Vale: Doc Neeson.

In the late 70s, The Angels ruled Australian rock, and Face to Face was one of my favourite albums. I was in high school and I played it non-stop. No Exit, Darkroom and Night Attack followed over the next few years and were all great. In fact, those four albums still get played regularly. This was the band AC/DC could have been. Intelligent poetic lyrics, biting guitars, a solid rhythm section and Doc Neeson, the enigmatic Irish frontman who always sounded as though he was spiralling into madness.

For some reason I never got to see them live, which is something I will always regret - particularly when you see the energy of their performance on the La Trobe University video.
 
But by 1983 line-ups had changed and the albums didn't work as well. I simply didn't bother with them. I still bought the albums, but found they didn't get repeated playings.

So I was really excited when I finally saw the re-united Angels about five years ago, albeit without Doc. And then I was completely thrilled when Doc joined them a year later. Since then I've seen them three or four times, and loved every show.

Of course there were more falling-outs and Doc left again.

About 18 months ago, Doc was diagnosed with aggressive brain tumours. He fought the cancer, formed a new band and planned a tour. This morning, Doc lost his battle. He was the lyricist, the voice of The Angels, and they will never be the same again.

Thanks for the stage theatrics, Doc.

He was 67.

It's A Long Way To The Top.

I learned a couple of things about success this week.  I learned it takes perseverance and won't happen overnight (unless you're one of the lucky few), I learned it takes planning and preparation, I learned it takes having good people around you, I learned it takes making the right choices, and I learned it takes a bit of luck.

I finally got around to watching the film Anvil - the story of a band that were the next big thing in metal back in the 80s, and nothing happened. They're still around, gradually falling into their 50s, producing album after album, sounding like a lot of other bands that did make it - but circumstances, bad management, bad luck and poor choices make for a group of guys with obvious comparisons to Spinal Tap.

They seem like nice guys, and I ended up feeling rather sorry for them (while laughing at the same time). I wanted them to succeed. And towards the end of the film they have a few minor wins.  From what I've heard they've had a bit more success after the film's release, with support slots on AC/DC's North American tour.

Lars Ulrich was there on celluloid, raving about how great Anvil are, and what an influence they were on his music. It's a shame he didn't back that up by giving them the $25,000 or so they needed to record their next album with a half decent producer - or even just helping them get the finished disc picked up by a label. I'm not just having a shot at Lars, but at any of the rich rock stars that got themselves on this film by saying how great Anvil was and how much they deserved a break.

But the main thing I learned was the dedication we need to succeed. I have a long way to go, and I have a lot of work to do - but I plan on succeeding in writing.

The Year Of The...

Ok, apart from all the excitement of the whole European trip and catching up with my in-laws, I have a number of great events coming up that I'm very excited about.

Next week, for example, I'm off to see The Angels. I'm a long time fan - 30 years plus - but it was only last year that I first saw Doc Neeson live, and only a year before that I saw The Angels (minus Doc) for the first time.  I'm thrilled they've worked through their differences and combined their powers for goodness and niceness instead of evil.  And they still rock!

Then in February it's AC/DC.  Very cool. Early next year I also have tickets for Wilco (an amazing band that I've seen several times now and can't wait to see again), The Pixies (who I also saw last year and loved), Ross Noble (a funny, funny guy that I've seen several times) - and I'm sure there's someone else - but I can't remember right now.

I was looking forward to going away for some astronomy with friends, but circumstances have prevented that recently.  But early next year I'll drag out my much under-utilised telescope and head off for a weekend of observing. Of course it's the company that makes the night so enjoyable, so the SEDNA gang will also have to be there.

And then there's Continuum 6 and Aussicon 4 - both next year. As much fandom and SF as one could hope for.

Yes, next year is shaping up as a fabulous one.  And although there have been a few occurrences this year I'd rather forget, it's been a great year in so many ways too.

2010 - Arthur C. Clarke decided it's "the year we make contact", the Chinese call it "the year of the tiger". I should declare it to be "the year of the writer" and change up a gear. In fact, I'm deciding here and now it's "the year things start to happen".

I'll have to get onto one of my weird friends and find out what she thinks the year has in store for me. She's always guided me right, you know.