Oink

16/02/2023

February Update:

Hello... here's a quickie

1) The Keighley library "Wall Film" exhibit came down pretty quickly (they always do....) and it's now all squirrelled away, apart from Alan Parker's megaphone. "The making of the film in Keighley" folder is crammed with bits.

2) Have been a bit sidetracked with a potential project that might lead to discovering another date that "PF played in Manchester". It's at the gathering information stage, and then there's a bit of cross referencing, and then chatting to those who were involved. So maybe there's something there. I have found quite a few newspaper ads for concerts in and around the north now.

3) Straight after dismantling the Keighley thing, I nipped to Manchester and stumbled into Afflecks Palace, the staff on one of the stalls were really kind, and they went out of their way to assist me with finding bits. I think it's important to mention that, it's uplifting and it's very nice when people get what you mean, and see the potential.

4) I managed to get hold of a copy of Mark Blake's new book about "Hipgnosis". I am swimming in it so far. Mark's a good man, and we occasionally get to cross paths via the Louder Than Words literary festival which happens in Manchester every November. If you can get a copy, you won't be disappointed.

5) I met Storm quite a few times, and feel very lucky to get to interact with his family a little bit every now and again.
The last time I met Storm was at the OXO Gallery in London, he had his walking stick, and he was pointing to bits around the room, I was just quietly taking it all in, and trying not to get in his way. He said "...let's go over here..." (we walked slowly together to the main counter) he said "pull out one of each of those for me would you..." (pointing to the A5 Peter Gabriel album cover promo cards) ... I did it, I laid them down, he said "they are yours, thanks for coming, for taking the time, and making the effort", he was amazing.

6) Below are some photos I took at another Storm exhibition, featuring... Po and some biscuits!

Hopefully more soon!

Bob and Pig :)

19/12/2022

Update: December 2022.

A (as in "Apples and Oranges") - The Keighley Library exhibition "looking at the filming of "The Wall" in Keighley in 1981" has been extended. It's been on since September, and is the longest Oink Exhibition run ever, with it now finishing on Saturday the 28th January 2023. "MIMO".

B (as in "Bike") - Quite a few new Floyd bits and accounts are surfacing and I'm juggling with how to deal with/present it, and who to trust with the information.

C (as in "Cymbaline") - Recieved an email from Gerald Scarfe who said he felt I was doing a really super job and to keep carrying on with the PF exhibitions in the north!

D (as in "Dogs") - Met PP Arnold at the Louder Than Words Festival in November, we chatted and she signed my "Amused To Death" Promo Advert.

E (as in "Echoes") - The launch for the Routledge Handbook went well, there was a slideshow, a small display and I wore the Oink Exhibitions Brick Suit, there were far more people in the audience than I thought. Enjoyed the Q&A afterwards. The bartering for the memorabilia bits on display wasn't ideal, but that happens a lot.

F (as in "Flaming") - Last week I finally received my gratis copy of the "Routledge Handbook of Pink Floyd".

G (as in "Gnome") - WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF ON HERE? I was imagining... acquisitions/goodies? As mentioned in my chapter in the Routledge Handbook, I never target the usual, and will opt for the odd/tat instead, so after a period of time you look back and see all kinds of things. Maybe some kind of "2022 in Objects", showing things found this year, that might be nice and visually interesting?

H (as in "Have A Cigar") - There are some photos from the Routledge book launch so I shall stick those out soon, to prove it wasn't just a dream.

I (as in "Ibiza Bar") - I met a brilliant lady at the Louder Than Words festival called Thelma McGough, she once dated both Lennon and McCartney and eventually wed The Scaffold's Roger McGough. She met Cilla Black at the Cavern whilst dating McCartney and ended up years later as Cilla's Producer on "Blind Date". Thelma told me although she'd hung around with musical people, she wasn't musically minded herself. McCartney and his dog Martha once took her to see Hendrix at the Saville Theatre on the 4th June 1967, this was the concert where "Sgt Pepper" had just come out, and Hendrix played the title track. The two best concerts Thelma said she ever saw were Coldplay and.... "Pink Floyd at Wembley Stadium".

Happy Christmas one and all, and remember what John and Yoko always sing around this time of year... "Woolworths will come back... if you want it!"

Bob and Pig :)

09/11/2022

Bob's Gotta Lot Of Pink Floyd Stuff

"The 14 Minute Silent Slideshow"

As mentioned in the descriptive blurb under the video (on YouTube), this is a variant of the thing that'll be aired on Friday night. There are quite a few bits that might need an explanation, but if you know your gubbins, it's probably all pretty self evident. Pretty much all of it is chronologically, some are dropped in "out of time" purely because of the image on the cover, or the subject matter.
I'll let you find your own soundtrack. Cue up something, and see if it's a secret soundtrack, like the "Dark Side" and the "Wizard of Oz" thingy.

Hope you like it.

Bob & Pig :)

08/11/2022

TEAR DOWN THE WALL - Pink Floyd Panel Discussion

It's a bit short notice, but maybe you've seen it advertised elsewhere(?) and quite probably I am preaching to the converted(?) This Friday as you will see from the NEW header image (above), is a Book Launch event in aid of "The Routledge Handbook of Pink Floyd", a book which contains 17 pages by me. I have been involved in the project since November 2019, so finally, it is being physically aired, birthed, and supported by a number of very special PF literary guests, in Manchester.

Rob Chapman, the author of "A Very Irregular Head", the widely applauded biography of Syd Barrett. Rob is also a very big part of the official Syd Barrett Lyric book, which was released last year. Rob's connection to Syd is littered amongst the pages of the original "Terrapin" Barrett fanzines, which ran from 1973 to 1975.

Daryl Easlea, who writes for Prog Magazine and occasionally appears on the telly, released an enormous book on Decca back in 2019. Some of the very early and under the radar PF connected releases were on the Decca label. Rick Wright's "You're The Reason Why" for Adam, Mike and Tim, and "The Summer Song" by Chad and Jeremy. The latter which is perhaps a bit more obscure in its connection to the PF, was written by Chad Stuart, Clive Metcalfe and Keith Noble. Both Clive and Keith were in a very early version of the PF when the band (consisting of just Roger and Nick) were still housed at the Regent Street Poly in London in 1964.

I will also be on the panel, chatting about the factors in my chapter, and expanding and updating bits. Just put the finishing touches to a slideshow which will be screened during the session. The idea of the slideshow for me (as a fan and collector) it is really an opportunity to air some of the bits I have squirrelled away, to share them in full technicolor, as the visual plates in the book are in "B&W" ("Ohhhh noooo!!"). There will also be a couple of physical memorabilia bits on show too.

I'm sure there will be plenty of photos knocking about online afterwards. I am personally looking forward to meeting the one and only super vocal trooper.... PP Arnold.

Tickets for the event are available via the Eventbrite website and link below. Fingers crossed I hope to see some of you there....???

Bob & Pig :)

TEAR DOWN THE WALL - Pink Floyd Panel Discussion

24/10/2022

"Stand Still Laddie" - Keighley Library Exhibition.

Last Monday, after a few (6) hours of assembling (and months of scouring the land...) the exhibition that looks at the making of "The Wall" film in Keighley in 1981... was finally ready.

Although it illustrates the subject well, I think it most definitely is open enough to still being an ongoing local community work in progress project. So if you pop along, there is a Comments Book, feel free to add anything appropriate in there...!

The story has never been told or shown locally in 41 years, so I have to say I am very proud of it. Righting a wrong for all those local people and school kids who were in the film, in a town that didn't quite see the opportunity in the same way they continue to do with the PG rated "The Railway Children".
This isn't a slight on the "Railway" film at all, I like it, but it's always nice to see what else happened out there, especially if it involves the Pink Floyd in some way or another.

On display are bits of film equipment, rare on and off set production photos, local newspaper coverage, which took some real (reel???) digging, international coverage, test scripts, costume pieces, promotional items for the films release, official releases and recordings, all held together with a bit of a timeline which I think, context-wise is very important when it comes to myth busting.

Big thanks to Martin Geyer and the staff at all the local northern libraries especially Keighley library, hairdresser Martin Samuel OBE, P, M, and K, and B, D, and to a great chap who auditioned, but unfortunately he didn't make the film, but did turn up in "Return Of The Jedi" instead.

One chap I have spoken to is the "The Wall" film's Camera Operator, Mr John Stanier. John's grandfather by sheer coincidence actually designed the "LMS 8431" engine which almost squashes "Little Pink" in the tunnel.

The exhibition is on until the 17th December 2022, upstairs at Keighley Library in their Local Studies department. The whole thing is Free, and viewable 6 days a week from 10am!

Bob and Pig :)

16/10/2022

2022 - Bonus Film from personal artefact Pink Floyd exhibition.

- The Piggy Screen Video is below!

I have been made aware that the SILENT screen film that accompanies the exhibition at Todmorden Library hasn't been aired that much. It's supposed to be an enjoyable part of the Pink Floyd "Animals" exhibition experience. I couldn't place the actual physical Vinyl Bin Pig in the library for insurance reasons, so thought the next best thing was to make a video, pack it with other little context bits, and have it played on the large screen as you come through the front door. It is Child Friendly, and SILENT!

Every time I have been in, it most definitely hasn't been on. I guess when something's FREE, there seems to be very little incentive. "Nevermind The Crackling" - I've stuck it up on YouTube, "be the master of your own destinyyyyy", so here's the link... https://youtu.be/alR0PgrcAfA

I hope you like it...!

Tomorrow gets moved into the space, hopefully it'll burst a few local myths! Once that's done, I'm off to learn the art of... Karate!!

Bob and Pig ;)

This purposefully Silent video is featured in a library exhibition, as an additional visual enjoyment piece for . Todmorden is where I live and...

03/10/2022

I have been trying for a few days to get this "thing" into the tall cabinet at Todmorden library. After a couple of Mannequin and Torso issues ("is there figuratively speaking any.... body out there?"). The addition is Snowy White's actual sweater from the "Animals" 1977 "In The Flesh" tour.

Very few additional guitarist's joined the 1968-85 line-up on stage, Snowy was quite possibly the first since Frank Zappa jammed with the gang in 1969. Snowy was definitely the first in a continuous capacity.

Bob & 🐖

29/09/2022

Photos from Oink's post

29/09/2022

"Finally getting a chance to "Stannnnd..... Stillll"....."

OK, so there are a few things underway, I've listed them below.

1) Keighley Library -
Almost a fortnight ago I put a "Teaser" display for Keighley Library together. The display relates to a forthcoming exhibition looking at the making of "Pink Floyd's The Wall" film in Keighley in 1981.
An incredibly ignored (and yes.... fleeting) part of the town's creative history, the town recalls "Yanks" starring Roger Waters lookalike "Richard Gere" much much more. Luckily, I have found quite a few "still local" people connected to the film who have been absolutely amazing and lovely! The amount of misinformation I've experienced, well... when this exhibition is up and running, it's absolutely designed and aimed at that demographic!
(I have attached a photo of the library poster below.)

2) Todmorden Library -
6 months ago, I was really hoping to do something Floyd-based in Tod, where I live (probably something to do with train strikes and general "creeping malaise"), I was researching , and suddenly my main library contact walked through the door and said "Yes, please.... you can do something here". Having done a larger one for them before ( ), they trust me, I've never been paid to put the things on, and the things are Free to see. As the release of "Animals" was imminent I thought "do something "Animals" and Piggy-based", so that quickly settled the content idea. There is also a screen showing a slideshow of my adventures with my French Vinyl Bin Pig "Scratchings".
(I have attached a photo of the library poster below.)

Note: As much as I hope to do these exhibitions in places connected to PF (Manchester, Leeds, Bradford etc etc), Tod doesn't really have any connections to the PF other than it being the birth place of John Helliwell, Supertramp's Sax player who played Soprano Sax on "A Momentary Lapse Of Reason".

3) "The Routledge Handbook Of Pink Floyd"
This 500+ page academic book (priced at £190.00) ) was released yesterday. So in November in Manchester there is to be a launch of the book featuring a PF discussion panel, a memorabilia display, and a slideshow to accompany the panel. The content I am working on at the moment.

That is it for the moment....! Thank You as always for the page Likes and the interactions, it is very encouraging, and greatly appreciated.

Bob and Pig :)

02/09/2022

"Keighley Library - A Peek"

Firstly thank you for Liking this page, it does fire me up, and makes me want to put more exhibitions on, and to keep digging and pushing.

I thought as a kind of "Teaser" to a forthcoming Library exhibition I would share a few images with you. These along with a few other bits will be on display, there is still even more bits going in, but at the moment I am just working out "the angle".

Unfortunately, I cannot show the full-on thingy! I hope you will understand (WIP spoilers etc etc). Anyway here goes.....

"What on earth could some of the bits be?"
Bob and Pig :)

02/09/2022

"Perfect Sense"

On the 28th of this month (September) a large book arrives via the academic publishing house Routledge that features a couple of parts by me.
There is to be a book launch (including a memorabilia display and a slideshow - which I am both working on right now) and a Q&A panel in Manchester in November. The panel will include the editors of the book (Dr's Morrison and Hart), along with some very esteemed PF writers Rob Chapman (author of "A Very Irregular Head - The Life Of Syd Barrett" & "The Lyrics of Syd Barrett") and Daryl Easlea and me "in the flesh".

As soon I hear for definite the dates and the times about the panel, I will post it on here, and if you can't make it, you can also watch it remotely (online)!

Also on the "Louder Than Words" literary Festival bill will be PP Arnold. PP and the PF weaved through the 1960's onwards, with Roger finally making a recorded connection by having PP's hot blistering vocals poured all over his brilliant 1992 solo album "Amused To Death".

Bob and Pig :)

24/08/2022

"The Committee" - The UK's "Monthly Film Bulletin" review chart from November 1968.

24/08/2022

"Do you play Bridge?"

Earlier this month I stayed in London for a few days, the first time I'd been back in a couple of years. The place I was staying in was very near to the Caledonian Park Clock Tower, which I've walked past countless times and actually never saw, because it's "Obscured by...." trees.

Took a few photos and thought about creating an album dedicated to "The Committee" film. So here it is. The PF's soundtrack is both jaunty and haunting. The first black and white photo features in November 1968's "Films and Filming" magazine.
In the back of this same magazine in the "World Production Guide" USA section, from Michelangelo Antonioni: "Zabriskie Point" ("whhhhhy it tekkk seeee lonnnggg?")!

Anyway, the UK's "Monthly Film Bulletin" also from November 1968 features "The Committee" in it's review table, here's who likes it, and here's who thinks it stinks.

John R. Taylor (Times) gave it 1 star out of 4.
Ian Cameron (Queen Magazine) - black dot indicating apathy.
John Coleman (New Statesman) - black dot indicating apathy.
Penelope Houston (Spectator) - black dot indicating apathy.
Tom Milne (Sight and Sound) - black dot indicating apathy.

I have included the actual chart from above in the album, where it's compared to "Oliver".
I found out recently that "Oliver" (any version... it doesn't matter) actually played a crucial part in the production of "Pink Floyd's The Wall" film. You could say whatever "it" was, the "thing" included a title of another PF album???!

I hope you enjoy these bits for now.

Much more exciting bits incoming soon!

Bob and Pig :)

20/08/2022

PF Live Recollections.
Reading - October 4th 1969.
"Bloody Bob Hope"

I spoke to a Mr "RD" the other day, he caught the bus from his parents house in Whitley to attend a Pink Floyd gig at Reading University in 1969. "RD" recalled seeing (and gawping at...) the PF backstage and being shouted at by "Hooky" from the Student's Union "...Come on mann.... Ghhhhet outta of here... itttttt just aaaain't coolll.... Ccccclear off peeeeeasants.... you're cccwampppping our styleeee!!".
RD plus his girlfriend and assorted friends did as "Hooky" requested, but slowly.
During the "enjoyable" gig there was quite a bit of herby smoke in the audience mostly being billowed out from RD, he was nabbed by the local constabulary on his way out afterwards and fined £30...... on the spot!!!
Today the financial equivalent is £538, which RD (aged now 71) told me is "....more than what he spends on food shopping for an entire year, but never mind I gave up the Bob Hope... and I still like 'em".

Favourite PF album (Pre- "Dark Side") = "A Saucerful Of Secrets"
Favourite PF album (Post- "Dark Side") = "Animals"

Bob and Pig :)

15/08/2022

OINK - August Update.

Have been on a few PF-related adventures recently and I will post some of the bits here. I have been asked to put on a small physical satellite exhibition in a couple of libraries up north. I am just waiting to confirm bits, and then I will share the dates on here with you.

This existed long before the pandemic, but my brain will never quite understand why someone in another country entirely will respond much quicker and be amazingly kind, compared to someone who lives effectively a few metres away from your door, I am geographically generalising of course, but I'm sure we've all experienced this version of disconnect, is it really 1982?

For now, I hope you enjoy the Keighley photos!
I think I'll take you back architecturally to a couple of hundred years ago next, or more likely add colour to something from 1968 next!

Bob and Pig :)

01/06/2022

"Watching" -

The 1983 film "Runners" starring James Fox and Jane Asher (Gerald Scarfe's right arm) just aired on Film4. The dialogue is occasionally slow and the acting a bit wooden. The soundtrack by George Fenton feels a bit Floydy in certain sequences, but the early 80's central London filming locations are probably the most interesting.

There are a couple of Pink Floyd connections.

This is actor Kate Hardie's first film appearance. She plays 13 year old "Rachel" who is the missing daughter of James Fox.
Hardie is probably most recognised as the fragile wife of Martin Kemp in "The Krays" film. "The Krays" also stars Martin's brother... Gary Kemp, and features a soundtrack by the late Michael Kamen.

I kept thinking of the era whilst watching "Runners", and the possible connections and suddenly spotted these cinema posters in the background.

Bob & Piggy :)

20/05/2022

"Do you remember where we dropped... Bob Hope??!"

At the beginning of the month, I had an information pooling idea to chat with some close friends about their "PF Live Recollections". These people either live in and around the North of England or have lived up here at some point. Most of the recollections relate to a northern show, only a handful cover further afield (Stevenage, London and Bath). It has been brilliant to chat with them about their recollections so far, and to see the band through other peoples perspectives. AND.... I should add very lucky early on to find people that had seen the band in their earlier Pre-"Dark Side" days.

Here is a list of the places and years covered so far:

The Jimi Hendrix Package Tour - Manchester - November 1967.
Free Trade Hall - Manchester - June 1969.
The Blues and Progressive Rock Festival - Bath - June 1970.
University Bradford - October 1971.
Knebworth - July 1975.
Earl's Court - August 1980.
Earl's Court - June 1981.

There is another quizzing coming shortly (...if I can just pin the person down...), which is covering the "Animals" tour at the New Bingley Hall in 1977.

Feel free to message me, or leave a comment if you think A) you'd like to be quizzed (there are 15 questions, nothing deeply personal, and maybe more importantly B) you saw the band in the North of England somewhere.
Even if I get multiple accounts it is still really interesting.

Below are some images, covering all the places touched on so far.
Have a good, and safe weekend.

Bob and Pig :)

13/05/2022

"April 1967"

Yesterday, after a couple of years of trying to find a venue that PF played in, in the north, I got to go into the basement. Some cavernous rooms were still boarded up due to the presence of asbestos. 1st Photo: This room had a couple of Otis Redding singles laying on a table, alongside a Dansette record player and some vintage (and very moldy) Wharfedale speakers (see 2nd Photo).
This room was the dressing room, next door was a toilet (basically...a sink... "Look laddd... if eeet's gewd enuff ferrr Shirley Bassey!!!"). And outside (3rd Photo) at the far end were steps that take you up onto the large stage.

The chap who showed me around was poorly, he was receiving dialysis treatment from the same Hospice that this building raises funds for. I was well aware he didn't have to say "Yes" to anything, let alone show me around, but he did. It was amazing under there. The chap was lovely and enthusiastic, even though he wasn't an ardent PF fan (more... The Small Faces, Madness and The Jam).

4th Photo is (I think if my bearings are right..) the right hand stair case leading up to the above balcony (this was mirrored on the left hand side aswell). Lots of original features, and the odd stained glass window. 5th Photo is the deep 20ft by 40ft long balcony, with a barrel arched ceiling and original features. The 6th Photo is the ornate stage frame work. Such an amazing place.

In the basement I did see a squiggly Barrett-esque "Octopus"-type red splat painting on a door, that was very very recently uncovered (last Friday). But I can't reallly confirm it. The chap did say behind one of the inch thick boards was a wall of scribbles, but at the moment it was too dangerous to go into.

I will be going back!

Bob & Pig :)

12/05/2022

"Phychodelic"

Heading to a venue today on the outskirts of a northern town. It's taken me 4 years to locate this blllllloody building. I've been invited over because apparently there's something very special buried behind a stud wall, unseen for 55 years.

The piece below is an extract from a Northern paper from 55 years ago.

Bob & Pig.

11/05/2022

"Zoom out"

After adding all the books into the "Reading" Album on here, I did the thing below. It's a lovely colourful spread, I should really try and get it printed up as wallpaper!
Anyway, I hope you enjoy it. Back in the late 90's, I had a rather nasty "Star Wars" poster, featuring mostly the same scenes, but zoomed out, you got Yoda's face.

With that in mind... Who, or What can you see here?
(I personally see an empty wallet, and horrific bendy shelving.)

Bob and Pig :)

11/05/2022

"Here's his number..."

When the Oink exhibition was airing in Halifax Central Library in 2020, a chap arrived, unfortunately I had just missed him. He left a piece of paper with his contact details on it. The chap was Kevin McKeon, he played "Young Pink" in "The Wall" film.

(I've still not called the number...!)

Below are some on-location photos that were unearthed by the local "Telegraph and Argus" newspaper, shorty after Oink finished.
All these shots were taken in and around Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. The station and interconnecting areas (Haworth etc) were made more endearing and culturally significant by the 1970 film "The Railway Children".

Whilst researching something else, I found that the "Mother" character from "The Wall" film, was played by the brilliant Manchester-born Christine Hargreaves. Christine was married to Fab Four bassist and illustrator, Klaus Voormann. When they separated, she married another bassist, W***y Weeks, W***y worked with George Harrison (1974-82) and he can also be heard on Bowie's "Young Americans" LP.

Below is also a photo of Kevin with Christine and Roger Waters.

Christine Hargreaves (22nd March 1939 - 12th August 1984)

Bob & Pig.

10/05/2022

"G Minor 7"

This lovely chap on the left is Mr James Doheny, the piano playing, musicologist seen in the Omnibus 1994 BBC documentary "Pink Floyd - The Story", narrated by Richard E. Grant.

In the documentary, James explains the chordal sequences expressed in "Shine On You Crazy Diamond".
I was amazed when he walked through the door at Oink's very first airing in Manchester via the Louder Than Words Festival (the previous year, Guy Pratt was in attendance).

There are so many great talking heads in the documentary who are sadly no longer with us, Robert Sandall, Douglas Adams, Nigel Weymouth, Storm Thorgerson, Richard Wright, and my old Highgate neighbour, Mike Leonard.

Here is a link to the documentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6TLg6bkKvo
(James appears from 28:20 onwards)

I really enjoyed this documentary when it was first screened, apparently it aired on the 15th November 1994, which was my 15th birthday.

Bob & Pig.