Pride 2002...
The Pride March on Saturday was great fun. Ian, Drew and I met in Soho Square and then sauntered down to Piccadilly Circus for a great view. We watched it for about an hour and then joined it down until the end in Victoria Street. And it was indeed the life affirming experience I was expecting. No to mention a great opportunity to catch up with old friends (and some new ones).
After the march we went over to Soho for an hour for what is now the de facto annual street party outside Comptons. After that we popped into the Marquis Of Granby near Trafalgar Square to bid farewell to Luke who is off back to Oz on Tuesday. And then on to Mardi Gras proper in Hackney Marshes via Stratford. And boy was it a long walk from the station. 45 minutes! When we eventually arrived we were somewhat pissed off - having been on our feet for 7 hours straight. It took a while to regain our Mardi Gras spirit (whatever that is) but after watching Five Star, Berlinde Carlisle and Human League we were well back in the party mood.
Overall a fun day, marred only slightly by the long hike to and from the party venue. The mayor, Ken Livingstone, got up on stage at one point and said that he'd put his full (and not inconsiderable) weight behind holding it in Hyde Park next year. Now that would be fun!
overyourhead - some irreverent musings by a gay London guy - crawling though technology, love and life... so you don't have to.
Monday, July 08, 2002
Friday, July 05, 2002
Pride: A Deeper Love...
I love the Gay Pride March. Why? It's fun, that's why. Also I owe it to myself to go. And I owe it to others to go too. Let me explain.
I spend most of my life in the company of straight people. At work mainly. Now don't get me wrong, I like straight people. Some of my best friends are straight. But however gay-friendly they may be it's just not the same as being around just gay men and women. Being in a gay only space means I don't have to pretend any more that I'm 'just like you'. I can relax. I can be myself. I can be someone different. I don't have to act straight and normal. I can be my real self. A weight is taken off my shoulders. I can get the same feeling going into a gay pub or a gay cafe. A feeling of security. A feeling of relief. It's a sanctuary. Now imagine that feeling of safety magnified by a factor of ten, twenty, a thousand. That's what Gay Pride is all about. Joining the Gay Pride March gives me that enormous feeling of joy - and there is nothing quite like it. It gives me a real rush, a feeling of belonging, a sense of... pride. I love that annual glow. That self affirmation. I then know I am not alone. I am a part of a something bigger. Something good. So I owe it to myself to go tomorrow.
Let's face it it's a homophobic world. The casual use of poof, faggot and queer as terms of abuse is widespread. Less so than say 20 years ago but that is to a large extend due to such public displays of solidarity as Gay Pride. Sure the press picks up on the trannies, the leather queen's and the freaks - but what they rarely show is the thousands upon thousands of regular people walking arm in arm because they are simply making a statement about their sexuality (and having fun doing it). I believe that it's due to these marches that Stonewall got it's first footing, social and political change comes about through public visibility not by tutting behind newspapers and sounding off at dinner parties. Cynics will say that they don't need Gay Pride any more. But think of the people who are too frightened to come out, the people who hate themselves for what they are. The people who have no positive role model. By joining the March I am showing them it's OK to be gay. OK to be different. I say: get seen, get a scene. It could all be taken away so easily. So I owe it to others to go tomorrow too.
So will you be joining me in tomorrow's march? Speaker's Corner 11am.
I love the Gay Pride March. Why? It's fun, that's why. Also I owe it to myself to go. And I owe it to others to go too. Let me explain.
I spend most of my life in the company of straight people. At work mainly. Now don't get me wrong, I like straight people. Some of my best friends are straight. But however gay-friendly they may be it's just not the same as being around just gay men and women. Being in a gay only space means I don't have to pretend any more that I'm 'just like you'. I can relax. I can be myself. I can be someone different. I don't have to act straight and normal. I can be my real self. A weight is taken off my shoulders. I can get the same feeling going into a gay pub or a gay cafe. A feeling of security. A feeling of relief. It's a sanctuary. Now imagine that feeling of safety magnified by a factor of ten, twenty, a thousand. That's what Gay Pride is all about. Joining the Gay Pride March gives me that enormous feeling of joy - and there is nothing quite like it. It gives me a real rush, a feeling of belonging, a sense of... pride. I love that annual glow. That self affirmation. I then know I am not alone. I am a part of a something bigger. Something good. So I owe it to myself to go tomorrow.
Let's face it it's a homophobic world. The casual use of poof, faggot and queer as terms of abuse is widespread. Less so than say 20 years ago but that is to a large extend due to such public displays of solidarity as Gay Pride. Sure the press picks up on the trannies, the leather queen's and the freaks - but what they rarely show is the thousands upon thousands of regular people walking arm in arm because they are simply making a statement about their sexuality (and having fun doing it). I believe that it's due to these marches that Stonewall got it's first footing, social and political change comes about through public visibility not by tutting behind newspapers and sounding off at dinner parties. Cynics will say that they don't need Gay Pride any more. But think of the people who are too frightened to come out, the people who hate themselves for what they are. The people who have no positive role model. By joining the March I am showing them it's OK to be gay. OK to be different. I say: get seen, get a scene. It could all be taken away so easily. So I owe it to others to go tomorrow too.
So will you be joining me in tomorrow's march? Speaker's Corner 11am.
I went to see Minority Report at our new local citiplex last night. And what a good film it is. Indeed if Harrision Ford rather than Tom Cruise had played the lead it would have been Blade Runner 2 in all but name.
This comparison shouldn't be too surprising as the original story of Minority Report was written by Phillip K Dick who wrote Do Robots Dream Of Electric Sheep? which was turned into Blade Runner by Ridley Scott. Steven Spielberg directs this time and despite faint echoes of A.I (don't let that put you off though) he brings a skill and craftsmanship to the project that helps raise it above being a mere The Matrix clone to being an outstanding piece of science fiction film making in it's own right.
Spielberg and Cruise are perhaps the two most powerful and influential people in filmmaking today and they have created something to behold. Sci-fi, action, whodunit, this film is rich and layered. Cruise puts in a convincing performance as John Anderton, a detective at the department of precrime in Washington D.C. Colin Farrel (cute as a button) and Max Von Sydow also deliver strong supporting performances.
The basic plot is this: There hasn't been a murder in six years. The system seems flawless and is about to go national. Unfortunately there are a few glitches that could prevent this from happening. When it is preordained that Anderton himself will murder someone in less than two days, he leads his former colleagues on a wild goose chase that contains some classic chase sequences. In one scene the police track him to an apartment building and deploy small mechanical spiders that perform retinal scans on all of the warm bodies in the building. This is just one example of the many brilliant ideas Spielberg created while in his "think tank", to which he invited many prominent scientists and futurists. The special effects in this movie put those of Spider-Man and Attack Of The Clones to shame, not because of how much CGI there is, but how it is used. Spielberg is a technical wizard but knows that special effects are just a way to enhance his vision, and that the real meat of a film is characters and plot. Minority Report is a masterful work which is deserving of the millions it is sure to make at the box office.
Some memorable lines:
Officer Fletcher: Don't run, John.
John Anderton: You don't have to chase me.
Officer Fletcher: You don't have to run!
John Anderton: Everybody runs, Fletch.
Gideon: Careful, Chief. You dig up the past, all you get is dirty.
OK, so it has a couple of those annoying Spielberg comedy moments but apart from those this is a dark piece of cinema with death, disease, drugs and back-street surgery. Earlier I said that the film is good rather than great because despite having the Holy Trinity of Spielberg, Cruise and Dick all on board there are two gaping cinemagraphic plot holes along the way (like 'how exactly did they get out of there' and 'how come he didn't get squashed by that'). But even these don't really detract from the narrative too much - and boy does the pace keep you on the edge of your seat at times.
Review in one sentence: Dream team make dream sci-fi flick.
There are three trailers to the film which you can watch here, here and here.
Thursday, July 04, 2002
Madonna news...
Madonna is set to perform Die Another Day, the Bond theme at the MTV music awards in September. She's working with Air on her new album: two songs that have been recorded are called Trick and Unless Its You. Madge is less happy that her book, Sex, is being re-printed and re-published for its 10th anniversary. And you can listen to lots of Madonna demos and out-takes here from the Ray Of Light and Bedtime Stories sessions.
[From Popbitch]
Madonna is set to perform Die Another Day, the Bond theme at the MTV music awards in September. She's working with Air on her new album: two songs that have been recorded are called Trick and Unless Its You. Madge is less happy that her book, Sex, is being re-printed and re-published for its 10th anniversary. And you can listen to lots of Madonna demos and out-takes here from the Ray Of Light and Bedtime Stories sessions.
[From Popbitch]
Heads you lose...
Thatcher gets beheaded. And builders turn off Saatchi's fridge so his blood head defrosts. I laughed my head off.
Thatcher gets beheaded. And builders turn off Saatchi's fridge so his blood head defrosts. I laughed my head off.
Minority Report...
I'm off to see Minority Report tonight at our new local citiplex. The trailers look good. Full review tomorrow.
I'm off to see Minority Report tonight at our new local citiplex. The trailers look good. Full review tomorrow.
Kiki and Herb...
I've just booked tickets for Mark, Ian, Marcus, David and I to go and see Kiki and Herb next month at the Soho Theatre. Upon Sparky's suggestion last year David and I went to see them in New York - and we were 'blown away' (as they say). At times funny, moving, sleazy and bold K&H provide immersion entertainment that makes you simply forget where you are. Sure, you're sitting in a cabaret venue but they take you on an emotional journey through life and love and they take no prisoners. I've seen nothing quite like it. You'll rave about it to your friends if you go and see it. So go!
I've just booked tickets for Mark, Ian, Marcus, David and I to go and see Kiki and Herb next month at the Soho Theatre. Upon Sparky's suggestion last year David and I went to see them in New York - and we were 'blown away' (as they say). At times funny, moving, sleazy and bold K&H provide immersion entertainment that makes you simply forget where you are. Sure, you're sitting in a cabaret venue but they take you on an emotional journey through life and love and they take no prisoners. I've seen nothing quite like it. You'll rave about it to your friends if you go and see it. So go!
BBC on BBC...
I turned on BBC Radio One this morning and the first thing we heard was the BBC Radio News leading with two stories about... the BBC. First that the BBC and Crown Castle have won the digital TV licences for the UK (taking over fromOn ITV Digital) and the second that Mark Fowler (Todd Carty) is to leave BBC's Eastenders. News reporting the News? Media on media? They'll be watching Eastenders on Eastenders next.
I turned on BBC Radio One this morning and the first thing we heard was the BBC Radio News leading with two stories about... the BBC. First that the BBC and Crown Castle have won the digital TV licences for the UK (taking over from
Wednesday, July 03, 2002
Ein Volk, ein Reich, ein euro...
Hmm. It sounds a bit tasteless to me too. But the No campaign aren't exactly famous for their subtly.
Hmm. It sounds a bit tasteless to me too. But the No campaign aren't exactly famous for their subtly.
Hysterical...
Thank you for the link, David. I shall be watching the George Michael video of Shoot The Dog all afternoon now. In the video there are (at least) three earlier versions of George - Wham George, Faith George and Older George. It also contains references or characterisations of Tony Blair, Cheire Blair, George W. Bush, the Simpsons, Madonna, Sadam, Dr Strangelove, Trevor MacDonnald, David Beckham, Paul Scoals, Phil Oakey, the Queen and Prince Charles, that bald World Cup ref, David Seaman and the Village People - made by the people who make 2DTV. Very funny.
Thank you for the link, David. I shall be watching the George Michael video of Shoot The Dog all afternoon now. In the video there are (at least) three earlier versions of George - Wham George, Faith George and Older George. It also contains references or characterisations of Tony Blair, Cheire Blair, George W. Bush, the Simpsons, Madonna, Sadam, Dr Strangelove, Trevor MacDonnald, David Beckham, Paul Scoals, Phil Oakey, the Queen and Prince Charles, that bald World Cup ref, David Seaman and the Village People - made by the people who make 2DTV. Very funny.
Abercrombie & Fitch...
The lovely Guy is always a good source of zeitgeist jokes, images and video clips. One of his 'heads-up' last weekend was the A&F Back To School video. Mind you, the main Abercrombie site has pretty decentsoft porn pix too.
The lovely Guy is always a good source of zeitgeist jokes, images and video clips. One of his 'heads-up' last weekend was the A&F Back To School video. Mind you, the main Abercrombie site has pretty decent
Mardi Gras confirmed artists...
Wow! Suede are playing at Mardi Gras this Saturday. Fab!
Main Stage
Westlife, H & Claire, Atomic Kitten, a1, Abs (from 5ive), Pop Idol contender Korben and Eurovision entrant Jessica Garlick, Alcazar, 3SL, Allstars, Belinda Carlisle, The Human League, Whigfield, Five Star.
Popstarz Live Stage
Suede, Haven, The Candys, The Cooper Temple Clause, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Alpinestars, and other special guests.
Dance Tents
London Dance - Hosted by Trade with guests including Action and UP in association with their friends at Smirnoff Ice, UK Dance - With guests including Paradise Factory (Manchester), Garlands (Liverpool), Federation (Leeds) and Nightingales (Birmingham) in association with The Independent, International Dance - Featuring Amsterdam’s Cockring, La Troya Asesina from Amnesia in Ibiza, Miami's White Party and other international visitors, World Dance - Featuring Club Kali, Exilio Latino and Hoppa!, The Radio 1 Outdoor Stage - Featuring Judge Jules, Smokin’ Jo, Tom Stephan, Guy Williams and Rosco (Trade), Liberté - Featuring Nikki Lucas, MC Chick A Boo, Smoochie and Nikki G with live performance from Cosmic Fun-K Force featuring Funki G, Z Star and more, Fist
Suzie Kruger’s legendary London club night returns to the festival with a dedicated dance space.
Classic FM stage
The Operababes, The Pink Singers, London's Gay Men's Chorus and Four Poofs And A Piano.
Red Light Cabaret Club
Angie Brown, Kym Mazelle, Dave Lynn, Pam Ann, Maisie Trollette, Lola Lasagne and many more of the UKs top cabaret performers.
Tuesday, July 02, 2002
Popular...
Oh bollocks. I didn't realise this blogging nonsense was a popularity contest. Note to self: Phone my Mum and get her to link to me from her blog :-)
Oh bollocks. I didn't realise this blogging nonsense was a popularity contest. Note to self: Phone my Mum and get her to link to me from her blog :-)
George Michael interview...
The George Michael interview in today's Daily Mirror is refreshingly frank.
"Let's just cut to the chase, shall we? I've lived with Kenny (Goss) for six years, we have a great relationship and love each other very dearly. But like a lot of gay couples in long-term relationships we are not monogamous. Either of us. And we're both perfectly comfortable with that fact, thank you. This is not an uncommon state of affairs in long-term gay relationships. It's not open at all in any emotional sense, just purely physical. And that's the way we choose to live and if people don't like it then, for want of a better phrase, they can stick it up their...""
"When I was caught out in that toilet with my policeman friend, I had to admit that I wasn't remotely ashamed. I really wasn't - and I couldn't fake it. I am a gay man leading a very normal gay life and all that entails. The only person I have to explain myself to is my partner. And we both feel very similar about these kind of things in terms of relationships. Provided you practise safe sex there has probably never been a better or freer time to be a gay man. So there's nothing the media can throw at us that will make any difference. All I'd say is that if they do drag up a one-night stand then I hope it's a decent one."
You can read it in full here.
The George Michael interview in today's Daily Mirror is refreshingly frank.
"Let's just cut to the chase, shall we? I've lived with Kenny (Goss) for six years, we have a great relationship and love each other very dearly. But like a lot of gay couples in long-term relationships we are not monogamous. Either of us. And we're both perfectly comfortable with that fact, thank you. This is not an uncommon state of affairs in long-term gay relationships. It's not open at all in any emotional sense, just purely physical. And that's the way we choose to live and if people don't like it then, for want of a better phrase, they can stick it up their...""
"When I was caught out in that toilet with my policeman friend, I had to admit that I wasn't remotely ashamed. I really wasn't - and I couldn't fake it. I am a gay man leading a very normal gay life and all that entails. The only person I have to explain myself to is my partner. And we both feel very similar about these kind of things in terms of relationships. Provided you practise safe sex there has probably never been a better or freer time to be a gay man. So there's nothing the media can throw at us that will make any difference. All I'd say is that if they do drag up a one-night stand then I hope it's a decent one."
You can read it in full here.
Shoot the Dog...
George Michael's new single Shoot the Dog is due to be released soon. It was delayed so the video would be ready at the same time. First play on the radio should be today. And part of the lyrics are from The Human League's Love Action. The song is a typical George Michael dance track - upbeat, catchy and toe-tapping. But the lyrics are, not to put too fine a point on it, controversial.
The video has had lots of hype already with articles in the Guardian and many other papers. George Michael has been doing exclusive interviews and quotes for the Daily Mirror who have been running the story all week. In fact one reason why the Daily Mirror has had the exclusive is because the single's cover includes a front page of the Daily Mirror, headlined Howdy Poodle, criticising the Prime Minister's apparent sucking up to President Bush.
Here are the lyrics as printed in the Sunday Mirror
Shoot The Dog
GTi, Hot Shot,
He parks it there, just to piss me off.
Bullyboy, gonna show ya who's tough,
I'm gonna shoot the dog,
I'm gonna shoot the dog
It's party time, everyday
I spent Saturday night on Novocaine
Called the pigs, but nobody came
I'm gonna shoot the dog,
I'm gonna shoot the dog... (come on ladies)
Nine nine nine gettin' jiggy
People did you see that fire in the city?
It's like we're fresh out of democratic,
Gotta get yourself a little
something semi-automatic yeah...
That's why I'm always gettin' stoned yeah
That's why I'm out there havin' fun again
Good puppy, good puppy
Rollin on over...
Mustapha
Mazeltov,
The Gaza Boys,
All that holy stuff.
I got the feelin'' when it all goes off,
They're gonna shoot the dog,
they're gonna shoot the dog.
So, Cherie my dear,
Could you leave the way clear for sex tonight?
Tell him "Tony Tony Tony,
I know that you're horny,
but there's somethin' bout that Bush ain't right"
Nine nine nine gettin jiggy,
People did you see that fire in the city?
It's like we're fresh out of democratic,
Gotta get yourself a little
something semi-automatic yeah...
That's why I'm always gettin' stoned yeah
That's why I'm out there havin' fun again,
Good puppy, good puppy,
Rollin' on over for The Man...
The Ayatollah's gettin' bombed yeah,
See Sergeant Bilko having fun again,
Good puppy, good puppy
Rollin on over for The Man....
I believe, I believe what the old man said
Though I know that there's no lord above
I believe in me, I believe in you
And you know I believe in love
I believe in truth though I lie a lot
I feel the pain from the push and shove
No matter what you put me through
I''ll still believe in love
And I say
Cherie Baby, Spliff up
I wanna kick back mama
And watch the World Cup with ya baby
Yeah, That's right!
We're getting freeky tonight
Stay with me tonight
Let's have some fun while Tony's Stateside
It's gonna be alright
It's gonna be alright
See Tony dancing with Dubya
Don't you wanna know why?
(Copyright George Michael)
George Michael's new single Shoot the Dog is due to be released soon. It was delayed so the video would be ready at the same time. First play on the radio should be today. And part of the lyrics are from The Human League's Love Action. The song is a typical George Michael dance track - upbeat, catchy and toe-tapping. But the lyrics are, not to put too fine a point on it, controversial.
The video has had lots of hype already with articles in the Guardian and many other papers. George Michael has been doing exclusive interviews and quotes for the Daily Mirror who have been running the story all week. In fact one reason why the Daily Mirror has had the exclusive is because the single's cover includes a front page of the Daily Mirror, headlined Howdy Poodle, criticising the Prime Minister's apparent sucking up to President Bush.
Here are the lyrics as printed in the Sunday Mirror
Shoot The Dog
GTi, Hot Shot,
He parks it there, just to piss me off.
Bullyboy, gonna show ya who's tough,
I'm gonna shoot the dog,
I'm gonna shoot the dog
It's party time, everyday
I spent Saturday night on Novocaine
Called the pigs, but nobody came
I'm gonna shoot the dog,
I'm gonna shoot the dog... (come on ladies)
Nine nine nine gettin' jiggy
People did you see that fire in the city?
It's like we're fresh out of democratic,
Gotta get yourself a little
something semi-automatic yeah...
That's why I'm always gettin' stoned yeah
That's why I'm out there havin' fun again
Good puppy, good puppy
Rollin on over...
Mustapha
Mazeltov,
The Gaza Boys,
All that holy stuff.
I got the feelin'' when it all goes off,
They're gonna shoot the dog,
they're gonna shoot the dog.
So, Cherie my dear,
Could you leave the way clear for sex tonight?
Tell him "Tony Tony Tony,
I know that you're horny,
but there's somethin' bout that Bush ain't right"
Nine nine nine gettin jiggy,
People did you see that fire in the city?
It's like we're fresh out of democratic,
Gotta get yourself a little
something semi-automatic yeah...
That's why I'm always gettin' stoned yeah
That's why I'm out there havin' fun again,
Good puppy, good puppy,
Rollin' on over for The Man...
The Ayatollah's gettin' bombed yeah,
See Sergeant Bilko having fun again,
Good puppy, good puppy
Rollin on over for The Man....
I believe, I believe what the old man said
Though I know that there's no lord above
I believe in me, I believe in you
And you know I believe in love
I believe in truth though I lie a lot
I feel the pain from the push and shove
No matter what you put me through
I''ll still believe in love
And I say
Cherie Baby, Spliff up
I wanna kick back mama
And watch the World Cup with ya baby
Yeah, That's right!
We're getting freeky tonight
Stay with me tonight
Let's have some fun while Tony's Stateside
It's gonna be alright
It's gonna be alright
See Tony dancing with Dubya
Don't you wanna know why?
(Copyright George Michael)
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