [guitar legend] Steve Vai would like, and I found myself in a band that was signed to Vai’s label Favored Nations -- a dream come true.” However, his first appearance on the label came as a surprise: “In July 2006 we were scheduled to play at the B.B. King Blues Club in New York, where our performance was to be recorded for a live album. However, so I wouldn’t fret about it beforehand, the band waited until 20 minutes before we were to go on stage to tell me -- that really made me nervous.” If you listen to the Yardbirds’ 2007 release “Live at B.B. King Blues Club,” you’ll realize King (and the band) gave an admirable performance. Asked what it was like to tour with the Yardbirds, King said: “We get to play all over the world at the best venues and share the bill with some of the best bands. It’s fantastic! I’m now part of the lineage of one of the greatest rock bands of all time. … Soon we’ll start to write songs for a new album. … I’ve also started a side project with Dave Smale and Andy Mitchell from the band.” King, who declined to answer a question about his favorite bands, said the following about music he hates: “I hate the ‘X Factor,’ which I recently found out is totally rigged.” Despite being of the younger generation himself, King has doubts about the contemporary music scene: “Too many young musicians are learning from YouTube. That’s how they learn to finger notes. Musicians must develop their ear and learn how to interpret what they hear. Classical guitar teachers turn their backs on their students, so they have to learn by hearing the music. YouTube-trained musicians only learn rote copying, so they lack finesse.” And about the future, King hints at a plan that will thrill fans: “I’m trying to instigate a reunion of all the original members of the Yardbirds. We’ve had meetings and phone calls with Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page.” We’ll see what happens, but I’m hoping… Asked about Jeff Beck and original bass player Paul Samwell-Smith (original singer Keith Relf was electrocuted at home in the ‘70s), King said: “Paul just wants to stay at home in France and drink wine. Jeff is the most problematic. One day he’s interested, the next day he’s not.” In a documentary on the Yardbirds, Beck once said that his best playing had been with the Yardbirds; that his fellow musicians had pushed him to creative heights, to which King responded: “I’ve never heard that before. Maybe we should remind him.” Check this out Late Italian filmmaker Michelangelo Antonioni’s 1966 film “Blow Up” features the Yardbirds playing “Stroll On” (very similar to “Train Kept A Rollin’”), which was shot during the short period of time in which Beck and Page both played in the band. A great film and a great performance. And maybe we’ll get to see them playing together in the Yardbirds again.

Source:- www.artdaily.org I've added this article because it goes into more details about the auction, and also gives more information on the horrific practice of puppy farming. KNIGHTSBRIDGE.- Bonhams are to sell a one of a kind Epiphone Casino Guitar that has been signed by a host of rock legends in their Entertainment Memorabilia sale on 15th December with funds raised going to PUP AID. PUP AID 2010 was launched in September by Liam Gallagher kindly offering his support to raise awareness about Puppy Farming. The guitar is estimated to sell for £3,000-4,000. Jimmy Page (Led Zeppelin), Keith Richards (Rolling Stones), David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Eric Clapton, Brian May (Queen), Mick Jones (The Clash), Roger Daltrey (The Who), Paul Weller (The Jam/Style Council) and Gary Moore (Thin Lizzy) have all signed the PUP AID Epiphone Casino Guitar. PUP AID 2010 was the brainchild of TV Vet Marc Abraham and the first-ever music festival and celebrity-judged dog show, held in Brighton, England, to raise awareness about the cruel industry of puppy farming in the UK. Puppy farming is the mass-production of puppies purely for profit with no thought or consideration for the welfare or happiness of the pups, breeding bitches or stud-dogs. Poorly diseased pups are then removed from their sick mothers far too young and transported sometimes hundreds of miles to be sold from pet-shops, free newspaper adverts or like commodities on websites. Puppies bought from these sources are usually riddled with fatal infectious and congenital diseases and if they don’t die within the first week resulting in both family and financial heartache, they’ll often require hundreds or even thousands of pounds in vet’s bills to try and make better. TV Vet Marc Abraham who is the resident vet on BBC Breakfast, ITV This Morning and Sky1’s ‘My Pet Shame’ has taken the PUP AID Guitar along to each legend, and says “I’m so thankful to Epiphone for starting what’s been quite a mad journey, and truly honoured to have met some of the most influential musicians and heroes in rock history who have supported this campaign. “Puppy farming is a horrific practice that must be stopped. Sadly local authorities and dog welfare organisations are often unable to prevent this battery farming of dogs and so the responsibility lies with the British dog-loving public to stop buying these farmed pups altogether and end the demand forever. “Anyone considering buying a dog should never buy from pet-shops or online without meeting the owner, but always consider adopting from their local rescue shelter instead. If you’re determined to buy a puppy please always see the pup interacting with its mother and contact the Kennel Club’s list of Accredited Breeders for the healthiest pups which will share long and happy lives with you”. The Save-Me campaign, founded by Queen guitarist and animal-lover Brian May to promote decent treatment of animals, said: “Save-Me is supporting Marc the Vet's important campaign to end the disgraceful Puppy Farming trade. Make sure you don't support cruelty in irresponsible pet breeding”. The PUP AID Epiphone Casino Guitar joins an original Jimi Hendrix guitar and Beatles lyrics in a special music and entertainment memorabilia auction at Bonhams Knightsbridge on December 15th and is surely the ultimate Christmas gift for any music-loving dog owner!

Source: www.musicrooms.net I'm guessing that there are a lot of ladies out there who would like to make sure Robert is not alone 04/12/2010 Robert Plant has “a thousand pen pals” because he can’t bear to be alone. The 62-year-old is best known for being in British rock band Led Zeppelin, with Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and John Bonham. He insists his lengthy music career is the result of his inability to spend time on his own, as it has made him pressure others into teaming up with him on projects and ideas. “My whole deal is that I can’t do anything alone. I have to go out and press-gang bright souls and spirits,” he explained. “That’s what I look for – some kind of radiance, an innocent kindness. I know it sounds f**king hippy, but there’s not a thing I go near that doesn’t have that equation. I’ve got a thousand pen pals. Some of them speak Tamasheq and live south of the Sahara.” Robert is glad he’s the way he is as he thinks his constant quest to meet people has made him have a lot of unusual experiences. It’s also opened his eyes to many different ways of life, and shown him what is really important. “I can’t say I’m fortunate because I’ve put a lot into it, but my rewards are not the gongs and the Lifetime Achievement awards,” he told Q magazine. “They’re in the seeing of what happens.”

Jimmy has joined a host of other stars to sign guitar for Anti-puppy farming initiative. Brian May does fantastic work for animal causes - top bloke. TV vet Marc Abraham and Queen guitarist Brian May with the PUP AID Guitar (Photo Julia Claxton)Brian May, Jimmy Page, Keith Richards and Roger Daltrey have signed a guitar to help dogs. The rock legends are among several stars - including Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, Eric Clapton, Paul Weller, Mick Jones and Thin Lizzy's Gary Moore - to put their signatures on the PUP AID Epiphone Casino Guitar, which was donated by Liam Gallagher and will be auctioned off later this month. TV vet Marc Abraham is responsible for the anti-puppy farming initiative and is delighted so many famous faces have agreed to lend their support to the PUP AID Campaign. He said: "I'm so thankful to Epiphone for starting what's been quite a mad journey, and truly honoured to have met some of the most influential musicians and heroes in rock history who have supported this campaign." PUP AID is also being backed by Save-Me - a campaign founded by Queen guitarist Brian to promote decent treatment of animals - who have urged dog lovers to back responsible pet breeding. They said: "Save-Me is supporting Marc the vet's important campaign to end the disgraceful Puppy Farming trade. Make sure you don't support cruelty in irresponsible pet breeding." The PUP AID Epiphone Casino Guitar will be sold at London's Bonhams on December 15, along with an original Jimi Hendrix guitar and Beatles lyrics in a special entertainment memorabilia auction. Proceeds from the sale will go to the Dogs Trust, Oldies Club - a charity specialising in rehoming older dogs - and the Kennel Club Charitable Trust.

Source:- www.rockaaa.com Kennedy wasn’t offered Velvet Revolver job Alter Bridge singer Myles says there was talk but never an invitation as he recalls experience of nearly fronting Led Zeppelin Published: Tuesday, November 30th, 2010. © Rock AAA. Myles Kennedy says that although there was talk of him being asked to join Velvet Revolver in place of Scott Weiland, the job was never offered to him. But the singer and guitarist, who’s currently on tour with main band Alter Bridge ahead of recording vocals and touring for Slash’s second solo album, is happy with the way things have turned out. And he’s still blown away by his memories of coming close to fronting Led Zeppelin after Robert Plant refused to tour with his old band. Kennedy tells MusicRadar: “There was talk of the gig with Velvet Revolver, but I was never officially given an offer. http://www.musicradar.com/news/guitars/interview-myles-kennedy-talks-alter-bridge-slash-and-led-zeppelin-314959 “It was floated around and it would be a huge honour, because I think the guys in Velvet Revolver are tremendous. “But I’m very happy with what I’m doing in Alter Bridge and Slash. It’s not that singing for Velvet Revolver wouldn’t be enticing – but I’ve made my plans now and my plate is pretty full. Between Slash and Alter Bridge I have enough going on.” Kennedy was invited to join VR even before Weiland was called, but says he didn’t accept because at the time he was disillusioned with the music business, and he wanted to concentrate on teaching guitar. And he’s not upset over his work with Led Zep’s Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones and Jason Bonham coming to nothing. He says: “It was never supposed to be Led Zeppelin per se. How could it be? I think they were just itching to play again. But they weren’t really sure of what they wanted to do. “I got together with them in June 2008 and we just jammed some ideas. Everything went really well, but I was just flattered beyond belief to be in the same room with these guys. Everything I learned about rock I learned from Led Zeppelin.” The band gathered again a few months later, but the project fizzled out – and Kennedy still isn’t sure why. But he says: “Just being near Jimmy Page was unbelievable. Hearing the guys’ stories and the whole experience is something I’ll always treasure.” Meanwhile, original Led Zep drummer John Bonham’s son and replacement Jason has revealed he’s disappointed over Robert Plant decision not to stay on their one-off show in 2007. But he says he understands the reasons why. He tells LA Weekly: “Robert always said, ‘Jason, you know I love you and I know how great you are as a player. On the night you were great. But to me Led Zeppelin is John, not Jason.’ “Although it would benefit me to have gone on and done it, I also agree with what he says. I understand. As much as I was disappointed, I feel blessed that I got to live in that short time – and be the most famous drummer

Musicians and friends gather for anniversary 9:32am Monday 29th November 2010 MUSICIANS and music fans from across the region came together to pay tribute to a drummer who played with some of the world's greatest rockers. Darlington-born drummer Michael Gary Pearson, known to fans as Michael Lee, had a career spanning 25 years, playing with Page and Plant, The Cult, Thin Lizzy and many others. Mr Lee died two years ago at his home in Darlington after an epileptic seizure. His funeral was attended by more than 150 mourners, including Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page. Mr Lee moved back to Darlington 18 months before his death and would play regularly at the Quakerhouse Pub, which was owned at the time by his cousin, Steve Metcalfe. Friends, family and local musicians came together at the pub on the second anniversary of his death to celebrate his memory. The event featured performances from tribute band Thyn Lizzy, Darlington band Sundance and an acoustic performance by Paul Dannett and Spence Gilroy, who closed the night with a performance of Led Zeppelin track Rock 'n' Roll. Simon Cassidy, who helped to organise the event, said: "It was a brilliant night, packed out with great musicians and people who knew Michael." The event had been a surprise to Mr Metcalfe, who believed he was meeting a friend for a quiet drink. Mr Cassidy said: "It came as a bit of a shock to Steve, who had no idea the event had been organised. "He made an emotional speech towards the end of the night thanking the musicians and the audience for coming along making this night so special and saying how much he still missed his cousin and good friend Michael Lee. "It was a true celebration of the life a local drumming legend, and everyone left feeling closer to Michael's memory." Mr Lee began playing drums aged 13 and played in his first band, Holosade, before moving on to Scarborough band Little Angels, in 1988. He drummed with The Cult in the early Nineties, before joining Robert Plant's solo band in 1993. He continued to play with Plant when he reunited with former Led Zeppelin bandmate Jimmy Page. Most recently, Mr Lee toured with Jeff Martin and played drums on Martin's solo album Exile and the Kingdom, before returning to live in Darlington.

I wish Jeff Beck would stop dyeing his hair - his is so overdyed. Physically, he is in good shape though - maybe he works out.

Great stuff SAJ:thanku:

SAJ, as a multi-talented person, would you please translate this for us:P

There's the magnificent Keith Richards too (love his bright green shoes in the attached photo!). Bill Wyman seems to be finally taking the hint - BW's hair was for years dyed way, way too dark.

Here's a brief excerpt from an interview with Alice Cooper. The relevant part is highlighted. My dad had silver hair at 40 -I would probably have the same if it wasn't for Clairol The Sun (London); Nov 24, 2010; p. 35 Full Text: ( Copyright © News Group Newspapers Limited 2010) EACH week our no-nonsense (and frankly eccentric) Mistress Of Modern Manners quizzes a nervous celebrity about ethics and standards. Here, rock legend ALICE COOPER is grilled about his skincleansing routine, what makes him blush and stretchy trousers. WE share a love of make-up, Alice, though I hope mine is a little more subtle. Clogged pores can be a nightmare. Are you scrupulous about removing it all at bedtime? I never remove it. If you looked good the night before, why not wake up looking good? NO one will ever see Betty Brisk's real hair colour. I plan to dye until I die. How about you? Ever tempted to go grey and get a short back and sides? My father had a full mane of silver hair when he was 40 -- it was magnificent. I would probably have the same hair if it wasn't for Clairol. Jimmy Page has the only honest hair in rock and roll.

It looks like Jimmy and David Bowie go back a very long way! This article recalls Jimmy's session playing on an early Bowie group in the days when he was still Davie Jones. Love the comment about Bowie's teeth! Bob Solly remembers being in a band with David Bowie,1964 The Daily Telegraph (London); Nov 13, 2010; Sophie de Rosee; p. 106 Full Text: ( Copyright © Telegraph Group Limited 2010) This is a photograph I took of all seven members of the blues band the Manish Boys, in Mote Park in Maidstone, Kent. I had studied photography because it was the cool thing to do. David Bailey was on the scene and I thought it was the best way to meet models. The fellow with the cap is Mick White, I'm next to him grinning, and on my other side is Davie Jones, as David Bowie was known then. He had rotten teeth; I think it cost him Pounds 26,000 to have them put right. In the dark glasses is Johnny Flux, who later changed his name to John Edward. He was responsible for the children's TV programme Metal Mickey, as well as Renee and Renato's 1982 No1 hit Save Your Love. We were all multi-instrumentalists and very young; I was 20, David was 18. We had formed the band the year before. The fashionable thing to do then was to name your group after birds - like the Flamingos and the Hawks - but we wanted to do something a bit edgy, and were inspired by the record Mannish Boy by Muddy Waters. David didn't join until July 1964 when our manager said to us, 'I've got a great singer who is in limbo at the moment. You'd be ideal for him and he'd be ideal for you. Do you fancy taking him on?' We had enough mouths to feed but we tentatively told Les to bring him down to Kent that Sunday. It was a blazing-hot day. We were all smoking our heads off and the minute David walked in, dressed in buckskin and with long hair, we knew we would take him on. He played a soul record that he'd made and I hated it. It was absolutely awful. None the less, he had made a record and we hadn't, so were in awe of him. He then sang us a couple of songs that he'd written. We didn't really want him but we took him on anyway. On January 15 1965 we recorded our first-ever track, Pity the Fool. It was arranged that Jimmy Page would play on the record. Back then, before Led Zeppelin, he was a session guitarist. We had a two-hour slot at the recording studio and did two cuts each of Pity the Fool and one of David's own songs, Take My Tip. It was the first time David committed a self-composed song to wax. At the end of the session Jimmy said, referring to Pity the Fool, 'Well, it's definitely not going to be a hit.' And he was right. The record company pressed only about 500 copies. The demise of the band in 1965 was down to lack of finances rather than a clash of egos. We are regarded as one of the iconic unknown bands of the era, mainly because of David. If he hadn't been in the band we would have been just another short-lived band who made one record. David is very affable, and hasn't got a side to him. I speak to him on the telephone occasionally and he's just the same as he was then. Interview by Sophie de Rosee The exhibition 'Any Day Now: David Bowie - the London Years (1947-1974)' is on at Proud Camden until December 5 (proud.co.uk)

India's latest is late on parade Evening Standard (London); Nov 18, 2010; p. 17 Full Text: (Copyright © Associated Newspapers Ltd. 2010 ) NOVELIST and newspaper columnist India Knight launched her latest work of fiction, Comfort and Joy, at the Connaught Hotel in Mayfair. "Getting books out of India is like being the crotchety form mistress dealing with the dog ate my homework excuse," announced Knight's publisher, Fig Tree founder Juliet Annan. "She could have written two-and-a-half novels by now if she'd not been on Twitter. She'd tweet about a bat flying in the window and I'd know there was another lame excuse coming." Knight certainly pulled in the highprofile guests. Led Zeppelin rock legend Robert Plant was there, alongside Joan Bakewell, Kirstie Allsopp and Sarah Brown.

Many of you will remember Maggie Bell when she was signed to Swansong Records, and also performing at the O2. Maggie, the Queen of Scots and the Queen of Soul, set to rule again Derby Evening Telegraph (Derby); Nov 24, 2010; NIGEL POWLSON; p. 23 Full Text: (Copyright © Northcliffe Newspapers Group Limited 2010) MAGGIE Bell is Scotland's unofficial Queen of Soul. She was a founder member of Stone the Crows and later had a successful solo career on both sides of the Atlantic before quitting Britain for the Netherlands and a sojourn that lasted two decades. Now she's back and working in tandem with Dave Kelly, London's "slide guitar king", who learned his trade in the backing bands of, and recording with, Son House, Howlin' Wolf, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy and Junior Wells. He has been a member of The Blues Band for the past 28 years. Maggie says: "Dave's with the Blues Band and I have my own band and Dave has done a few gigs with us abroad. But we started this little duo as a sideline a couple of years ago and it has been very successful and we do different stuff to what I would do with my band. It's just the guitar and my voice but the blend is great and it gives us a chance to do different things to normal. "Dave's one of the best players in the world and we do a real mixture, which seems to work." You can see them at The Flowerpot tomorrow. A solo set by Dave will be followed by a set with Dave playing guitar for Maggie's songs, all topped by a few duets. The pair are now on the third tour together and were about to kick off in Scotland when Qt caught up with Maggie. "It's freezing at the moment and the first gig is in Inverness - so that should be fun," she says. "Since I came back from Holland four years ago it has been the best time of my life because there's no pressure. There's no stress from big record companies and management, it's wonderful." Maggie did a few other projects while out of the UK including playing Billy Connolly's wife in a BBC production but didn't really make full use of her voice. "I did a few gigs but nothing spectacular," she says. Maggie went to Holland for the archetypal reason - "I met a man and fell in love" she admits. "We didn't have any kids but got a dog. When the dog died I left the man. "I had a normal life. But it didn't work and I didn't want to die in Holland so I came back to the UK to finish what I had started in the music business." Vocally regarded as Britain's answer to Janis Joplin, Maggie was a founder member of influential early 1970s outfit Stone The Crows with Leslie Harvey. "It's amazing the number of people who followed me back then who still come to gigs," she says. Stone The Crows ended tragically when Harvey was electrocuted in a freak accident. Maggie later enjoyed chart success as the singer of the hit, Hold Me with B. A. Robertson and when she returned to the UK music scene in 2006 performed live at Led Zeppelin's one-off reunion concert at London's O2 in November 2007. "If you are really professional and love it you can only get better and better," says Maggie. "I think it's all about technique and everyone says I'm singing better than ever before." SEE THE SHOW MAGGIE BELL AND DAVE KELLY WHERE: The Flowerpot, King Street, Derby. WHEN: Tomorrow, doors open 8pm. TICKETS: Pounds 12. INFORMATION: Call 01332 834438 or go to www.rawpromo.co.uk. "Dave's one of the best guitar players in the world and we do a real mixture." MAGGIE BELL Credit: BY NIGEL POWLSON

SAJ, It got a fair amount of media coverage in the UK in advance of the anniversary date. I assume that's because Hendrix died over here. There was the usual question raised of whether JH died from misadventure, or was he murdered? Without going back to check, I remember posting on this site the details of a newspaper competition to win a stay at the hotel Hendrix used to use in London where they have created a 'Hendrix' suite with memorabilia. I suppose if Jimmy was on vacation, the anniversary would be the last thing on his mind (especially in Pattaya ).