Now that’s what I call a Super Group

David Bowie has put together one heck of a Super Group since he died in January this year.

He has been joined by Glen Frey, Keith Emerson, Prince, Leonard Cohen, Greg Lake, Rick Parfitt and George Michael.

And that’s just the singers/ musicians that I remember falling off the stage during 2016. Now wouldn’t they put on a gig to remember?

Of those dearly departed I have only seen one in action, so to speak – Rick Parfitt.

SWMBO and I first caught the Quo (although I have to say we are both feeling better now) in Dubai in April 1986. It was, apparently, part of their world Farewell Tour.

They recorded the video for their then new single, Rolling Home, while in the city. One of the possible venues for the shoot was the Dubai Aluminium Company (Dubal), which a member of their team visited for a look-see.

The company’s Head of Public Affairs informed them that they could film but, due to Health and Safety, would have to wear protective clothing and safety hats.

They ended up filming the video in the desert and the Dubal PR man accompanied SWMBO to the concert in downtown Dubai.

Talking about gigs – I have managed to get some tickets to see Elton John in the summer next year.

SWMBO and I last saw him live on June 21, 1975 in a memorable concert at Wembley Stadium that also had Joe Walsh, The Eagles and the Beach Boys on the bill.

I think the tickets cost me about £2.50 each – not sure what that equates to nowadays but I would guess it’s less than the £66 each I paid for the Elton John 2017 tickets.

There are rumours floating around that he will retire after next year’s concerts.

Maybe that will be for the best, as Elton’s voice is not what it used to be.

Mind you, nor is Paul McCartney’s – who can forget his shaky warbling at the London 2012 Olympics?

There are many others who should really have put the microphone down years ago but insist on carrying on gigging. I guess Rod Stewart is the only exception. He never had a voice to lose.

Plan for the future and fear the worst – part 2

My last missive elicited a response from my reader. Yes, I know, amazing that anyone reads this. With his permission, I reproduce his views:

Your point is well made about how essentially unfair it is that  one can expect little help from the state if one has made provision for one’s old age. We were fortunate that none of our parents needed residential care.

Nevertheless, as one edges into one’s mid-seventies (I shall be 75 in January!) one’s thoughts turn inevitably to what might be required in our case.

There is an abundance of advice around to the effect we should spend our money and dispose of assets now (but stay within the rules as to the motive for disposal) so that the state has to fund any care.

The problem with that as I understand it is that there is then no choice other than to go into whatever home the local authority chooses – and some of them aren’t up to much. All a bit depressing isn’t it? Luckily, we’re both fairly sound in wind and limb and so the problem may not arise!

Looking on the bright side, it’s now only an hour and a half to having a bath, changing, lighting the fire and pouring my pre-dinner glass of whisky. My favourite time of day during these winter months!

Surprise of the week.

The UK will not be able "cherry pick" on issues such as the single market, according to the EU's chief negotiator for Brexit.

Michel Barnier said: "Being a member of EU comes with rights and benefits. Third countries (non-members as the UK will be after Brexit) can never have the same rights and benefits since they are not subject to the same obligations.

"The single market and its four freedoms (which include freedom of movement) are indivisible. Cherry picking is not an option."