National Rock Star

Back in October 1976 a new UK music paper was issued as an alternative to NME, Sounds, Melody Maker etc.

I don't know how long it lasted - I only have the first dozen or so issues - but it didn't get off to a particularly good start with the premier issues headline story being "Elvis London Concerts" and the following weeks front page carrying an apology that they were misinformed and Elvis wasn't coming to Britain at all.

As far as I can tell, what you see here is the only reference to National Rock Star on the web.

It's interesing to look back at the reviews and opinions of the time at what are now classed as classic records. If I ever get round to it I'll scan some examples.

"Reviews From The Floor Of 64" #31

Issue #31 arrived this morning with the added bonus of a Free Gift!

The first in "Reviews" history (and hopefully not the last) it's a reproduction of the stickers that were given free with an issue of Pow!

A big thumbs up to regular contributor Craig Maddocks for supplying Paul with the original, remarkably good condition, stickers.

Latest "Reviews from the floor of 64" (#29)

The latest issue of Paul Ware's "Reviews from the floor of 64" (#29) is now available directly from him at this address
"Reviews from the floor of 64"
Farm Cottage
Lower Cote
Brighouse
West Yorkshire HD6 3QN
…or on ebay
… or, if you live in Leeds, in the shops "Travelling Man" and "OK Comics".

These fanzines concentrate (though not exclusively) on the Power Comics "Fantastic" and "Terrific" published in the UK in the late sixties. These comics featured reprints of Marvel comics stories and for people my age were our introduction to the Marvel universe of superheroes.

The fanzines highlight the editorial changes made to the stories for the UK market and are hugely entertaining, humorous and informative. If you remember the original comics or have an interest in Marvel these fanzines are well worth a look.

2000AD - 500th issue advert.

Whilst having a sort out this weekend I found this advert for the 500th issue of 2000AD in the pages of Oink! #16 from December 1986.

Ivor Cutler

On Friday 24th November 1978 I had the good fortune to attend a gig by Ivor Cutler at Wolverhampton University.




According to this poster it was free admission although I have no recollection of that fact. What I do remember though is after the gig asking Ivor to do "One of his drawings" and this is what he did.

A treasured reminder of a great man.

If you've not heard any of Ivors work, do a search on you tube. Personal favourites are

• "A wooden tree"
• "Fremsley"
• "I believe in bugs"
• "Go and sit upon the grass"
• "Barabadabada" (this is the theme tune to the BBC tv show "The Old Guys")

... and many many more.

My cartoon strip attempt from the early nineties.

Whilst sorting some stuff out in the loft today I found a box of old cartoons I'd drawn back in the early nineties. Even though it's really rough I think this was the best of the bunch.

Irritating TV banners!

For my first post I'd like to point out the stupidity of the many TV stations who plaster "Coming up next" adverts all over their programmes!

STOP IT ?

If you've made something worth looking at, LET US LOOK AT IT without all the distractions.