Bolanfest 2000 #3

Tillers & Other Guests- BOLANFEST 2000 / Pix page 3

Welcome to our third page with more pictures from the "Fest" -Once again it wouldn't be right without at least a few more thoughts on the dayes events. This time some memories from Irving and Pierre - Pierre did a wonderful job as a "speaker" describing Marc's visit to France. Irving fills in each daye with a Gifted hand..... The Pictures are nothing without the words! So Page Three -Irving -

** (IRVING)So ready or not, here's my view of Bolanfest 2000. Actually today is part one - PreBolanfest 2000 (PBFY2K)
After about 36 hours travelling from New Zealand, we - that is me, Petra (the wife, die frau) and the boys: Louis & Austen) - arrived in Birmingham at about 11.30 pm on Thursday the 21st of September.
No sleeping in though!! On Friday morning it was up early to help George set up (first case of advance mugging by e-mail). I was waiting in the in the Hotel reception area and in walked this bearded hairy looking character (sound familiar) and we looked at each other and in unison said "Hi, you must be Bob/Irving"
Yes, it was the infamous Mr Mootz and his lovely wife Karen. Not long after, I met my second Tiller for the day and organiser extraordinaire: Mr George Rab.
George kindly gave Petra some advise of where to go (he's a born diplomat). So she took off with the boys to Merrihill (?) and the rest of us clambered into George's car to go to the venue.
The venue belonged to a photographic club and there was plenty of preparations to make. We arrived at just the right time as the guy delivering the sound and visual equipment had also just arrived to set up.
Karen was given the job of carefully (and artistically) displaying several series of photographs of Marc around the walls of the canteen/bar room.
Having carefully assessed our talents, George gave Bob and me the task of moving heavy objects out of the convention rooms and into cupboards & backrooms and setting up divider screens etc. However later, we were trusted to put up on the walls the original artwork for the Jackie magazine cartoon series.
Around 11.00 am George disappeared to collect more mugs (oops, helpers) and returned a short while later with Wolfgang (Tiller no. 3 for the day) and Uwe. It was great to see them both again.
Anyway we all got stuck into the work and about 1 p.m. had done enough that we were allowed to have lunch at the pub over the road. We had a nice time there and all got along famously.
George had to scoot off after a short while to start bringing in the exhibits etc. We all agreed to head back to the hotel about 2.30 and locate two more people due around then.
So back to the hotel and yes they were there, two people I'd corresponded with, talked on the phone to, but never met: Dave Williams & Anthony Green. Dave & Anthony were in charge of security at the venue but until George came to collect them were at a loose end. Petra, Louis & Austen returned from Merrihill about this time, too. So we all went off next door to the family restaurant (where kids were allowed in) for a drink.
Bob & Karen took off looking for the American Express office. As you know, I'd never met Dave & Anthony before but we all got on like a house on fire. These guys are real characters!! Anyway we'd just finished solving the world's problems when George arrived and dragged off the security officers to do some work.
Later, eight of us (Bob, Karen, Uwe, Wolfgang & my tribe) took off and found an Indian restaurant for dinner. On returning to the hotel we sat in the bar area and played the new Bolan "Supersonic" CD before packing it in for the day.
Overall a really fun day - some work and great socialising.......Irving

** (IRVING PART 2) Hello, hello I'm back again,
In case anyone bothers to read this, after having already suffered through PreBolanfest 2000, this is part two - The Laundrette and Bolanfest 2000 Day One.
Its Saturday morning in Birmingham: up early again and breakfast with the family in the hotel. I think we were first down but it wasn't too long before was saw Karen & Bob, and then Wolfgang & Uwe.
We all had slightly different plans for the morning but agreed to meet around 11.30-ish for lunch.
Our plan was to find a laundrette. Karen & Bob had found one on the Thursday but it was miles away by all accounts (and we had no car). The Hotel Receptionist gave us directions to one about "7 minutes away" but maybe I misheard her and it was "7 miles away" as it took us 40 minutes to walk there. I've never been to a laundrette before, so it was quite an experience.
With the washing done, we trekked back to the Holiday Inn. By this time the reception area was starting to buzz as delegates came and checked in. We met up with Wolfgang, Uwe, Bob, Karen and yet another Tiller: Chris, and headed down the road for lunch.
After a Cajun Chicken washed down with a Guinness, it was back to the hotel to get on the bus.
I was talking in the carpark with Uwe & Wolfgang, when Wolfgang (the eagle-eyed one) spotted Ivan, so we wandered over to say hello. Ivan had just arrived on a plane that morning and said he was feeling a little jet-lagged. He was thinking about getting an early night and not going to the concert but after about 5 minutes of "no, you can't do that", agreed that he would definitely be going out that night.
Also located in the carpark area was Pierre, conspicuous with his "Donna La Folle" T-shirt. With Pierre was his pal Bernard, who had a video camera constantly glued to his head (amputation is the only possible cure).

As you all probably know now, the venue is about 120 metres down the road from the Holiday Inn. George had sworn all the workers from the previous day to secrecy but it seemed that word had got out (honestly George, it wasn't me) because a few people were heard saying "Nah, I'm not catching the bus, I 'll walk".
But to keep up appearances, Wolfgang, Uwe & I clambered on the bus for the long journey. On arrival at the venue, we all went to register and handed over various items for exhibition to Uncle George (who was starting to look relieved that he would indeed have something to exhibit). We received the beautifully made programmes at this stage.
After a few minutes getting to meet people and looking at all the Bolan photos on the wall (artistically arranged by Karen), we were invited (ordered) in to the theatre room by our host: George. He welcomed us all and gave a brief run down on the upcoming events.
Then we settled down to watch the first half of the new Lost & Found video. Bob was in charge of the sound/video system and so we got to see the bits he liked twice. No, just kidding - great job Bob.
Next up, Uwe played some really nice unreleased recordings for us. These included the original acoustic version of I'm Weird (only the overdubbed version has been released), the Joe Boyd produced Chateau in Virginia Waters, and Take 1 of Jeepster from Media Sound Studios in NYC. Unfortunately, due to time constraints, this section had to cut a little short (although we did hear some of the others songs the next day). Uwe had to put our Bob in a headlock to get his CD back.
Then it was into the first exhibition room for a look at some truly amazing items. All round the walls were hand-written lyrics & poems, promo photos & posters for the Born To Boogie film, the legendary Town magazine, Steve Currie's T.Rex record collection, and loads more.

Next it was back to the theatre for the guest speakers. You can imagine our surprise when George wheeled in Mickey Finn, Eric Hall and Micky Marmalade. First to speak was Eric Hall, aka Eric The Frog (in French: Eric le Frog).
Well Eric is certainly an entertaining and Jewish speaker (oi weh, he won't let you forget it), but you have to take it all with a pinch of salt. Certainly the story about how he became the frog in the NYC clip was fun, as was how he came to have a jacket of Marc's. For those who haven't heard, here's how it goes (those who have can skip the next paragraph):-)
Back in 1977, Eric was a publicist at EMI (and a great friend of Marc's). Not long before Marc's death, Marc asked Eric's secretary to drop off a red jacket at the drycleaners. Apparently Marc wanted to use it on an upcoming TV appearance in Germany. Anyway Eric came across the drycleaner's ticket about 18 months later and thought to himself . "Surely they won't still have this, no. Well I'd best just check". So he toddled along to the drycleaner and presents the ticket. The proprietor headed down into the basement to check for the jacket. After about half an hour he returns and tells Eric its still there. So Eric says "Can I have it then". The reply was "No. It will be ready on Tuesday!"
At this stage Eric unveils Marc's red jacket.
The next speaker is Mickey Finn. Unfortunately Mickey's talk wasn't too enlightening. I won't say too much about it, suffice to say that he had a stroke a few years back and his health (and memory) isn't too good.
Mickey was originally going to be staying overnight in Birmingham but in the end decided to return to London that Saturday evening.
Anyway, all too soon the afternoon was over and we returned to the hotel to prepare for the evening.

At around 6.30 the bus left the hotel bound for the Red Robin. Bolanfest 2000 took over one bar for some food and drinks prior to the entertainment. Petra and the boys came along but the boys were starting to fade (still a bit jetlagged).
Had a good talk with Chris Broham, the new owner of the OMBFC. He used to be a stuntman and is a really nice guy. He was originally going to bring along one of Marc's guitars but apparently a certain list-owner (and former Tiller, need I say more) had made threats to destroy it, so he left it at home (who can blame him). Then after spending some time propping up the bar with Dave Williams & Anthony Green, we all headed into the main concert bar for the opening act: Beryl Crow. No, that's not a typo. Its Sheryl's cousin from the Midlands, Beryl.
After Beryl, T.Rextasy came on. They really are an entertaining experience and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Petra really made me smile. She always tries to give me a hard time about being a Bolan fan but she was up there with me singing along . and she knew all the lyrics!!! Now I wonder how that happened!
Every now and then I caught a glimpse of people I knew. Wolfgang was boogie-ing on down. Ivan was looking a bit jaded but hanging in there. Pierre was screaming around taking photos.
Near the end my youngest, Austen (10) fell asleep, but Louis (12) was still up near the stage singing Hot Love (with Dad). It really was a fun night.
Just as we were getting ready to leave, I met up with some more Tillers. This time it was Paul who in turn introduced me to David Do. It took me a minute to figure out who Paul was because he always uses the nom de plume "Zombie ZCP" on the list. I'm sure he thinks I'm a bit dim. Anyway we had a nice chat after we finally figured out who was who.
Back on the bus to the hotel and a post-mortem of the concert on the way. Bob had seen T.Rextasy on other occasions and thought one of the other times was a better concert. Uwe preferred it when they had two black girls on backing vocals (but of course he's always liked Marc's 73-4 soul period).
Anthony Green (Mr 10%) was telling Petra that every time he bought a T.Rex/Bolan item for his collection, he would give his wife, Tyanna, 10% of the value. According to him, I should do the same but at 15 to 20%. Of course I was looking to change the subject but he was like a dog with a bone, he just kept on at it. Eventually we got back to the hotel and sent Anthony on his way (he was staying at the venue).
Those with stamina can look for part three:- "Bolanfest Day Two and Mexican Food in Birmingham" in the next day or three.

**(IRVING PART 3) The day began with breakfast at the hotel. Having two rather hungry boys we were down early and getting stuck into the cornflakes, whilst the room was otherwise empty. But it wasn't long before the place filled up with Bolanfest delegates.
After breakfast, people were sitting round the tables in the hotel lobby, waiting for the designated time to head off to the venue. I met up with David and Paul again, and then through them Zac, who was trying to shift a box of TWAT CDs. David organised all the Tillers to sign the Warlock Of Love book that was travelling through on its world tour.
Just before 10.00 am the placed emptied out as we all raced down the road to Bolanfest. George was there to greet us, looking wide eyed (and bushy tailed). Into the main room and straight into the raffle.
Assembled on the stage, were about 50 Marc Bolan related items. These ranged from a framed photo mounted with a small autograph, to reproduction posters and some records and tapes. The number from everyone's programme was put into a hat and numbers drawn until they were all gone. Each person got to choose a prize as their number was drawn. Strangely enough, the chap with the first number out, choose the framed photo & autograph.
I think everyone enjoyed the raffle and we all received a nice little something.
After the raffle George, told us about some changes in the day's schedule and talked about the CD that all participants were going to receive at the end of the day. All these CDs were signed by the three guest speakers: Mickey Finn, Eric Hall and Micky Marmalade. However George said that he had 10 (or so) specially numbered CDs with a personalised message that he wanted to give out separately. The first CD went to well known Tiller, Ivan, with George saying that he had to thank Ivan for putting the idea of Bolanfest forward and providing support and encouragement in the lead up period. The other numbered CDs went to people who had helped in various ways, with #1 & #2 going to Dave Williams and Anthony Green respectively (a popular choice with everyone).
The remaining guest speaker, Micky Marmalade, then stood up. Rather than giving a speech, he just asked whether anyone had any questions for him. All questions were answered in a full and thoughtful manner. Micky had a really good memory and had been at the right places at the right times. Consequently he was the most interesting of the guest speakers.
One of the topics that came up was "the tree". Micky had never been (nor have I) and had no interest in going. He didn't think that Marc would have approved. Marc's own heroes were Eddie Cochran and James Dean. Micky says that Marc never visited the sites of their deaths (England and California respectively). Marc "wasn't a ghoul" and thought that life was for the living.
Personally I've always had mixed feelings on the subject of the tree. On the odd occasion when I've been in London, I have thought about visiting but in the end shied away. I still don't have a "fixed policy" but decided not to visit this trip.
We stopped for lunch and Micky stayed and chatted with people during the break.
After lunch we heard from Pierre and Bernard about T.Rex in France during 1976/77. Pierre played us some music (Laser Love & I Love To Boogie) that he had recorded from the television Christmas special "La Nuit de Noël de Graziella" in 1976. I had to smile at the start: you can hear Pierre and his family talking. Using my powers of deduction (and very limited French ability), I've worked out the gist of the conversation
Mrs C. 'ello 'ello, what's this crap you're watching now, young man.
P. C. Shhhh. Be quiet you silly woman. Can't you see I'm taping Marc Bolan.
Mrs C. Don't come the raw prawn with me, buster. Now I'm going to make you come to midnight mass so you miss the final two songs. Ha!

Okay, enough speculation & back to Bolanfest. Next Pierre told us about attending the Nantes concert in 1977. He also gave us the story of how Bernard attended the Paris concert and filmed part of it with a Super-8. Bernard had also made an audio tape of the show, so we were able to see about 5 minutes of the concert with sound. Great. Thanks Pierre & Bernard.
We were lucky enough to hear from Thunderwing about upcoming plans and a history of how they bought many multi-track tapes from Peter Todd. John Willans & Marc Arscott gave an interesting talk and played us two unreleased pieces. The first was "Stand By Me" recorded by just Marc & Tony Visconti. The other was a re-recording of "Baby Boomerang" from 1974 that is quite different to the original. Both of these songs will be released on the next Thunderwing album.
Some months ago, John Willans sat down and interviewed Tony Visconti when he was in London. An unedited video tape was played. This was most interesting and John certainly hit the spot with some well chosen questions!!
Then we were invited into the second exhibition room for a look at some more amazing items. Several of Marc's jackets and stage outfits were on display. I'm not sure how many there were, but at least 7 or 8. In addition rare posters adorned the walls. Fantastic!!!
Towards the end of the afternoon, we returned to theatrette, for the auction. About twenty rare items were for sale and the prices ranged from £5 (for a NME advertising RAWS) to about £300 for a framed piece of Marc Bolan handwriting.
There was keen bidding on several items but surprisingly the records failed to attract much interest. I guess the weren't too many "mad collectors" there, and those that were already had these items (Greek multi-coloured Hot Love, Japanese Tanx etc.).
The day was rounded off with photos, all the Tillers first, followed by a shots of everyone together up on the stage (while we listened to some more unreleased recordings).
After the photos (while everyone was collecting their CD), I ran back to the hotel to collect Petra, Louis and Austen. George had kindly allowed my family to come along at the end and take a look at the exhibits. They really appreciated it George, thanks again.

Then it was chucking out time and we all made our way back to the hotel. Some people had to rush off to connect with trains, planes etc. (Pierre, did you actually make the train to Paris?)
My lot sat down for a nice drink with Uwe, Wolfgang, Karen & Bob. After about an hour Uwe and Wolfgang caught a Taxi to the airport. We had a nice evening with Karen & Bob at a Mexican restaurant they'd located a few miles away.
Well Bolanfest 2000 was over and I'm sure that all who attended had a great time. The atmosphere was great and there was an excellent spirit of co-operation amongst all fans. George did a fantastic job in organising things and getting together a great bunch of people.
Its interesting to note that probably at least half of the people who attended are involved with a Bolan related project of some description. Good luck to them all.

** (PIERRE)Then it was time for our 'Heure de gloire' ! Bernard and I were very nervous mainly because we had seen the videos Bernard had brought only on a small old TV and they were not coming great on it.
So we were afraid that on the large screen, through the video projector the stuff would be poor. Anyway as soon as the French TV show start playing everyone was delighted !
In 77 Bernard had rented a cine 8 camera and filmed the TV of one of his friend during the '1 sur 5' program when Marc appeared on february the 2nd.
Bernard wasn't used with the camera and obviously still practising but the video showed great !!! The mother of his friend unshamely walked between the camera and the TV in a 'chinese shadow' that made the audience laugh.The 'punk' interview was showed too and I can say that the viewers enjoyed much seeing this previously unseen footage.
Being now relaxed about the quality I then had a great time translating Bernard. The guy is always scared that he has done something wrong or he could have done something better....so he explained a lot of things about the following footage : Paris concert in 1977.
Bernard had brought the same camera at the gig and was able to film 6-7 mins of Hot love and Get it On. Would he have been a little less nervous he would have come up with a lot more cos he had a lot of cine 8 cartridges with him.But, in this ancient times you had to change the cartridge every 3 minutes, which explains he couldn't film a full song. Also he was kind of hypnotised by the subject and forgot to change the cartridge for about 10-15 mins. Anyway, compared to the cine 8 footage from a 1975 English that some of you may have seen on a Rexmas or a Lost & found tape I assume this footage is better : because Bernard was only a few yards from Marc, also the sound is perfectly synchronized to the images.
By the end of the video we had a huge applause.....my face went red with pleasure......Pierre

Keep on Rocking Tillers and as always thanks for sharing your pix and memories of this once in a lifetime event!

Rickster & the Gang..........enjoy !!