Music N' More: August 2024

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

American Tourists Love Visiting Britain

According to Microsoft channel The Telegraph UK, here are things American tourists love about Britain. Some are completely taken with the beauty of places like the Lake District, the quaint villages, the interesting markets held on weekends and more.

Earlier in the month, a writer named Sara Sherwood wrote an article that said American tourists found the UK "bland" and "barbaric". Complaining about everything, from the "stiff upper lip" mindset to the supposed inability to produce cold water. But asides from the crybabies who complain about this little historic region of the world, there are other Americans who are completely taken with everything this region has to offer.

There is more to the UK than the famous sites of London

-A reader, Graham Kirsch, shared a story of meeting a couple from South Carolina, who were on vacation, or holiday, as it's referred to in the UK. He explained "They had an interest in history and industrial heritage, so were visiting Cromford Mills in Derbyshire. They were knowledgeable, polite, interested and interesting. Plus, they understood that there is much more to the UK than just a few famous sites in London."

I have yet to find any pubs in the US that come close to the average British one

-A reader of Telegraph UK named Jonathan Lloyd states an expansion on the point made by Mr. Kirsch. He said "As an expat and dual citizen who has lived in the US for 45 years, I always tell my American friends to pick a few things they want to see in London, but then get on a train and go two hours in any direction (Bath, Brighton, Norfolk, Oxford) and visit the local area around those places. "As for pubs, I have yet to find any in the US that come close to an average British pub. I can think of five in Hertford that would put most US bars to shame."

Keep doing what you're doing my British friends

-Telegraph UK reader Rich Coo shared how, as an American citizen in his late 30s, the description of Britain being "bland" and "barbaric" "pains him a bit to read". He said "I've been to the UK many, many times for work and holiday. I love the country and have gained some really close friends there. Nothing beats sitting in a proper pub with real ale in hand. Don't change, keep doing what you're doing by British friends."

It saddens me to hear of the rampant illegal immigration

-Jenny Stewart, a reader of Telegraph, states "I am American and, as with most Americans I know, share a heritage with the UK. We love everything-well, nearly everything-about Britain." She goes on to say that it "saddens me to hear of the rampant illegal immigration; the undermining of your churches and culture; the high taxes trying to pay for it all. The United Kingdom is special. Protect it."

Americans go to the UK because they expect it to be different

-Laura McIntyre, a Telegraph reader, is another American citizen who visits the UK on a regular basis. She stated "Americans go to the UK because they expect it to be different than home, so why complain when they find that it is, indeed, different? That's silly."

If folks from the American heartland visited the British heartland they'd have a whale of a time

-An anonymous reader posted an interesting point. They stated that "the issue is the cost of travelling across the Atlantic, which means only elite Americans generally come here and it's London they visit, which clearly has its flaws. If the regular folks from the American heartland came here and visited the British heartland then I'm sure they'd have a whale of a time."

We are complete Anglophiles

-Sarah Ferrar, a reader of Telegraph UK, says she remembers a trip she took in the 1970s with her mother. "When I was 20 years old, my mother and I flew into Heathrow, rented an automobile and immediately left London and spent several weeks travelling around the British Isles - going up as far as Skye and far down as Bath. It was just lovely. In 2000, one of my daughters and I retraced that trip, although a bit modified. We are complete Anglophiles."

The weather is not a problem

-Another American reader of Telegraph UK is Carol Partridge. "I am an American and have never found a reason to complain about anything! The pubs are perfect for a nice glass of wine and a bite to eat. The weather is the weather and not a problem. My accommodations are comfortable, the Tube and buses get me wherever I need to go. If, when I visited, there is a strike, I rearrange plans (I get TFL emails, so I plan accordingly)."

England will always be my second home

-Telegraph reader Blair Nelsen talks about how he lived in Newmarket, Suffolk "for five years in the 1980s." He continued. "England, with all its charm, character and eccentricities, will always be my second home. Now, if only I could find a good ploughman's platter and a pint of bitter..."

Monday, August 19, 2024

Mistakes First Time Visitors to Japan Make

Japan is one of the most beautiful places in the world. So much rich history, so much fascinating culture, everything is just a sensory overload. But, first things first, it would help to know a few words in the local language, in case you need to ask for directions. According to Microsoft channel The Insider, here are some mistakes first time visitors to Japan make, according to a person who's been there 11 times

Here are some pro travel tips from Grace Cheng, a travel blogger based in NYC who's been to Japan 11 times

1. Overfill their itineraries

-You never want to do that. You want to leave room to roam and visit the historical sites, try the local food, immerse yourself in the local culture. "The ideal time to visit Japan would be 7-10 days.", Cheng says. This gives you time to explore everything without feeling jam packed each day. You want enough time to see the things you've come to see

2. Travelers don't set foot outside Tokyo

-Yes, Tokyo is the larger of the cities in Japan. But there are so many cities outside of Tokyo that are worth looking into. Don't consider Tokyo as the representative of all things Japanese culture. To really get a feel for Japanese culture, you need to venture out to other cities. Cheng suggests going north and south of Tokyo. You'll notice a difference in food, culture and more. She says that Sapporo is one of her favorite cities. She said she found cheaper prices and friendly locals there. Each region of Japan is known for one type of food or the other. Sapporo is known for soup curry. Cheng also says that Osaka is worth a visit. It's known as "Japan's kitchen" because of the high level of quality food.

3. Never turning off Google Maps

-It might be scary losing your way in a country where you are not fully fluent in the language or customs. But, according to Grace Cheng, turning off Google Maps is a good thing. It helps one find new places. "The best way to experience the streets and just get to know the country itself is just to get lost. Don't use your phone. Don't use Google Maps." She said some of her best interactions have come from locals when not using her phone.

7 Mistakes Flight Attendants See Passengers Making Frequently

Flight attendants see and hear it all. They often have to deal with everything, from irate passengers to passengers forgetting something, such as a diaper for a baby or an inhaler for an asthmatic patient. A flight attendant named CiCi lists 7 mistakes she has witnessed made by passengers on a frequent basis

By the way, if you see things in parentheses, I've witnessed this myself and have a story related to it.

1. Packing the bag so full it can't fit into the overhead bin

-A lot of airlines have been cracking down on this. If your carryon bag cannot fit into the box they have prior to check in, you need to evaluate what you have in there and put it in your checked in luggage. Flight attendants have been repeatedly asked by passengers to have assistance lifting them into the overhead bin. If flight attendants injure themselves doing this, they can't get worker's compensation because policies firmly state that flight attendants should not be assisting passengers to lift items into overhead bins. Some airlines, like Frontier Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, have recently updated their carry on bag policy. It dictates how much your suitcase can weigh and the size of it. If it's over the size of a backpack, you must pay oversize bag fees (Did this two years ago. I had to pay my stepdad's oversize bag fee because he had a suitcase, a small one that claimed to fit under seats. It did, but it didn't fit into the box at the boarding gate for Frontier Airlines, who we were flying through to go to Mexico. I offered to pay it at the boarding gate. I worried the representative would need a physical payment card on hand, but I told her that, while I didn't have my payment card on hand, I memorized the number, security number on the back and expiration date. My sister had to use her phone to connect to the app to do it. We were able to successfully allow me to pay for my stepdad's oversize bag fees both ways. My mom even relaxed and breathed a sigh of relief, "You saved our vacation!" she said! I'm thinking about making sure I memorize my current card info just in case. Or take it with me. My mom wanted me to wait until a family arguing with the boarding clerk had left because of security issues. She didn't want that family overhearing my card information.)

2. Stop bringing more than two bags on the plane

-CiCi has witnessed a lot of passengers bringing multiple bags on the plane. A carry on, such as a duffel bag or backpack is fine. But when you're bringing a duffel back, a backpack, purse and more, then it's getting excessive. She has witnessed people carrying purses, a backpack and a rolling wheel suitcase. That's too much. Airline rules have begun asking passengers to consolidate into two bags. Most airlines only allow one bag in the overhead bin and one under the seat in front of the passenger. Some airlines even charge fees for extra luggage because it adds extra weight on to the plane, and may take away room for other people's luggage. (If I do bring a purse, it's a small cross body one that can easily fold and be put in my carry on. Whenever I go on vacation, my default purse is a small, black cross body bag that says Iron Maiden on it)

3. Essentials not being easily available can cause boarding delays

-CiCi has witnessed people tootling around for their essentials prior to flight. A good tip is to keep all of the things you will need in a carry on that is easily accessible. Use a backpack as a carry on because it's easy to access from under the seat in front of you and you can access all of your needs. CiCi has said that people put the items they need, like books, earbuds, etc., in to their suitcase, which causes delays. People who have to filter through their suitcase to get their essentials holds other passengers up and causes delays. (Pro travel tip: use a backpack and put everything you need in there. Not only are backpacks lightweight and effective, but you can put everything you need in there and stow it under the seat in front of you. Since I end going to all inclusive resorts with my family, packing is down to a science for me. My carry on is a green and blue tie dyed backpack and in it, I put my sunglasses, camera, a couple of books, my passport holder and passport, a swimsuit, cover up, flip flops, a hat and some bandanas. The only thing I don't put there is sunblock; I wait until we get to the resort to get it out of my suitcase prior to it being taken to my room)

4. Many passengers don't pack their liquids correctly

-CiCi has witnessed, many times, how passengers think that it's okay to pack tanning oil or sunblock into your carry on or other bags. The changing pressures in the airplane can cause liquids to leak in carry ons due to gases expanding. Nowadays, you find TSA-approved bottles at the store that are the right size for going through TSA. CiCi recommends squeezing all of the air out of the bottle to prevent expansion. She said bottles with screw on caps are more successful than snap tops. That they create a tight seal. (True story. The first time me and my sister went to Mexico was in 2016. While we were checking in at the Frontier Airlines desk, my stepdad accidentally put his tanning oil into his carry on. The rep behind the desk asked him to put the tanning oil into his suitcase. He fixed it and the rep told him thank you for fixing it. She explained that sometimes leaks can occur and they have to comply with rules, which my stepdad not only understood, but respected because he travelled more than me, my sister and mom combined)

5. Not packing a reusable water bottle

-According to the Aerospace Medical Association, travelers should consume 8oz of water each hour on the plane. You can bring a reusable water bottle on the plane with you. Simply fill it up in the airport terminal. Staying hydrated is a key factor in avoiding leg cramps, dehydration and more.

6. Passengers not packing their own snacks

-Lately, airlines have been charging for snacks. It's better to bring your own. Because of turbulence, flight attendants are not always able to be up and about handing out free bags of peanuts or dried fruit. If flight attendants are not able to get up, passengers don't get food or drinks. That's why you pack snacks. Allegiant Air and Frontier Airlines have rid themselves completely of the complimentary snacks and started charging for them. CiCi suggests bringing your own food. And if you're diabetic, it's especially of the utmost importance to have something on hand, to keep your sugar up

7. Packing heavy items instead of wearing them on the plane

-CiCi says she sees passengers packing heavy items instead of wearing them on the plane. If all you have is a carry on, simply wear the heavy items instead of packing them. So that you'll already have them ready in case you need them. She said that on a recent flight to Italy, she wore her bulky rain boots, a sweater and jacket, despite flying out of hot, humid Florida. She said this was a pro space-saving tip and she could pack more outfits in her suitcase

Friday, August 16, 2024

"American Tourist" Stereotypes

Whether people realize it or not, American tourists can often be stereotyped. No matter where they go, people will be able to easily spot an American, according to certain stereotypes. According to a writer named Caroline McDonald on Microsoft, American tourists can sometimes fall into stereotypes without realizing it. Here's how to avoid doing just that.

I've witnessed the "American Tourist" stereotype the many times I've gone outside the country. And I agree with a lot of these. If I'm loud, I do apologize. It's a habit from having a grandmother who was hard of hearing in one ear, completely deaf in the other. I try to be as conscious as I can of these stereotypes. If anything, I love hearing all of the different languages and accents when I travel outside the US

Definition of "American Tourist" stereotype

-According to CNN, the definition is what might seem like a silly error on someone's part on TV is less than amusing in real life. Everyone makes mistakes while traveling abroad, but some Americans seem to find themselves making a lot of errors

-Here's how to avoid those stereotypes

Be aware of social customs

-Each country has rules and regulations and social customs that its citizens follow. If you observe what others around you are doing, you stand a better chance of avoiding errors. Be aware of your behavior while in another country. According to CNN "People in most countries are extremely polite. They would never tell you that what you are doing is offensive or socially unacceptable. Instead, they will most likely smile and nod, before quickly changing the topic, running away or ghosting you."

Be curious

-Curiosity may have killed the cat, according to the old phrase. But when in another country, curiosity is a wondrous thing. Show a genuine interest in the culture, people and country you're in. Ask the locals what to do to avoid making errors. You'll be surprised when they tell you what to do. Be open to feedback. Ask questions. Let your curiosity guide you

-Per CNN "No one likes a know-it-all. That's why one of the best ways to win people over and skyrocket your knowledge is to be curious."

Don't be loud

-For this, you may as well hang a sign around your neck saying "I'm American". Americans are often stereotyped as being loud, brash, arrogant. Not all American tourists are like that, thankfully. But there is a small sprinkling of tourists from the US that are loud that give everyone else a bad rep. Speak in soft tones when outside the US.

Understatement is a good thing

-Per the highly successful Fodor's Travel, don't overestimate things. Americans tend to use terms like "fabulous", "amazing", generally overestimating things. Tone it down several notches and say things like "nice", "good", understatements are better.

-Enthusiasm is good, but other countries find it awkward

Compartmentalize your appearance

-Europe is considered a nation of high fashion, especially because of cities like Paris, London, Milan. Don't have a panic attack about what clothing you take or wear. According to Fodor's Travel, keep in the mind the purpose of your destination to choose appropriate clothing. "Gym clothes are for the gym, beach clothes are for the beach, trekking gear is for trekking, and so on."

-Basically, don't stick out. Wear clothes appropriate for the destination in mind

Research Before You Go

-Research is always a good thing. Some nations are very conservative. And some nations will only answer in the national language, obviously. It would help to learn a few phrases in that language prior to going there. This will be a great help when asking for directions, ordering food, greeting others. People will greatly appreciate the efforts you put into learning their language. They even appreciate when you ask them what a word is in their language and how to use it because it shows them that you took the time to learn their language and are trying to make sure you use it correctly

-Stay updated on the goings on in that destination. Research prices for food, lodging, transportation and more to avoid getting scammed

Have an "ambassador" attitude

-Whenever someone travels outside their home country, they are essentially an ambassador for their country. In other words, they are just one representative of many from their country and how you behave can negatively impact others from your country when they go outside their home country. When people travel outside their home country, they are a guest in another country. According to CNN "You are a guest. Like any good visitor, you want to make sure you make a positive impression so that you are always welcomed back."

-Do not make errors and sacrifice the hospitality so you can make bad decisions

Make the initial joke

-Jokes and comical stuff always win people over. As long as it's not offensive jokes, you'll be fine. If saying something stupid is your biggest worry, make the initial joke. Be confident and say "Sorry, I know I'm being a stupid American here, but could you help me with this?" or something to that effect. This puts a bit of reverse psychology into the mix

Thursday, August 15, 2024

30 Things Considered Normal to Americans But Unusual to Others

America is certainly an interesting region of the world. We may not have buildings as old as those found in many European countries, but we have quirky customs and traditions that may seem strange to those from other countries. According to the Microsoft channel Metro, here are 30 things considered normal for Americans.

1. Toilet bowls full of water

-It's certainly interesting that when you go to other countries, you see that toilets are not so full. The water level is low. And in other parts of the world, it's even said that the water going down goes counter clockwise instead of clockwise. It's said that the fuller the bowl of water, the more powerful the flush. In many parts of the world, the toilet bowl is only half filled with water

2. Driving long distances

-The US is big. There is a lot of space in this country. Places can be very far from each other. Those not native to the US are often confused by the amount of distance from one place to another. So, for example, if someone from a big US state, like California or Texas, might think nothing of a four hour road trip, this would confuse or even horrify someone from say, Europe or Asia

3. Having garbage disposal units under the sink

-In the US, it's common to scrape dinner and meal leftovers into the sink, run water and run it into an under the sink garbage disposal unit. This frightens people outside the US because their first thought is "What if you get your hand stuck in there?"

4. Drinking root beer

-This is an appalling drink to some. It's an acquired taste, like many foods and drinks out there

5. Friendly service staff

-Those who come from other countries are often thrown off by how friendly service staff can be. In Europe, it's said that service staff are less friendly and more quiet and laid back. In the US, service staff are genuinely happy to see customers. It's strongly believed that this friendly nature coincides with the strong tipping culture Americans are known for, especially outside of the US (Americans are often the ones doing the most tipping on trips. It's a way of showing appreciation for good service)

6. Eating sweet things for breakfast

7.The US is a strange nation sometimes. Whereas other countries might have fruit or something for breakfast, the US is a nation where pancakes with syrup, Pop Tarts or sugary cereal are the norm. Most Europeans prefer light, flaky pastries as their breakfast of champions. And in England, items for breakfast can include sausage or bacon, eggs, tomatoes, mushrooms, baked beans, etc.

7. Talking openly with strangers

-Some people in other countries are not always so open when it comes to talking with strangers. Some people in the US talk with any person they come into contact with. Some cultures consider this overfamiliarity and only talk with family and close friends

8. Wearing shoes in homes

-This is especially a no no in most Asian countries. It's customary to take off your shoes prior to entering one's home, so as to avoid bringing in dirt and other filth from outside. It's considered respectful in Asian culture while in European culture, it's related to politeness and cleanliness

9. Cheerleaders

-People from outside the US don't understand why there has to be people cheering on sporting events. A group of overly cheery girls waving pom poms before a sporting event baffles those from outside the US

10. Entrees prior to the main meal

-Since this is a French word, they get the credit. It's a meal before a meal. It's anyone's guess why it's referred to as this in the US.

11. Pharmacies practically being supermarkets

-In some countries, pharmacies are literally that- selling only medications and medical related items. In the US, some pharmacies sell more than that-they are little supermarkets. Some major chains, like CVS and Walgreens, are practically supermarkets. And if you notice, they're always on corners.

12. Red cups

-This is a covert, discreet way of telling people that you're most likely drinking an alcoholic beverage. These are most often seen at sporting events, concerts and more. These cups are often available in most parts of the world, but they are not used in the way Americans use them. Foreigners would use these as cups to drink things from, not like Americans who secretly drink alcohol from them. They are most often seen being used by those really into country music, most likely because of the song "Red Solo Cup" by country artist Toby Keith

13. Consuming so much coffee

-Coffee is the drink that gives most of us the get up and go to do what we have to do each day. Those who are native to the US are shocked by how many people walk around drinking large cups of coffee. Especially those who come from countries where tea might be consumed more than coffee

14. Too much sugar in bread

-It's something you don't think about, but bread does have sugar in it. The sugar helps preserve the bread. If you're not used to it, it can taste odd. Those who are not from the US might find it odd

15. Obsession with national flags

-One thing that those not native to the US will notice about Americans is the high level of patriotism. There seems to be an almost obsession with the stars and stripes. There's not one thing wrong at all with that. The US is a fiercely proud and patriotic nation and proud to fly the flag

16. Dates starting with month, not day

-The date starting with day, then month is something usually done outside the US. It's especially done in Europe and also done in Mexico. This can throw off people when they have to fill out the immigration papers on the airplane upon entering Mexico because they ask for the date in this format. If you're not from America, it can be an eye opener to see 15 August 2024 instead of 8/15/2024. This is what some would call the "European" format for dates

17. Free soda refills

-The US is one country that offers free refills of drinks. In other parts of the world, you have to pay for refills. In the US, soda is a highly consumed drink. This is an eye opener, especially to Europeans who are used to small size bottles of cola and have to pay for each one

18. So much ice in drinks

-Ice in drinks is something you will not find everywhere. In Europe or other parts of the world, drinks will have 1-2 ice cubes, not half of an iceberg in drinks like you find in the US

19. Money being all the same color

-In many parts of the world, currency comes in various colors, depending on the denomination it is. US currency is all green and has various presidents on it, depending on the denomination

20. Frequent commercial breaks

-In the US, there are frequent commercial breaks. For every half hour of show, there are about 6-8 minutes worth of commercials. Those not native to the US will find it shocking that not only is there is a high frequency of commercials, but they are shown in the middle of the program. Whereas in other countries, commercials are usually shown at the beginning or end of the program

21. Commercials for prescription medications

-This is something you would not see much of in other countries. A lot of people from outside the US find it confusing as to why prescription medications would need to be advertised

22. Big portions of food

-This is a pretty commonly eye opening concept to those from outside the US. In other countries, portions of food are smaller. It seems in the US "more is good", "bigger is better" are two concepts that are followed religiously, including portions of food. This is exactly why America is stereotyped as being a nation of obesity and why Americans are stereotyped as being overweight

23. Healthcare is high on price

-Healthcare in the US is ridiculous in price. Some think that maybe that is an incentive to get healthier. Who knows. Every country has healthcare set up differently. Visitors to the US are shocked to find how there is free healthcare for those on limited budgets

24. Having barely any public transport

-Japan, Australia and many places in Europe have amazing forms of transport. The US is quite limited in its infrastructure, despite its size. Some cities don't have a wide array of bus stops or train lines. And unless you have a car, you're going to have to walk or bicycle yourself to places

25. Lack of politeness

-This is something that is shocking to those from outside the US. Americans get to the point and do away with niceties, streamlining their conversations, as if they are on a schedule and pleasantries would not fit into their schedules. This is regarded as rudeness, especially to the English

26. Tax not factored in to price tags

-In most places, you go into a shop and see a price tag for an item and see the price. Taxes have already been applied to that item. Not so much in the US. You get tax added on top. And, sometimes, there's state tax. Which is why it's cheaper to go outside of the state you live in to buy items

27. Sports

-Americans are a type of people who seem to be obsessed with sports. Almost every city in the US has multiple sports teams, whether it be an MLB (Major League Baseball) team, NFL (National Football League) team, NHL (National Hockey League) team or MLS (Major League Soccer) team. Some cities have all of these, including smaller league teams like ECHL (East Coast Hockey League) or "minor league hockey" teams. Not everyone from outside the US gets into sports. Japan is a nation that reveres baseball. In fact, a lot of Japanese league players end up on American teams. But in other countries, football is not that popular. In England, American football is popular. But when locals say "football", they are talking about what Americans call "soccer"

28. Using the imperial system

-The metric system was adopted to use for weights and measures. Some countries took a little longer to pick up that system. Some countries, like the US, flat out refuse to use the metric system

29. Tipping culture

-It might seem strange to other countries, but in the US, people tip to show their appreciation. That's often why Americans get served ahead of everyone else at all-inclusive resorts. Americans are often served first at bars because they tip. In some countries, the workers are already making good money so that tips are not necessary while in other countries, tipping is considered offensive

30. Having a low vacation allowance at work

-Most employers in the US provide two weeks vacation time after a so-called "probationary" period, usually lasting three months. Some employers provide two weeks vacation right at the beginning while in the UK, it's more than double that number

Monday, August 12, 2024

Memoirs / Biographies Worth Reading

Inspired by the post regarding memoirs that Reader's Digest suggest reading, I decided to do my own version. It's completely optional to read the ones I mention. I only mention these because I personally like them and again, it's optional. There are memoirs out there that I wouldn't read only because they don't appeal to me, but that's all. I have nothing against them; they simply don't appeal to me, but they appeal to someone else and that's all that matters.

Here are some of the memoirs / biographies I have read that are worth reading

On the Edge: My Story by Richard Hammond

-Fans of the program Top Gear UK might like this one. It centers on the host most often called "Hamster", "Shorty" (by Jeremy Clarkson). He talks about his early days growing up in and around Birmingham, the early days of him working in radio and finally, getting the role of co-host on BBC's Top Gear. He talks until that fateful day in September 2006, when he was test running a jet engine-powered car called Vampire at an airstrip in York. Then his wife takes over, telling of her days taking care of their daughters Isabella aka "Izzy" and Willow

Red by Sammy Hagar

-Known by most if not all people as the "Red Rocker", because of his habit for wearing red, he has led an interesting life. He's been in both Van Halen and Montrose and led a highly successful career as a solo artist

What Does This Button Do? An Autobiography by Bruce Dickinson

-Known worldwide as the Air Raid Siren, for his unique high pitched vocals, Bruce Dickinson had a rather unique upbringing. Being born to two teenagers, he was sent to live with his maternal grandparents until his parents could get into a more financially stable state to raise a child. As he grew up, music fascinated him and as the years went on, he was in various bands, including Iron Maiden. He even pursued a highly successful solo career before rejoining Iron Maiden in 2000. It was in the mid-2000s that he suffered with a cancerous growth on his vocal cords that silenced him for a while

Run to the Hills: Iron Maiden, The Authorized Biography by Mick Wall

-Mick Wall is a writer at Britain-based magazine Classic Rock Magazine. He was the one who wrote the book with help from the band, former band mates, managers, etc. The band themselves, both current and former members, and management tell the story of how this now legendary metal band got its start in the working class East End neighborhood of Leytonstone, how it started with the idea and hard work of one man-Steve Harris. How he kept it going throughout the various changes in lineup, the ups and downs, what inspired each song and more

Confess by Rob Halford

-WARNING: This might make people a little uncomfortable only because he talks about what it is like to be a gay man. It can be explicit in some parts. Rob Halford knew he was going to be a gay man, even at ten years old, when he seemed to be attracted more to boys than girls. He tried to hide his homosexuality over the years, until it eventually pushed him to drugs and alcohol. Seeking help for his substance abuse issues in the 1980s, his band mates realized this was a cry for help. Later on, he realized the enormity of the situation when he accidentally outed himself on TV. He worried what the fans would think, but was relieved when the fans could care less who he loved. To them, he was still the Metal God

According to the Rolling Stones

-Very similar to the book above about Iron Maiden, this book lets the members of The Rolling Stones-guitarists Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards, vocalist Mick Jagger and drummer Charlie Watts-tell the story of how this legendary rock band came to be. They each talk about their upbringing, the various bands they were in prior to The Rolling Stones and throughout the years the band was touring. They even talk about the 1980s, which seemed to be a difficult time for the band, as there was much fighting between vocalist Mick Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards

Rainbow in the Dark by Ronnie James Dio

-This is, by far, the shortest one I have ever read. This book is written by former Dio, Black Sabbath and Rainbow vocalist Ronnie James Dio. He talks about growing up in a strongly Italian Catholic family in New York, how his fascination with the Italian Mob led to his using the moniker "Dio" as his stage name, and the various bands he was a part of over the years. The stories in this book are taken from notes he had over the years, a sort of diary he had kept. He talks about how he met his wife Wendy, who was a waitress at the Rainbow Bar in L.A. He talks about the ups and downs of each of the bands he was in. Ronnie even thinks of himself as a slight Anglophile because his wife Wendy is from England and his wife's country of birth is even reflected in the choice of words he would speak with

Into the Void by Geezer Butler

-This is a relatively new book I read recently. This is about Black Sabbath bassist Terence "Geezer" Butler. This book is written in his hand and talks about growing up in Birmingham, England. What it was like to grow up poor, in a strictly Irish Catholic house. How he would get made fun of by Irish kids when he would visit relatives in Ireland because he was English. He talks about the various bands he was in over the years, how he met his current wife, his kids and later on, his grandkids

It's So Easy and Other Lies by Duff McKagan

-Guns N Roses fans might like this one. Written by and about their bass player Michael "Duff" McKagan, he talks about growing up in the area of the Pacific Northwest we know of as Seattle. He talks about how punk was massive when he was young. How he had a dream of being a punk rocker. When he moved to L.A., he joined forces with the band that would now be known as Guns N Roses. Unfortunately, unlike the other band members, who developed drug addictions, Duff's drug of choice of alcohol. As the years went by, the alcohol took a toll on him. One day, he decided to leave his past self behind. Meaning, getting rid of the lock around his neck, that he wore as a homage to Sid Vicious, quit drinking and get himself in a healthy state. To this day, he is clean and sober

Glenn Hughes: From Deep Purple to Black Country Communion

-This is a straightforward look at drug addiction at, no pun intended, its highest power. Glenn talks frankly about drug addiction and what it did to him and what it cost him. He talks about the various bands he was in over the years, from his years in Trapeze to Deep Purple to the various collaborations he's done with Chad Smith of the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Tony Iommi of Black Sabbath. He talks about making a comeback with a successful solo career and what it was like to finally get clean and sober for good

Black Knight: Ritchie Blackmore by Jerry Bloom

-One would think that, after reading this book, that Ritchie enjoys being moody and miserable. Some think he's simply misunderstood while others think he's moody and arrogant. And those who do not agree with the majority think he's simply an intensely private person. This book goes into detail of his early life, growing up with his parents Lewis and Violet Blackmore and his brother Paul in Weston-Super-Mare, in Somerset. He pestered his father to get a guitar and was already playing professionally, at 15 years of age. Some were amazed this little 15 year old was already playing with the then big names. As the years go on, Ritchie would be famous for his role in Deep Purple and Rainbow. Later on, with his current wife Candice, they would form Blackmore's Night, specializing in medieval-type music. Which they both seem to enjoy

Rocks: My Life In and Out of Aerosmith by Joe Perry

-Joe Perry is the lead guitarist for Boston-based hard rock band Aerosmith. Some think that Brad Whitford, the other guitarist for the band, is a far better guitar player and that Joe Perry only gets the attention because he looks like a "rock star". Joe Perry grew up in a working class family in Lawrence, Massachusetts. As he grew up, he worked hard to earn money for a guitar and tried his hand in various bands until he met Steven Tyler. Together, they formed what would be one of the biggest hard rock bands to come out of the East Coast-Aerosmith. As time went on, Steven Tyler and Joe Perry would become known as the Toxic Twins, because they were the hardest to wean off drugs. Joe has had slight relapses over the years, but was able to finally get clean and sober for good

Dancing with Myself by Billy Idol

-He grew up William Albert Michael Broad. He only take the name "Billy Idol" because he was told that he was often "idle" in school. Considering Eric Idle, the famed Monty Python actor, already had a last name spelled "idle", this punk rock musician chose to spell it as "I-D-O-L". He grew up in New York because his family moved there for work, and for a while, he spoke with an American accent and was enamored with all things American. When he and his family moved back to the UK, he was made fun of for his American accent. So he chose to start speaking the Queen's English again and slowly regained his English accent. As he grew up, punk rock exploded and was the biggest thing in England. As time went on, he developed a dangerous drug addiction and was able to kick it for good later on

The Lives of Brian by Brian Johnson

-The veteran AC/DC front man talks about growing up in Newcastle, England. How his grandmother would make swimsuits for him and relatives, not realizing that knitting a swimsuit and going in water would result in the swimsuit being so heavy with water that they would fall down, resulting in Brian and relatives showing people their bare backsides. Later on, his brother would suggest Brian wear a hat that has now become iconic with him. A hat some call a "newsboy" hat. When he got the invitation to join AC/DC, he was worried his vocals would be wiped off after recording Back in Black. But, thankfully, he was able to stay. Later on, he had to have surgery on his ears and in his place, was Guns N Roses vocalist Axl Rose.

Iron Man: My Journey Through Heaven and Hell with Black Sabbath by Tony Iommi

-This book is written by and about Black Sabbath guitarist Tony Iommi. He talks about growing up in Aston, Birmingham. Having parents who used their own home as storage space for a store they ran. As he grew up, music became a fascination. He wanted a guitar and played quite well, even professionally in a local band until an industrial incident at a factory he was working at. He was working a machine he was unfamiliar with and the tips of two his fingers were sliced off. Thinking it was the end, his manager gave him a record of gypsy jazz guitarist Django Reinhart. Basically, it was his way of saying "If this guy can play guitar with missing fingers, so can you." Tony found a way to play that did not hurt. It involved using light weight banjo strings and, not intentionally, he invented light weight guitar strings. As time went on, he would play a stint in Jethro Tull and would help run Black Sabbath, throughout all of the changes in lineup. He would also go through a bout with Non-Hodgkin's Lyphoma

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

Faye Harris and Tyrone Wood Just Got Married

Faye Harris, daughter of Iron Maiden bassist Steve Harris and Tyrone Wood, son of Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood, just got married.

https://www.facebook.com/FansOfMaiden/

-This above link is where the photo originated. The comment on the photo was "Congratulations to Steve and his lovely family as daughter Faye Harris and Tyrone Wood (son of Ronnie Wood) on their marriage with their children following their ceremony."

-According to Loudwire.com, Faye Harris and Tyrone Wood got married on Friday in the London neighborhood of Marylebone. Their fathers were both present at the wedding. Tyrone runs an art gallery while Faye runs a highly successful perfume company called Eauso Vert. They started seeing each other in 2022 after meeting each other on a dating app and announced their engagement in December 2023. It was a good time for both of the fathers. Steve Harris and Ronnie Wood were between tours with their bands, Iron Maiden and The Rolling Stones. Because of that, they were both able to attend the ceremony.