Chris Difford

Milwaukee

chris — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 20:57:28 +0000

In 1978 Squeeze first played here at this festival and to be honest i remember little about it, apart from a few stories i cant repeat. All these years on and here we are on one of the many stages, on another Neil Diamond, again, and then there the sounds of Bush and the B52′s plus many other bands all making a noise in the vent of rock and roll, and cheese burgers. Back stage the bus and the crew bus, no food and no sweltering heat but heat enough. For the past few days all i keep doing is falling asleep, hours on end sleep pulls me to the ground of bed. The band likewise are napping for jesus. Its that time in the tour, its the mid week period. a great show took us from the dull bed heads we all carry like rock gods on heat. The audience were there for us and we for them we played in a new place tonight, very special form where i was standing. After the show, three bits of sushi in the car and off to the airport for a few hours on the while pillow of night. I woke up thinking that this road is not for me, i went to be thinking if only i could get the new song Tommy out of my head i might sleep. Outside an airport and a sack full havn’t i been here before. Welcome back. So pleased to see x tour manager Ross here at the venue, how three years can change your life in one smile. Our crew are on top form and they make a wonderful team, Grace loves working with them, so she should know. Gary our new TM is a top person, he does a great job being the diplomat and putting up with our eclectic ways of being. All good on the ground Captain ! Bed fred.

Debuque

chris — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 17:07:37 +0000

Never again, another casino and another show buried under the rubble of falling lack of communication. No food, no sleep all stuck on the tour bus, its a long day and i can feel the band folding like deck chairs, they need hotel rooms and some standing still, but our budget is so tight. Cochella clouds gather once again. This is no fun this kind of show, its in the book to fill the day, but its not a must play venue, but we knew that. I drove on to the next town with local radio on the dash board, Pink Floyd, Zeppelin and the Beatles, it was hard not to turn it down. It was cooler to drive by night. To take your mind away from this random world of rock and roll here is a picture of my Glam dog to cheer up the turning of the day.

Chicago

chris — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 17:02:56 +0000

It was like playing in an oven while a turkey was roasting, each time i raised an eye brow i broke into sweat. Not our normal full house for this city but in the end i think the show was ok. Next door Neil Diamond in a larger venue as you would expect. Tomorrow Chesney someone and Randy someone else playing in Soldier Field to about 100,00 country fans, the car park full of tour buses and shiny trucks. I want one of those shows. Off to my hotel, no A/C so i had to be moved to another hotel a few blocks away, and floor 42, i can’t sleep that high up so the woman on the desk went up and drew the blinds and we decided that i would pretend i was on the ground floor. I was so hot so tired that i just went with it. Fuck sprung to mind several times, it was all there to test me, find me tested.

Denver- Chicago

chris — Sat, 07 Jul 2012 22:04:57 +0000

It was time to leave Denver and the intense heat that baked me like a cake, the station was being rebuilt so i made my way to an office where i found my conductor and the gathering. People from all over, some Hammish some hippies, some families and some weird types. The train pulled in beside the temporary building and i made my way along to the last car. There i was greeted by a very confident Linda who showed me to my room, a small cubical with a bed that pulled down above and a curtain that went across the door. On the same level another 12 bedrooms, some couples some single men some single woman. A very large man sat in his room as i walked by, i thought he would never get out of there again, he was like a balloon in a shoe box. The train pulled out and after some confusion i was seated for dinner next to a very grumpy gentleman who did not say a word and across from me a couple right out of the little house on the prairie. The food ok, and i made my way back to my hutch. I looked up into the sky to see a plane, it looked tasty. The train moves across the flat lands of America in a very gentle manor, the horn gets blown every five minutes as we pass through sleepy towns made up of trailer homes and cattle. Linda pulls down my bed above me and takes herself off duty, the day is closing and there is another 15 hours to go before we reach Bombay. Its an adventure which breaks up the journeys on the bus with the boys, tonight they are in Lincoln Nebraska, we pass through there at 3.30am. I might just get off. I love trains and the romantic smells that fill the air as the human race waddle up and down the carriages like stuffed birds. And i feel fat too, its American food, it bloats you up and before long im like a duck on route to the orange sauce. Its dark now, there is nothing to see, the sleeping car is quite, but the train is blasting its horn, the coach class passengers are up the front, with the nuns chickens and hens, it must be unbearable, no sleep for the just. Back home today i talked with Louise, she is wonderful and im happy and proud of her work this week. Its time to turn in and see how long i last before i have to make my way to the mens room one floor down on this double decker Amtrak train to the windy city. Morning was broken by Linda telling us all that breakfast was being served in the dining car. I raced to my table only to be met by food that looked like it had been run over by a train. Back in my room i re made my bed for something to do, and fell asleep for a few more hours. Outside the great corn fields of America and nothing much else. The balloon in the show box was still in his room asleep sitting up. I fell asleep again and woke up to the call for lunch which was disgusting. I sat with a German family who seemed removed from the world by words said and food employed. I went back to my room. My dog Sid lives in a small cage, he seems happy there and looks very at home, i was on his wave length as they reminded me on the tannoy that there was only four hours to go. I fell asleep. By this time Linda had taken on the role of the woman in Tom and Jerry, i only saw her legs as she shuffled past the door. Finally the train pulled into the station, i got off with my bags and walked the three miles to the end of the platform in the heat, 100% of pure intensity. I was on my way to the gig where it was even hotter, my journey had come to an end and everyone in the band wanted to know what it was like, i fell asleep on the dressing room sofa. Cassy Jones i admire you, but i would rather be Thomas, the tank engine. Take it easy fella!

July 4th

chris — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 04:27:22 +0000

Being sober is a blessing thats true, it beats hands down the life i had before. Maintaining the space is a lifetimes work, thankfully as they say, one day at a time. Today im 20 years in the sober nursery, its a good place for me to be, the benefits far out way the darkness that became me. Darkness still provides me with plenty of cover, its still the crow it ever was. Today though things are bright and beautiful, Louise is home, the children are home for me too, and slowly once again playing music is home for me. Its the connection and the commitment i always struggled with but today its nothing but part of my life. I relish the love i have. I respect the music i play. I love the children i have. I feel commitment to myself because i have found home. There have been stages in the last 20 years that have scared me, i lost control of myself many times, but with meetings and constant sharing i find i can recalibrate each day by being in the centre not the outside. This is risk taking for me, today though i feel more like risk taking than ever, these days don’t come back. Meetings are there for me to fall into if i need them, i once went every day every week, then once a month then less and less, but its Oak to know they are there for me. I have people i talk to who care for me and i nestle in their wisdom and their words. Its Denver today and im trying to head to a meeting, its so hot outside and no cabs. Louise is in London being very brave and wonderful, i wish i was there to embrace this day with her. Being sober is a wonderful thing, but it does not buy you happiness or a clear head, the work is constant, repair is always optional, the cones are always invariably out on my road less travelled. The show was early, we were on stage at 6.30. It was a hot one again playing outdoors in the heavy heat. Glenn very kindly told the audience that i was 20 years sober today, he is so kind to reach out to me and it makes my show. Pizza and back to the hotel, no bus for me tonight and no fireworks, no 4th of July is complete now without reflection and prayer. Thank you.

This is my reading this is my love

chris — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 04:27:00 +0000

Take time to celebrate.

Celebrate your successes, your growth, your accomplishments. Celebrate you and who you are. For too long you have been too hard on yourself. Others have spilled their negative energy—their attitudes, beliefs, pain—on you. It had nothing to do with you! All along, you have been a gift to yourself and to the Universe. You are a child of God. Beautiful, a delight, a joy. You do not have to try harder, be better, be perfect, or be anything you are not. Your beauty is in you, just as you are each moment. Celebrate that.When you have a success, when you accomplish something, enjoy it. Pause, reflect, rejoice. Too long you have listened to admonitions not to feel good about what you have done, lest you travel the downward road to arrogance. Celebration is a high form of praise, of gratitude to the Creator for the beauty of God’s creation. To enjoy and celebrate the good does not mean that it will be taken from you. To celebrate is to delight in the gift, to show gratitude.

Celebrate your relationships! Celebrate the lessons from the past and the love and warmth that is there today. Enjoy the beauty of others and their connection to you. Celebrate all that is in your life. Celebrate all that is good. Celebrate you!

Today, I will indulge in the joy of celebrating.

Salt Lake

chris — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 03:56:02 +0000

Driving into the city we passed by mountains on fire, the heat here is causing the country to set a fire, its so hot. Up a mountain is a wonderful clean theatre outside on the hillside, and this is our home for 10 hours while we play a show and eat food. On stage i feel too fat and i can’t get off the ground, its a long runway and i struggle to get up in the air. We went down really well and looking out in the crowd all i could see was happy dancing people, and at altitude it was even tougher to breath. Glenn wore shorts and it felt a bit like its a knock out as we leapt from one song to another. All good. Salt lake city everybody off. The boys dive into the cold beer and me and John wade through some old Tony Hancock sketches on the internet. So far everyone seems in a good place, the sets race by and the days close much the same way, back home life goes on and before i know it i will be walking the dog and eating eggs for breakfast from the hens next door. Sid gets his bollocks removed tomorrow, rather him than me, but he is a dog and mine were done 16 years ago, it was painful. Im on the bus and the Bees are on stage, its 10pm and we leave in two hours for the next show another 11 hour drive away, im building up to getting in the dreaded bunk, its a room in my life just for one day. Out of many days. So thats it another show, 25 years ago me and Glenn had a major fight here in Salt Lake, and it was not nice, i told him i was sorry today, it was in another lifetime. That guy has gone, this guy is off to bed and its bunk up time, but not as you think it might be!

George Utah and its a day off

chris — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 03:54:47 +0000

They filmed Jurassic park here in the red rocks of the hot desert, they tested nuclear bombs here too, We stopped to rest in a quite hotel with a golf club attached, and the crew joined us for the day. We enjoyed fine food cooked by Tom our sound man and Glenn who made the sweet and lovely pasta sauce. We all sat in the rays of the falling sun with bats flying in the air, ducks walking across the lawns and frogs mating on the rocks. A day standing still and much appreciated by all. In the next ten days there are only two nights in hotels for the band and crew, for me im paying to go off piste. More on this as we head on through the week. Back home there is a wedding in the village, Louise and kids take part and it sounded wonderful, i miss those days. A wedding and a good night out love in the village. Firle in a nutshell. Well done Liam and Katrina, happy days. And happy days off in the desert on a horse with no name.

Lyric prints

chris — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 03:54:04 +0000

http://www.opus-art.com/the-artists/artist/chris-difford

these are amazing, thank you Louise and Andrew for all your hard work in putting this together, and thank you to Emma Poole for taking them on board.

Greek LA

chris — Thu, 05 Jul 2012 03:53:31 +0000

Amazing show tonight, i danced a little and enjoyed the new songs and how they were received by the crowd, all 11,000 of them so i hear. We went on stage in day light and ended our show in the darkness, perfect, follow that. Back stage so many old friends to see it was so great, the long night passed by and the eight hour bus journey sunk like a stone into the sushi there on the table. Its been many years now and the more i see it from here the more i feel it from here and the respect is so nourishing, it will last a lifetime. Back stage the crew as ever are amazing, grace is busy all the time looking after us all, Bam is great with the guitars and the two of them get on really well. LA is now in the past, we head off now to the mountains. I enjoyed the brief stay at the Sunset, its a hotel with so much history, back to our first tour in 79. Good food, nice beds and all the trimmings. Memories of Gilson and the good old days. No rain man tonight but an interview about bad acid trips for a film being made, not sure who by. I remembered the tent on the cliffs in Hastings, the tubes of glitter and the boy with the baked beans on his mouth. I guess you had to be there. Im being here today and it suits me fine although i miss Louise, its a tough week for her and im never there when she needs me, this will change. Its like being in the merchant navy. In the bunk, in the bus, all at sea. And thank you Steve for the best lunch of the tour, god bless you sir!

Valley centre

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:39:57 +0000

It was in the desert it was hot during the day and cold at night, the food was rubbish and the dressing room was boring, the gig was fine without being amazing, the wind man made my day, he told us what to do if the wind got out of hand, we were on an open stage. He said in twenty years there had been no wind to talk about, and the stage always remained in place. Cool job for the wind man. The Bee’s were on full tilt. Back stage dressing rooms are like chalk and cheese. I drove home in silence i got back to my hotel at 3am, i felt stupid. But i had a nice bed and i slept still in the night. I used to love buses but now im older i find them tougher to ride, its the weak bladder and the containment of self. Its old feelings too. All mine. You play you pay. I once passed out and fell to sleep on the bus and the wheels went around and around, now im lucky to get three of four hours. I need more. Its a long day however you see it..Back to LA and the crisp white sheets of never never land. A visit to the sober shop.

Grass Valley

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:36:14 +0000

Robert drove me the 3 hours to the show, in a sleepy wonderful small town up in the hills, on route we stopped by to see how his new baby is coming along, a convertible Rolls Royce in a workshop up on bricks. Its being put together by two very lovely people who care about cars and valve amplifiers, not a bad way to spend your life. It was hot, 95 on the dash board. It was a long day, we played two sets in a small theatre run by some really nice people who care about music and the arts, the day was full of caring people , the best possible people. We played our socks off and introduced some new songs into the set, and with hesitant confidence they stole peoples attention and Glenn seemed happy. After the show we signed stuff and i looked at the merch stand, it was like being at a county fair. I signed some flyers and posed for pictures with people, i eat sushi and pizza, i climbed in the bus and sat talking with JB about love, life and harmony and good people. I went to bed on the bus but i never sleep very well on the bunks, its like being in a box with little air surrounded by the sounds of men snoring and farting. Life on the road was much easer when i used to drink, i could pass out and drift into other worlds, now i have to look into the darkness of the bunk to see sleep there at the end of reach. A long day indeed, i miss home and i miss the beautiful love that has come into my life.

Saratoga 12

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:31:26 +0000

Hey, back again so soon! Leaving home seems to get tougher the older i get, yet the touring is mostly fun and it provides a reason, it answers some questions, it sometimes ticks a few boxes. The flight was hard work, its me, i know i make it hard work but how can i change the things i can not change. Even in a bigger seat the flight seems ever more challenging. I was picked up by my friend Robert at the airport upon arrival, it only seemed like yesterday when i was here in San Francisco. Another tour, the one that got away. Robert drives a wonderful Rolls Royce and jet fried i passenger on route to the hotel in Saratoga. A fine small town with clear air and trees, the hotel is cosy and homely its a treat, a great way to start this tour. Our first show supporting the B52′s is a respectful one, the crew worked hard, the band worked hard and out new TM made light going of it all it a brilliant way. Calm has reached the camp. Glenn seemed in the middle of the show, talking to the audience and being Glenn. Happy to play some new songs and they went down well. We played in daylight hours, people were mostly walking in to the venue when we went on, but it seemed ok to me and by the end of our set everyone was up dancing and being in the middle with Squeeze, our hits worn like comfy sweaters on a cold day, respect flowing all around. Back stage we met the Bees and they seem like good people, i saw a few songs from their set, all good, all nostalgia in a costume change. Show one down and the Squeeze carry on team lives to tell another tale. Jet lag stings but tomorrow is another day. The tour bus is white and narrow the inside if like a show flat from a council estate in Brockley south London, the older buses were like palaces, these new ones are colder somehow. New monitor man, really good job. New songs, a risk worth taking, more risks please. Leaving home gets tougher every time, back home they are just waking up getting ready for school and walking the dog, back home life goes on, it will all be there when i get back. Out here nothing much changes either, just the way i hear things and the way it all falls into place, im so slow, im sorry. I miss you,

New York

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:30:16 +0000

The tour ends here. Its been another tour, another road less travelled. We have played well as expected and we have given a good show, its time for a slap on the back and some hats in the air. There is so much more to discover about our music and our time together. In all these years we have only really tipped the ice berg. Roseland is a place i wont forget, we played to our faithful New York people, all of whom stood for most of the night. The dressing rooms were at best shit and how dare they call themselves a venue when they treat the band with such little respect. Im not sure this venue was for us, i think we came and played we should be proud of our audience for staying the pace. Afterwards it was good to see our friends. Chalkie made my trip to New York he is such a kind man. It was good to see Nicky and the crew, it was good to be there. We are lucky, we play our songs, some of them more than 30 years old and people mouth my words and sing the melodies that Glenn has housed them in, each room a different colour. Its over now, the tour that proved many things, most of them internal and hugely emotional. And now, a hole in my sock. Darn. Most of what i need to say about touring after all these years is best kept behind the smoke and mirrors that is our lives, mostly though the song, the song has survived us all and it is within this that we must learn for the future. Getting on the plane coming back home. Home to a new life, put the kettle on. A place to write some new songs, a home for tomorrow with all of its glory mystery and love. God bless.

Baltimore

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:28:31 +0000

Sushi in the dressing room thanks to the wonderful Grace, she who smiles and calls me Difford just like her Mum did all those years ago when she worked for Squeeze, those were the golden days of make up on stage and tonic suits we all looked so great and the lights were so much brighter then. Tonight a sell out, and wow what a good crowd, on many different levels. It was fun but we all knew it would be, we all did what we do well and without trace of a smile, we just did the show. In the car and up to New York for me and back to bed in the hotel Soho Grand, a very great place to stay, Tony makes us always feel so welcome, thank you. Sometimes there is meet and greet, tonight not a soul. Some nights i miss the meets as i dash off for the journey ahead, and im sorry for those people who i may have missed. Like Elvis, i leave the building, but unlike Elvis i drive myself mad. Sid waits at home, where life is bliss for everyone, can’t wait to join in with the country life. From this seat the window. Our tour manager has done a great job on this tour, thank you Paul. Not an easy task, no money no power no sleep.

Pittsburg

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:27:48 +0000

Six hours in the car from New York and we are in the arse end of Pittsburg, the gig is in a red brick hall and the dome at the top of the hall is impressive. The dressing rooms are, dressing rooms. a good show tonight to clearly loving fans. A hotel and a floor 26, im too tired to worry about being that high up, but i cant sleep. Im too high up. Was it worth it. It was a good show and so yes it was, i enjoyed playing, which i do more than ever, i have become more and more in tune with what im playing, the song is the arch in which i hide with my ears and eyes. My black guitar and and the world. God im so lucky. Its days like these when i drive the car and see America and remember how i got here, the hard work year after year in buses and vans, its all been worth it, tonight says so. As a band we are playing well, its not like the cheese in the dressing room, but it could be. On days like these i have days like these. Talked about Pop up shop, the tour at the end of the year. Thought about it all the way there and back. Its a way of, which makes it not such a pop up shop. Pop up the shed.

Not sure where NJ

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:27:07 +0000

It gets like that. Another good show. Tour buses arrive and i go back to NY for the bed of my hotel and a hire car. Its my bed and i will lie in it. Mike from Australia drives me back from the gig. He follows sat nav and we go the most obscure route, and the Holland Tunnel is down to one lane, i lose the will to live but keep my rag, i know the end is in sight. Thought about Simon’s album, stuck my nose in where its not needed, like some old auntie who thinks he knows how the flowers should be arranged. Silly sod. Chimps.

Inglewood NJ

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:26:29 +0000

Back on the east coast and it feels more like home, the weather the people and the gig, so nice to be known. The show was in a small theatre in a pretty part of New Jersey, our show was loud and proud and the people who came to see us danced threw roses and sang. It was a good night. Afterwards i drove back to the city with my friend Erik. Home is still another week away but the tour is going to supply a day off and some rest, but no shopping, i need nothing. Dinner with my daughters who are here and some catching up with friends. Mostly im in my room on the bed dozing like a baby. But thats ok, i must always listen to my body. All of it. Back stage grub is often wanting, the cheese plate is from mars, the meat plate is best left for shoe makers and dogs, the bread is really not bread. Plenty of booze, but i don’t drink. Tonights food is a turn up for the books and really good, smiles return to little faces. Some breaded faces. We need to work on the lighting though. Back stage you would think it would be cool and cosy, at best most nights it a prison cell, harsh lights and cold chairs. Most bands i guess do not spend much time back stage but for me its my home for about four hours a day, where i rest eat and rest, and eat. I can sleep standing up….

Cochella

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:25:53 +0000

This is the gig that cost the whole tour, the whole reason we are here in many ways take two. Grace takes me backstage where a different world is taking place, wrist bands and security all the way. Even though we are in the desert its way too hot. Food, the set change and the sernity prayer, and a meeting by chance back stage. 50 minute set and back in the car to LAX. The tent we played in was full, everyone seemed happy, i was elsewhere, not sure where, but i went there and stayed there most of the day, i think i was in the air. Met some friends who play in other bands, Mike Rowe is such a sweet chap, nice to see him again. I would have loved to see Radiohead but New York was five hours away. Its just another day and its just another bed. Time is like soap, its gone in a rub. Cleaner for it. As festivals go this one is clean and tidy, almost like a golf club. Drinkers are penned into a bar area, dope is smoked all over the place and on stage the smell is strong, its a whiff and im stoned yet again. I think V and Glastonbury are far more fun, easier to navigate and to be part of. Its a massive thing yet i saw very little of the audience or managed to grab a feel for the event itself, but the airport was busy and i managed to make my flight at 11.45. I took my seat, dropped a pill and went into the sky, the next thing i knew we were in bad turbulence as expected from the sky maps. I thought about dirt roads and then we landed. East Coast, almost home. It feels so much more like home over here, im happy. Sad not to be with Lou, but this is what i do, the submariner of music, down down in the ocean of sound and emotions. God grant me…. and all this wind and rain, Ronnie Wood in the hotel doorway going to a meeting on Perry Street, a good time was had by all. His shop a few blocks away with his art work all there hanging. Proud.

Napa

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:24:23 +0000

Mitzi is 9 today, amazing to be 9, so young so much life ahead, its like being on the grid with the lights just about to change. Louise has some presents in her bag! In Napa everyone shopped and did this and that, the show was not full, as i expected. Last time we played here it was full and very happy, but we had a good show and the pizza was good. The kids and Lou stayed to watch the show, it was late and we drove back to SF after. My friend drove everyone around in his Rolls Royce, Robert is such a great chap, thank you. Their last night here on tour as they fly home tomorrow for Firle and school, its all change its all good. I will be sad in the morning and at the airport, that saying farewell thing is tough. Napa was done and dusted in a zip of a sip and a do da. The west coast is a well we should not mine again for a long while, thats obvious. This tour is a struggle finically i can’t even bring myself to think about the money we are losing, not since the days of Miles Copeland have i felt so under dressed. Maybe its all going to be. Its the now, so within that place im happy, but how do i stay here for more than 10 minutes without drifting back into the mini buses of the past. Today i feel like a lemon without the tart bit. Nice pizza on the way home in the car thanks to Dominos. Who would have known. 9, now thats a good number. The band looked great tonight in the dressing room until someone said three of us were wearing white shirts, it was like a cluster bomb had gone off as everyone, except me, went to the rails for another colour shirt, then we all looked the same but different. We played great though. Thank you Robert for driving us around such a great thing.

SF love sorrow

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:23:48 +0000

We have a live album recorded here from the last tour, yet it seemed empty tonight, the smell of dope refined the evening air from the stage, i was stoned. God bless good byes. I cried as Lou headed for the gate, Robert drove me back into town, i was sad all day. But then Nat flew in and we had Sushi in Japan town before the show, it was so good to see her. Grace me and Nat. Food and dressing room nap. I have it down to a T as you now know. Sleep on tap. The show was ok, but i could not get off the ground, yet i really enjoyed the show from a playing point of view, i can hear me in the mix. My chops are clear and happy sounding. I could do with a meeting. Back to LA and a night off in bed with some food and some internet flying maps, im all there and half way back. Scared. Louise gets home fine and Firle is our new home…..me next week. I still do not have a copy of the live album, does it exist? i wonder. I know its out there because i played on it but i have not seen one and we have been here over a week now. The days of Miles Copland never really leave, and they never really do. Or is it me that never changes! Call any vegetable call it by name… Whipping post, please plug me in. Justin Currie has a great song called last to know. He writes the book. Meanwhile in LA. All in love is fair, loves a crazy game, the writer takes his pen to write the words again…….

TV CI5

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:22:36 +0000

TV for a day, i love TV and today here we were on TV but somehow it was not like being on TV it was like being there. The film. We played three songs and came away with some underpants, Lou and the kids enjoyed the day, they love TV and very much come from a TV background. Afterwards we all drove up to San Francisco. Lou took the wheel for a few hours while i tried to nod off, but the kids managed to keep things real. Kids keep things real. Cissy is at home and back at BC after her easter break, she too will be on tour with us in June which will be so great, i miss her being here. She works so hard at BC i hope she can also play hard during the summer months. So TV and a long drive, but the best is yet to come. We arrive and its midnight, the hotel is a dive, we check in and then out, back into the car, the car then runs out of petrol and there are no hotel rooms in town due to a convention. We head into downtown and Lou amazingly finds us two rooms in the Nikko. We are saved, its three am, im stuffed for sleep. Great to be on tele though and if i was gay, which i don’t think i am, i would love my own show. Tempted did the trick, our new stripped back version where you can all join in like kids at the fairground. Pineapple head. It worked but without management here we missed a few tricks today. So, thats a wrap. And underpants with Ellen Degeneres across the backside. Touch me up!

Phoenix

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:21:35 +0000

The drive took me all day, the road was long and straight. The gig was loud and full. The food was shit. The drive back was dark. I got back at 3. The bus with the band drove back too and if i had of known i would have been on the bus, but details are hard to muster. Ask and you will be heard. I passed a massive prison on the road toady way out in the desert, it looked scary, but somehow inviting. Who knows what goes on there, by day it shimmered in the heat, by night it shimmered by electric light. I tuned on to X Fm that seemed to play rubbish all day and night long, but thats what i needed to hear. I made a coffee last 200 miles. God bless the bugs that land on the windscreen of life. By the side of the road battles of the past remain under stones and shadows, when the Indians were king and cowboys were more than just village people. They came they stole and they upset people. Big chief noble cheese has his karma right up his arse now boy. Simon the pie man was on fire tonight, he is such a great drummer and his solo album is out soon, so plug in and listen up. Plug. Im working on an album too by the way, but it may be some time.

Cochella

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:20:38 +0000

This is the gig that cost the whole tour, the whole reason we are here in many ways. We all drive up to the show, Lou the kids and me in the SUV. Once there we park and Grace takes us backstage where a different world is taking place, wrist bands and security all the way. Even though we are in the desert its not too hot, so its all feeling pretty good, until i see the set. Food, the set change and the sernity prayer, a 50 minute wap and back in the car to LA. The tent we played in was full, everyone seemed happy with our show, i was elsewhere, not sure where, but i went there and stayed there most of the day. Met some friends who play in other bands, Mike Rowe is such a sweet chap. I would have loved to see Radiohead but bed was 2 hours away. Its just another day and its just another bed. Time is like soap, its gone in a rub. Cleaner for it. As festivals go this one is clean and tidy, almost like a golf club. Drinkers are penned into a bar area, dope is smoked all over the place and on stage the smell is strong, its a whiff. I think V and Glastonbury are far more fun, easier to navigate and to be part of. Its a massive thing yet i saw very little of the audience or managed to grab a feel for the event itself. I wish i was in Radiohead. I bet they have all the same issues as we do just with better bank balances. A festival, a kind one and a tidy one at that.

Las Vegas

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:18:56 +0000

Off in the car to Vegas, all day long in the car into the desert into the weird world of vegas. A empty looking house of blues tonight, but we knew that. Back in the car another 6 hours and home to LA and into the bed on the 6th floor. So far so good. On stage, its more of the same. Thank God Grace is here on the tour she is the smile on our every day. Elton was playing next door but he had too many guests to see me. During the day i had to line up with about 50 Mexicans to get a working visa for the city, it was an odd afternoon, but never before, not sure why. I didn’t see Elton in the line. Vegas is a chip in the desert glowing bright and loud, it throbs. Back stage a nap, which i have down to a T. All that meditation in rehab pays off. Peter who mixes our in ears does a great job of making my show centred, i love playing these days mainly because of his audible work. The new old songs are working well, i love the fact that we just don’t care that much, we just do our songs and never talk about where they came from, and that works, i love the 1,2,3 lets go get em shows… I miss my acoustic on this tour, my Olson is my pal. Taylor have provided a fine guitar for me to play so things are not that bad, everyone says it sounds great, or is it me that sounds great. Who knows, not me. Im the man who sold the world. Bam Bam is the best guitar tech we have had in many a year, thank you.

San Jaun Capistrano

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:17:58 +0000

We have played here before, although Glenn says i was not there, yet my picture and autograph seem to tell another story as it remains framed upon the wall along side many other passes through. The show is a good one, although we are so spread out along the stage JB seems to be in another county. People eating and drinking at tables seem to love us, americans love us in a more open way than other people love us, not less but more rounded, bear hugged loved. Love us and be loved by music and words, thats it. Lou makes the big effort of the day to come via train from LA to see the show, and then drive all the way back with me, she is an angel. She gets the Duke of Edinburgh award for Squeeze getting to gigs on time from miles away by train in a strange town. And then getting back in the car and going right back to LA, just to see me, thats a great thing. Lucky man by ELP play here. Home in LA. Chris Braide a fellow writer has made home here and it was so good to see him and his family looking so happy and at home. Home in LA, not for me right now but maybe one day..

San Diego

chris — Mon, 02 Jul 2012 21:17:23 +0000

The tour gets off to a slow start when the band bus wont start outside the hotel, i have by chance been driving an SUV and like a white knight i roll over in my black Cadillac to pick the band up and drive on down to the sound check. Years ago we toured in a small chevy van, nothing has changed, except cassettes are no longer playable. The gig is not full but respectable, we play well and after the show i boot it back to LA and to the hotel where Louise and her children are sleeping, my first tour in a long time with kids in toe, its not a quite room but Lou does a very special job of spinning plates and making sure everyone is happy. Gig one in the bag. New acoustic guitars arrive, mine is left at home by the management much to my annoyance, but the Taylor is a keeper. The new guitars are all Taylor’s and the one im playing is dandy apple red. The crew are all happy to be here and our tiny circus of emotions and sandals moves on. Having my daughter Grace on tour is wonderful, she always brings me back to earth with her quick smile. She is Grace indeed, and then there is Cissy…Cissy sent me a CD to play on the tour, when i get my stereo back it will be on, but what a sweet thing to do. I have four very cool kids, im so lucky. Bass player, film maker, student and photographer, so cool!

A letter from a fan

chris — Fri, 08 Jun 2012 09:30:17 +0000

Dear Mr. Difford: You have had a tremendous influence on my life, although the only contact I ever had with you was shaking your hand on the street as my friends and I waited first in line outside the theatre in New York. It was late afternoon, you and Glenn exited your car and stopped to talk to someone and I inserted myself and said simply thank you. It was your first show as a duo, I believe. You played Band of Gold in addition to your own songs. It was great. I saw you during the Pop 82 concert where your played with Split Enz in Philadelphia. Duran Duran opened. One World (or Third World), and Bush Tetras were the other acts. I went with my high school girlfriend. I saw two punks with studs and mohawks making out; the girl had hairy armpits; the guy has a Dead Kennedys Tshirt touting their album Too Drunk to Fuck. For someone of my sheltered life at that time, it was fantastic. My two favorite bands were playing that night, and my whole life was ahead of me.

I began writing to some degree because of your word play, and although it never amounted to much, I am grateful. There are certain scenes on life which run in my head like a film. I have retired as a prosecuting attorney. I would write my closing arguments trying to paints pictures in the heads of the juries, and while I did not do this conciously as a result of your work, this did lay a foundation for much of how I used words throughout my career. I can remember the first time I ever heard Tempted while on a family vacation, listening to a little handheld radio on some remote station in the Catskill Mountains; I can also recall crossing the Ben Franklin bridge in my car with college roommate as In Quintessence played and he commented on a lyric being a good line. Like it was yesterday. I remember being in a subway in Tokyo listening to probably another song off East Side Story, and realizing the dual meaning more or less/moral less could have. I don’t know or care if it was your intention; it meant something to me. That’s art. Your art.

I have a great life and family. You were a significant part of my development, and reading of your personal laments makes me realize all the more how gifted you are. Your words and music can be pop, rock, maudlin, country and so many other things, but they are always observant, and ultimately always respectful of the subject. I can remember realizing how details were important and should be noticed by listening to “she smells like the cats and the neighbors she sickens.” You cannot bring a point home much more than that, and while it is not a pretty depiction, you still instill your character with a sense of grace -in my view anyway.

I don’t mean to ramble, and at my age, 48, I hope you can imagine the effort involved in writing a fan letter. (My second ever -the first I wrote to the author of “The Ice Harvest” after I had finished his third book bc I admired his sequencing and, again, word usage and phrasing. He replied, in some detail, about his plans for the next book. That was maybe eight years ago. He has never again published, and his website remains as it was at that time. I hope not to have a similar impact on you.)

I finally saw Pete Townshend/The Who a few years back on their American concert tour; they were good enough to swing by Grand Rapids, Michigan so it was not a haul to go see them. The songs I buy anymore are those I learn of through listening to my shuffle on Pandora, but it is not much. I buy everything you produce and anything associated with Neil Finn, but that’s about it. I cannot imagine every wanting to spend money on concert tickets again unless either you or Mr. Finn should come to Michigan, or I can learn of a tour that hits Chicago, before it actually happens.

You have given me a great deal, and I am a better person as a result of your art. I thank you for it. I hope you realize there are many people like me who have never made the effort to extend their appreciation to you, but occasionally wish you well in your private life as they listen to your new stuff or relive the memories you have afforded them over your years of service. As boring as it may sound, I look forward to mowing my lawn every week because I get to listen to my ipod and be whatever age the songs say I am. I wish you every happiness, and good grace in your many days and years to come.

Thank you.
Shane

reading this email tells me everything i need to know, its all been worth while and the journey will always continue in some form or another….i really am a very lucky man. Thank you for being there.

Long player

chris — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 16:02:10 +0000

I didn’t get where i am.

Very exciting news for all fans of Vinyl records, a good friend of mine has kindly put together my first album as a double album is now out in the universe, to buy! There are four extra tracks, the demo versions of Cowboys and Tightrope, plus Take me im yours recorded with Paul Inder in London with Dorie Jackson. There will only be 500 copies pressed and numbered. 011/500. If you would like to pre order please email the link below. Signed copies are also up for grabs as a collectors item. Im excited, and off to buy a record player!

chris.topham@virgin.net

House in France to rent.

chris — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:42:48 +0000

House for rent, for details follow the link.

http://maisonravaud.squarespace.com/

bonjour!

Spring sprung

chris — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:53:47 +0000

Two weeks from now and i will be in LA at the start of another Squeeze tour, this one booked around the prestigious Cochella festival. I have not been to LA in a few years so it will be nice to see old friends there and play at some familiar haunts, being there is part of the journey. This week we are working on the set, no new songs but tons of old ones to chose from, and some new chords to process to memory, and or i pad. Being on tour can be a great time for the band to learn more about each other in a musical sense, its the subconscious stream of not knowing that binds us together in our music, its a great place to be, a place to reveal floors as well as graces, its moods driven like time. Being on tour beings with it a certain amount of nerves and fragility as the normal is pushed to one side, although years ago the normal was to be on tour and the one side was distant and sometimes lost. New old songs to learn and the chance to iron out some shapes, the build up to a tour is often strained as rehearsals are not as much fun as they were years ago when discovery was more of an adventure, the old songs are well rubbed like a cricket ball but the spin is just as exciting, the new ball taken after tea perhaps.

America is a wonderful place to tour, over the many years we have been there things have changed so much but the overall feeling of freedom and good time vibe manages to still pour over us when we take to the stage, the curious are those who expect things to change, we plough the oldest fields for it is they that reap the healthiest crops. Change is for those who expect nothing more than curiosity and today im evenly balanced between the change the spinning ball. Meanwhile im off for my tea.

Chris Difford and Norman Lovett on tour.

chris — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 21:29:39 +0000

May

11 Leatherhead FC

15 Dartford Orchard Theatre

17 Sterling Toll Booth

21 Runcorn Brindley Arts Centre

22 Buxton Opera House

23 Hartlepool Town Hall

25 Solihull Arts Complex

26 Borehamwood Arts Theatre

27 Half Moon Putney London

30 Leamington Royal Spa Centre

31 Bradford St George’s Hall

June

2 Alnwick Playhouse

5 Bury St Edmunds Apex

6 Aldershot West End Theatre

7 Andover Lights

8 Swansea Grand Theatre

9 Newport Riverfront Theatre

23 Maidstone Pizza Express

August

11 Worthing Town Hall

September

1st Firle festival

more dates and details to follow shortly.

Wapping

chris — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:22:29 +0000

The Wapping project is a wonderful place to eat, i have been going there for 10 years. Art and music join together with food very well i think, and last night we had a great time feeling our way around this new venue. Charlie Wood who comes from Memphis delivered a fine set of self penned songs on the piano, he swings from many styles and nestles well in the jazz. One day i hope to write with him but i fear his lyrics are too good for me. Chris Sheehan, who i love as a friend and co writer sang two songs and as ever his voice lyric and all round loveliness embraced us all. Paul Aiden sang with great voice, a new talent with great songs. Check him out, he is tall. The room was mostly filled with people noshing and tipping wine, as you might expect. Some had come just to watch and swig beer, others had come from the book reading in another part of the building. This is a cool place, a great home for anyone who loves food, and song. I played for half an hour and for some reason played all the Squeeze songs i could like they were written by the Velvet Underground. It was fun to play around with the tempo and cast a dark veil over some very pretty melodies that i normally find hard to sing. Im about to work on a new set for the tour in May, so im trying this and that out where i can. The room is so large that the voice just sits in mid air up near the mirror ball and the steel rafters, the room cathedral like empowers the heart to strive for the real. A tough room, but a chance to try something new and open. And yum too. A good night had by all i think. Norman Lovett came along to say hello, he lives next door, he will be on my tour in May, so watch out for the dates. I used to live in Wapping, i really enjoyed being there, its old London in many ways, a place to watch the river and imagine the history as it flows by. The magical shadows that fall on dark nights along the walls of the old tea Wharfs, its a place of change. Come along next week on the 29th to see the Leap year show with my good friend Mark Nevin, and some more velvets. Wapping Wall London E1.

Shop!

chris — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:38:41 +0000

Village books and CD’s.

if you would like signed copies of my album please visit these pages. A bell ting’s on a computer next to my desk and the rest is down to the postman of the world to deliver.

Handwritten lyrics will follow shortly, framed or rolled.

Its a shop, but not as we know it.

best as ever,

Chris Difford.

( oh she works hard!)

Cashmere

chris — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:34:15 +0000

Cashmere.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B004S3AU00/ref=sc_pgp__m_ASR3L370MGQ74_3?ie=UTF8&m=ASR3L370MGQ74&n=&s=&v=glance

The last

chris — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:33:21 +0000

Temptation.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0015XQFV4/ref=sc_pgp__m_ASR3L370MGQ74_1?ie=UTF8&m=ASR3L370MGQ74&n=&s=&v=glance

I didn’t

chris — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 11:32:42 +0000

Didn’t get where i am.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00007DNDL/ref=sc_pgp__m_ASR3L370MGQ74_2?ie=UTF8&m=ASR3L370MGQ74&n=&s=&v=glance

Double bubble

chris — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 12:56:03 +0000

AS CASUAL entrances go, Chris Difford’s arrival at the Bubble Club took the biscuit.

As befits the low-key, informal nature of the show, the Squeeze man ambled between the tables and chairs of Whitstable’s Horsebridge Centre and clambered onto the small stage with a lyric book under one arm and a raffish scarf wrapped round a sensible V-neck.

UP THE JUNCTION: Chris Difford

Rock and roll it wasn’t!

The night turned out to be a greatest hits package with short films and recollections. Most of the time Difford, accompanied by singer Dorie Jackson, made an amiable and amusing raconteur, although us old codgers at the back would have liked a slightly larger screen. Squeeze is still central to Difford’s life and work. He recalled his first meeting with co-founder Glenn Tilbrook in the early 1970s. The pair were brought together by a card in a newsagent’s window in south London.Together they wrote some of the most endearing and eccentric British pop music of the past 30 years such as Up The Junction and Cool For Cats.

“We’ve known each other for more than 40 years,” Difford said of Tilbrook, who himself played Whitstable last year, albeit at the rather grander Playhouse Theatre down the road. Difford cheekily adds, with his tongue in his cheek, “We’ve only spoken for one of them!” Difford produced a whistle-stop run through his three solo albums before telling the audience: “Don’t worry, we’ve almost got the solo stuff out of the way.”

He ended with two encores, closing the night with a knockabout Cool For Cats, Squeeze’s breakthrough hit accompanied by newsreel footage of a train journey from London to Brighton “in just four minutes.” A good evening was made even better when Difford confirmed Squeeze was back together, even if they now look like “five mini cab drivers.”

I bet they all go south of the river.

Jon Homer

For me that review about sums up my show, it was a delirious night, by the end of it i was all of a giggle, the films ran out of sync we sang all the wrong words and i swore a lot. Im sorry. Having Dorie back in the frame was lovely, i share her with Francis, he gets first dibs. I like the show on my own too, im so lucky to have both. On the night Chris Wood dropped by and we shared words and faces, i was in awe. He is a great writer and performer he comes from the left bank of songwriting with a bone set in folk, which i love. It was so great to see him. The snow fell and Lou and i drove home slowly up the M2. I loved this gig, it was like being 10 years old in the playground, that care a less attitude that warms the heart. Thats it.

Chris Difford.

Shop!

chris — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 18:49:16 +0000

Village books and CD’s.

Follow the link below and type the word Difford in the search box, a bell ting’s on a computer next to me and the postman does the rest, and of coarse i will sign it for you. Handwritten lyrics will follow shortly, the shop is being stocked as we speak.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/aag/main?ie=UTF8&sshmPath=at-a-glance&isAmazonFulfilled=0&marketplaceID=A1F83G8C2ARO7P&isCBA=&orderID=&asin=B0015XQFV4&seller=ASR3L370MGQ74&isPopup=

Cashmere if you can’t.

chris — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:52:50 +0000

Boo Hewerdine is such a great person to work with, he sits by my side, i type the words, he strums and sings. Its like having a suit made. He cuts the cloth and within a few weeks im mincing about in the songs we have crafted, side by side over a cup of mint tea and the odd fag break for Boo. He gets me. So why did i not let Boo work on this album with me, his demos are far more the deal than the CD that gathers dust on my mantle. The reviews spoke in hushed tones. Tones i could only hear if i were a dog. I knew in my heart i did not deliver despite having a great team by my side. The writing and the studio, the cost of it all, i was out of my head on a kaleidoscope of distractions, i was not present officer, i was not guilty but yes i did murder the album, i was under the influence of hurt, i caved in and went behind the curtain and hoped for the best. It was me that done it. A few of the songs embrace me, but as a whole the album was all in the demos, and in Cambridge. I should have listened to my manager to myself and to Boo. I should have done a lot of things, but i cant live in the world of should or could of. Thats not fair, but its a fair cop that hosted me by my own short and curls’. Goldfish was lovely to record with my lovely friend Kathrine. Wrecked said so much, it could have said more. The song about my Dad and my brother made me cry, but it could have made me weep. I was getting away with it. It cost a fortune to make and in doing so i never will see a shilling from it, i fear others are broke too. Lessons come at you from all angels in life and this one made its mark on me, i was banged to rights with a tattoo on each wrist. All i can say is sorry, it wont happen again. How could it, who wants to make albums like this, the getting away with albums that come back to grass you up. ( this review was written from the point of view of someone who did not give of themselves and in no way desires to upset anyone who worked on the album. Its a mood and a feeling, not a reality)

Temptation by the fruit of another.

chris — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:51:51 +0000

Boo Hewerdine is such a great person to work with, he sits by my side, i type the words, he strums and sings. Its like having a suit made. He cuts the cloth and within a few weeks im mincing about in the songs we have crafted, side by side over a cup of mint tea and the odd fag break for Boo. He gets me. I remember being in Brighton and meeting Boo from the station, we would sit at my desk and write and then eat and then write more, and then we would find a studio and cut the tracks with our mates, what a great idea, a thrill indeed. John Wood who recorded Squeeze back in the day and Nick Drake further back in the day came down from Scotland to twist the knobs and record the songs, it was such a pleasure working with him, but sadly he got caught up with Pro tools and the massive handbook it came with, it was like watching a postman try and deliver a baby. I loved his work on this album and all who sailed in her, Tim Wellar on drums, a big thrill for me to work with, he was thoughtful and focused. Boo did most of the playing and laid down the guides for me to sing with. Hard work indeed. Eastbourne was our home while we recorded and the nice sandwiches from next door. I had brass on a few tracks, i was on fire. Who would have thought. Boo and i toured and once again Dorie came to hold my voice in hers, how lovely for me and how lucky. She is such an angel, the vocal headmistress. We toured around the country with our songs all wrapped up in the small rooms with tiny PA’s. It was where we were supposed to have been. Stiff put the album out for me and today it gets played alongside its predecessor in the car. Boo and i have a suit, we wear it well, i sometimes wear it in my everyday, when i stand alone on the stage i try to lean on the shadows of my great friends who helped me get where i am, with all the temptations that fall at my feet. Im a lucky bugger, and Boo is a busy bugger.

I didn’t get where i am, i guess.

chris — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 17:50:11 +0000

Making this album was like putting slates on a roof while its raining, i knew it had to be done and i knew in the end everything would be wonderful and covered. Francis changed my life in a way no other man has ever done, he held my fat little hand and led me to the microphone, he had the patience to guide me home. Each song was crafted and loved into place by Francis, his vision captured me like a sculptor captures the image of a face. The roof was being tiled upon a building full of dark images, a past so wonderful no man could match, only admire. We did this. The team around us included the wonderful Phil Brown who has a history that could sting you. Dorie Jackson, our voices came together here. Ash Soan, a drummer who cuts a mean hedge as well as a tender drum. Matt Pegg played majestic bass, he was employed by FD and i trusted and was rewarded by his choice, My journey really began with this album, its why i sing so much these days, i never used to, i could have don but i chose not to, lazy sod. I like my voice now and wonder where i went. The album sleeve notes tell more than i could now here at my desk, my review simply tells of a time when making records was more than just having a label and a tour waiting in the wings, this was standing still with both engines on full pelt. Chocks away. I play this album in the car and i can hear the far cry of me in my childhood, the early years of my solo person. Francis nailed me to the mast, there was no getting away with it. I did that. The only song i hear and want to change is No show Jones, i think it was enough to say nothing. I was promoted by future. When the album came out i went on tour with Elvis, i was backward coming forward, but i stuck with it and thanks again to FD i did the best i could have done with some love and devotion. So long ago it seems. I can swim in this album, and now the tiles are all on the roof of my heart i can close the door and light a fire.

And then i was.

chris — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:27:18 +0000

When we die we are remembered for many different reasons, and when I think of people I know who have passed away I have a clear picture, just one piece in the puzzle, that I can clearly see. Images and memories are linked by words and thoughts, the emotional currency of these images is often left to fade and the jigsaw is cleared away once again. Mother, Father, brother, Maxine, Jools dad, Barny’s mum, Will Palin and others. Everyone I know, or knew, has an image linked to their life. The passing of time, you could say is like the still images on a roll of film going through a shutter on a projector, my projector. And on my screen I get to see the passing of time from the comfortable seat of me. I doubt I will see the final frame of seeing myself, but if I did what would I see? With 57 years in my wake there might be much to see. But often we only get to witness the one image. Cools for cats image. Father image, skint image or the dog eared image of me trying to be in the next moment. I have lived in more than 20 houses or flats, I have had more than 20 cars, I have had a wonderful creative life captured in music and song. All just places and things. Money has made a nest for myself and four children. I have loved and been loved. I have been hurt and hurt others too. My spiritual journey has only just begun and as I understand the makings of now I realise that this is all we have in life, one frame of the movie at a time. What I do with my day and the remaining time I have is all up to me. I do think that I can change the way I see tomorrow by simply being more in today. There is no deadline. Music is just like water, it flows over me, children are perfect examples of the now, it’s all about the now for them. I’m hungry, I’m on the Internet, I’m looking in the mirror, I’m reading my book, I need money, I’m working, I’m being, I’m feeling. Nothing maters more these days than this moment and how it roots our needs. The next part of my life has begun and for this to be different to the last I need to look at the passing of time and take my mistakes, all of them, to the front and look at them with a kind and understanding eye. I will always make mistakes, we all do, I can recalibrate the way in which they effect me and others around me who I love. I can never be perfect it’s true to say, to untie the complicated knot that is me would take another lifetime, and why would I. Here in this cinema of the obscured images I sit and pop corn my way through the next few moments while I remember the people I have loved and lost. The next part of my life is like a clear plot in an allotment, it’s ready now for planting, I have all the seeds in my hand, I have the soil turned by love, I have the sunshine and the rain. This journey is mine alone. But I can share it with the ones I love, and that’s all I want to do. It might be all that there is. Life has given me luck and a fair wind, I have come so far on lashings of both. These days don’t come back. Alone I’m always out numbered. Happy birthday little boy, take that toy car and put it in the box, read the book you never read, write the words you never thought you could and love he woman who loves you more than you can ever imagine. Let everything settle like sand when the tide goes out, sharpen the image you have of yourself and make the next frame more interesting than the last. Take the balloons and find a space in the sky for yourself and up there you will see that down here all there is is all that you see and feel. It’s not complicated it’s not clever or stupid, it’s just how it is. Home is here, open the door and put your slippers on, put on the pj’s and enjoy the journey there will never be a better time than now. For my birthday wonderful treats, i cried with the joy of excepting the things i can not change. The best birthday by far. Thank you.

Todd in the hole.

chris — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:24:37 +0000

I met Todd at Vintage TV the other week, he was very kind and I was in awe as I recalled how much joy his music has given to me over the years. Something Anything, Wizard a true star. I was in the shadow of this lovely gifted person. We talked on camera about his music and how it accompanied my romantic early life with strangers taller than me. She was a nanny for a family in a posh part of Blackheath, I was out of my depth. From a few drinks in the Three Tons we waded across the Heath to my dark flat. Out came the dope, on went the music, and there we lay stoned like washed up logs on a beech. She was tall and I was small, very small, I put my arm around her and begun to play side one of Wizard a true star, I knew it was long enough to give me the time to put my arm around her and reach for her breasts. I hoped he rest. Would happen before needed to turn the album over. Norwegian wood. We fell asleep half way through side one, I woke up some months later and dreamt of a future when music would run forever on a music player without having to change it. The I pod arrived all too late. The tall one went home and I went back to the. pub to try it again, this time with a short red head from Lewisham, she was angry and instead of allowing me access to her jumper she walked home alone having shouted that she hated Todd Rundgren and wanted to listen to Hawkwind instead, I refused her taunt and fell asleep.Todd’s album Healing was a great cure for hangovers, his new age sidestep, well ahead of its time and mine too. Healing was far in the distant. I pretended to understand. And then soon after he went that a way, and I lost track of his prog rock attack. I much preferred the lyrical deep and meaningful majestic melodic and frankly brilliant song book. Last year I went to see his Wizard a true star show, costumes and all. I loved it, it was so wonderful, it took me back to the jumpers. Something Anything was another great album, almost every track on this double album kept me focused on the job in hand, this time to be like him. Sadly i was never like him, i could never hack long studio hours or multi organise. It was a deep pleasure to meet him and catch his smile, I would love him to produce Squeeze, he would give us a taste of the other side. Mike Reid hosted the program and had him play the Beatles song rain, Mike played along, albeit a little below pitch. I was asked to sing along, but like all good church goers I mouthed what I thought would have been my part. Bring back the album, the jumper and the Three Tons.

Being on tour with Jools.

chris — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 16:22:21 +0000

Being on tour with Jools is something I really enjoy, everyone on the team seem happy to see me. I’m replaceing Shane McGowen who chickened out at the last minute. A draw was opened and my name fell out. Jools is such a humble chap and makes me feel so welcome, we are doing four songs and the arrangements are big band in nature. 15 minutes of nightly fame. Gilson is wonderful, always welcoming and embracing, and playing the songs again reminds me of the great contribution both Gilson and Jools made to our songs. I simply drive to the show be escorted in by Nancy and led on stage by the amazing Mr Salmon and there I am. Four songs later I’m in the car and back on my way home. It’s a great way to spend the leaf falling months of the year. Tonight we are in Harrowgate, I’m in the hotel and next for I can hear the sound of two people fresh from a wedding party downstairs. Their voices murmur and laughter lifts up and down through the thin walls of this hotel room. It could be a naughty night next door. I turn up the tele and search for my ear plugs. Being on tour with Jools gives me a chance to watch tv in bed and eat sandwiches from room service. Wensleydale cheese and pickle. Life is good. But how on earth did I get home from Nottingham last night in two hours, silly boy, my driving licence is on a bare thread so maybe in a few months I will be on the train gang. I hope not. Back stage the evening ritual never seems to change, a warm up room with horns blowing, a dressing room for the ladies, the back stage deli tray of meat and bread. It’s a place I know well and I’m happy to be here. Back home in Dulwich the duchess is sleeping, next door I can hear the sound of two people preparing for bed. God knows I’m good, I will look the other way today, and bite the pillow that feeds me. Betty’s for me in the morning, the tea shop on the hill. Bradford and a curry, and another two hour drive back to London. Fog, November and the climb up to Christmas plus the wonderful winter solstice all to look forward to, and some more shows with the magical fingers of Mr Jools Holland and the incredible drum solo’s of Gilson Lavis. Looking back the tour gave me the space to be part of one half of the band that used to be, the other half awaits the new year and beyond. I have the best of all possible jobs in the world.

The man who fell to earth.

chris — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:55:33 +0000

There was a time when i turned on my computer and it took five minutes to load, today, its on all the time. Music has moved on, CD’s are a thing of the past, music is at my finger tips. Tomorrows people will love this man for everything he did to reach out and touch. Humble and gifted, young and talented. Today he passed away, he left his body. A quite passing. The World knows his name, tomorrow is now today.

New i Phone anyone?

Mary more Mary.

chris — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:38:52 +0000

I can’t complain about a thing really, the scary ride was nothing to do with anyone other than God having a laugh with me, tossing me around telling me to remember where i have been and what i have done, who i have harmed and, as he points his finger from the sky, i know this is me after all, King chaos, Queen of drama most deep. I got out on deck only once this trip, the weather is always a bit grey in the Atlantic. I saw nothing but sky. I enjoyed the massages and the facials. I loved the time to think, although it was a battle to understand me in all of it. Its a tall order this being away form home lark, even though my life has never been any different. This is me see who i am. This week i have thought about me and my journey and where i need to be, Firle, Dulwich, children, work. Its all about the heart and where it needs to be and how it feels, as time runs its clock down all i can do is think about my journey, boxes must be ticked. I did that in March and, wow, Balham, see who i found! Its time to tick the boxes. Ray has ticked his own boxes, he has been at sea now for 26 years, he takes his wife wherever he goes, they have been married for 40 years, its a love story, its as deep as the sea he sails and thats great. Tonight he hung out in the crew bar where the band played, it was free beer and pizza, we talked about the workshops and how great it could be on other Cunard ships. Ray is head of entertainment on the ship. Zoe is the wonder woman who makes things happen, she is so lovely and works so hard to keep us all happy. Not at all easy. And then i thought, i could be doing this for the rest of my life if i cheer up. This week has been another great success, sixty people have written songs and they will leave the ship with, a song they never thought they would have. Its a real treat for them and im happy to be a small part in this clock that ticks, it ticks many boxes. And tonight it was action stations below deck playing for the crew, free pizza and beer. Some of us i hear made it last all night long. We have bonded with the entire ship now, as only a bunch of muscians can do. Drummers and bass players aside. Fun was had by all. What a great way to end the crossing for everyone. The big show, the end of the pier show. All of the writers and the would be’s come to the theatre for a reveal of their songs. Today the show ran smoothly and each song was applauded by the well populated theatre. Simon again stole the show with his family song sung by three generations of family, it was so catchy and so Simon, its a lovely gift he has. Matt and Claire rolled out the barrel and Angie, with a ginger hangover, refined her group so well. Geoff made us all laugh with a song about Dubai, where all good ships end up as hotels. Kate groomed a nice feeling with her group, Chris Sheehan and Guy delivered a simple song, lovingly sung by the group. A fine time was had by all, well almost all. One man came up to me and complained about his guitar solo not being heard, there was nothing i could do about that, these things happen and i was so sorry he was upset. I can’t cover the whole show, but the team i have on board do a fine job of doing just that. And so the crossing ends in fog, fog for miles and the horn blows. Its a hurry up and wait now, my flight another day away. Sit still Christopher, its over before its begun. Life is over before it begins, but you never know that at the time.

Queen Mary the third.

chris — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:34:51 +0000

Leaving Southampton was very emotional for me, saying goodbye to Lou was hard, it made me look back at my parents and how they must have said goodbye, in such a very different way. My Dad off to war in a small ship, my Mum left at home pregnant with my brother Lew, and Dad had no idea, he was gone three years. I was off on a big ship with the internet, nice food and theatres, cosy cabins and beds, and 1600 staff to clear up after you. Times are not alike at all, yet emotionally im sure my mother would have cried as much as i did as the ship pulled out of dock. It was so sad. Night one and the calmness of the sea is noted, we eat our meal in what could be Park Lane fine dining establishement, but then fast forward to 3am. Im tossed out of bed by a storm, im all over the place like Bambi on ice, i stagger but not drunk from one room to the next, im scared. I read all the weather charts, im more scared. For three days the ship is in high waters and we all feel a little green around the gills. What can you do but cry. And im away from home, now i have home its hard to leave, so i cry even more. The new team gather round, Chris Simmons is looking younger by the minute and reflects my nervousness. Guy Pratt has no fear and has sailed the ocean before, he is the story teller and the bass player with the book, and i love him to bits. The others are on good form too, Chris Sheehan suffers the sea and gets a jab, Simon of Squeeze fame just gets on with it. Kate looks ill. Angie looks ill. Claire and Matt Deighton are seeminly old sea dogs and seem fine and fine dining. Its a full ship. But im still scared. I have to pull it together to introduce the ship to the the songwriters coarse, 60 people sign up and we split into six small groups and begin to write songs. Its all looking good. To try and order my day better i watch some Eckart Tolle, but fall asleep. Cunard look after me and send me to a cabin lower down the ship, its a shoe box, but its quite. And the sway is less. The storm carries on and im in a shoe box in the back of a car going over humps in the road somewhere in my head, its all too much and i want to go home. Its not going to happen. My manager calls to talk about being on the ship for 23 days going to Australia with Squeeze. Im not happy. Things did get better, i was looked after and loved from afar, the songs wrote themselves and the team of on board writers made easy going of the people who took part in the workshop. At night, as ever, the band played in the pub, Songs in the Key of London and New York, it was fun to watch. Everyone seemed to enjoy the playing and singing, it swung from Sid James to Nick Drake at times but thats the nature of the being.

Dublin, a fair city.

chris — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:31:42 +0000

Its been a few years since we played in Dublin, and here we were playing to a Vicar street club full of lovely people. I had flown in from London everyone else was on the bus having played else where the night before. I was dog tired but i loved the playing, much more than the performing if that makes sense. I was into my guitar and into the sound of the band, which can be magical and inspired. We ran through the set as if it were something we did everyday of the week, we span on our quality. In my mind a feeling of change came over me and for the first time in years i wondered what it would be like with new songs in the set, what would we sound like, who would be the happiest. Its not far away now. On the bus i crept into a bunk and tried to sleep, i could hear the voices of the workers coming home from the world down below. The ferry and the bus the wind and the cold, i was then on a train, back to London. I was all over the place, but we had played in Dublin and the crack was still good as they say. Like Newcastle the night before we played a set balanced on the past, hits and almost rans, it works, don’t knock it. We are so lucky to get these shows every now and again, they seem to make sense, if only to keep our wheels oiled as a band and so we can see each other, old friends, they sit on the park bench like bookends. Life is ok from this side of the footlights.

V 1 and 2 11.

chris — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 21:28:19 +0000

Playing the V festival is aways a nice treat, its tidy and well run, the food is good and the running order is always pretty good too. Squeeze are billed as last time at the start of the day, second on stage, and both shows were looking full on the grass, it seemed like we played better on the second show rather than the first. Essex and all that. Back stage the farm that is, milling around in the hot breeze rubbing shoulders with the young and the beautiful. Free Sony gifts and t shirts, parking and cleanish toilets. All good things to have at a modern day festival. We looked much like we did two years ago when we played here last, nice suits, we also played a very simular set, hits and also rans. In 1973 festivals were so much more refined, hay stacks to sit on, open fires and vans selling food that made you fart, t shirt stands, tents all in a row, back stage much like out front, no time or money for huge gates and tracking on the grass. We were hippies and happy. Today we are on a tour bus with lovely bunks, im in a nice car, there are sofas to fall into and the lights are more than just a few bulbs hanging from a wire. Its all changed. But has much else. The aim is to conquer the world and be the best you can on the stage and within the time aloted, 40 minutes. Once we supported the Pink Fairys, today the Arctic Monkeys. Life has changed and my trousers are a lot wider than they used to be, but my heart still yerns for that glittering prize, the big hello, the world domination and love of all things treacle. Top of the pops and beyond. Its all there in my heart, still, even though its all gone. The passion is still there, and the songs have got so much better and more arranged, its a pie for the baking. Two days at a modern day festival and i feel reconnected with the power which can be and is sometimes Squeeze. We play as well as the next band, and our history stands before us, in some ways well before us. Two days of wrist bands and passes, a tour bus and a nice car. I long for the days, or do i, being on stage with Glenn with no shoes or socks playing songs i had just written in a state of being stoned. We were on fire. I think we still are. If not fire then a gentle flame. New balls please!