The anticipation for BSMXV is reaching an all-time high. This being the first year to Officially Celebrate at The New Great Hall by the Sea. Even if a Driver were to come forward, We would decline the offer at this point. Lots of people have been asking if I am saddened by this development. I respond with a big No. This is a wonderful opportunity to “try something new”. In days ahead previous films of various “Black Sabbath Mondays” will be made available for folks to enjoy for a little while. Also, the highly anticipated “BSM Simulator I” film. This film has been culled from archival BSM footage to try to provide an “in car simulation” whilst at home. The goal for future years is to have a film depicting all of 3a and 6a shot from a dash-mounted camera, truly simulating the entire ride.
Q: What does this mean for the future of BSM?
A: Options and more options. I trust we haven’t had our last ride on The Old Kings Highway on BSM, perhaps in future years a limo would be secured, or heck, even I return to the helm!
With less than a fortnight to go before BSM XV We are at a new crossroad. Unless funding for limo service appears or a Driver volunteers, it’s looking like BSM XV will take place at TNGHbtS.
This is, of course, in no way a bad thing, just a new thing.
I’m hoping to cull enough road footage to have a “simulation” of the ride on the monitor while Sabbath plays.
The Circle tries to gather at all possible times. When that coincides with an event on the calendar, great. When it coincides with a real Event: profound. When it the two come together: Now Today.
Visitor Blim, Winthrop Frank and I gathered for 3 full circles. A Game dedicated to Willow Brindlepaw, a recent ascendent to The Great Cat Tree of Paradise:
Here was the set list:
(Tracks 37-41 were without Visitor Blim)
The Team in Action:
Willow has a history of attending the Good Times:
Willow Likes jeans:
Here is a short clip of 3 moments with Willow at The Circle Game:
Other than some discomfort and inconvenience, I’ve been totally digging this Winter.
One the highlights has been two (2) recent trips to NYC. One with the Wife for a “romantic getaway” the other, later the same week was a day trip for esoteric reasons. But, whence completed (the esotericism that is) I met Tech Support at Not Today NY3 hang out “Tortilla Flats”. “Tortilla Flats” is a Mexican restaurant known for it’s adoration of acclaimed actor Ernest Borgnine. We then visited our friends at another NT hangout whilst in NY3: “Hogs N Heifers”.
Here is a relevant set of photographic images:
(Caution, these images give clues into some aspects into the mind and methods of Bryant Evans)
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Looking ahead there’s talk of Wire playing in June. Yes, they play the Sinclair here in the Commonwealth, but, perhaps it would be a gas to have an adventure to see them at The Bowery in NYC.
Also, if all goes well, on Monday February 23rd We, here at The New Great Hall by the Sea are hoping to Host Visitor Blim and an “Eve of The Eve” surprise party. Doors at 0900hrs. Join the GTs!
Solstice to July 4 ~ Summer
July 4 to 22 ~ Mid Summer
July 22 to August 15 ~ High Summer
August 15 to Labour Day ~ Late Summer
Labour Day to Equinox ~ Summers’ Twilight
So, Winter, my Favourite of the Seasons, deserves no less!
Solstice to New Year ~ New Winter
New Year to January 18 ~ Winter
January 18 to February 14 ~ Still Winter
February 14 to March 17th ~ Deep Winter
March 17 to Equinox ~ Winters’ Twilight
The aspects are solid, the names are new and may be subject to change.
Here is the last picture of the labyrinth, reclaimed by Poseidon last week:
Some storm related images:
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In the snowed in days I strangely found myself turned in the direction of Lynyrd Skynyrd.
I was in the mood for demo’s and rarities and discovered and rediscovered many gems.
I spent a bit of time watching concerts of Lynyrd Skynyrd on youtube, shows from 1974, 1975, and 1977 (their 9th to last show). Stunning. Days before packaged looks and sounds. An authentic mission from very humble beginnings. I’m strangely attracted to the Rossington Collins and Allen Collins Bands. Rising from tragedy, to be met with more tragedy …
Here’s Willow totally rocking with classic Skynyrd:
Yesterday, out of curiosity, I watched some of the new Skynyrd. It was for a DVD and the “package” was clear. For this show Ricky Medlocke and Hughie Thomasson were in the roles of Allen and Steve. Medlocke was involved in the early days of Skynyrd and Thomasson was in the Outlaws. Both were competent, if not great. But, it was all a package. Billy Powell and Gary Rossington were also there, this must’ve been shortly before Billy’s passing, leaving Rossington the last of them. Anyway, the package was clear. The product was good. I even watched their Free Bird, and thought … may be I should see the touring act while Rossington is still there.
I think the packaged product that is now in place could go on forever no matter who is in the crew now. I never gave the new band a listen, and I probably won’t. Johnny Van Zant is a good front man, but it’s not a band (or product) I have a need for.
But, damn, Lynyrd Skynyrd, in the day … rocked.
Here is a beautiful version of Free Bird by The Rossington Collins Band. Poignant and bittersweet in it’s vocal-less form:
May 14th 