I AM ALWAYS WARY OF MEETING CELEBRITIES, especially those who are or were your idols. Sometimes they are not what you thought they were and your dream dies the moment you meet them.
Here's a few of my photographs with brief notes
Ricky Tomlinson. He is is not only a very fine actor, he does not have the background of privilege and snobbery that many do. Whatever role he plays, whether it is the miserable old git Jim Royle in 'The Royle Family' or the England manager in I can always relate to him. He's just increbible unorthodox, flexible and adaptable. I never tire of watching him. I saw him live in Stafford in 2010 and he personally gave me the picture below. He even mentioned me on stage which was nice. As Jim would articulate:-
'Met him my arse!'.
Steve Howe. I have always been a fan of the progressive rock band 'YES' and his guitar playing is superb. He can play anything - rock, blues, jazz and Classical etc. He was voted best rock guitarist in the world FIVE TIMES running from 1977-1981 and he just makes it look easy. You may know him from Yes, or the Supergroup ASIA or of course from his own wrk, but he has done so much more. Recommended listening track: 'clap'. Visit his site here...
Steve Howe. I need say only this. Any man who has had a guitar named after him (and a Gibson at that) can never be described as anything less than a legend.
Garry Kasparov. He is very possibly the greatest chess player that has ever lived. Whilst I have never been a fan of some of his political exploits I have always tremendously admired his talent, skill and resolution as a chess player. A forbidably well prepared player he toppled my all time favourite Anatoly Karpov in 1985 after months of chess matches. He has retired now but his legacy will remain forever. I met him here in London. I don't know what the liquid is down his shirt - it is not my slobber thank you very much.Visit his site here...
Harry Enfield. ONLY MEEEEEE. I loved Harry's show's in the eighties and early nineties and I was delighted to bump into him at Covent Garden in London many moons ago. He was filming for an opera programme he did and gladly stopped for a photograph. I recall the conversation vividly. "Harry, can I have a photo with you?" "'Ave you got a camera?" he said. "Yes" "Can I hold your hand?" he enquired. "Well. yes" I replied. And here it is. I was bloody thin then wasn't I? Not that there is much more to me now but as Harry would say 'Is that what you want, 'cos that's what'll 'appen'.
Sir Patrick Moore. Obviously a celebrity but with a difference. He really knows his subject, he has a fantastic brain and he entertains and educates whilst enthusing those that choose to listen to him. Very old school, very amusing and very good at chess - at least he used to be. We have played chess by correspondence and I was glad one day to finally go and play a friendly and have tea at his house. He is real star in the galaxy, for sure.Visit his site here...
Valerie Leon. Look; if you are of a certain age (mine) you will remember Valerie Leon from the Hi Karate advert, The Avengers, Carry on films AND Last of the summer wine among others. What can I say? I never met her, proof indeed that there is no god.Visit her site here...
DARWIN (Caleykiz Dance to the Rhythm) Darwin is a celebrity. He has after all won a first at CRUFTS dear people.
Benedictum. Here we have a metal band from San Diego. It's too long a story to tell you how I got to know them but they are a great band. I recommend you listen to any of their three albums. These are Uncreation (2006) Seasons of Tragedy (2008) and Dominion (2011) Lead singer Veronica Freeman has a fantastic voice and you can imagine hearing Ronnie James Dio (RIP) when she sings but she has her own style and along with guitarist and long time friend Pete Wells (far right) and the rest of the band deliver classic rock that keeps the genre alive now and into the future.Visit their home page here...
And here's a few more of chess players from the London Chess Classic 2011.
Levan Aronian. World number 3 and World Blitz champion at this time. He was very interesting to talk to and one of the most down to earth, friendly people I have ever met. I sincerely hope he returns to London next time. I once asked Garry Kasparov in an open forum who we should look out for after his retirement. His answer...Levon Aronian.
World Number one at this time. This Norwegian is bound to become World Champion sooner or later. He's a great player and very entertaining on the chess board. He can come across as a bit sulky but that's probably not indicative of his character.
He's tall as you can see! For me he is one of the most entertaining players in the commentary room. He has a very quick wit and as a former world champion is of course a super player. In his younger days he smoked a lot and drank plenty of Vodka - not great for chess but I take my hat off to him anyway!
Known as 'The Tiger of Madras' Vishy Anand is the current World Champion. Again,a very amiable fellow, happy to meet the kids and give his authograph. He is getting older now in chess terms and will have constant challengers for his title.