What do Out of Grey, State of Play & Pink Floyd have in common?

They all occurred this past weekend!!

A few months back, Chris (fellow Life on Mars (UK) and John Simm fan, So Cal and anglophile compadre) and I made plans to get together for the opening weekend of State of Play starring Russell Crowe and Ben Affleck. The Hollywood version of State of Play is based on the critically acclaimed 6-hour British Series that starred John Simm and David Morrisey. As an avid collector of both John Simm and Russell Crowe’s work, I will soon have two DVD versions of State of Play with each of them in the same role (although John will forever own it, hands down)

[And can I insert a little aside here to say, “I only have three actors whose work I faithfully collect…is it really necessary for two of them to overlap in the same freakin’ role?” I mean what are the odds here? For feks sake…there’s a bazillion actors out there…]

Right, Chris also made the brilliant suggestion to go see the Pink Floyd LaserSpectacular at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center that was being presented for one night. I immediately remembered the time I had seen Pink Floyd’s The Dark Side of the Moon Laserium Show at the Los Angeles Griffith Observatory in the 80’s. So of course I said, YES!!  I’m easy that way

And as it happens when two anglophile’s get together we planned a British shopping excursion and Pub as well.

Then, a week or so ago, I learn that Out of Grey will be performing live Friday the 17^that the World Famous Roxy in Hollywood. I had met guitarist Show at All Corked Up a few months back, later checked out his band on MySpace and also one night when they performed at The Vu in Newhall, CA.

I emailed long time best friend Catalina to see if she was available to join me for a rockin’ night at The Roxy. She said, YES!! She’s easy that way

FRIDAY

Cat and I meet up, have a quick dinner of the best ever quesadillas at a nearby Mexican café, then it’s over the hill to Hollywood and The Roxy.

Here’s a video I captured

After the set we caught up with Show…Thanks Cat for the aerial angle pic!

SATURDAY

A blessedly easy drive in the morning down the 405 frwy to Long Beach to meet Chris.

We head straight to the British shop to stock up on food products. Chris brings a CD of recorded show “Tank Top” (music of the 1970’s) that airs on Siren Radio and is presented by Bryan Rudd & Mark Forster. This particular show is special because it includes guest Professor Tony Williams of English Studies at Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. Tony is British born and moved to the US in 1984. Tony is a mutual online friend of Chris and I and this is the first time I’ve heard him. Was really great to hear Tony speak and present his music selections for the radio show. I loved the tracks and at the end of the show was pleasantly surprised that I was included in a shout out that Tony did to all those he wanted to say Hi to. I had no idea he’d done that!! Thanks Tony!! HI back at ya!!

After the British shop we head to the cinema for State of Play

Movie Review verdict? I loved State of Play with Russell Crowe!

Next up, over to the Carpenter Center…

…For some Pink Floyd

Hang on! You mean the price of admission includes special LaserSpecs?!? OMG!! Yes please!!

And just to make y’all jealous and envious of our fashionable and highly sought-after LaserSpecs…here’s Chris and I. Check out the stage behind us too!

The Pink Floyd LaserSpectacular was incredible and amazing. They recreated the feeling of the original Laserium show plus combined it with videos. For the first half of the presentation they played The Dark Side of the Moon in its entirety. After intermission we were then treated to Pink Floyd’s Greatest Hits including The Wall.

Here are two vids, the first is most memorable to me from the original Laserium show and the second is dedicated to Chris

Final destination of the day is to head to British pub, The Whale and Ale. After a minor navigator malfunction and a spur of the moment, Hey, let’s download Google Maps for GPS on the Blackberry to help get us back on track.

After fab meals of Fish and Chips, Bangers and Mash, Rasberry Sherry Trifle and Sticky Toffee Pudding, oh and per Chris’ recommendation, a pint each of London Pride we wearily leave to call it a day.

Wow you Gotta love Good Times!

Spot theshellmeister at the Whisky A Go Go!

My Friend Catalina and I went to see Creature Feature at their sold out show at the World Famous Whisky A Go Go on Oct 23, 2007. A work night for most but I’m such a wuss I scheduled to take the next day off from work so I could enjoy the late evening in style!

The Monstor Army of Creature Feature on MySpace found me because I like Oingo Boingo and Danny Elfman and invited me to listen to their sound. I was instantly hooked. What fun lyrics set to truly rockin music!! …as Catalina so succinctly put it, it’s…”pop evil”!!

Ok, so here’s the test…Creature Feature recently returned from being on the road a few months and posted some pics in their fab blog. Well, lo and behold they posted a couple pics from The Whisky when Cat and I were there!! And I’m quite visible in this one…Can you spot me?

Creature Feature Live at the Whisky A Go Go

Where’s theshellmeister? Hint: I’m the one in the center (in black) with my left arm in the air.

Ok… a couple more pics here… Curtis Rx and Erik X are truly good people in person and I wish them nothing but the best, plus all the successes they deserve!!

Curtis Rx's beautiful arm...Tell me it's insured?!

Curtis' trademark drop to his knees during "Aim For The Head"

(Pics courtesy of Creature Feature).

…and finally their first Music Video released Oct 30, 2007: