WC AUGUST 16
What a busy Tuesday! Went to Pimlico to have a coffee with my long term friend Craig Douglas who has recently been forced to give up showbusiness. Hopefully, I cheered him up a wee bit. From there I went to the West End to interview the most famous Bay City Roller of all time – Les McKeown. He was in great form and so much fun to be with. He is currently promoting a new CD called The Best of the Bay City Rollers. On the way home I called in for a quick chat with my friend Marti Webb, who all this week is starring in Oklahoma, at the Mayflower, Southampton. Then I saw excellent the show and just managed to get the 10.45 Red Jet.
Wednesday morning was spent in the company of two real Islanders – Fred Price and Bob Harris, in Havenstreet. Can they talk! Bob was keen to have their conversation, about the old days in Ryde and district and some of the past characters, recorded for posterity. They could have gone on for hours. I may use some for a radio programme.
Later on Wednesday I was visited by one of the most brilliant songwriters ever born on the Island – and he can sing a bit, too. The extremely talented Les Payne who’s been trying to break into big time pop music for close on 50 years. He has been so near and has a remarkable pedigree. For the first time ever the Les Payne story, he was born in Linden Road, Newport, will be aired as a two hour special with at least a dozen of his songs, including his singles, some album tracks and a special live song for John Hannam Meets. It’s s show not to be missed.
The week ended with a few interview requests being sent off for my autumn shows. I am hopeful of tempting one or two to JH Meets but its tougher than it used to be. Some journalists and broadcasters have spoilt it for others, with their unprofessional attitudes to guests and their own huge egos. The guests should still be the stars.